WEEKEND ESCAPE TO THE WONDER OF GENIUS LOCI GAME RANCH

ITENARY:

DEPART TO GENIUS LOCI: 16h00
Heading north on the N1, we passed the petro–port and restaurant running over the highway and continued until the Hammanskraal turnoff.

ARRIVE AT TSHUKUDU GAME LODGE: 17h15
Just over an hour later, we booked in and settled into the beautiful surroundings. The fresh air and quietness was a welcoming change to the buzz of city life.

SUNDOWNERS: 18H00
Welcomed to the lodge bar by friendly staff, we had a glass of wine and beer, together with complimentary snacks, while we admired the animal trophies and decor which all added to a pleasant bushveld atmosphere.

DINNER: 19h30
Served in the main dining area by dedicated staff, the food was tasty, true SA cuisine and there was a well-priced wine list too.

RETIRED TO OUR ROOM: 21h30
Our room was perfectly prepared – electric blankets put on for our comfort, with a nightcap of port and chocolate.

BREAKFAST: 07h00
With choice for the health-conscious guests and those not so health conscious too, I was amazed at the beauty of the early morning scenery and the sound of the birds in the dam nearby.

SPA SPECTACULAR: 08h30
We were welcomed with champagne and orange juice while the staff were singing in their African way! We changed into the gowns and slippers provided and were pampered with full body massages, foot and leg massages and a heavenly head and shoulder massage too! All of these were with a river bank view and while being looked after by our personal waiter!

LUNCH AT THE RIVER: 12h30
To our surprise a picnic basket was laid out at the table where we received our head and neck massage and a magnificent meal came out that basket! We were even entertained with a dancing show on the leaves of the water lilies by an African Jacana.

AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE: 14h00
We were taken back to the lodge and after resting for an hour, we went on a game drive with other guests, complete with everyone’s requested drinks onboard. Pierre, our game guide, was very informative about the animals and their breeding history and showing us the different feeding areas. It was wonderful to be in the wild, so close to nature!

SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST: 07h00
On our way to the dining room we walked through a beautiful garden to the dam with a lookout built for bird watching. Swans swimming by, the sound of birds and the fresh air combined with the smell of the restaurant’s breakfast was quite delightful.

VISIT TO MYSTIC MONKEY AND FEATHER WILDLIFE PARK: 08h30
This was the first zoo I’ve visited where I didn’t feel sorry for the animals – with its beautiful gardens, tranquillity, tidiness and vastness! A well-educated guide explained what we needed to know. My favourite part was the two month old lion cubs which we were allowed to cuddle!

Genius Loci was a magical experience!

It was a very high standard, with friendly and dedicated staff, picturesque surroundings and perfectly kept gardens. The game drive and visit to the zoo was also most enjoyable! With the call of the fish eagle and the sound of the river flowing, one can feel the 'Genius Loci' - Latin for 'Spirit of the place' - all around you!