Looking to disconnect from the fast pace of life? Want to have a relaxing break in the bush and visit a game reserve? Need a brief holiday that doesn’t break the bank? Then Gooderson’s Bushlands Game Lodge is for you.
Bushlands is centrally located with the Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Game Reserve approximately 30 minutes away and with Mkuze, Sodwana Bay, Ndumo, iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Tembe Elephant Park also within reach. It is a very rustic lodge with basic amenities but the rooms are clean and comfortable. What more do you need when you are communing with nature than a comfortable bed and a shower to wash off the dust of the day. There are no TV’s in the rooms and the only TV you will find is at the Bar next to the new Boma (self-catering units do have a TV’s).
If you are desperate for Wifi then you will find that connection at the restaurant. The cellphone signal is also not very reliable so it would be best to ignore your phone or switch it off. If you do have young children with you I suggest you pack all the board games, colouring books and crayons.
What I loved most about Bushlands are the raised wooden walkways that connect the stilted lodges to the viewing deck and the restaurant. Take your time when you walk as you could be rewarded by seeing a buck right next to the walkway.
Bushlands does have its own animals – Zebra, Wildebeest, Nyala, Giraffe and Impala can be seen from the viewing deck and you could also find them in front of your lodge room. Don’t forget about the smaller animals such as birds and beautiful butterflies that can be seen in and around the sand forest vegetation. Watch out for the cheeky Monkeys as they clatter and bang their way over the roofs.
The food at Bushlands is delicious homestyle food such as chicken curries, beef potjie and macaroni and cheese. They also serve a full breakfast offering of cereal, fruit and yoghurt and cooked breakfast such as bacon and eggs. You must have one or two of their delicious pastries with tea or coffee.
If you don’t feel like driving your own vehicle through the Hluhluwe Game Reserve you can book a 3 hour game drive in an open game vehicle that leaves Bushlands twice a day. Alternatively they also offer full day drives with a packed picnic lunch on request.
It can get very hot in Hluhluwe and the pool at Bushlands can be found in front of the restaurant. There are 25 wooden cabins, 5 self-catering units and 7 brick units. Recent upgrades to the game lodge include refurbished bathrooms, reception and the Boma area.
Current rates for the Twin and Double rooms are R1598 (dinner, bed and breakfast) and R1750 for the self-catering units. Gooderson’s have regular special offers so keep an eye on their social media channels or take a look at their website.
The staff are so friendly and welcoming and I loved the night I spent at Bushlands. It was incredible to see a clear starry sky and to enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Gooderson Bushlands Game Lodge, Hluhluwe
+27(0)35 5620144
Bushlands email
Central reservations : +27(0)31 3374222