Five. Only five. That’s how many lodges there are at Tshwene, located in the Taaibos River valley in Welgevonden Game Reserve only 3 hours drive out of Johannesburg. It means there’s only ever going to be 8 other people plus staff at the complex – is that the kind of seclusion you’re seeking?

Tick off the Big Five?

Speaking of five, if it’s the chance to see the Big 5 that’s bringing you to South Africa, then Tshwene is as good a place as any from which to safari. Two game drives each day start and finish here in open top vehicles with snacks provided. Of course there are no guarantees of laying eyes on all 5, but you will see a huge variety of bush wildlife on the ground and in the air. Around 50 mammals and 250 different bird species are known to call the area home, many of which are only found in this region of South Africa. Cameras at the ready.

First class treehouse living

What is also guaranteed at Tshwene is privacy, luxury and excitement. Remember how cosy and thrilling staying in a treehouse was as a kid? Well, think of these lodges as the grown-up version.

Easy to access via a raised walkway, each lodge provides luxurious comfort aplenty from the king-size beds to the bathrooms (which include a private jacuzzi, freestanding bath and showers inside and out). There’s also a viewing deck offering you a panoramic view of sunsets over the densely wooded valley below that could quite easily be called breathtaking if we wrote that sort of thing. But staying here is more about taking things easy, spending time together as a couple or family (children aged 12 or older are welcome to stay).

Yours To Share

You can choose to eat in your lodge or walk along the raised platform to the restaurant in the main guest house which features dining areas inside and out (the outside area sees tables arranged around a roaring fire). After eating, relaxing in one of the two lounges is a popular option, perhaps with a drink in hand freshly poured for you at the bar.

It’s a great place to meet fellow guests and share stories of what you saw out on safari and whether you can now tick off seeing the Big 5 from your bucket list. Tshwene even has its own helicopter pad, handy if you plan to arrive or explore by air, and indicative of the levels of luxury available here.

You can also take relaxation to another level in the on-site wellness spa. And last but not least, have we saved the best Tshwene feature until last? Quite possibly, because we’ve yet to mention the outdoor swimming pool which is surrounded by decking with loungers that are sure to get you relaxing.