Type: Self-Catering, Catered, Game Reserve Bedrooms: 6 Capacity: 10 Guests Bathrooms: 6 (en-suite) Features: Swimming Pool, Game Drives, Wi-Fi, Air-Conditioning Ilanga Lodge: Elephants Play in the Dam in Front Ilanga Lodge, affectionately known as the "Gem of the Waterberg," is an exclusive-use 1 sleeper luxury retreat nestled within the renowned Big Five Welgevonden Game Reserve. Situated approximately 2.5 hours from Johannesburg, this malaria-free sanctuary offers an authentic African bush experience, making it an ideal getaway for groups and families. The lodge features six en-suite bedrooms, each equipped with private terraces that provide stunning views of the surrounding bushveld and a tranquil dam frequented by wildlife. Guests staying at Ilanga Lodge have the choice of six bedrooms which consist 3 units each with 2 bedrooms, all of which are en-suite. Whilst the bedrooms are not interleading they are suitable for families staying with their children and are located within easy access to the main lodge. Should you wish to have your children stay in the same room we can arrange for an extra mattress to be moved into the room. All the rooms have sliding doors opening up to the views of the bush and the dam in front of the lodge. The main lodge boasts an open-plan lounge and dining area, seamlessly connecting to an expansive deck and a refreshing swimming pool—perfect for relaxation and uninterrupted wildlife viewing. Culinary excellence is a hallmark of Ilanga Lodge, with a world-class chef serving up seasonal menus sourced from a nearby organic farm. For those who prefer to self-cater, you have the flexibility of either choosing to have your meals fully catered or the alternative of bringing your own food and the resident chef will do all the preparation and cooking for you. Guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the reserve through activities such as guided game drives, where sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos, rhinos, giraffes, and other wildlife are common. The lodge's professional and friendly staff ensure a truly unforgettable safari experience, allowing guests to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with pristine, undisturbed nature. One of top highlights at Ilanga Lodge is the huge pool on the front deck, where guests can enjoy regular visits from herds of elephants playing in the dam right in front of the lodge. Children are always welcome as the lodge has a electric perimeter fence and welcomes children of all ages. Please note that the swimming pool is not covered and children must be supervised at all times. Included in your stay are morning and evening safari game drives together with your personal accredited and experienced game ranger. Afternoon game drives include sundowners in the bush together with your snacks and favourite drink to watch the African sun bid its farewell for another day. Private walks in the reserve and The Bushpig Lapa can be arranged with prior request and subject to availability. Whether you are relaxing on the deck, taking a dip in the pool or exploring the reserve, Ilanga Lodge promises a truly unforgettable retreat.
RATES & PAYMENTS Rates are an estimate and will be confirmed when making your reservation. Full payment is required prior to arrival. A 50% deposit secures and the balance is required 1 month prior to arrival. Service Fee A R125.00 non-refundable service fee is required with the deposit payment. WHAT TO BRING Ice Bottled Water Adaptors for charging cell phones, laptops, etc Binoculars Insect/Mosquito Repellent WHAT TO NOTE Pongola Game Reserve is regarded as a low-risk area and only non-drug measures are recommended. Insect repellent is provided, but we recommend bringing your own if you have a preferred brand. No smoking permitted inside the Villa. Please note that all tap water is from the property’s borehole so, while it is fine for brushing your teeth, it is not suitable for drinking. Purified drinking water can be dispensed from the small tap located in the kitchen. Should you require any laundry and ironing, a charge of R50 per full load and R25 per half load will apply. Swimming towels are provided and can be found in the sunroom. Self-catering guests can arrange to have our private chef prepare your meals for an additional charge. We’ll gladly email you sample menus for inspiration. We supply the rods and tackle. However, we do recommend that avid fishermen bring along their own equipment. SERVICES & FACILITIES DSTV Gym Open Air Boma Swimming Pool Bird Hide DSTV Braai Facilities Cleaning Service Bath & Pool Towels Provided Air-Conditioning Dedicated Game Ranger Flat bottomed boat (including fishing tackle and skipper) Game Drives (Guided) Cleaning Service Books, board games and puzzles Jungle Gym WHAT TO DO Jozini Dam Boat Cruise (3 hours) Game Drives Lake St Lucia (2 hours) Tiger Fishing Safari Boat Cruises Boat Cruises (3 hours) Game Drives Mvubu Rive Lodge Spa Fishing Fishing Boat Hire (full and half day – with skipper) Fishing Equipment Hire Nature Walk (3 hours) Rhino Tracking Jozini Dam Wall - 28km Scenic Drive Birding
30% of the Accommodation total (as per invoice) is non-refundable if the cancellation is received more than 30 days prior to arrival.
Cancellations made within 1 month before arrival date will incur a 100% cancellation fee (no refunds).
RATES & PAYMENTS Rates are an estimate and will be confirmed when making your reservation. Full payment is required prior to arrival. A 50% deposit secures and the balance is required 1 month prior to arrival. Service Fee A R125.00 non-refundable service fee is required with the deposit payment. WHAT TO BRING Ice Bottled Water Adaptors for charging cell phones, laptops, etc Binoculars Insect/Mosquito Repellent WHAT TO NOTE Pongola Game Reserve is regarded as a low-risk area and only non-drug measures are recommended. Insect repellent is provided, but we recommend bringing your own if you have a preferred brand. No smoking permitted inside the Villa. Please note that all tap water is from the property’s borehole so, while it is fine for brushing your teeth, it is not suitable for drinking. Purified drinking water can be dispensed from the small tap located in the kitchen. Should you require any laundry and ironing, a charge of R50 per full load and R25 per half load will apply. Swimming towels are provided and can be found in the sunroom. Self-catering guests can arrange to have our private chef prepare your meals for an additional charge. We’ll gladly email you sample menus for inspiration. We supply the rods and tackle. However, we do recommend that avid fishermen bring along their own equipment. SERVICES & FACILITIES DSTV Gym Open Air Boma Swimming Pool Bird Hide DSTV Braai Facilities Cleaning Service Bath & Pool Towels Provided Air-Conditioning Dedicated Game Ranger Flat bottomed boat (including fishing tackle and skipper) Game Drives (Guided) Cleaning Service Books, board games and puzzles Jungle Gym WHAT TO DO Jozini Dam Boat Cruise (3 hours) Game Drives Lake St Lucia (2 hours) Tiger Fishing Safari Boat Cruises Boat Cruises (3 hours) Game Drives Mvubu Rive Lodge Spa Fishing Fishing Boat Hire (full and half day – with skipper) Fishing Equipment Hire Nature Walk (3 hours) Rhino Tracking Jozini Dam Wall - 28km Scenic Drive Birding
30% of the Accommodation total (as per invoice) is non-refundable if the cancellation is received more than 30 days prior to arrival.
Cancellations made within 1 month before arrival date will incur a 100% cancellation fee (no refunds).
RATES & PAYMENTS Rates are an estimate and will be confirmed when making your reservation. Full payment is required prior to arrival. A 50% deposit secures and the balance is required 1 month prior to arrival. Service Fee A R125.00 non-refundable service fee is required with the deposit payment. WHAT TO BRING Ice Bottled Water Adaptors for charging cell phones, laptops, etc Binoculars Insect/Mosquito Repellent WHAT TO NOTE Pongola Game Reserve is regarded as a low-risk area and only non-drug measures are recommended. Insect repellent is provided, but we recommend bringing your own if you have a preferred brand. No smoking permitted inside the Villa. Please note that all tap water is from the property’s borehole so, while it is fine for brushing your teeth, it is not suitable for drinking. Purified drinking water can be dispensed from the small tap located in the kitchen. Should you require any laundry and ironing, a charge of R50 per full load and R25 per half load will apply. Swimming towels are provided and can be found in the sunroom. Self-catering guests can arrange to have our private chef prepare your meals for an additional charge. We’ll gladly email you sample menus for inspiration. We supply the rods and tackle. However, we do recommend that avid fishermen bring along their own equipment. SERVICES & FACILITIES DSTV Gym Open Air Boma Swimming Pool Bird Hide DSTV Braai Facilities Cleaning Service Bath & Pool Towels Provided Air-Conditioning Dedicated Game Ranger Flat bottomed boat (including fishing tackle and skipper) Game Drives (Guided) Cleaning Service Books, board games and puzzles Jungle Gym WHAT TO DO Jozini Dam Boat Cruise (3 hours) Game Drives Lake St Lucia (2 hours) Tiger Fishing Safari Boat Cruises Boat Cruises (3 hours) Game Drives Mvubu Rive Lodge Spa Fishing Fishing Boat Hire (full and half day – with skipper) Fishing Equipment Hire Nature Walk (3 hours) Rhino Tracking Jozini Dam Wall - 28km Scenic Drive Birding
30% of the Accommodation total (as per invoice) is non-refundable if the cancellation is received more than 30 days prior to arrival.
Cancellations made within 1 month before arrival date will incur a 100% cancellation fee (no refunds).