Waterbuck Game Lodge was opened in 2009 and is adjacent to a wetland in the southern part of the Thornybush reserve. The lodge which consists of just 4 suites overlooks a nearby waterhole which provides excellent game viewing from the lodge’s main deck area. With a maximum of just 8 guests, the camp is very exclusive and has an intimate setting and atmosphere, with the rooms being private and secluded as they're individual stand-alone bungalows.
The suite's décor is warm and elegant with no lack of luxury features either –slate floors keep the rooms cool in the warm summer months (and there’s air-con for when it’s really warm) with Persian rugs softening things and adding visual warmth. Guests consistently rave about the comfortable (and huge!) beds where crisp white linens are offset by earthy coloured throws and scatter-cushions. You can lie in your bath and check out the game through the viewing window or, even better, enjoy an al fresco shower with just the clearest possible sky above you and the game filled bush all around! Big sliding doors open wide to almost bring the outdoors in, and you can simply lounge on your bed whilst looking out on the bush outside. The privacy and quietness of the area around the lodge is fantastic - impalas and nyalas frequently feed around the rooms which adds to the atmosphere. Perhaps the only disappointing aspect is that only 1 of the 4 rooms enjoys views out over the waterhole.
Waterbuck offers unique exclusive game experiences in both 4x4's and on foot – you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor! Thornybush in general offers consistently good game viewing and the reserve is home to an abundance of species including the Big Five plus cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippos, warthogs and tons more! The reserve is predominantly open savannah and enjoys a near perfect year round climate – in short, it's the ideal bush destination.
On the game drives you're accompanied by an experienced ranger and tracker – in fact the guiding here gets consistently excellent feedback from guests. They will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you and are always able to share fun facts about the animals, plants and culture - no question is too silly or obscure to ask and they welcome the interaction. The afternoon/night game drives are something to look forward to - here you're shown all the nocturnal creatures big and small, as well as being lucky enough to look up at clear star–studded skies where sights of constellations, planets and even satellites are frequently seen! We can guarantee that you'll seldom see a night sky so clear and beautiful as this!
Bush walks are offered to suit your interests and fitness levels, on these walks you will be accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker. Tracking animals is a speciality of Thornybush and during 'Art of Tracking' explorations you are taught how to read the spoor and follow animals without putting yourself in danger - there's no thrill quite like watching Africa's most dangerous animals, after you have personally tracked them! Walks are also a better way to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush - as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region. The Shangaan trackers will fascinate you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with their tales of traditional folklore!
In between exciting dawn and dusk safaris in open game vehicles (and off-roading is allowed here in confirmed sightings of the Big 5) – you can take time to relax and enjoy the central entertainment and dining area surrounded by an inviting swimming pool and lodge bar. The main deck area provides a great spot from which to enjoy watching the abundant wildlife drawn to the lodge’s adjacent feature waterhole – if it all gets a bit too much for you then close your eyes and simply soak up the sounds of the African bush as well as the sun’s rays on the tanning deck and enjoy a good old–fashioned laze around the swimming pool! An awesome day adventure that offers a completely different experience is definitely the hot air balloon excursions (at additional cost) - imagine drifting soundlessly in the crisp morning air while below you herds of elephant and other game move across the landscape!
Waterbuck is a 'home away from home' type of lodge in the best possible way – the hosting is warm and friendly and with just 8 guests at a maximum you can choose to make friends in an intimate and personal atmosphere, perhaps socialising with a warming cognac or glass of red around the camp-fire as you compare your day’s experiences with fellow guests. Or if you feel like just keeping to yourselves then it’s easy to retreat to the comfort and privacy of your suite with its private deck. Whichever you choose, Waterbuck Lodge is a great choice as a reasonably priced and very personal lodge which offers excellent game viewing as well as good value for money.
