Part of the Drakensberg Experience, Sasi Bush Lodge is a getaway for those who want to reconnect with nature while enjoying their luxury accommodation amenities and phenomenal service.
The second half of this year has certainly kept all of us on our toes. Sometimes, you really need that breather from the daily grind, and being somewhere you won’t even get a cell signal so you can fully disconnect.
Sasi Bush Lodge lies approximately three and a half hours from Umhlanga. Located on Kilburn Private Game Farm in Northern Drakensberg, this is a luxury tented camp which strives to revive and restore the land by rewilding the land with the animals that roamed the lands and by removing the invasive alien plant life.
Amy and her sister arrived at the reception where they had to leave their car behind while a game ranger, Nkanyiso, shuttled them into Sasi Private Estate in a more appropriate vehicle for the terrain. They were welcomed with friendly chatter, suggestions and tips for their stay, and were briefed on what they might see or experience.
Upon their arrival at the lodge, they were warmly greeted by the staff, making them feel as if they were coming home to long-lost friends and family. With fresh juice in hand and warm towelettes to freshen up after the trip, they were made to feel like royalty. As the sun started to set and the mountain air chilled further, they relaxed in the lounge area while their luggage was taken to their tent.
The knowledgeable Mthoko, (position), gave them an overview of the available activities and amenities at the lodge, eating times and meal options, and also inquired about any specific dietary requirements from them. They decided to stay in the lounge area and take in the beautiful surroundings with a glass of red wine. Mthoko walked them to the luxury tent they were calling “home” for the weekend.
They stayed in the Ukusa Tent. This tent has an expansive view of the Drakensberg mountainscape and the interior decor leaves those who stay there in awe. The built-in fireplace warmed up the room, chasing the winter chill creeping in away, and the ornate chandelier crafted from branches of local trees added that safari decor element to the room. The homely feel was complemented by the small deck with two chairs which faced those mighty mountains (which had snow caps at the time) You could also look at the Kilburn Dam and the game park from the comfort of your bed through large stack doors which open up giving you an unobstructed view of the area.
Before sundowners and dinner, the sisters decided to go out for a short walk around the lodge and were greeted by one of the resident ostriches! She was very friendly and entertaining as she admired herself in the reflection of the windows. They also spied a beautiful pool for guests to enjoy in the warmer seasons.
The dining area surrounds patrons with warmth and history as they dine. Dinner for that night consisted of lamb pie accompanied by roasted julienne carrots and garlic-coated green beans followed by a nougat pie for dessert.
Sunday morning started off with them waking up early to catch the sunrise. While they couldn’t see the sun itself, they did get to watch the sky change colours over the mountainscape and the mist floating over the dam, an equally beautiful sight! After spending some time in bed, sipping on hot coffee, they got ready and headed down for breakfast. They were served sweetened stewed peaches and a panna cotta for starters followed by eggs, bacon, and toast accompanied by freshly brewed coffee.
After the hearty breakfast, they decided to explore further and take a lengthy walk around the game farm. The experience of walking around and being able to see the wildlife is truly unique. You can spot some giraffes, zebras, buck, and wildebeest. If you’re feeling brave, there are also rumoured leopards in the mountains. The lodge offers guided game drives in the morning and afternoon, or you can choose to get your steps in while taking in the surroundings.
Once they were satisfied with their revitalising morning walk, they headed back to the tent where the masseuses were already setting up one of the sought-after Sasi Massage sessions for them. They were left feeling thoroughly relaxed and “partially unconscious”; the perfect relaxation!
For dinner on night two, they were served a beef fillet with a mustard sauce accompanying it with roasted potatoes and a butternut pie to finish the last night off. The rest of the night was spent enjoying the cosy fire in the room and they retired early so they could catch that magical sunrise again.
After breakfast on Monday morning, they were shuttled back to their car after an exceptional weekend in the bush. It’s a great getaway, a place you can return to and suitable for the family, couples and friend groups.
www.sasiafrica.com
Words: Amy Jenkins & Cristina Govender