An entirely unique place exists within the untouched wilderness of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. An exclusive sanctuary, bordering the Greater Kruger National Park, where the game freely roam and the landscape unravels as far as the eye can see. Having traversed the globe for decades, venturing the roads less-travelled and seeking the remote, ruggedness of the African bush, the owners of Klaserie Plains discovered this unique place, and succumbed to its inimitable beauty. Its sprawling 6,500 hectares of savannah grasslands and thriving waterholes with the Drakensberg Mountains in the distance, this hideaway harnessed the very essence of the owners’ curious travelling hearts, as it does to so many that venture here too.
With its large, open entertaining, living and dining spaces resting at the helm of the lodge, and the four beautifully secluded suites discreetly tucking themselves away, Klaserie Plains encompasses everything you’d want out of an authentic African safari, without the pretentious patter. The land, the lookout spots, the views, the 16-metre swimming pool, the long sundecks with sun loungers, the lounge and libraries, the bar, the fire pits, the stars and the pungent aromas of the prevailing wilderness are all exclusively yours. For you and your clan to satiate the wonders of the bush. To be at liberty to head out onto the game trails, feast around the long tables, recline in the many lounging areas and succumb to this place of inimitable beauty on your own clocks. All the while being immersed in the luxury of the lodge’s atmosphere, its jovial family of staff, the sublime comforts and artistic touches that mirror the palette of the landscape.
Amongst all of its wonderful attributes, the elements that make this hideaway so unique – that have been consciously stitched into the fabric of your safari experience – are what sets Klaserie Plains apart from others. Its activity offerings to the discerning bush enthusiasts are endless. From the magnificent day and night drives and walking tours, the spa treatments and scenic helicopter flights, to sound and photography safaris, utilising the lodge’s photo hides and directional microphones and amplifiers. A remarkable sensory experience of an existence in the wilderness. Their Aquaponic system that nurtures the vegetable gardens, the guests and indeed the entire community of the lodge. Wheelchair access that covers the grounds entirely. Bush picnics, high teas and slow dinners beneath the stars. The incredibly romantic sleep-out suite, where two can cosy-up in their own seclusion. It’s as if every factor for a once-in-a-lifetime safari has been imagined and implemented flawlessly. Aside from the utter luxury of the lodge and the rugged plains of its surroundings, this hideaway has a way of harnessing our curiosity with the African bush. And it does so in the most authentic, sustainable and stylish way.
What we Love!
- In its contemporary form and with the use of high-end materials, appliances and refined furnishings, the lodge has been built with the warmth of the colours of the bush in mind. Not a shade of white to be spotted anywhere (aside from the linen). Not even in the crockery. It’s all about honouring the landscape.
- Evenings around the swimming pool, enjoying a casual wood-fired pizza feasting and cocktails whilst the outdoor projector screen entertains.
- Savouring a slow breakfast at the lodge, shaded beneath the canopy of a 1,000 year-old baobab tree.
- The magnificent artworks by the sculptor Mambakwedza Mutasa, whose works hold many of the spaces together.
- Early mornings, rising before the birds and heading out onto the trails, witnessing the bush come to life.
What you need to know…
- Please note Klaserie Plains can only be booked for sole-use by you and your loved ones, and not on a room-by-room basis.
- The entire property caters to those in need of access with a wheelchair.
- The lodge is located a short distance from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport. Guests will be greeted at the airport and transported to the lodge. Those that wish to arrange their own private air travel, there is a private airstrip as the owner is a pilot and has their own Cessna at the lodge. Which also means, absolutely everything can be catered for, all supplies and essentials are just a Cessna away.
- You and your clan can choose your daily activities with the guides and the trackers. Spotting the Big Five and over 500 bird species. Or a spa treatment with the lovely L’Occitane products – also present in your ensuite rooms. Simply relaxing around the lodge enjoying the gourmet meals and unparalleled service.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie