Described as a Karoo Wilderness Retreat, the White Lion Lodge is like no other and we’re loving it!
Found along the famous Route 62, this privately-owned lodge offers a unique nature and wildlife experience that will excite the adventurous and satisfy the curious.
Situated 3 hours out of Cape Town, the White Lion Lodge is based in the southern part of the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve which is known for its rich history, complex biodiversity and unique climates. Offering luxury accommodation, exceptional personal service and delicious cuisine combined with guided nature game-drives through a 30000ha concession of the Reserve, this lodge appeals to anyone with a love of travel, an interest in wildlife and a passion for learning more about their local surroundings.
The natural crafted network of wooded kloofs, valleys and river channels that dissects much of the Karoo provides habitat for specialist woodland browsers that are found on the reserve; and in addition makes for exquisite panoramic views from your private suite.
Animals, which used to roam freely in former times, are being reintroduced to reserve. One can indulge in the pleasure of witnessing species such as Springbok, Hartebeest, Eland, Kudu, Zebra, Cape Mountain Zebra and Giraffe.
The natural small game such as Jackal, Caracal, Aardwolf, Ant bear, brown Hyena, Grey Reedbuck, Steenbok, Klipspringer, Grysbok, Duiker can also be observed.
A variety of these species have adopted to the diversity of habitat types found in the Karoo.
So why should you visit a place like the White Lion Lodge?
We highlight 5 reasons why this venue is a must-see for its uniqueness, location, offerings, diversity and much more.
YOU GET TO TRULY EXPERIENCE THE BUSH
Many bush packages are all-inclusive, including accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner with selected drinks and two game drives daily (early morning and late afternoon). With four individual stilted, unique glass and thatch suites, each has a spacious bedroom, dressing room, full bathroom and its own outdoor shower, guests are treated to functionality and luxury, mixed with exquisite panoramic views over the riverbed.
Each suite is equipped with a fireplace, satellite television, under floor heating, air-conditioning, mini-bar fridge, tea and coffee making facilities.
Described as “the perfect isolated safari hideaway,” the White Lion Lodge can accommodate up to eight guests in four individual rooms. They have cleverly incorporated natural elements such as natural stone walkways which meander through a Karoo garden and provide easy access between the main lodge and the suites.
THEY TAKE PRIDE IN CONSERVING THEIR LAND AND ANIMALS
At White Lion Lodge, your nature drive within the Wildlife Reserve can be carried out at any time throughout the day where you will be guided by your own private field guide in an open game viewing vehicle, who will provide you with insightful information on the fauna and flora of the Klein Karoo.
Animals, which used to roam freely in former times, are being reintroduced to reserve. The White Lion project returned an integrated lion pride including adult males and female white lions back to the wild. The Riverine rabbit, which can be seen on night drives is endemic to parts of the Klein Karoo and is one of the most endangered terrestrial mammals in South Africa. With an estimation of a few hundred animals being left in the wild, today the species is facing an extremely high risk of extinction.
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IT BOASTS THE PERFECT BUSH CLIMATE
>A bush break is a fantastic experience year-round, although winter and early spring (May to September) are the most popular times. The climate is semi-arid with rainfall mainly in the winter month. The Klein Karoo is traditionally hot and dry, with cooling south-westerly winds during the afternoons in summer, making it ideal conditions for a lovely sunset game drive. On average the nights cool down to 15C – 20C degrees in summer.
The coolest months are July & August, when the mercury drops to -2 & -4 degrees Celsius on average during the night, but during the day the temperatures range between comfortable 15-20 degrees, ideal safari conditions.
IT’S MORE THAN JUST ANIMALS
Much like all game lodges, you are sure to be treated to a wilderness experience that will keep you wanting more! At White Lion Lodge, we operate a nature-based tourism business and like to introduce our guests to the biodiversity hotspots, Fynbos and Succulent Karoo Biome together with indigenous free-roaming animal species, that what the San saw hundreds of years ago. We take a “safari stay” one step further by offering an educational experience where our guests are introduced to a new and different landscape that they may not necessarily be used to.
QUALITY SERVICE AND FACILITIES
After a long afternoon of sight-seeing, what better way than to return to the lodge and relax by the pool, or winddown with a book from the library on one of the sun decks around the 15-meter infinity swimming pool, or laze on your private wooden deck and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Klein Karoo.
When it comes to the cuisine served at the lodge, only the best will do. South African cuisine is served either in the dining room or on the veranda under the glorious African sky. With an impressive resume, the head Chef uses the freshest produce to create dishes that combine flavours from her childhood, together with the latest cooking techniques of European influence.
“Food and emotions are incredibly interlinked, and nowhere is that more evident than in our cooking at the Lodge,” says Gerhild.
When it comes to a getaway destination, the White Lion Lodge ticks all the boxes as to a quality destination with all the right traits and services. Unlike your usual lodges, most commonly known for their location close to the Kruger National Park, the White Lion Lodge offers something uniquely different, in an area that is calling to be explored.
For more info, visit: https://www.whitelionlodge.co.za
