Bush breaks leave a legacy

Whether you enjoy watching the sun rise over a mountain ridge from the comfort of a five-star lodge, or hearing the call of wild jackal at dusk while sitting around a Boma, Legacy Hotels & Resorts offers the ideal bush break for you and your family.

With their exclusive bush packages at Bakubung, Tshukudu, Kwa Maritane, Kuzuko Lodge and Kruger Park Lodge, Legacy Hotels & Resorts are bringing thousands of South Africans closer than ever to the healing power of nature.

"All year round we experience an influx of tired and stressed city slickers wanting to spend quality time with loved ones away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life," says Mike Rowley of Legacy Hotels & Resorts. "At this current time of the year the bush is not as thick and animal sightings are more frequent. In the later rainy months, you're guaranteed to be witness to some of the most spectacular African thunderstorms. Our lodges are also all in malaria free areas, so mosquitos in summer are never an issue."

Family focussed

With a large focus on family, Legacy's bush breaks offer something for everyone - young and old. "Holidaymakers are often torn between a beach or bush holiday. Bush holidays are ideal for children as they not only get to see and learn about animals, but also about fauna and flora, animal spoor, climate and our diverse eco system," says Rowley.

"Our lodges offer educational programmes on site, such as daily snake demonstrations and a wildlife centre and museum, which children can explore. With activities and facilities including a kiddies playground, bush putt-putt, swimming pool, games room, Junior Rangers Programme, as well as holiday programmes, children are kept entertained, which means adults have more time to enjoy a game drive, relax and unwind by the pool, in the spa, or at the bar and restaurant."

Various activities

Another great educational experience for children (and adults too) is stargazing now offered at Bakubung, Kwa Maritane and Kuzuko. Kuzuko Lodge also offers Khoisan cave experiences complete with the types of drawings often found in the caves in which the ancient Khoisan people once lived. Tshukudu Bush Lodge is one of the most romantic game lodges, nestled within the remains of an extinct volcano, and perfect for couples.

There are also game drives into the park which appeal to all ages. Legacy's lodges are situated in big 5 areas, so guests can expect to see some, if not all, the big 5 during their stay, as well as a huge variety of birds and smaller mammals and reptiles. Kruger Park Lodge is not situated in the Kruger Park, however on site people can see Hippo's, Impala and a variety of birds.

"Our lodges offer game drives early morning and late afternoon, and in some cases in the evening too," says Rowley. "Early morning and late afternoon are equally good times to see animals as they are usually seen at watering holes or grazing. Night drives also offer a unique experience as you get to see the nocturnal animals which tend to hide or sleep during the day. I think the best time of day would really depend on what the guest is hoping to see."

Families can choose from a number of options such as self-catering and restaurant facilities. Bakubung and Kwa Maritane have hotel rooms which are on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, as well as timeshare units which are self-catering but managed through Magic Breakaways. Both lodges have a restaurant on site for meals. At Tshukudu a continental buffet is served on the deck, a light lunch just before the afternoon game and a 5 course menu at dinner. Kuzuko Lodge is based on a full board basis, whereas Kruger Park Lodge offers self-catering facilities and a restaurant on site. All lodges are different in this respect.