Kambaku Lodge, Black Rhino Private Big 5 Game Reserve, Pilansberg National Park

A malaria-free, Big Five experience just two hours’ from Joburg

An opportunity to own a share has become available at Kambaku Lodge in the malaria-free Black Rhino Reserve, a Big Five private concession bordering the 55 000ha Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Literally two hours door-to-door from most of Joburg’s northern suburbs or from Lanseria Airport, the closest and most convenient access by air, Kambaku Lodge is an easy weekend escape, even for Capetonians and internationals. There are a total of four private suites, two of which have lofts for children, so it can sleep up to 12 (ideally 8 adults and 4 children). Being exclusive-use, the privacy of staying in your own lodge and being able to go for game drives whenever you want (no obligatory early rising on frosty winter mornings!) is an absolute privilege. Over the years, Kambaku has seen many happy multigenerational family gatherings – little ones and even grandparents are welcome, with mostly level access and one especially adapted bathroom. In addition, the lodge has its own ranger and manager, making for seamless arrivals and departures.

You can expect Big Five game sightings: the plains are particularly busy in the summer season when the grass is sweeter, and in autumn a riot of gorgeous autumnal colours changes the landscape entirely with leaves turning yellow and even bronze-orange, particularly up on the rocky outcrop on the northern slopes. Ancient game pathways traverse from one waterhole to another in the reserve, so some of the most exciting game viewing here is often while you’re at the hide overlooking the waterhole at the lodge. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of sitting quietly with a cup of coffee in the morning and watching the game drift by – it’s not unusual to see elephants, rhino and even giraffe drinking at this waterhole.

One of the perks of game viewing here is that only Black Rhino Reserve guests have access to the adjoining Pilanesberg National Park. There are no fences, but Pilanesberg vehicles and guests may not traverse into the Black Rhino Reserve private concession. This spectacular drive takes you through the mountains to some of the Pilanesberg’s best view sites, especially Lenong or Vultures’ Viewpoint. It’s a beautiful route sometimes flanked by rocky outcrops and interested geologists will also be fascinated by the red syenite and green foyaite rocks seen on the game drives. Pilanesberg mountain was named after an historic Tswana chief, Pilane, and the reserve is set within the Pilanesberg alkaline ring-dyke complex, one of only three in the world and the largest complex of its type. This vast circular geological feature that was created 1 200-million-years ago can be seen from Vultures’ Viewpoint, where you get a bird’s eye view of the Pilanesberg and Mankwe Dam.

There is one share for sale, giving access to four weeks per year to enjoy with family and friends. The share weeks are rotated every year and there are 13 shares in total. The levies are currently R9 000 per month, and in the past two years, the shareholder has rented out one week per year, which has covered more than half of the annual levies. Kambaku is well-maintained and in the past five years it has been repainted, re-thatched and a new 10-seater Toyota Hilux game viewer purchased. A swimming pool and Jacuzzi provide hours of joy in all seasons, and a power backup system with a generator eliminates loadshedding. If the bush is calling, this private concession is a well-managed gem and worth considering, given that it’s so close to Joburg. Imagine heading out of the office on Friday afternoon, shopping along the way (there’s an excellent centre enroute) and sitting around the waterhole with a G&T by sunset. Isn’t that what living in this part of Africa is all about?

• More on the geology of the area for prospective investors: the Pilansberg is part of a rare formation called an alkaline ring-dyke complex with three concentric rings of hills – not created by a volcano, as most people think, but rather magma cooled under the ground before it erupted, and then later collapsed in the centre, forming a ‘volcano’, now known as the Mankwe Dam. Have a look at the polished sample of tuff (layered rock) at the site when you visit.

Specs:

• Property Size: 1 hectare
• 1 share for sale (4 weeks per year)
• 13 shares in total
• Lodge:
  • Sleeps 12
  • 4 separate suites, of which 2 are family units which can accommodate 4 people
  • Main living area with fireplace and dining area
  • Viewing deck
  • Swimming pool
  • Jacuzzi
  • Fire pit
  • Air conditioning
  • Generator
  • Security cameras
  • Full-time housekeeper
  • Renting permitted
  • Private ranger
  • Game vehicle (10 seater)
  • Levy: Approximately R9,000 per month

For more information on The Black Rhino Private Game Reserve, please see here

Please see the property brochure here

For more information on Perfect Hideaways Invest, please see here

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