Cape Vulture Nature Reserve
Limpopo, South Africa
Rates on request
Gallery
Overview
At Cape Vulture Lodge, our name means everything. We are dedicated to the conservation of more than 728 breeding pairs of Cape vultures nesting on the cliffs of the Northern Drakensberg Escarpment that towers above us. Their feathers form our logo and their protection underpins our ethos of sustainable, responsible tourism.
The lodge has been built with the breathtaking views and our resident vultures in mind. Each of our nine tented suites is positioned to make the most of the dramatic landscapes and afford great sightings of these majestic birds of prey as they soar effortlessly above the 1800ha Cape Vulture Conservancy - our slice of African wilderness just 26km from the South African safari capital of Hoedspruit, in the heart of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve.
From concept to completion, Cape Vulture Lodge has been developed to support the conservation of our local environment, education of our local community and employment within the local economy. It's a commitment to sustainability which goes to the very heart of everything we do and which we love sharing with our guests. When you visit Cape Vulture Lodge you know your stay is going to have direct benefit for the protection of fauna and flora and for local people in the communities on our doorstep.
In terms of our environment, the goal is for the lodge to be 95% self-sustainable in the very near future, which means not only going solar, but recycling all water, efficiently managing waste, eliminating single-use plastics and environmentally unfriendly chemical products. Instead, we are using renewable and recyclable products, growing most of the food needed in our local permaculture garden and are planning to produce a complete range of natural products, such as soaps, candles, oils, insect repellents and much, much more, which will be available for our guests to purchase.
On arrival you will be welcomed by our friendly team. You will then be guided through the spacious main lodge and its expansive viewing decks where you will discover the meaning of "escape". The spacious in- and outdoor areas is where you will be served with deliciously homemade meals while enjoying the breath-taking views of the Manutsa Mountains (Northern part of the Drakensberg). We have a sparkling pool and sun loungers that will make the most of the African sunshine while spending your time unwinding. While relaxing on one of the decks you might have the opportunity to see the distinctive silhouettes of the Cape Vultures that call this beautiful place home. In the evenings, a sunken boma around a crackling fire is the ideal place for endless stories of the bush, while enjoying a refreshing beverage from our fully stocked bar.
All these combined forms the beating heart of Cape Vulture Lodge.
A stay at Cape Vulture Lodge gives you the opportunity to explore the African wilderness in a variety of ways. Whether it's hiking in the foothills of the Manutsa mountains, mountain biking along a network of trails or discovering the secrets of the bush on a guided drive, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do for the whole family. Our Conservancy is also home to a variety of plains game, from wildebeest, kudu, zebra, giraffe, and many more. Take a tour through our very own permaculture garden and see where we harvest most of our fresh produce from. You can also learn more about how you can incorporate some of these principles to your environment and daily life.
We will happily assist in arranging trips and excursions to nearby places of interest. Tour the spectacular Panorama Route or go on a Big 5 Safari Tour. Visit the nearby town of Hoedspruit with its vibrant art galleries, curio shops, restaurants and cafés. Take a relaxing boat cruise on the Blyde Dam, which is the third largest canyon and the greenest canyon in the world. Horseback riding and scenic helicopter flights over the majestic mountains, are also just a few worth mentioning.
Rooms & Availability
Eco Village
Nestled alongside the Northern Drakensberg escarpment known as Manutsa Peak, our Eco Village has everything you need for an unforgettable self-sustainable off the grid experience. Being surrounded with breathtaking scenery and the magic of nature. The Eco Village is ideal for nature enthusiastic groups. The camp can accommodate 20 guests and is completely self-sustainable with a kitchen, boma, bathrooms and 10 basic equipped tents each built on wooden platforms.
Each tent offers 2 single beds or 1 double bed with linen and towels, small solar panel for lights, fan and charging port. The main area consists of a fully equipped kitchen with gas stove, solar fridge and freezer, dining area, wash-up area, cutlery and crockery. A boma to relax at night alongside the campfire while mesmerizing the majestic night sky. His and hers bathrooms where each has 3 showers, 3 toilets and 3 basins. Old fashioned donkey boiler close to the bathrooms for hot water in the showers.
We offer a variety of on-site activities, from nature walks, Vulture viewing, Permaculture tours, and even mountain biking. On-site activities needs to be pre-booked with our reservations team in advance. There is also a variety of off-site activities that can be pre-booked with reservations. Any off-site activity needs to be booked at least 24-hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
Should you run out of fresh produce there is no need to panic, the camp is a mere walking distance from our very own Permaculture garden.
ZAR 1,280 Per Villa / Unit
Family & Friends Double Luxury Tented Suite
Ideally for groups of friends or families.
2 Classic Safari Tents with sharing private deck. Both with 1 king-size or 2 twin beds.
Unique views, fully solar-powered, ceiling fan, spacious en-suite bathroom and open-air shower.
Rates on request
Luxury Tented Suites
Classic Safari Tent with 1 king-size or 2 twin beds.
Unique views, fully solar-powered, ceiling fan, spacious en-suite bathroom and open-air shower.
Rates on request
Details
Amenities
room_facilities: Balcony / Deck, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Verandah
spoken_languages: Afrikaans, English
special_interests: Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Sports, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
activities_on_site: Bird Watching, Cycling, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Garden Tours, High Tea, Walks (Guided)
available_services: 24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available)
activities_off_site: Adrenaline Activities, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, Natural History Tours, Quad Biking, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
property_facilities: Activity Desk, Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Vegetarian
Activities
Blyde River Boat Cruise (Off-site), Graskop Gorge Adventure Day (Off-site), Guided nature walk, Kruger National Park (Off-site), Mountain biking, Panorama Route (Off-site), Permaculture tour, Sunset drive, Vulture Viewing