Excitement is mounting at Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge as staff prepare to welcome old friends (and new) when the lodge is reopened on 1 May 2009, in time to celebrate its 25th birthday.

After the fire that gutted a large part of the lodge in August last year, the lodge has been rebuilt with sound environmental practices in mind. When the lodge reopens, all hot water supplied to the kitchen, laundry and back of house areas will be provided via a solar heating system thus reducing energy consumption. This will account for 2 000 litres of solar heated water. The game department will be implementing demonstrations and educational presentations on the lodge's planned green projects as these are implemented. Planned projects include the use of bio fuel for game vehicles.

Other new features at the lodge include a new terrace along the front of the existing restaurant to allow guests to dine under the stars (weather permitting) with stunning view of “the rock”, park and watering hole. The construction of the terrace has allowed the bottom area of the restaurant to be extended to double its previous size and guests seated on the lower level will have a birds eye view of the waterhole directly in front of the restaurant. New decor and state-of-the-art buffet facilities complete the fresh look of our new restaurant.

Extending your dining experience, the lodge has created an outdoorscooking area on the edge of the pool deck. All equipment is built in, gas powered and can be used in all weather conditions.

The game department has taken the opportunity to completely revamp its displays and guest offerings. Guides in the department, which has relocated to the site of the old executive offices, are preparing new educational displays to replace those lost in the fire. These will be unique and will offer more comprehensive information than those lost in the fire. The department will also have a small cinema where wildlife DVD’s will be shown and where presentations and educational lectures can be conducted. Some of our guides have also received astronomy training and will be able to provide “Star Gazing” talks with the aid of a newly acquired telescope to enhance your bush experience.

The management and staff at Kwa Maritane look forward to showing you their new features while treating you to the same high standards you have come to expect when visiting a Legacy hotel.