Views. They’re something that turn an ordinary safari experience into something extraordinary, especially when they involve the unique combination of permanently flowing water slicing through a pristine African wilderness. At Bundox River Lodge, the views over the omnipresent Olifants River create pure safari magic… This is unplugged Africa at its best!
A tented safari adventure extraordinaire
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Paradise found? Absolutely...
It’s said that when it comes to building an outstanding safari destination, location is everything. If that’s truly the case then Bundox River Lodge has everything in abundance and more. Perched on a gentle bend in the perennial Olifants River in the far north of the Balule Game Reserve, this brand-new tented camp has breathtaking upstream and downstream views from its raised position on the southern riverbank.
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The river is wide here, dotted with sand bars and beds of phragmites reeds that attract a variety of birdlife. Tall grasses provide grazing for huge herds of elephant and buffalo alike and the deeper pools are home to pods of hippo and countless crocodiles. Magnificent riparian trees line the banks, providing dappled shade for the fledgling camp beneath and cover for predator and prey alike. This is the territory of terrestrial and airborne hunters red in tooth and claw, from the stealthy leopard to the secretive Pel’s fishing owl.
Tucked away under the leafy canopy, the camp becomes one with its surroundings. Raised on wooden walkways to limit the impact on the sensitive riverbank, it appears and disappears in patches of dancing and ever-changing light – a mystical haven that whispers of adventure and the spirit of wild Africa. Irresistible… Alluring… Beguiling…
Imagine 5000ha of exclusive wilderness with eight kilometres of the beautiful Olifants River yours to explore at leisure, and at its heart an intimate safari camp with just five beautiful safari tents set next to the gently flowing waters. We’ve taken the dreams we’ve all had of the ultimate safari and made them a reality at Bundox River Lodge, combining the best of our brand into a new benchmark of authentic safari excellence.
Each tent is an experience in its own right, with the ability to remove all barriers to the wilderness beyond, leaving only an imperceptible insect-proof mesh between you and wild Africa on the river-facing side.
Simple, elegant, natural luxury is the order of the day, with lots of space and light, kingsize beds, beautiful en-suite bathrooms with outdoor showers, flushing toilets and hot and cold running water, spacious decks overlooking the river and standing fans for maximum ventilation.
The style is Bundox’s trademark blend of natural, organic wood, classic canvas and clean, efficient, modern design, with impeccable taste, quality fixtures and fittings, luxurious linen, textiles and soft furnishings. The result is flawless tented chic and absolute safari perfection.
Experiences
At one with the wilderness
Stillness is something truly special in the modern world. The ability to sit, quietly, and just “be” is all too rare and virtually impossible to achieve in an everyday, urban environment. Here in Africa, out in the “rough country” that inspired our brand name, the calm we so crave is all around us and switching off happens naturally.
At Bundox River Lodge we’ve designed everything to encourage the art of “being” and finding peace in a storm-ridden world. Taking the calm energy of the river that flows quietly by, serenity is literally just a heartbeat away as you relax on the shady deck of your tent or cool off in the pool with its epic views over the Olifants.
Exploring is just as effortless on morning and afternoon/evening game drives, connecting you to the heartbeat of Africa as you wind your way through breathtaking landscapes filled with wildlife, pausing here and there to absorb the magic of the wild.
This is how we are supposed to be, and it’s waiting for you!
At The Lodge
Highlights:
- Relax on your private deck overlooking the Olifants River
- Chill out in our beautiful riverside swimming pool
- Watch as herds of elephants cross the river and buffalo come down to drink
- Familiarise yourself with the myriad birds that call the riverbanks home
- Kick back and relax in our riverfront lounge
- Indulge in al fresco dining experiences under the stars
Out & About
Highlights:
- Depart on morning and afternoon/evening game drives each day
- Enjoy a coffee stop next to the Olifants River or atop a dramatic koppie
- Raise a glass to the setting sun with sundowners out in the bush
- Experience wild Africa on foot on a guided bush walk
The sound of 100 years of history
This region of the South African Lowveld as a rich and vibrant history, filled with tales of adventure and intrigue as European settlement in this wild and remote wilderness began almost 200 years ago, thanks to the discovery of mineral wealth.
The occasional sound of a distant freight train echoing across the Balule nods to this pioneering period and helps us remember the visionaries who opened the South African Lowveld region to trade, building a railway line through the wilderness that runs all the way to Maputo on the Mozambican coast. It’s a past that has shaped our present and speaks to our future.
