Situated on the Plumari Private 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.
Plumari Africa Game Reserve 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 to 2,5 hours in duration, are scheduled daily. Elephant Experiences include bush walks and interaction with our elephants, which include a 'touch and feed' experience.
Previously known as Plumari Game Lodge, the lodge will be trading as Askari Game Lodge from January 2010. The name change coincides with a number of exciting expansions which will be taking place at the lodge over the next few months. With immediate effect the room capacity will be increased, while retaining the current nostalgic look and feel of the lodge.
Accommodation
The main lodge 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, a coal stove, 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 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.
Askari Lodge caters for romantic getaways, conferences, teambuilding initiatives, training courses and weddings. Nature lovers and birding enthusiasts will find the experience most rewarding, while stressed city dwellers will leave feeling rejuvenated and well-rested.
Weddings
Ever been blessed by an elephant? Enjoy wedding celebrations with a difference at Askari Lodge 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.
All wedding reception venues are within a short stroll from the 120-seater chapel. The Lapa, overlooking the Elephant Dam, accommodates small groups of up to 40. Set on pure river sand under a giant thatch roof structure, the Lapa with its central roaring fireplace, affords astonishing night sky views as well as a view over the Plumari Private Game Reserve.
Akira Wedding venue is situated in the new Day Visitors Centre. Accommodating up to 120 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.
Conferences
The brand new Day Visitors Center, which houses four of the six conference venues, is abundant with African symbology, rich earthy colours and unique African décor focal points. This brand new addition to Askari Lodge is ideal for groups between 20 and 150 delegates. The upstairs conference venue opens up onto the Azima Restaurant, viewing deck and Enzi Bar, while the ground floor venues have a breath-taking view over the Magaliesberg mountain range.
The circular Lapa with roaring fireplace in the middle, is set on pure river sand under a giant thatch roof structure and accommodates up to 40 people . It is ideal for 'outdoor' meetings and conferences which call for a ‘bosberaad’ feel. Overlooking the elephant dam, this venue is open-sided with drop down canvas, ensuring your privacy, while affording an expansive view over the Game Reserve.
The 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 mens 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.
Attractions & activities
For those that wish to stimulate their minds, stroll through our history museum viewing historic memorabilia from stone age tools and thousand year old San bushman carvings found on the Reserve to viewing one of the largest private collections of ox wagons and carts in South Africa.
For those that wish to stimulate their bodies, we offer hiking or a session with our beauty/ relaxation consultant. If more exercise or adrenaline is required, in close proximity is clay pigeon shooting, archery, paint-balling, horse-riding, fishing and hot-air ballooning. Or, just be captivated by the game drives or elephant experience (learn about, touch, feed and even ride).
Your hosts will be delighted to cater to your every need. If you require information or assistance with tours, transport, outings or just general help please let us know. Also note we are in a Malaria-free area and don't worry when to come, the weather is perfect all year round.
