Image: Marnus Steyn from @mpicphoto
The reflections of the concrete skyscrapers are almost still visible while you enter The Cradle of Humankind just outside Johannesburg (North of Krugersdorp). Not only is this the home ground of many caves and fossils, but also the perfect playground for adventure seekers or weekend warriors looking for a nice place to chill out in the countryside.
One of my favorite spots is the Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge that offers a full bush experience where you are guaranteed to see wild animals like giraffe, zebra and antelope like kudus. It is home to over 20 species of wild animals, including rhino. Situated on Beyers Naude Drive in Muldersdrift, Cradle Moon is easy to find and assessable from Lanseria Airport and Pretoria.
Set under the Zwartkop mountain within the 1 500 conservancy, Cradle Moon is an eco-activity hospitality destination for swimmers, hikers, fly-fishers, cyclists and game-lovers. The wedding venue is a new addition to the lodge, all set with a chapel as ceremony venue and the reception venue, overlooking Lake heritage and seating up to 160 guests.
The 32-hectare pristine lake not only offers the entire option of all non-motorised water sports, but is also home to a family of hippo as well as countless species of fish that will excite any fly-fisherman. According to Evan Lamb, assistant general manager the hippo and rhino is kept at a safe distance and not a threat to visitors.
View this post on Instagram
Boat cruises are available on the 24-seater pontoon and the one-and-a-half-hour long trip is a good way to enjoy game and birdlife from water level.
The over 50km of mountain biking and running trails are one of the biggest attractions of this venue and weekends are packed when cyclists flock together in their spandex and cleats. The beauty of the trails is that there is literally something for everyone – from the advanced mountain-biker longing for an adrenaline rush on little bridges and steep drops, to the beginner still riding with his training wheels. Cradle Moon guarantee a secure and special experience for every level of athlete and with varied terrain from forests to mountains.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
A perfect day out
Game drives and walks are also on offer for those seeking an authentic wildlife experience. Trips can be taken by experienced game rangers and the game drive goes over the farms of Swartkop and Driefontein, incorporating the old Heia Safari Ranch, Ekudeni, Eduzan, Bell Gables, Aloe Ridge, Riverview Spa, Glenburn Lodge and Kloofzicht.
A perfect day is always ended with a cold one or a good meal, and that is exactly what Cradle Moon offers. The latest addition to their facilities is a bar and restaurant situated on the dam wall with a large deck and seating capacity of 120 guests. There is nothing like a sundowner on this deck, experiencing the splendid view of the dam and the Crocodile River. Previously we also had a Sunday lunch in the traditional restaurant, which offered an a la carte menu. The kids were amazed by the zebras that came for a drink at the swimming pool.
View this post on Instagram
Cradle Moon offers guest accommodation consisting of 50 standard two bedroom thatched bungalows. The en-suite bathroom offers both bath and shower facilities and each bungalow has a veranda. During our stay a friendly giraffe came to show off her newborn baby, an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life!
The deets
Cradlemoon Lakeside Game Lodge is open seven days a week including both restaurants. Current restaurant (down by the lake) is strictly first come first serve.
The main restaurant at the pool can be booked – reservations@cradlemoon.co.za or 011 919 5000.
- Entrance fee is R50 per person at the gate, plus an additional fee for activities like MTB, Trail Running, Hiking, Swimming, Paddling and Fly Fishing.
- Visit cradlemoon.co.za/activities for additional prices.
Written by Terésa Coetzee
