Jackalberry Lodge

Jackalberry Lodge Review

This lodge offers understated luxury, excellent food, superb guiding, and the Big Five at half the price of some of the better-known lodges. The air-conditioned thatch-and-stone chalets face the purple Drakensberg Mountains and lie in pristine bushveld that nudges the public areas and pool. It's commonplace to watch a warthog munching while you do the same, or a giraffe wander past as you sun yourself. Chalets have stone floors, braided straw rugs with leather bindings, deep armchairs, and beaded cushions in soft earth tones, all echoing a simple but elegant African theme. Spacious bathrooms have his-and-hers sinks, a tub with a bushveld view, and indoor and outdoor showers. The rangers are terrific, the staff friendly and efficient, and a particular bonus is that kids of all ages are welcome. Trained babysitters keep them occupied while you are off on game drives. For a little extra you can book the two-bedroom family chalet or one of the two large rooms where the bush comes right up to your doorstep. Don't be surprised if a herd of curious zebras eyeballs you as you sit on your large, private stoop.