Falling in love with Kruger National Park is not unheard of amongst first-timers to South Africa. This was what happened when Danish couple Mette and Michael Kristensen visited the country back in 1995. In fact, they loved the place so much that they decided to own and operate a lodge of their own, which was how Mbizi Bush Lodge started in 2014. The hilltop 4-room lodge is in the middle of Grietjie Private Nature Reserve, which shares an unfenced boundary to Kruger National Park.

Their Scandi heritage greatly influenced the design of the lodge, where the airy minimalist interiors and colour schemes are tastefully coupled with touches of African styled furnitures. There are also no lack of chill out spots, including an outdoor pool with pool loungers that give you a great view of the bush. 

Every morning, Mette prepares a breakfast of champions – yogurt, mushrooms, eggs, fresh juices, cheeses, the list goes on. Night falls, and three course dinners are served next to a fireplace in the dining room. The food is a mix of traditional South African cuisine and European recipes. Everything is home cooked. Blinis topped with avocadoes, smoked salmon and caviar. Moroccan styled lamb shank with couscous. Springbok carpaccio with cheese and rockets. Grilled halloumi cheese with jam. Amarula chocolate mousse. Every night, the meals end up being a pleasant surprise and are a perfect way to end the day. 

On some days, your peaceful time at the lodge may be interrupted by an elephant coming up to the pool or a group of cape buffalos drinking at the waterhole. That’s life at an unfenced lodge in the bush. No two days are the same. Before you turn in, look up at the night sky at your private veranda just outside your room – it will take your breathe away. 

Tip: 2 of the 4 rooms have a shared veranda so it’s perfect for families