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Bongani Mountain Lodge
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SOUTH AFRICA | | Location: | | Mpumalanga | | Description: | | There is a place in Africa where lion, elephant and rhinoceros walk ancient paths once trodden by the First People of our continent, the San (Bushman). Their gallery of more than 200 rock frescoes is a priceless legacy. When you walk through the narrow rock passage leading here, legend has it that you may become more fertile. This place is Bongani Mountain Lodge, a piece of Africa perched atop a granite mountain with views that will open your mind and heart.
Sir Percy Fitzpatrick roamed these giant rock walls with his dog, Jock of the Bushveld. He wrote: "a place to rest and dream, where there is neither stir nor sound". But there are sounds: the roaring of a lion, the shussh shussh as a herd of elephant moves through the valleys below, the cough of a leopard and the grunts of buffalo as they move through the 8 000 hectare Mthethomusha Game Reserve, an exclusive extension of the Kruger National Park.
If you would like to merge a safari experience with a gathering, Bongani Mountain Lodge offers conference facilities for up to 60 guests. We have also joined forces with the local communities to establish one of Africa's pioneering conservation initiatives. Our project develops our vision of sustainable, community-based ecotourism. This initiative inspired one of Africa's most beloved heroes, Nelson Mandela, to become one of our cherished guests.
Bongani has 20 chalets, nine suites and one Presidential suite. The rooms are spread out across the mountain ridge and surrounded by impressive outcrops of granite. All the chalets and suites have a verandah and en suite bathroom with air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Suites are ideal for families with small children as there are sleeper couches in the lounge area.
The Presidential Suite, also known as the Madiba Suite, is exceptional, with a large private lounge, a sweeping view of the valley below and a kitchen for private dining (not self-catering). The name is inspired by Nelson Mandela who favours the lodge as a holiday retreat. Madiba is Mr Mandela's clan name, and the name by which he is affectionately known throughout South Africa.
Bongani Mountain Lodge is a subtle balance between timber, thatch and striking coloured fabrics. The design emphasis is on modern elements interspersed with decorative African motifs. The furniture is a funky, eclectic mixture of traditional ethnic design and Afro-chic.
Arriving at Bongani, the first thing you see is a bank of mammoth granite rocks. Like a gateway to another world, this narrow natural rock passage is the only access to the lodge reception. Local legend holds that walking through this rock crevice will enhance your fertility.
Central guest areas overlook a timber game viewing deck and have breathtaking views of the imposing Lebombo and Malalane Mountain ranges. The lodge has a lounge, bar, well stocked curio shop and inviting swimming pool.
Pan-African dinners are generously distributed in the traditional fire-lit Swazi boma (reeded enclosure) or offered in the dining room. Community theatre, good food and good company are enjoyed on fire-lit evenings in the boma.
Bush breakfasts and sundowners on the mountain, and candlelit dinners in the bush are offered. Bush banqueting at Bongani offers Pan-African cuisine at its best.
Laid out like a mountain village, Bongani offers complete privacy for groups. There are facilities for formal and informal meetings. The fully equipped air-conditioned conference centre has facilities for up to 60 people. It is tucked away from guest accommodation, and close to reception. Between sessions delegates can take time out on the centre's viewing deck, which commands sweeping views of the Lebombo and Malalane Mountain ranges.
Africa's most impressive wildlife can be enjoyed during morning and evening game drives in open Land Rovers with expert rangers, at your own cost. The evening drives are spotlit and offer insights into the activities of nocturnal animals including leopard, civet and genet.
Guided bush walks bring you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best and is an optional extra. The scenery surrounding the lodge is breathtaking.
Activities include nature walks exploring the wealth of San (Bushman) rock art sites for which the area is famous. Bongani also has a strong cultural tourism program.
The Matsulu theatre group perform plays with powerful environmental and social messages for CC Africa guests as an optional extra. One of their soul-stirring performances depicts the history, aspirations and indigenous problem-solving skills of the local community, who have inhabited the mountains for hundreds of years ("Brothers"). They also perform a play ("Horn of Sorrow") enacting a story of the plight of the black rhino. A community visit is also available.
More optional extras are a Community Trip and a Kruger Park Day Trip.
For cosy winter nights beside the fireplace or quiet moments during the day, take a journey of the imagination through our collection of wildlife books, magazines and videos. | | Type of accommodation: | | hotel | | Location: | | Close to natural matter of interest | | Star rating: | | 3* plus | | Fittings: | | laundry, dining room, swimming pool, bar | | Sport in place: | | safari, swimming pool | | Sport in neighborhood: | | |
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