Askari Game Lodge and Spa

Askari Lodge – the legend lingers.

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Askari Lodge – the legend lingers.

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Askari Game Lodge and Spa

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Askari Game Lodge & Spa is situated on the Plumari Africa Game Reserve in the Magaliesberg, just over an hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria and offers guests a memorable Big 5 wildlife experience within a malaria free environment.

Plumari Africa Game Reserve is set within a pristine wilderness area of over 5000 hectares with natural African bushveld and an abundance of flora, fauna, birdlife and wildlife. Two game drives, each approximately 2 – 2,5 hours in duration, are scheduled daily. Elephant  interaction includes an educational talk followed by a ‘touch and feed’ experience.  The main lodge, which is in fact the old Bodenstein family farmhouse, overlooks the Elephant Dam and invites guests to take a step back in time while admiring South African décor pieces dating back to the 1800’s. Slipper baths, wash stands, luggage chests, antique Oregon cupboards and tables are subtly placed within the four-star surrounding, to emphasize the captivating history of the Magaliesberg area.

Askari Lodge has one of the largest private collections of ox wagons, carts and other animal drawn vehicles from the period 1800 to 1900. A variety of stone and iron-age arte facts, items from the Boer War and San Bushmen rock carvings tell the history of the area, which is also known for the nearby Battle of Nooitgedacht. Examples are available in the museum and guided bush walks take guests through areas where many stone carvings can be found. In contrast with the rich Boere and Afrikaner history depicted by the main farmhouse decor, the Day Visitors Center is abundant with African symbology, rich earthy colours and unique African decor focal points. The two contrasting decor themes pay homage to the history while highlighting the significant influence of the indigenous African tribes of the area.

Askari Game Lodge & Spa caters for romantic getaways, conferences, teambuilding initiatives, training courses and weddings in its 48 rooms, the main lodge and Day Visitors Centre. Nature lovers and birding enthusiasts will find the experience most rewarding, while stressed city dwellers will leave feeling rejuvenated and well-rested.

Askari Lodge & Spa is within easy access (approx. 40km) from Maropeng where Homo Naledi, a new species of human relative, has been discovered in a cave in The Cradle of Humankind, South Africa.

Accommodation

The Askari Lodge interior manages to capture the romance and essence of ‘Africa meets Antique Dutch’ with décor pieces dating back to the 1800’s. Slipper baths, wash stands, luggage chests, antique Oregon cupboards and tables are subtly placed within the luxury four-star surrounding, to emphasize the captivating history of the Magaliesburg area. Of the 48 suites, some have thatch roofs and wooden patios, while the newly added self-catering family units are tin-roofed with rough plaster and a distinct farmhouse look. The Chalets and Suites all have unique configurations and cater for individuals, groups and families. Mini-bars are filled on request and complimentary tea/ coffee, safes, hairdryers and cooling fans are available for your comfort and enjoyment.

Activities at Askari Lodge

Askari Game Lodge provides a unique African safari experience with The Big 5, in a Malaria free area. Activities include Elephant Experiences, which includes touch and feed interaction with our elephants, game drives, a private museum with ox wagon collection as well as accompanied bush walks

Game Drives
The Plumari Private Reserve , in which Askari Lodge is situated, comprises a pristine malaria free wilderness area of over 5000 hectares. The Reserve boasts an amazing natural African bushveld with an abundance of flora, fauna, birdlife and wildlife. Two game drives, each approximately 2 hours in duration, are scheduled daily. Choose your game drive beverages before the game drive at the bar and we will keep them cold for you during your game drive. Food and beverages are not included in the game drive rate.

Elephant Experiences
Our two elephants, Damara and Nzewe are both sub-adult males who arrived at Plumari in Sept 2006. They were born and living as wild elephants on a private game reserve in Limpopo Province which at the time was about 50% overpopulated with elephants. Threatened with being culled, Damara and Nzewe were acquired by Elephants for Africa Forever (“EFAF”) and put into their licensed training programme. Upon satisfactory completion, they were relocated to Askari Lodge

Survival & Bush Skills
Do you have what it takes? We’ve all seen the “Savage Survival” and “Survivor” programmes on television, while relaxing with hot chocolate on a comfortable couch. If you find yourself away from the comforts of your house, and you are stuck in a remote area with nothing but African Bushveld surrounding you, are you equipped with the skills to stick it out?

Petroglyph Hikes / Mountain Hikes
Our accompanied bush walks offer guests an ideal opportunity to learn more about the fauna and flora of the region, as well as discover some of the smaller inhabitants of our reserve. Allow our guides to point out the finer details of the reserve. Which plants may be used for medicinal purposes and which are preferred by the animals in the reserve. Discover rock carvings along the way, in an area alongside what is said to be the oldest mountain range on earth, the Magaliesberg. The variety of insects and birds is astounding – don’t forget your camera!

Museum
Situated within the Gala Hall is our museum. Askari Lodge boasts one of the largest private collections of ox wagons, carts and other animal drawn vehicles from the period 1800 to 1900. Tools and other collectibles from that era are also on view in our museum. The Main Lodge building was built in the mid 1800’s. Every effort has been made to restore this wonderful building to the splendour it was some 150 years ago. No structural changes are permitted.

Kids Parties / School Outings
All outings include a Hamburger/hotdog with chips and juice and use of our swimming pool

Spa

Askari Spa at Askari Game Lodge reflects the environment that surrounds it – African veldt and wildlife rise up to meet the African sky and majestic Magaliesberg mountain range. This Big 5 Game lodge is scenically set between Hekpoort and Magalieburg and pays tribute to South Africa’s rich archeological and cultural history within a malaria-free environment.

Located in the heart of the lodge, the spa complex boasts with an individual treatment room, a couples room with a double outdoor shower and a couples hydrotherapy bath, separate men’s and ladies change rooms each with a unique steam room which opens into one. The entire spa opens up on outdoor relaxation areas and private gardens.

Numerous pathways throughout the beautiful surrounding gardens allow for leisurely walks pre- and post-treatment. The spa also incorporates a Pedicure and Manicure Lounge, Juice Bar, Swimming Pool with day beds and a retail area.

Our core philosophy of natural health is based on nurture, inspiration and the use of mother Earth’s ingredients, to provide you with the most invigorating treatments imaginable. For centuries, African women have utilized natural herbal concoctions, creams and oils to enhance natural beauty and to maintain health. Found on our reserve the Wild Olive Tree, Artemisia Afra (Wormwood) and Aloe Vera have been well known for centuries for its healing properties. We now combine both ancient and contemporary techniques in a natural manner, designed to bring balance and harmony to cater to the needs of every Individual.

Soothe away the stress of modern life and dissolve impurities, under the gentle fingers of our therapists. The benefits to body and spirit will be truly rewarding.

Askari Spa is a proud member of the South African Spa Association and strives to align itself with the principles and guidelines set by the association.

Weddings and functions

Ever been blessed by an elephant? Enjoy wedding celebrations with a difference at Askari Lodge & Spa in Magaliesberg. Just over an hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria, Askari Lodge offers wedding parties a memorable Big 5 wildlife experience where Africa meets Antique Dutch, in an area steeped with history.

The 120-seater chapel with its thatch roof and bell tower was built with the input from historians. Accommodation options include 48 suites and invite guests to take a step back in time whilst admiring the South African décor pieces dating back to the 1800’s. Slipper baths, wash stands, luggage chests, antique Oregon cupboards and tables are subtly placed within the luxury 4-star surrounding, to emphasize the interesting history of the Magaliesberg area.

All reception venues are within a short stroll from the chapel. The Lapa, overlooking the Elephant Dam, accommodates small groups of up to 40. With its central roaring fireplace it is ideal for intimate Boma-type weddings.

Akira Wedding venue is situated in the new Day Visitors Centre. Accommodating up to 150 guests, it has a beautiful deck with views over the Magaliesberg mountain range and is abundant with African symbology, rich earthy colours and unique African décor focal points. The upstairs wedding venue opens up onto the Azima Restaurant, viewing deck and Enzi Bar, ideal for pre-wedding drinks or entertainment.

Conferencing

This Big 5 game lodge situated on the Plumari Private Reserve in Magaliesberg, just over an hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria, offers guests a memorable wildlife experience within a malaria free environment. A range of wildlife-based teambuilding experiences makes this venue stand out from the rest, and is within easy reach of both Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Askari Game Lodge & Spa caters for meetings, conferences, teambuilding initiatives and training courses in both the main lodge and Day Visitors Centre. Spa relaxation is available to conference delegates after or during a day of meetings, or as a spa voucher reward for later use

“While frequenting Askari and hosting a national conference we could not have asked for much more, ” Michelev892 from Midrand describes her conference experience on Tripadvisor. “From the reception, functions, meals, menus, added extras such as the slushy, popcorn and ice creams, every staff member encountered, we couldn’t have asked for more. The staff were exemplary. Can’t wait to come again”.

The magical Forest Venue is popular for brides with a yearning to get married in the outdoors. Surrounded by a lush forest and the hippo dam not too far away, this rustic venue has wooden benches and provides a blank canvas for creative bridal touches. Being outdoors, the use of this venue is subject to weather conditions. 

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