Vuyatela - meaning 'come and visit again - is an exclusive lodge that has broken the mould of traditional game lodges and is the pride of Djuma Game Reserve. Djuma is situated in the northern part of the 65,000 hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve, an area well known for its spectacular game viewing.
Vuyatela is an expression of modern South African culture. Each of the 8 luxury suites or 'Kayas' (the Shangaan word for house) is secluded in African bush. The main lodge includes a large double deck, outdoor dining, wine cellar, a bar overlooking the watering hole, indigenous aquarium, and a suspended bird-watching tower.
The cultural theme also runs through activities. After the morning game drive, guests may accompany their Shangaan guide to his nearby village, where they will have the opportunity of interacting with his family and friends in a very authentic and contemporary African environment.
The idea of the cuisine is to take guests back to the basics of Southern African food with classic dishes but placing an emphasis on quality ingredients.
Each suite is a collection of buildings joined to each other. The private lounge is separated from the bedroom by a beautiful teak deck, which ends at the private plunge pool.
The view from the deck is onto pristine African Savanna with its bounty of animal life.
Each of the buildings that make-up the suite is built in a different technique. Some have abstract patterns painted on the walls and others have even domestic scenes painted on them.
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Rates Include
All meals; 2 shared game drives per day; and an optional walking safari are included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change).
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Babysitting services are available.
Directions For Drivers
From Hazyview: Take the R40 from Hazyview towards Bushbuckridge. Continue on this road for approximately 68 km from Hazyview (passing Bushbuckridge and Acornhoek), then turn right onto the Orpen Road/R531 then follow the directions as below once on the R531.
From Eastgate Airport/Hoedspruit: Take the R40 towards Bushbuckridge, and continue along this road for 2 km until you get to the Orpen Road/R531 then follow the directions as below once on the R531.
From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing. Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road until you get to the Orpen Road/R531 on your left, then follow the directions as below once on the R531.
Directions once on the R531: Continue straight for 30 km. Once you have passed the South African Wildlife College (on your left), after 100m turn right onto a gravel road. Follow this road for 3 km, then turn left (the turn is 50m past a soccer field on your right). Drive down a narrow road for 400m, turn right on to a wide sand road, and continue for another 7.8 km. Continue on this gravel road until you reach a T-junction. At the T-junction you will see the Hluvukani Viva petrol station in front of you. Turn left onto the tar road to Gottenberg/Manyeleti and follow the tar road for 6.1 km. Turn right onto a dirt road, and follow this for 6.4 km until you see the Uthar Clinic on your left. Turn left onto the gravel road (Utha Store will be on the right) – and travel 7.3 km to the Gowrie Gate.
From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park via the Orpen Gate and travel along the R531 towards the R40. About 10 km on the tar road, before the South African Wildlife College, you will see a gravel road to your left. Turn left (helpful hint – if you pass the South African Wildlife College, you have gone too far). Follow this road for 3 km, then turn left (the turn is 50m past a soccer field on your right). Drive down a narrow road for 400m, turn right on to a wide sand road, and continue for another 7.8 km. Continue on this gravel road until you reach a T-junction. At the T-junction you will see the Hluvukani Viva petrol station in front of you. Turn left onto the tar road to Gottenberg/Manyeleti and follow the tar road for 6.1 km. Turn right onto a dirt road, and follow this for 6.4 km until you see the Uthar Clinic on your left. Turn left onto the gravel road (Utha Store will be on the right) – and travel 7.3 km to the Gowrie Gate.
ONCE AT THE GOWRIE GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change and please note that the gate opens at 06:00 and closes at 19:00). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit.
Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the lodge.
Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Please DO NOT follow your GPS 'quickest route' co-ordinates for the lodge. This route inevitably leads guests through the incorrect entry gates (Kruger National Park and into the Sabi Sand Reserve) which do not service the lodge. Furthermore, many of the prescribed roads are not navigable in a normal vehicle. Following GPS co-ordinates can result in getting lost in the middle of the bush, or un-necessary delays of up to 3 hours.
General Information For Guests
All the chalets have air conditioning, fan, mosquito net, ensuite bathroom has a spa bath and outdoor shower.
The main lodge includes a large double deck, outdoor dining, wine cellar, bar overlooking the watering hole, and a suspended bird-watching tower. There is also a library with detailed wildlife websites, internet, gym and a relaxation room.
After morning game drives, guests may accompany their Shangaan guide to his nearby village, where they will have the opportunity of interacting with his family and friends in a very authentic and contemporary African environment.
A Guest Conservation Contribution has been included in your rate. The proceeds go towards the Sabi Sand Wildtuin anti-poaching efforts, the community and ecology.
If you are arriving/departing via FedAir, the lodge is a 15 minute drive away from the airstrip.
Another great holiday had by all. Djuma was everything a family could want. Wonderful staff, accommodation and probably the best game that we have seen.
Dawson's as ever was our haven of relaxation and activities. Lauren horse riding in the bush was wonderful and has left a permanent smile on her face. Quad biking was a another experience that we all loved. Food and spa was thoroughly enjoyed.