FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Something about this place seemed vaguely familiar — though entirely new. It was only once I'd settled into a plush couch, water feature trickling soothingly in the background, glass of wine in hand, that it dawned on me: Lejwe La Metsi has the makings of a mini Sun City.
I could see it in the immaculate lawn and lush gardens and the towering columns rising from a pool deck surrounded by large boulders which frame a pristine blue pool against a backdrop of palm trees.
Staff whisk about unobtrusively; there is not so much as a towel out of place on the loungers basking in the sun and drinks stay miraculously full.
THE BACKSTORY
A little over an hour-and-a-half drive from Johannesburg, Lejwe La Metsi is a five-star lodge on the outskirts of Bela-Bela, Limpopo. Built around 20 years ago, it offered a refuge for four families who collectively owned the property.
Over the years, some of the families emigrated until finally the Lala family had bought each of their shares. They decided they wanted to open up their slice of paradise to the world by converting it into a lodge.
They received their five-star grading at the end of last year and officially opened the lodge in February.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
The lodge is built into the belly of a valley surrounded by trickling waterfalls. As such, the name is a perfect description: translated from South Sotho, Lejwe La Metsi means “rock of water”.
Beyond this valley, the property reaches into rocky outcrops before unfurling into grassland and thick bushveld, which is home to the likes of buffalo, zebra, hippo, buck, giraffe, jackal, hyena and even leopard.
While game drives are the order of the day on the 2,500ha property, Lejwe La Metsi is not home to the Big Five and they don’t sell themselves as a game lodge as such, but rather as a five-star luxury getaway.
OUT ON SAFARI
That’s not to say a game drive with Piet Moima is not a memorable affair. With conservation and sustainability dictating their efforts, the Lala family is working hard to rewild the private reserve.
They have a particular passion for rare species of animals and are working towards breeding the likes of Zambezi sable, golden wildebeest and black and saddleback impala to repopulate their dwindling populations which have taken a knock across Southern Africa for reasons as diverse as poaching, habitat loss, disease and natural selection.
While buck species are usually relegated to the category of sideshow on the average game drive, here they become the stars. Where the humble impala mostly fail to stir excitement in a game-viewing crowd, their dainty black counterparts have an almost ethereal quality, and the golden wildebeest — with their blonde mohawks and golden brown fur — cast a golden hue in the rays of the setting afternoon sun. Most impressive is the herd of Zambezi sable with horns that form an almost regal crown on their skulls.
THE VILLAS
Six villas are dotted across the property. Five of these sleep six people in three opulent en-suite rooms, which come together around a spacious lounge and private patio. The self-catering Bush Villa also sleeps six in three en-suite bedrooms with the addition of a spacious bar and private dining area — perfect for a family or group of friends.
Small details such as a lit fire in winter and bedtime stories left on your pillow by your housekeeper each night make for a memorable stay.
WINE AND DINE
Villa guests can expect all-inclusive meals that cater to all palates and dietary restrictions. What makes the meals truly enjoyable is the different settings in which they can be served: from a poolside lunch the one day, to a waterfall picnic the next and a magnificent boma dinner beneath a blanket of stars at night.
WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO
Daily safari adventures include guided walks and game drives with drink stops at a number of spectacular vistas (tip: ask about the bush toilet with a view). There’s also stargazing at night and relaxing spa treatments in the Royal Africa Spa. For longer stays — or to keep the little ones entertained — Warmbaths resort is a short drive from the lodge and is open to day visitors.
A SPECIAL NOTE
The team pride themselves on offering custom stays. Whether it’s a secluded, romantic getaway for two or a family holiday geared towards entertaining children, private itineraries are designed to suit personal schedules and preferences.
RATES
Lejwe La Metsi is running a spring special through the month of September. The fully catered villas are R26,950 for six people or R5,250 pps per night and include breakfast, lunch, dinner, all game drives and walking safaris. The standard rate for the self-catering villa which can sleep six is R9,500 per night. For more information on rates or to make a booking, visit lejwelametsi.co.za.
• Oberholzer was a guest of Lejwe La Metsi
