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MOPANE BUSH LODGE
Mopane Bush Lodge, of African
Renaissance design, nestles in the mopane bushveld. The lodge is situated
near the Mapungubwe National Park - Messina region. Mopane Bush Lodge, of African
Renaissance design, nestles in the mopane bushveld. The lodge has been
designed to provide simple luxury while being luxuriously simple, ensuring
guests can relax in quiet exclusivity.
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The sparkling pool, with waterfall and
martini seat, is an option on a warm valley day.
A walking trail leads to a hide overlooking the dam where game and birds can
be observed.
There is a large bird pond, with a bench, where guests can relax and watch
the birds, dragonflies and sometimes game coming for a drink.
The lodge has open game viewing vehicles for drives on the Nature Reserve
and in Mapungubwe National Park.
The baobab
(Adansonia digitata) is the undisputed king of the savannah of Africa and
occurs mainly north of the Soutpansberg Mountains and in the extreme north
of the Kruger National Park . The giant tree with its enormous girth and
dominating appearance is surrounded by legend. One of them explains the root
like branches by saying that the gods, in a frivolous mood, planted the tree
upside down exposing the roots.
The trees average about 25
meters in height when fully grown with trunk diameters of up to 10 meters
and can be thousands of years old. The largest tree nearby is ±25m in
circumference. The largest known tree in the country is over 3000 years old
with a girth of 43 meters and is found near the Sagole Spa, about 130km east
of Mopane Bush Lodge in Venda .
In the Messina Nature
Reserve established to preserve the baobabs of the area over a
hundred mature specimens of this fascinating tree can be seen. This small
reserve also contains the world's oldest datable rock, a piece of granite
gneiss 3852 million years old. The reserve also provides sanctuary to many
game and bird species. It is a good place to see the impressive and majestic
sable antelope.
The Baobabwe Peace
Trail is a one or two day walking trail which wends from tree to
tree, most over 1000-years-old. Each of these baobabs has its own character
and name describing it. It is also possible to follow the route on a
mountain bike.
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The entrance leads onto a mezzanine where
the vista of the bushveld unfolds before you. A curved wooden staircase
sweeps down into the dining room & lounge.
The full service bar links the boma and lapa which overlooks the sparkling
pool.
Mopane Bush Lodge has accommodation for 16
in eight secluded, twin bedded, en-suite thatched chalets, each within its
own kraal. There is an uninterrupted view to the horizon from each verandah.
The spacious bedrooms are designed for you to enjoy your stay in comfort,
with deep firm mattresses, luxurious linen and large absorbent towels. All
windows and doors are screened. There is a safe in the wardrobe for guests
to store their valuables. The coffee/tea station, together with iced water,
is available for refreshment at any time.
Each chalet has its own en-suite shower room with a 110v/220v-shaver plug
and a hairdryer. Or the more daring can take a shower outdoors under the
African skies.
One of the chalets is designed and equipped to be wheelchair friendly.
Excellent international cuisine, with a personal touch, is served in our
spacious dining room, in the boma, in the lapa overlooking the sparkling
pool or in the bush.
Meals are designed and served to meet the programmes of activities of the
guests.
A full service bar is available.
Guests who plan to be
out
for the day are provided with a substantial picnic.
For special occasions, dinner can
be served in the heart of the Mopane bushveld, under a canopy of brilliant
stars.
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