New Big 5 Venue in Magaliesburg - Askari Game Lodge opens Day Visitors Centre Print E-mail
Thursday, 17 June 2010 08:48
Situated on the Plumari Africa Game Reserve in the Magaliesberg, just over an hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria, Askari Game Lodge offers guests a memorable Big 5 wildlife experience within a malaria free environment. The Day Visitors Centre which opened on June 8, adds a whole new dimension of leisure, conferencing and functions to the existing offerings at Askari Game Lodge.

Askari Game Lodge is set within a pristine wilderness area of over 4000 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, and is a massive drawing card for Soccer World Cup supporters. Further attractions include Elephant Experiences, which entails touching and feeding the two teenage elephants.

In contrast to the local history depicted by the main farm house decor, the Day Visitors Center is abundant with African symbology, rich earthy colours and unique African décor focal points. The two contrasting décor themes pay homage to the Afrikaner history while highlighting the significant influence of the indigenous African tribes of the area.

Architect Ryno Niehaus explains the building style as “African-lifestyle contemporary”. “The design of the Day Visitors Centre acknowledges the environment and landscape, while still adhering to function,” Niehaus elaborates. Two massive chimneys are set to become the trademark of the building. According to Niehaus the 20m chimneys invite the fire element into the modern lifestyle design. “Huge bonfire-like fireplaces were installed to promote ‘lekgotla”, otherwise known as tribal gatherings or ‘bosberaad’. Leisure guests will love the cosy ambience these massive fireplaces create.” Another signature of the Day Visitor Centre is the extensive use of Hekpoort iron stone, found on the original farm on Plumari Africa Game Reserve.

The inspirational African décor is by Rene Matthee from Nowadays Interior: “The decor in the Day Visitors Centre is based on the organic form of the building and the fauna and flora surrounding Askari Lodge,” Matthee explains. “ We chose unique feature pieces from all over Africa to represent the wide spectrum of the African culture on our continent. Round Bamaleke tables are used in the restaurant - these tables from Cameroon are carved out of one solid piece of wood - a true African form of art. Multicoloured Senufu stools are from the Ivory Coast and each represent a different natural element. The pink Senufu stools represent the sun, the green stools represent trees and the blue stools represent the sky.”

African beads have long since been used by African tribes as currency, Muti (medicine) and to indicate status. This is used in the lounge area to add to the African ambience, along with African tribal pictures of the Teke, Kuba, Tutsi, Massai and Mangbetu tribes.

Massive bird nest lights adorn the restaurant and lounge areas and are inspired by twig nests so often found in Thorn trees. Made by Logans Original, the birds nests turn into suns, moons and stars at night. Large wooden snakes on the viewing deck symbolizing ‘Majesty’ has been hand-carved from tree trunks and originate from Swaziland.

The Day Visitors Centre deck has magnificent views over the Magaliesberg and main lodge – ideal for watching the African sun set over the mountain range. While the top level includes a restaurant, bar and function venue, the ground level incorporates conference or meeting venues.

Askari Game Lodge caters for romantic getaways, conferences, teambuilding initiatives, training courses and weddings in both 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 Game Lodge is part of the Guvon Hotels & Spa portfolio. All leisure, conference and wedding inquiries may be directed to the Guvon Hotels Central Reservations Office on 08611 GUVON/ 08611 48866 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Last Updated ( Thursday, 17 June 2010 08:51 )