With a  Sprinkle of Italian Flair

Dining is an essential part of the Lush experience. Days here are punctuated by culinary delights – as anticipated as the activities. All menus celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients in freshly prepared dishes. The Lupini family ethos of cooking now for now ensures consistent quality and satisfaction. Dining options range from light and healthy to downright indulgent, but special dietary requirements – including vegetarian and gluten-free – are catered for on request. Private dining can also be arranged.

• Breakfast – continental buffet and cooked meals to order
• Lunch – lighter meals that do not skimp on flavour
• Afternoon tea – spreads of sweet and savoury treats
• Dinner – chef’s signature tables and fireside barbecues 

COVID-19 AND BEYOND.

Life as we know it has been forever changed by COVID-19 – in some ways for the better, as we become more sensitive to the health of our people and world. This is good news for our wildernesses and after isolation, we’re all going to need a little rewilding, immersing ourselves in fresh air and nature to lift our spirits...
There has never been a better reason to make your next adventure a safari and we at Lush will be here for you...
We’re ready to make your journey one that was worth the wait, while continuing to put your well-being first.
We will all travel and holiday again, but we will have to do so more consciously.

Our priority remains the safety of our guests and staff, and we wish to assure you that every aspect of the Lush experience has been enhanced with this in mind. While we still face uncertainties, we’ve put in place measures that will assure you a safe and enjoyable stay with us.

The Lush Experience.
The Lush experience has always been reassuringly personal. Just five individual Suites afford you complete privacy – with your own entrance, deck and pool – the main lodge’s open areas give you plenty of personal space, while our attentive hospitality ensures you are well taken care of.

WE HAVE PUT THE FOLLOWING MEASURES IN PLACE FOR YOUR SAFETY & COMFORT

On Safari.
The number of guests on each game viewer will be limited to just six, allowing for the required social distancing. The vehicles will also be washed down and sanitised before and after every safari

Lodge Hygiene.
On a daily basis, the Suites and guest areas will be cleaned and disinfected, and open areas sprayed down, with particular attention paid to high-touch surfaces and high-trafficked areas

Hand Sanitiser.
Alcohol-based sanitisers will be placed in easy reach throughout the lodge’s guest and staff areas

Protective Wear.
Face masks will be made available to both guests and staff

Catering.
All meals and snacks will be prepared following strict food safety protocols and will be individually plated. As such, we will offer full à la carte menus, but no buffets will be served

Private Dining.
Our dining setups will be thoughtfully laid out, with tables at least two meters apart.
Our open dining spaces also create a lovely, more private atmosphere, adhering to the new standards

Temperature Testing.
We will implement daily temperature checks (using non-invasive thermometers) for our guests and staff, with the utmost respect for their personal space and comfort

Staff Screening.
Staff returning to work will first undergo the mandatory isolation and testing, before being considered ready to attend to guests again. Our staff on site will also have regular health screenings

Lush is a contemporary lodge, shaped around the environment. In fact, it is a shepherd’s tree – sheltered from the wind and warmed by the morning sun, between hill and plain – that marked the position of the main lodge. Its minimalistic décor and natural finishes put the focus on the view, which at once draws you outside. With this in mind, multi-level interior-flowing-to-exterior spaces are designed for outdoor living. Spend time between safari activities reading or playing board games on the couches, sipping coffee in the bar lounge – a favourite spot to rendezvous at any time of day – or stargazing from the deck.

Facilities:

• Bar lounge serving the lodge’s own brand of specialty coffee, and a selection of local and international wines, beers, and spirits
• Open-plan dining and lounge area warmed by two fireplaces in the cooler months
• Breakfast bar for guests to help themselves to beverages and buffet choices
• Viewing/dining deck with tables set out for meal times, coffee breaks, and sundowners
• Boma for social outdoor dinners, with a barbeque, central firepit, and dining tables
• Lush Boutique offering a range of select items for guests to take home something of their time here
• Complimentary Wi-Fi with access throughout the lodge

·         Our wellness facility will open as soon as we can resume operations. The professional spa will offer single and couple treatments and is complemented by a fully equipped gym and a quiet studio for yoga, pilates and meditation.

·         The dining experience at Lush has become a signature feature. Building a wine cellar at Lush was the natural progression and it is ready to receive its first visitors to enjoy a glass of excellent South African wine. The informal atmosphere provides a relaxed setting for a candle lit dinner for two or a family meal. The roof’s stargazing deck doubles up as a romantic dinner venue.

Weather

Average temperatures in mid summer (January) range from a low of 19°C/66°F to a high of 31°C/88°F, and in midwinter (July) from a low of 4°C/39°F to a high of 21°C/70°F.
Average annual rainfall is 622mm/24in, and usually occurs in the form of afternoon thundershowers during the period from December to March.

What to Wear and Pack

Comfort is the order of the day, though you may wish to dress more elegantly for dinner i.e. sport shirts and slacks for men, dresses or blouses and pants for women. For game drives and bush walks, wearing neutral-coloured, natural fibre clothing is recommended, and we suggest packing the following items to ensure you are all set for your safari experience:

• Sturdy walking shoes
• Warm pullover and windproof jacket (evenings and the winter months can be chilly)
• Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellent (provided by the lodge, though you may wish to bring along your preferred brand)
• Camera, video camera, spare memory cards, and charging equipment
• Binoculars
• Waterproof bag for personal items

A Day at Lush…

…happens in your own time. But the outline below gives guests an idea of what to expect