Establishment Details
A rare opportunity to experience wildest Africa…
Set between the mighty Limpopo and Mogalakwena rivers and on the border between South Africa and Botswana, Bivack Game Lodge is home to not only 2500 hectares of riverine and mopane bushveld but also to a great concentration and diversity of birdlife and wildlife.
The Lodge is more than 100 years old and obtained its name, which means “shelter”, from Scottish land surveyors. These surveyors were also responsible for naming the nearest town (about 40 km away) Alldays, when the locally brewed mampoer proved too much for them. Apparently, the one-day blurred into the next and it seems to these men that the nights were non-existent.
Both the Limpopo and Magalakwena rivers offer unsurpassed beauty. Waterbuck, bushbuck, giraffe, leopard, elephant and crocodile as well as 3 hippo families have made this their home. In the winter months when the Limpopo dries up, there is an abundance of game in the green riverbed area. Kudu, blue wildebeest, impala, zebra and a multitude of bird life frequent the haven created by the water pools and huge trees. Often the cry of the fish eagle is heard. The Tuli block in Botswana, which borders the reserve to the north, forms a beautiful backdrop of hills and natural bushveld.
Large herds of antelope, as well as the occasional family of lion, frequently cross the riverbed from Botswana.
On Bivack, there is a variety of open plains as well as hills. One hill in particular, called Eagle's Rock, offers spectacular views over the Limpopo River and the Tuli block. Eagle's Rock also houses a ruin of an ancient civilization that must have been chosen it for both its strategic position as well as its magnificent view. A pair of rare black eagles also breeds there, thereby putting the finishing touch to an already spectacular experience.
Some of the bird species that can be seen here include a proud pair of Verreaux’s eagles, Marabou, Yellow-billed, Abdim’s and Saddle-billed Storks, Goliath Heron, Martial Eagle, Great-spotted Cuckoo and Senegal Coucal. At night you can hear Rufous-cheeked European Nightjars or even Pearl-spotted and Spotted Eagle-Owl.
Other specials that can be found include Meyer’s Parrot, Broad-billed Roller, Dusky Lark, Meves’s Starling, Tropical Boubou and Lark-like Bunting.
Although Bivack’s 4-star fully catered bush camp can easily accommodate 20 people at a time, it limits the number of bookings it takes, ensuring that each stay is tailormade to our guests’ requirements. Well known for its friendly staff and excellent cuisine, it also offers a variety of activities, from driving and walking safaris to even a memorable visit to Mapungubwe, its famous neighbor, now declared a national heritage site.
Bivack’s dedication to its natural environment, together with that of pampered luxury, ensures that it retains its reputation as the “unforgettable jewel of the north”.
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Directions
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By car, Bivack lies just 440 kilometres from Pretoria. Drive North along the N1 to Polokwane and turn left on the road that passes Dendron and Vivo to Alldays. Bivack lies 35 km to the North-West of Alldays. And by plane, the trip takes only 90 minutes (Bivack has its own well-maintained runway suitable for aeroplanes up to the size of twin turbine aircraft).
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Unit Information
Chalet,
1
bedroom,
sleeps 3
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Overview
| Each chalet has air-conditioning and various toiletries for guests to be comfortable. Full course meals are provided, teas and coffees as well as a complimentary drink upon arrival. |
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Bed configuration
| There is one king size and one single bed, together with an en-suite shower and toilet |
| Number of units | 7 |
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Main Chalet,
3
bedrooms,
sleeps 6
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Overview
| A two-storey chalet with three bedrooms (all air-conditioned), two bathrooms and three toilets. Downstairs there is also a kitchenette (so it can be used for self catering purposes as well) as well as a private braai area outside. |
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Bed configuration
| Downstairs is the main bedroom with one king size bed, one toilet, one bathroom with a bath and shower, as well as a second bedroom with two three quarter beds and another bathroom with shower and toilet. Upstairs there are 4-6 single beds plus a bathroom with a toilet and washbasin. |
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