Sun Destinations

Set in the heart of the idyllic Guernsey Private Nature Reserve in a wooded gully, sits the charming Panzi Lodge. This new addition to the African Retreats portfolio of properties is fantastic, and they’ll no doubt see plenty of success. 10 beautifully appointed thatched chalets on raised wooden platforms provide the perfect escape from big city life. For local South Africans, Panzi offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy an affordable and unforgettable safari experience. 

Panzi Lodge is surrounded by iconic bushveld terrain and is renown for its warm, world-class hospitality. With its 3 raised viewing decks, architects have certainly maximised the lodge’s wilderness location. The viewing decks really deserve special mention. Viewing deck one is best positioned for sunrise over the waterhole; viewing deck two is perfect for sundowners and has sweeping views of the Drakensberg; viewing deck three is the pool deck overlooking the ‘veld and pool; and the most stunning viewing deck is the water tower offering sublime views of the Kruger terrain.

The main area of the lodge is designed for relaxation, and there’s even a weekly bonfire/ barbecue evening to really enhance your safari experience. For those sizzling hot summer days, there’s a swimming pool surrounded by a deck area. The main lodge also opens up onto the bar, lounge and dining area where you can enjoy drinks and freshly made food.

For evening relaxation, the boma area is the place to be. When the summer rains hit the lands, a river runs through the boma area, creating a small waterfall which only adds to that epic natural element.

There are 10 thatched chalets designed in an A-frame style, each with their own private wooden balconies. Rooms have huge glass windows that let in plenty of light and natural scenes. The serenity of this refreshing lodge is unsurpassed. Decor is mainly muted hues, with pieces of colourful African art adding pops of colour. Rooms are connected to the main area via connected wooden pathways. On-site guests can enjoy daily bush walks and night drives in Panzi’s traverse and enjoy the close proximity to popular off-site activities such as hot air ballooning, day trips into the Kruger National Park, Panorama Route tours, and more.

Whether it’s at the lodge or further afield, guests can enjoy a flexible wildlife adventure. Giraffe, antelope, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, and abundant birdlife can be spotted from camp. Whether you choose to relax at the poolside with a cocktail, soar across the Lowveld in a hot air balloon, or chill on your balcony, Panzi is perfect.

Panzi offers rewarding on-site activities and can arrange a multitude of off-site activities for guests. Rates include one game drive or bush walk per day. For off-site activities, there are some great packages to suit every requirement, but everything is dependent on availability.

Off-site attractions include:

• A day trip/safari into the Kruger National Park
• Hot air ballooning trip over the Drakensberg
• Big 5 safari game drives in the Manyeleti Reserve
• The Hoedspruit Centre For Endangered Species
• Panorama Route Tours
• Jessica the hippo
• Bush walk on Big 5 area
• Visit to a wildlife rehabilitation centre
• Helicopter flights
• Quad biking
• Zip-lining
• Canyoning/kayaking

Wildlife Guernsey Nature Reserve occupies 400 hectare of prime bushveld terrain with varied ecosystems and habitats. Wooded savanna and bushveld punctuated by jackalberry, knobthorn, marula, and leadwood trees. Antelope, giraffe, buffalo, impala, klipspringer, kudu, zebra, and wildebeest are the most common residents.

Birding is also spectacular, and there are over 200 species of bird in the reserve, making it a great place for twitchers. Commonly seen species include the lilac-breasted roller, southern yellow-billed hornbill, bateleur eagle, tawny eagle, Wahlberg’s eagle, and rare species such as the Martial eagle.