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Description:
Will and Carol formed the
Paperbark Bush Retreat to provide an antidote to today's hectic
lifestyle - a peaceful paradise, presenting carbon neutral,
eco-friendly luxury in one of the most magnificent areas of unspoilt
bush in South Africa.
This large 327 hectare estate lies in a secluded hidden valley
approximately 25km from Lydenburg, with indigenous game, waterfalls,
mountain streams and pools. The views are simply splendid across the
ever-changing bush and along the peaks of the mountain range
creating a tranquil haven where guests can relax and rejuvenate. Our
operation is conducted in an environmentally respectful manor, in
that our policy is one of not affecting the behaviours of wildlife
and/or the location.
Accommodation:
Accommodation consists of
comfortable spacious rooms designed with a mix of African and
colonial styles, situated in a main lodge and bungalows surrounding
a central lawn. Each is uniquely designed and inspired by the
magnificence of its surroundings, decorated in organic colours and
naturally woven fabric, creating an eco-chic ambience.
Accommodation comprises:
PaperBark Main Lodge
Two twin bedrooms with a shower-room occupying a wing of the main
lodge, with splendid views. Decorated with locally sourced material,
ideal for family groups.
Wild Fig Bungalow
Traditionally our honeymoon suite. This luxurious bungalow has a
double bedroom, bathroom with bath and outside shower, and large
sitting room. Beautifully appointed in rich textures and a colonial
style with log fire and original artefacts from Africa. Private
stoep, ideal for whiling away those balmy sunny days.
Bush willow Bungalow
This unique bungalow offers spacious accommodation again richly
decorated in an African theme. Comprising one twin and one double
bedroom either side of a sitting room with small kitchen and
shower-room. It also has its own private stoep.
Sweet Thorn Bungalow
A twin bedded room with ensuite including slipper bath and separate
shower cubicle; lounge area, stoep and private walled garden.
Dinning:
We pride ourselves on sincere hospitality, sumptuous home-style
cuisine and friendly attentive service. You can sit back and relax,
taking in the natural beauty of this property. Sip sundowners as the
sun sets behind the nearby Leutla Mountain and enjoy the
tranquillity of the African bush.
Dine under a canopy of stars as you enjoy our Euro-African cuisine
in a rustic outside lapa or on alternate evenings, in the delightful
dining room. The unique open plan lapa together with blazing log
fires creates an ambience that will not be easily forgotten.
Conservation:
The Paperbark Bush Retreat forms part
of the Leutla Conservancy and is the home of the Ingwe Leopard
project. Our management and safari staff have many years experience
in wildlife conservation and are actively involved with ongoing
conservation projects. Paperbark Bush Retreat is the home of the
Ingwe Leopard Project and our management form part of the board of
trustees of PAW (Protection of African Wildlife) Conservation Trust.
Each visit to the Paperbark Bush Retreat aims to provide not only a
relaxation and peace, but an insight into the real issues associated
with African conservation.
Activities:
Sit back and relax, taking in the natural beauty of this property
with its abundance of bird life and butterflies, or you can be
energetic and explore. Walking alongside the rivers and creeks or
over the hillside tracks is a favourite with most visitors. Those
that are fit enough can take the challenge of walking the mountain
tracks. It’s up to you, do as little or as much as you like.
Guided Tours:
Guided tours to many of the local attractions are available on
request. These include:
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Boer War battle fields
Lydenburg Falls
Local artist galleries and African market
Social Responsibility:
The Paperbark Bush Retreat had previously been a cattle ranch and
has been converted to eco-tourism with the intent of providing a low
impact commercial venture, which continues to sustain the existing
employees and their families living on the land. Within the Leutla
Conservancy we have a policy of recruiting staff from one extended,
indigenous family, who have lived and worked within the Conservancy
boundaries for many years.
Our safari staff are encouraged to develop within the company.
Individuals are encouraged to develop within the organisation to
achieve their goals and where applicable to produce conservation
based items for sale (100% of the proceeds going to the originator).
Accreditations:
Directions:
From Johannesburg
Take the N4 from Pretoria or the N12 from Johannesburg to Witbank.
Pass Witbank and Middelburg.
Take the R33 to Belfast, then the R540 passing through Dullstroom to
Lydenburg.
From Nelspruit, take the R37 to Lydenburg.
Take the R37 from Lydenburg towards Burgersfort.
After approximately 35 km, turn left onto a dirt road signposted "Beetgekraal".
Our Staff will meet you at the Leutla Conservancy Main Gate and
guide you to the Paperbark Bush Retreat.
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