Set in the massive Cradle Moon Conservancy north of Johannesburg, Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge offers an authentic bush getaway for the city-weary. Open to day visitors and longer-stay guests, the conservancy spans 1 600ha of farmland, owned by several landowners committed to preserving and rehabilitating local fauna and flora.

Resident species include rhino, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, various antelope, hyena, jackal and aardwolf.

Previously called the Heia Safari Ranch, the centrepiece is a 32ha dam on the Crocodile River, the largest stone dam in Africa. Standing 20m high and 300m wide, the cascading water can be admired from ground level and has been the backdrop to many a selfie.

The property is the vision of late German tourism personality Franz Richter, reflecting his passion for Africa and the bush. By creating the dam and Lake Heritage, he provided an environment that attracted abundant water birds, and a hippo family also moved in.

The wild side

Guided game drives with experienced rangers remain Cradle Moon’s top attraction. But even before you reach the lodge reception, you’re likely to spot zebra and antelope grazing in the bush along the driveway.

The wildlife’s familiarity with people means you’re also likely to encounter some animals while hiking, trail running or mountain biking through the reserve.

These instances offer excellent opportunities for photos and videos – best captured from a respectful distance.

My friends and I have had the privilege of a few up-close, unsolicited giraffe encounters – equal parts magical and nerve-wracking.

On one visit, a giraffe ambling past the lodge became enamoured with my friend and attempted to follow him to the car park. Fortunately, the boom gate prevented the love-struck ungulate from venturing any further!

Then, last year, I had to be ‘rescued’ by a game ranger when browsing giraffe blocked the hiking trail ahead and behind me. Phoning reception and letting them know about my predicament, I quietly observed the magnificent creatures from the sidelines until the ranger arrived.

He simply chastised them for loitering and gently shooed them off the trail, as you would a pet pooch, his fondness for them endearing.

Keep in mind that feeding or touching the wildlife at Cradle Moon is strictly prohibited. Respect and a healthy dose of common sense should always prevail.

Outdoor activities

On Lake Heritage, visitors can enjoy fly-fishing and boat cruises, while the huge expanse of water is also popular with swimmers and hosts events such as the Midmar Mile qualification rounds. Paddlers and rowers will enjoy the Hi-Tec Water Course marked by buoys and offering courses of 500m, 1 000m and 1 500m.

On land, Cradle Moon’s diverse trails cater to beginner and advanced walkers, hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers, each route carefully designed to showcase the conservancy and immerse visitors in nature.

Accommodation and dining

Two-bedroom thatched rondavels (50 of them) are scattered around the conservancy, looking decidedly rustic from the outside but revealing upmarket, minimalistic interiors. With underfloor heating making winter stays cosy and patios overlooking the reserve for sundowners in summer, the accommodation here puts the spotlight on the bush and away from distractions.

Wi-Fi is limited, and there are no televisions or self-catering facilities in the rondavels. Guests are invited to dine on the deck of the restaurant and bar built on the dam wall to enjoy 180° views over Lake Heritage and the Crocodile River. The lodge also has a second indoor restaurant with a terrace overlooking the pool.

Whether you visit Cradle Moon for a day or choose to linger longer, this unique mini-safari experience offers something different each time – and, like me, you may find yourself drawn back again and again.

For more information phone 011 919 5000, or visit cradlemoon.co.za.