Into the Wild
I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy. – Ernest Hemingway

Lush guarantees you authentic safari adventures to write home about. Exclusive traversing in Black Rhino Reserve and the Pilanesberg’s Wilderness Area offers the opportunity to explore an untouched environment. Access also to the public section of the park increases your chances of encountering a large variety of wildlife.

• Game drives, with scenic stops for refreshments – offered by the lodge, on the traditional twice-daily basis
• Guided morning bush walks bring you closer to nature – offered by the lodge, on request
• Hot-air balloon flights* give you a different perspective on the herds – booked with a trusted tour operator, on request
• Golf* at the nearby championship Gary Player and Lost City golf courses, set in parkland and bushveld, respectively – transfers by arrangement

*At an additional cost; please enquire upon making your Lush reservation 

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 

Mankwe Game Trackers - +27 (0) 14 552 5033

Experience our unique Hot Air Balloon Safari! As the only Hot Air Balloon operation in South Africa to launch from within a National Park, we offer a truly unique flying experience.

Guests are collected at their hotel and taken through the park to rendezvous with the balloon crew.
Instead of heading out to a breakfast venue guests now enjoy breakfast appetizers in the bush with their champagne. This will then be followed by a mini-game drive back to their departure point. What a way to end this breathtaking experience. Flights are early in the morning and you will need to allow for approximately 5 hours for the full experience.
 

Rates: 1 May 2022 - 31 Aug 2024

Please note:Flights are subject to weather and a minimum number of guests are required to conduct a flight. Passengers are required to be taller than 1.2 meters.

Activity Description
Join us on a once in a lifetime experience! We have Hot Air Balloon Safaris launching from the centre of Pilanesberg National Park.
Guests are collected early morning by a registered field guide, in an open safari vehicle from their respective hotels at Sun City Resort or lodges in Pilanesberg area. Day visitors can be collected from Bakubung Gate. The transfer through the park takes approximately an hour as the balloon launch site is situated in the center of the Pilanesberg National Park. At the launch site the guests will be met by the pilot and crew, who will proceed to give a briefing. Guests will then embark in a 1,2 metre high basket and commence on an unforgettable experience that lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This will undoubtedly be the finest way of viewing the inhabitants of the Pilanesberg National Park. On landing, guests will be served with sparkling wine and orange juice in celebration of the flight. The field guide will then convey the guests through the Pilanesberg National Park to a private lodge, where a full English breakfast will be enjoyed. Each guest will receive a first flight certificate signed by the Pilot. On completion of breakfast, guests will be returned to their respective hotels. The total duration of this activity is approximately ±5 hours.

VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE! This activity is extremely weather dependent and a minimum of 4 people are required for the flight to take place. It is advisable that guests book 2 or 3 consecutive mornings as a back up plan.

Arrangements
Duration 6 hours
When Seven days a week, year round, subject to availability and weather. Closed on New Years Day 01 January.
Where Sun City Resort & Pilanesberg area

WeatherThis activity is extremely weather dependent.
What to Wear Warm outdoor clothing, neutral colors & comfortable walking shoes. The early morning transfer into the park is cold year round, therefore please bring jacket/jersey. In winter (May-Aug) beanies/scarf & gloves also recommended.
Things to Bring Camera and a set of binoculars.
Guests or Spectators Guests wanting to follow only (not fly) can be accommodated on request. "Following guests" can only be booked with our office and must be booked at least 48 hours prior. The "following rate" is available on request and is inclusive of the Game Drive and breakfast at the lodge.

Requirements
Minimum Age 0 years
Minimum Height 1.2 m
Maximum Height 0.0 m
Fitness Level Average
Qualifications Not Applicable
Maximum Weight 0.0 kg
Certification None Required
Experience Level No Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions 1 hour flight in a Hot Air Balloon in the Pilanesberg National Park, sparkling wine and orange juice on landing and a full English Breakfast at a Private Lodge within the Pilanesberg National Park.
Exclusions Minimum of 4 people is required for the flight to take place.

Notes
This activity is extremely weather dependent and a minimum of 4 people are required to fly. It is advisable that guests book 2 or 3 consecutive mornings as a back up plan.
Exact departure time will only be confirmed by the Gametrackers Tour Coordinator directly with guests, the evening before the flight between 17h30 and 18h00.
For safety reasons, persons less than 1.2m tall are not permitted to fly. Guests are to be reasonably fit, as they are required to climb into a 1.2-metre high balloon basket and be able to crouch down on their haunches on landing.
Balloon reservation form must be completed at least 48 hours prior to flight booked.

For queries and bookings for Hot Air Ballooning or accommodation, please contact us per email at Safaris@PilanesbergGameReserve.co.za or call for more information Mankwe Game Trackers - +27 (0) 14 552 5033

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

LUSH WELLNESS.

Luxury in the Bush is offering you the greatest opportunity to destress and balance your body and mind, by experiencing deep relaxation with our Lush wellness treatments using organic Terres D’Afrique Products.

Please inform your Therapist of any medical conditions, muscular pain, joint injuries or allergies prior to your treatment.

Afrique Gold Massage.
R700 – 60min | R1100 – 90min
This gentle yet tension releasing massage using TDA’s specially formulated blends of your choice. Promotes an amazing balance on tired muscles.
Tri-touch Massage.
R700 – 60min | R1100 – 90min
This will increase your lymphatic drainage and stimulates the immune system with Aromatherapy and Acupressure combined, to massage the body.
Boleta (aromatherapy) Massage.
R800 – 60min | R1200 – 90min (Full body)
This massage technique aids in de-stressing the body and mind and balances energy to create deep relaxation. We use holistic organic plant oils to envelop the senses.
Deep Tissue Massage.
R900 – 60min | R1300 – 90min (Full body)
This highly specialized massage is ideal for the relief of stiff aching muscles.
African Head Massage.
R500 – 30min
African version of the ancient art of head massage, the ultimate in relaxation.
Reflexology.
R500 – 30min | R700 – 60min
Balance the body’s systems and release tension through pressure points on the feet this incorporates our special Reflexology Wooden stick.
Foot Massage.
R500 – 30min | R700 – 60min
Revitalize tired feet with a relaxing foot massage. Includes a leg massage which soothes aching legs and stimulates circulation.

Your Health & Wellness Is All That Matters.
We are committed in restoring and balancing your body through our wellness treatments, which are created to nurture and relax you.
Lush wellness offers you the perfect combination of nature, ancient wisdom and modern expertise plus a dash of luxury in the bush.

Spa Etiquette.
We request that you please be ready 10 minutes before your treatment time. Kindly wear your robe prior to your treatment.
Spa treatment prices are subject to change without any prior notice

1 May 2022 to 31th Aug 2024
(Incl. 15% VAT  )

RATES EXCLUDE   LEVY FEES OF R90 pp AND R40 pp (UNDER 16)

For queries and bookings on the Game Drives, please contact us call for more information Mankwe Game Trackers - +27 (0) 14 552 5033

Tautona Safaris - + 27 (0 ) 82 962 3224

Team building activities help and enable variety of groups to reach their potential, goals and identify the main problems or weaknesses. Not only does this help promote self – motivation and confidence, it also helps them to learn how to get solutions, improve their personal skills and it assists in improving their daily life style or routine. Our main objectives is to create a profitable and viable business minded team work whereby Trust, Proper communication and personal skill are achieved with the activities that will be conducted. Activities such as Treasure Hunt, Amazing Race, Quad Bikes, Paintball, Obstacles Courses, Mind Games, Archery, Motivational speakers to mention few.

This is a recreational fun activity that helps breaking the tension between/ among the guests. It also helps to know one another. It also helps to adapt to the environment and be comfortable before the actual activities e.g. the ability to clear the mind to focus on the task ahead is something successful people have known for generations. R300.00 pp

Experience nature as a team in a unique, healthy and thrilling way and orientation on the quads for all.
Adventure sets the mind rolling for productive brainstorming. Participants are taken for a jolly ride on quad bike for a trail for enhancing their sensibility and sensitivity to nature. R680.00 pp

This is a collective mind game. All the tyres must be put from the top of the pole down to the ground surface. The tyres must not touch the pole. Each time they touch it has to be restarted. When all tyres are packed inside the poles, the same strategy has be implemented, lift them out of the pole one by one. R 320.00 pp

Tug-of-War is a game of strength that is played by young children in elementary school as well as tough soldiers in the Army. The rules are simple yet contain metaphorical association to the idea of combat and conquest. The ultimate goal is to use teamwork to overcome the strength of the opposing team. Scientific principles, including leverage, can create a situation in which the stronger team does not necessarily always win. R 320.00 pp

It creates a great sense of achievement for the team that wants to reach the target. It also enhances ones power of concentration. R 320.00 pp

Paintball is an exciting character-building sport, and above all its fun! It’s a chance to shake your day to day responsibilities and revive your spirit of adventure. When adrenaline starts pumping, you can’t help but love the thrill of the game. R 480.00 pp 250 BALLS

7. CHESS –GAME OF BRAINS

Chess is a game for people of all ages. You can learn to play at any age and in chess, unlike in many other sports, you don't ever have to retire. Age is also not a factor when you're looking for an opponent - young can play old and old can play young.
Chess develops logical thinking. Chess requires some understanding of logical strategy. For example, you will know that it is important to think logically. Although you will find yourself doing that occasionally through your career, mistakes are inevitable like life, is a never-ending learning process. R250.00 pp

8. INTERACTIVE DRUMMING

One of the oldest forms of communication known to man. Enjoy the interactive rhythms of Africa, facilitated by a well experienced artist. R320.00pp

9. VOLLEY BALL

Want to build successful and effective work teams in your organization? Start with these ideas and you will create a powerful and positive teamwork. Your state of mind is as key to being good at volleyball as your skill set. To be a great player you have to learn to be mentally tough. Train your brain as well as your body and you will find success. Here is a definition of mental toughness as it pertains to volleyball and here are some tips for developing it. R 250.00 pp

10. TRAFFIC JAM

These indoor/outdoor games improve and work mostly with concentration/ focus. Groups divided into two equal lines chairs facing each other. Group A must eventually sit where group B is presently sitting. They must use single free chair provided. R 320.00 pp

11. NAIL BALANCING

Problem solving and decision-making are important skills for business and life. Problem-solving often involves decision-making, and decision-making is especially important for management and leadership. There are processes and techniques to improve decision-making and the quality of decisions. Decision-making is more natural to certain personalities, so these people should focus more on improving the quality of their decisions. This activity motivates your employees with a genuine feeling of making a difference. R 320.00 pp

12. ARCHERY

Experience the ancient art of archery with the help of modern day equipment. Competent instructions will help you master the technique of shooting a re-curve bow. R 330.00 pp

13. TREASURE HUNT (PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK)

A treasure hunt is a game that usually sends you on a wild goose hunt in search of clues to help you get closer to the treasure that is hidden. It is a great game to play for people of all ages. Here is one of our typical example; THE FUN WAY TO EXPLORE

The magic ingredient is to get everyone involved in the activity. This activity involves the teams to go on a “game drive” with the focus on finding treasures within the National Pilanesberg.
A set of (different) clues are set up for each group and the group has to solve the clues to find their next locations, where the next clue will be given.
Once a clue has been solved and the team got them to the correct location, a set of questions will be asked and this is where everyone has to participate. R1 620.00 pp

13.2 TREASURE HUNT (TAUTONA SOUL ADVENTURE)

A treasure hunt is a game that usually sends you on a wild goose hunt in search of clues to help you get closer to the treasure that is hidden. It is a great game to play for people of all ages. Here is one of our typical
example;THE FUN WAY TO EXPLORE The magic ingredient is to get everyone involved in the activity.

A set of (different) clues are set up for each group and the group has to solve the clues to find their next locations, where the next clue will be given. This activity is not conducted in wildlife however adjacent to Pilanesberg National Park. Once a clue has been solved and the team got them to the correct location, a set of questions will be asked and this is where everyone has to participate.. R 1 150.00 pp

13. AMAZING RACE

An Amazing Race is a fun, fast paced team event, where through a series of tasks and discoveries, teams are ultimately aiming to be the first at the finish line. Each amazing race is a completely tailor-made event, starting and finishing where and when you want it to, anywhere in South Africa. The end point remains a mystery until the participants get there. R1 150.00 pp

14. POTJIEKOS COOKING

The Potjiekos Cooking Competition is a great event for building team spirit. When the cooking begins, at least one member of each team will be required to watch their team’s potjies. Once the potjies are ready, they are presented for judging, and the winner announced. The only thing left is to eat the Potjiekos dishes and enjoy a great time of socializing and getting to know your team members better. Rates on request

15. FIVE BY FIVE
This activity is designed to enhance team work through fun and interactive exercise. The goal of is to increase the participants understanding of team dynamics and to improve how the team works together. Team participation, communication, negotiation and leadership abilities are developed and highlighted. R 320.00 pp

16. RIST ROPES
Poor communication lies at the root of many team problems. It can lead to mistakes, quality problems, conflict, missed deadlines, and lost opportunities. Not only can these boost people's communication skills, but they can also help them build good relationships with one another. R 320.00 pp

18. SPIDER WEB
The structure for this activity must look exactly like a spider web. Each member must go through one hole without touching the rope (web). No member is allowed to use the hole that the other member has already used. Every time a person touches the rope, the whole team has to start again. R320.00 pp

19. FIVE-A- SIDE FOOTBALL

The game can be played by boys and girls, Adults, Veterans even disabilities. It also features the increasingly popular walking football (over 50s), which caters to those who enjoy playing the beautiful game at a slightly more sedate pace! R350.00 pp