Location: South Africa » Kwazulu Natal » Elephant Coast » North Coast » Hluhluwe

Bushwillow

Bushwillow Luxury lodge in Hluhluwe Kwazulu Natal

BushwillowBushwillowBushwillow

TGCSA Star Grading

4 Star

Location

Loading...

Description

Description & Location:
Bushwillow is a stylish, unique bush lodge, situated in 170 hectares of beautiful indigenous sand forest. The lodge is fully serviced and offers a bush experience where the only disturbance will be that of the game visiting the lodges? own small waterhole. Guests may enjoy walks on the self-guided walking trails where they are likely to have encounters with zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, nyala, warthogs and other ?safe? game. The abundance of bird life and the variety of trees and other flora makes for a great African experience but with the luxury and comforts of a 4-star graded establishment. Guests may either cater for themselves or be spoilt with leisurely breakfasts and first-class evening meals.
Bushwillow is ideally situated for visitors exploring the splendour of The Elephant Coast, KwaZulu Natal. Located just 16km from Hluhluwe town on the way towards Sodwana Bay, it also proves a perfect destination for a visit to the beach.

Accommodation:
Bushwillow consists of three exceptional quality, timber-framed structures cleverly hidden in the bush, which offer peace and solitude. Wooden walkways conveniently link the bedroom suites to the central facility.

The central facility comprises an open plan, fully equipped solid wood kitchen with marble worktops. The spacious and tastefully decorated lounge and dining area with foldaway doors, opens out onto the large deck area, where guests can cool off in the pool or lie on the sun loungers soaking up the warm African sunlight. In the evening, relax and unwind whilst listening to the nocturnal bush sounds. This guest area is intimate as there are never more than 6 guests there at any one time.

The king-sized en-suite (Tambotie) has an extra length bed and with its floor to ceiling sliding windows and doors guests feel as if they are sleeping outside. The bathroom is spacious with hand made twin basins set in a beautiful and original, solid wood vanity. The frameless shower and freestanding cast iron bath makes for a tasteful mixture of old and new. Guests can relax in a candlelit bath as they soak up the peace and tranquillity whilst looking out onto the bushveld. Percale sheets, mohair blankets and quality towels ensure guest comfort. The suites own small private deck area allows guests to sit outdoors and enjoy an early morning cup of tea or a quiet evening sundowner.

The twin bedded en-suite rooms (Marula) are separated by a small lounge area. These beds can also be converted to king-size, if required. The style of the rooms and the bathrooms otherwise offer the same experience as the king-sized bedroom. The larger deck area on this unit also provides an ideal place for privacy and game spotting. Especially suitable for small family groups.

The bedrooms are air-conditioned.

Cuisine:
Our chef prepares 3-course evening meals in full view of the guests according to the guests liking, suiting any palate. Simplistic dining with a very personalised touch. A selection of wines and other beverages are available. Breakfast is a casual affair and can be taken indoors or outdoors according to weather conditions. Continental or full English breakfast can be provided, according to guest wishes. Guests may choose to take a late breakfast after an early morning game drive, turning breakfast into brunch.

Bushwillow enjoys a 4-star status (TGCSA) and has been graded by AA as superior quality accommodation.

Bushwillow is fully serviced and makes for both a great bush and beach experience.

Just one of our many guest comments: Wow! We spent 4 days here and have been spoilt rotten. This stay totally exceeded our expectations. Absolutely fantastic staff and luxury accommodation. The 4-star rating gives it no justice - it should be 6-star

Things to bring

Listed below are some of the things to think about when packing your suitcase. The list is not exhaustive but hopefully helps give you some ideas: -

Books: It is always nice to have your own mammal and/or bird book as well as other books to at last have time to read. Hluhluwe has no good book shops and so it is best to buy books at the airport or in the larger towns. Exclusive Books or CNA are the best places to buy books. Most books are in English. A good selection of magazines can be found in the Hluhluwe shops.

Bugs & creepie crawlies: Hluhluwe has its fair share but they are 99% of the time harmless. Ticks can be a pest when walking in the longer grass. It is always a good idea to put on some tick repellent (buy it in Hluhluwe pharmacy), before embarking on a walk in the bush. Otherwise, let the insects do what they want to do and they will leave you in peace.

 

Clothing: During summer months, light cotton shirts and shorts are great. Don’t forget the sun hat. It is also advisable to bring along a warm jacket for game drives – even in the summer months an open vehicle can be quite chilly at early start or late return. A light rainjacket is also useful during the summer months. In the winter months a fleece jacket will definitely be good to have in the early mornings and the evenings. Swimming costumes are a must for the beach lovers.

Cooking utensils: All lodges are fully equipped and there should not be any need to bring your own pots, pans or other cooking utensils. Dishcloths, washing up liquid etc is all provided, including the housekeeper to do the washing up for you!

Currency and Banking: Foreign currency is not accepted in South Africa as trading currency. Cash purchase must be done in Rand. Be sure to pack your credit cards, which are accepted in most shops and restaurants. ATM machines are located in all towns (including Hluhluwe), so it is easy enough to get cash once in country.

 

Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts: There is nothing like having your own trustworthy mask and snorkel. So, if you have room in your suitcase, bring it along. Masks, snorkels and flippers can be hired if you go out with an organised dive trip.

Electricity: 240V is the standard in South Africa using 3 pin (round pin) plugs. It may be a good idea to bring an adaptor with you. During windy weather and heavy rainfall and storms, the area is prone to power cuts. It may be a good idea to bring along a small torch. All lodges at KuleniGame Park do provide torches or candles in the rooms but this may not be the case at other accommodations.

Food provisions: There are several well-stocked supermarkets in Hluhluwe town as well as liquor stores. Specialised items are not easily found but otherwise there is a good selection of meat, vegetables, bread and dairy produce. You may want to bring along your favourite snacks or treats, but otherwise, let Hluhluwe cater for your requirements. Good coffee – no! Bring your own if you are a coffee-holic.

Game viewing enthusiasts: Don’t expect the field guide to lend you his/her binoculars! Bring along your own. And, don’t forget the camera for those special pictures.

 

Linen & towels: All towels and linen are provided in the lodges. It is a good idea to bring your own beach towel though since the lodge towels are not to be taken out of the lodges.
Malaria: The million dollar question! The Elephant Coast is considered a low risk malaria area and cases that do occur are very few indeed. It is really your choice whether to take anti-malarial tablets or not, so take advice from your doctor. All lodges at Kuleni Game Park provide mosquito sprays in the rooms, have mosquito nets or mosquito proofed windows.It may be a good idea to bring along a repellent for when you are sitting outside in the early evening.

Long sleeved shirts and long trousers are also sensible when mosquitoes are about.

Shoes: If you are keen on doing some walking, then a good pair of walking shoes will help keep out the thorns! Webbing sandals with nylon straps always go down well on the beach and for more leisurely strolls. Remember in high summer the sand and even the lodge decks can be too hot to walk on without shoes! In Hluhluwe and Kuleni Game Park, ladies are rarely seen in high heels – they get stuck in the sand or in the wooden deck ways!

Spectacles & contact lenses: Sunglasses are a must for all of us sensitive to the sun. Don’t forget your prescription spectacles. There is, however an optometrist in Hluhluwe if you forget or break them. It is best to bring along the contact lens solutions that you are used to. You can buy them in town but it is not always a good idea to change from what you are used to using. Bring along some spare contact lenses as well!

Suncreams and other lotions and potions: Hluhluwe has a good pharmacy where you can buy all the necessary toiletries, feminine hygiene and routine medicines. Obviously, bring your own special requirements with you.

Telephones: Now that mobile or cellular phones are so popular, fewer people make use of the public phones and they are often broken and inaccessible. It is a good idea to bring your own mobile or cell phone and upon arrival at the airport, buy a local SIM card so that you have a local rather than international number to call out on. Most supermarkets and other shops also sell SIM cards. The SIM cards are very cheap and will save you a lot of money, especially if you are making local phone calls to organise safaris, trips etc.

 

Weather: The Elephant Coast has a sub tropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. The summer temperatures are usually between 28ºC and 30ºC with December to February being the hottest and most humid months where temperatures can reach 40ºC in some areas. The winters are not really cold and temperatures are rarely below 17ºC during the day and 10ºC at night. The coolest winter months fall between June and August. March through to June offer super days when the days are warm and dry with low humidity and no wind.August and September are traditionally the windy months of the year. Rainfall occurs during the summer months.

 

 

BushwillowBushwillowBushwillow

Directions

On the N2 freeway, take the Sodwana Bay/Hluhluwe off ramp and travel to Hluhluwe town. Go through the town and turn left at the bottom (fourth) roundabout towards Sodwana Bay. Cross the railway line onto the new Sodwana Bay Road (R22). Travel 16km along this tarred road until you reach the sign for Kuleni Game Park on your left. Enter the gate and you will be directed to Bushwillow.

BushwillowBushwillowBushwillow

Rates

Standard Rates

Valid from 1 May 2009 to 30 April 2010

   
  Choose either a fully inclusive package (3 or 5 night stays) that includes game drive(s) and other exciting activities per day or choose a dinner, bed & breakfast or bed & breakfast only rate.

The self catering rate allows guests to have sol use of Bushwillow, perfect for families or small groups who want the lodge to themselves and who want to self cater in luxury in the bush. If you choose a dinner bed & breakfast or bed and breakfast rate, you are welcome to join in with other activities at an additional cost.

Our inclusive packages are not designed to exhaust you since Bushwillow is in itself a great place to relax and enjoy! We have therefore chosen packages that allow you to do one activity per day. If you would rather do more, extra activities will be at an extra cost. All activities are subject to availability.
  3 Night Package
  R3,300 per person for the 3-night stay, dinner and breakfast included.
  One 3-hour game drive to Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Park in an open vehicle.
  One boat trip at St Lucia estuary
  5 Night Package
  R5,500 per person for the 5-night stay, dinner and breakfast included.
  Either two 3-hour game drives or one full day game drive to Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Park in an open vehicle.
  One boat trip at St Lucia estuary
  One other activity: Choose from either a horse ride, a quad bike, a Swedish massage, guide walk in False Bay or an Elephant interaction.
  Rack Rates Sharing Single
  Dinner, Bed & Breakfast R895 per person sharing, per night R1,250 single per night
  Bed & Breakfast R725 per person sharing, per night R1,050 single per night
  Self Catering R2,100 per night for up to 6 guests n/a
  Notes:
 
Standard Rates include free access to Kuleni Game Park self guided walking trails.
Airport transfers to and from Durban International Airport or Richards Bay can be arranged.
Rates are subject to change without notice.