Bakoni Forest Lodge at Heysbrook

Description

Nestled in the heart of Mpumalanga, South Africa, lies the Bakoni Forest Lodge, a stunning retreat situated in Waterval Onder. The lodge is not only a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life but is also steeped in history. The lodge is intimately set amongst a series of stone kraals and walkways, which were once inhabited by the BaKoni people over 800 years ago. The indigenous forest, which occupies much of Heysbrook's riverine topography alongside the banks of streams and a river, provides a natural and serene backdrop for the lodge. The lodge itself is a tribute to the turn-of-the-century history of the valley. Exposed handcrafted trusses, wooden ceilings, and dressed-stone walls are all architectural details that add to the lodge's charm. Large stacking doors, folding windows, and expansive verandahs ensure that the outside is part of the inside, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. The lodge features 5 bedrooms and 5 en-suite bathrooms. Each bedroom is furnished with a king-size bed and offers an en-suite bathroom fitted with a bath, a shower, a toilet, and a basin. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering and contains a stove, oven, fridge-freezer, microwave, cutlery, and crockery. The open-plan living area features a dining table, a bar, comfortable seating, and a TV. The Bakoni Forest Lodge also features a well-equipped boma, which is located deep under the forest canopy. It provides a perfect spot for guests to enjoy a braai while surrounded by nature. Whether guests are looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Bakoni Forest Lodge provides the perfect escape.

Rates

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What you'll find here

Price Includes

Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.

House Rules

Please sign the indemnity, covering all members of their party occupying the lodge during their stay, including pets. They are urged to carefully read the document before signing.

The property welcomes well-behaved dogs at an extra fee per pet, per night. Please ensure you bring your own pet bedding, bowls, and cleaning towels. Due to Heysbrook’s river, streams, and outdoor areas, your dog may get wetter and dirtier than usual, so please be prepared for this. If your pet tends to jump on furniture or sleep on the bed, we kindly request that you provide protective covers and additional linens. Any damage, staining, or necessary replacements of curtains, cushions, or bedding caused by pets will be the guest’s account.

Please note that Bakoni Forest Lodge is not fenced. If your dog tends to chase wildlife, we recommend keeping them on a leash. Baboons and monkeys are often encountered during walks on the property.
In the summer months, it is advisable to use tick prevention.

There is a 2.5 km dirt road leading from the N4 to the lodge, which is uneven and rocky. It is accessible by a conventional sedan with sufficient ground clearance, it is not suitable for vehicles with low clearance or low-profile tyres. We encourage you to drive slowly.

When the Heys Lodge or Tudor Cottage have no other groups in residence, they are allowed to play their music at any desired volume. However, during occupancy of these other residences, they should be considerate of the need for solitude and privacy, especially when using the summerhouse, just as the other occupants are aware of their requirements.

The use of synthetic confetti, glitter, and other party decorations is strictly prohibited due to the long-lasting pollution caused by plastic glitter. In case of non-compliance, the lodge reserves the right to hire professional cleaners from Nelspruit at an approximate cost of R8,000. Instead, they are encouraged to use natural, organic, and biodegradable confetti and decorations for their celebrations.

A resident troupe of Vervet monkeys has been present in the trees around the lodge long before the establishment of Bakoni. Guests are kindly requested not to feed the monkeys and to avoid leaving any food, especially fruits and vegetables, in open areas such as the veranda and kitchen when windows are left open. Failure to comply may result in the unfortunate euthanization of monkeys that become accustomed to the lodge area.

Encounters with baboons and monkeys are common during Heysbrook walks. In the summer months, tick prevention is recommended for guests' safety and well-being.

While most requirements are already included in the rate, any extra usage and specific ancillaries will be charged separately, as outlined in further detail.

Guests are requested to drive slowly on the estate due to the presence of numerous small animals, children, and potentially oncoming farm vehicles. Only licensed drivers are permitted to drive on the lodge's roads.

Firearms, including pellet guns, paintball guns, and crossbows, are strictly prohibited on the estate, and hunting of any kind is not permitted.

When the other residences are unoccupied, guests are welcome to use a drone on the lodge premises.

Cancellation Policy