Roratau Bush Camp can be found in the beautiful and tranquil Leeuwgedacht Conservancy - bordering Dinokeng Game Reserve. It's just a hop, skip and a jump from Johannesburg - an hour and a half's drive, to be exact.
With the option to bring your own camping equipment or stay in one of their fully equipped tents, you’ll find that this is a perfect getaway option. One important thing to note is because they pride themselves on a peaceful and quiet camping environment, they have a no under 12 child policy.
If you’re worried that you’ll have to serve yourself all weekend, you’re in luck as there’s a restaurant and cash bar at the neighbouring lodge. And if you’re scared you might miss the rugby or footie, the restaurant also has DStv.
Roratau, which means the place where the lions roar, is spot on. You’ll be surrounded by the incredible night sounds of lions, hyenas, jackal, owls and more. Not to worry though, these animals are on neighbouring reserves that are fenced off so you’re very much safe to walk around without fear.
While the predators can’t get inside, the camp is home to a variety of animals that are free to wander the campsites. If you’re quiet and lucky enough you can encounter animals such as kudu, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, blesbuck, zebra, giraffe, and warthogs.
Let’s go over what you can expect from the facilities at the lodge.
The Bosvark campsite is large enough for two caravans with its own private ablution and braai.
The Vlakvark campsite, which is where I stayed, can host up to four caravans or tents, and has its own completely private ablutions, boma and shaded splash pool. You’re completely secluded and surrounded by trees and the sounds of nature. It was absolutely gorgeous and we had the most exquisite time over our weekend stay here. 10/10 would recommend.
For more information and bookings you can contact Roratau Bush Camp directly:
Phone: 084 603 9289 or 083 267 2145
Email: [email protected]
Check out their website and Facebook.
Want to find out about more getaways close to Joburg? Check our list here.
Written by Gordon Bosma.
Walking and biking
Roratau Bush Camp offers multiple walking and mountain biking routes, and if you’d like to go on a game drive it can be arranged on request. One thing to note about the game drives is while the buck and giraffe are free roaming, the lion and cheetahs are rescue animals. As such they are in enclosed camps and aren’t able to be released back into the wild. This ensures you will get to see them but doesn’t give you the same feeling you get when encountering one of these majestic animals in the wild.
Let’s go over what you can expect from the facilities at the lodge.
Roratau Bush Camp Accommodation Options
Camping
Roratau Bush Camp has five spacious caravan or tent sites. All of these sites are different, the rustic site offers all the basics electricity, water close by and your own private braai. This is in walking distance from the communal ablution that has two family bathrooms. These ablutions are well above average with hot water showers, toilets and basins and a wash up area just around the corner. On those hot days or if you just want to relax, you’ll find a communal pool to cool off and experience the most amazing sunsets.
The Bosvark campsite is large enough for two caravans with its own private ablution and braai.
The Vlakvark campsite, which is where I stayed, can host up to four caravans or tents, and has its own completely private ablutions, boma and shaded splash pool. You’re completely secluded and surrounded by trees and the sounds of nature. It was absolutely gorgeous and we had the most exquisite time over our weekend stay here. 10/10 would recommend.
Tented
If you’re more comfortable not having to pitch tents or bring your own camping equipment, Roratau Bush Camp offers five luxuriously furnished tented options as well. The two-sleeper tents are beautifully equipped and come with queen-size beds, and an en-suite bathroom with a hot-water shower. The four-sleeper tents are kitted with a queen-size bed and two single beds. This also has an en-suite bathroom and hot-water shower. You don’t even have to worry about linen and towels as they're provided. However, you need to bring your own swimming towels. As if that’s not enough, each of these tents has a kitchen with a two-plate stove and a fridge. There's also the necessary cutlery and crockery, so you’re completely covered. Braai facilities are available at each of the tents next to their private, solar powered hot tub! Imagine!?Roratau Bush Camp activities
There’s even more to do aside from resting and relaxing to the harmonious sounds of nature. Here’s what you can sink your teeth into while you’re visiting:- Bird watching
- 20km mountain bike trail
- 5km hiking trail
- Game drives on request
- A visit to the quaint town of Cullinan, about 30 minutes away
- Close by 4×4 route
- Visit to the lion camp in Dinokeng on request
- Visit to the Lion and Cheetah Sanctuary on request
For more information and bookings you can contact Roratau Bush Camp directly:
Phone: 084 603 9289 or 083 267 2145
Email: [email protected]
Check out their website and Facebook.
Want to find out about more getaways close to Joburg? Check our list here.
Written by Gordon Bosma.
