The unspoiled nirvana of Lobatse outskirts
eight kilometres later you are home and dry. It is this stretch of road that leads guests straight through to the lodge.
Nonetheless, for those who are eager to indulge and soak in a whole new experience, the road does very little to disturb their peace. At the end of the eight kilometres, a beautiful tranquil and mind- blowing luxurious resort awaits you. The beauty of the place and the peace that it whispers to a guest somewhat makes up for the drive, and up the hilly Big Valley Game Lodge. Awaiting guests at the top of the Lobatse Farms is a place that for a moment takes your breath away. Having previously visited the Big Valley Game Lodge when it was still under construction, the magic of the place and what it does to your mind still remains intact. Now fully finished, the place has undergone a major transformation. Even more remarkable is the fact that with all the construction that went on, the owners have gone all out to preserve the beauty of the place, and created a natural pristine place.
Literally, as soon as you walk through the gates, all your worries and the fatigue of the past months just wash away. It is remarkable how a place like this puts your thoughts at ease; unhurried as time does not exist here. It almost feels like one should hide here for a couple of days, and just forget about life outside.
Greeting the Botswana Guardian team is none other than Ndala Dallas Jackson and Mason Mosarwa, the Marketing Manager. It is perhaps through the knowledge and warmth of Dallas, and one of his colleagues, Abel that will steal our hearts. The duo work in different departments, but the passion they ooze is something else. Dallas is a guide, while Abel is a waiter. Welcoming and very passionate about what they do, you instantly feel at home.
Construction for the resort has been a work in progress. Today the resort comprises of chalets made from stone, and they offer guests with a true home away from home experience. Offering one with different views of the Big Valley, the upper rooms of the chalets offer breath taking views of the length and breath of the Lodge.
In total, there are 72 state of the art rooms inclusive of ten Executive Lodge Rooms, twenty - Deluxe Lodge Rooms and forty Luxury Hotels Rooms. Standing at the top of a hill, one finds a luxurious hotel complete with conference rooms for those who wish to hold their events in style. You can instantly pick that the owners behind this place were serious about the end product that they wanted to create for their many guests. Ideally, this is a pure Southern Botswana experience that offers guests with almost what visitors who frequent places such as Maun and Kasane get, with the convenience of the short distance that they travel to experience a holiday of this type.
Also adding to its unique offering, is the fact that the lodge has an array of activities that it offers its day and staying clients. The lodge prides itself for being the only place in the country that offers Zipline. An activity suitable for those who are seeking some thrill; this is something that we highly recommend to those who wish to live a little. Despite the reservations that one might have before they try it, there is nothing scary about it. You will be taken through the safety precautions, and if you listen and do exactly what you are told, you have nothing to worry about. As soon as you are hooked on the line, and you are on your way to the other side, there is something addictive and powerful about being able to look at the landscape of the lodge from this angle. The fact that beneath you is the manmade lake adds a bucketful of excitement. As soon as you are done, you feel like going for another session.
Other activities to look forward to include Horse Riding, Swimming, Paddle Boating, Bungee Trampoline, Lion Viewing, Giant Water Slide and Game Drives. The lodge has over 12 game species including; Zebras, Camels, Elands, Kudus, Lions, Giraffes, Waterbucks etc.
Speaking with this publication, Mosarwa explains that the Lodge Rooms are strategically placed around the bush, giving guests one of the best views of the landscape. Adding to the magic of the place, the man- made lake and the valleys themselves have a story to tell.
He explains that on the other hand, the Luxury Rooms which were recently completed are located on the newly- built luxury hotel that gives their guests a city feel in the inside and an astonishingly different results when they sit and relax on their balconies.
He also notes that the lodge also prides itself by having an eye- catching spacious entertainment arena, two fully operational restaurants, two fully operational bars, various conferencing facilities that can host both smaller and large groups, a man- made lake that has an island suitable for classy activities and a man- made dam where animals quench their thirst.
“The lodge is commonly known for its amazing activities including the hosting of the Chobe- Kalahari wild animal combination that can instantly make you forget that you are a stone’s- throw away from the capital city,” he explains.
Quizzed on the state of the road that some clients are not very happy about, he explains that they maintain the road, and always try to make sure that they leave it in a state that will cater to all modes of transport. “What we usually do is that we grate it time and again to make it smooth for everyone,” he says.
On the issue of pricing, which some feel is a bit pricey, he reveals that they had actually reduced it from the ideal one while considering the value and rating of the property.