Amenities & Activities

Where is Bushveld Bungalow located?

The bungalow is situated in a private bush estate in Pretoria East — just 5 minutes from Linton’s Corner and Hazeldean, and approximately 15 minutes from Life Wilgers Hospital.
Guests enjoy a peaceful, nature-immersed stay while still being close to shops, medical care, restaurants, and major routes.

How remote is it?

Although the bungalow feels like a secluded bush retreat, it is centrally located within Pretoria East. You get the tranquillity of the bush with the convenience of city access.

What wildlife can be seen on the property?

Bushveld Bungalow is home to free-roaming wildlife that regularly wander past the cottage, including:

• Nyala
• Impala
• Duiker
• Dassies
• Hares
• Tortoises
• A variety of birds
• Bushbabies (occasionally)

This is a natural ecosystem, so snakes and scorpions also live on the property. They are rarely seen, but guests should take the same precautionary measures they would anywhere in the bush.

Is it safe to walk around the property?

Yes — guests are welcome to explore the walking trails, which are safe and well-maintained.
However:

• Wear closed shoes, especially at night
• Use a torch after dark
• Trails can be rocky, so watch your footing
• Maintain distance from wildlife
• Remain on the approved trails and follow the signs.

Are pets allowed?

No. To protect the free-roaming wildlife, pets are not permitted.

How should guests interact with the wildlife?

The animals are wild and free-roaming, so guests are asked to:

• Maintain a respectful distance
• Never feed the animals
• Supervise children at all times
• Avoid sudden movements or attempts to touch wildlife

The animals are calm and accustomed to people, but they remain wild and must be treated accordingly.

Are snakes and scorpions common?

They live in the area as part of the natural bush ecosystem.
Sightings are infrequent, but guests should:

• Wear closed shoes at night
• Avoid walking through dense vegetation
• Shine a flashlight when walking outdoors after dark
• Keep doors closed to limit insects

Who manages check-in and check-out?

Check-in and check-out are handled personally by Kim Walker (Owner), with on-site assistance from Joe Mukotami (live-in farm manager).

Both are available throughout your stay should you need anything.

What time is check-in/check-out?

Standard is 2pm check-in / 10am check-out
Early check-in and late check-out are available on request (R150), subject to availability.

Is there WiFi? How fast is it?

Yes — the bungalow has fast, reliable WiFi, suitable for video calls and work-from-home stays.

Is there backup power during load shedding?

Yes — the cottage has a lithium battery backup system charged via the grid that powers:

• WiFi
• Lights
• Plugs for laptops, phones
  Essential appliances continue running during outages.
• The use of kettles, airfryers and dishwashers will limit the back up time of these batteries.

Is there aircon or heating?

• Ceiling fans in the main bedroom and lounge
• Gas heater available on request: R300 per stay

Where can we park?

The property includes three parking spaces, with one under a covered carport , one under the shade and one open bay.

Is cleaning included?

Yes — the bungalow is thoroughly cleaned before every stay.
For guests staying longer than 7 nights, a complimentary weekly clean can be arranged.

Is additional cleaning available?

Yes. In-stay cleaning (dishwashing, sweeping, bathroom refresh, towel change) is available at:
R250 per session.

Laundry is self-service via the washing machine provided.

Is firewood provided?

Yes — guests receive one complimentary bag of wood on arrival.
Additional bags may be purchased from Joe at R30 per bag.

What braai facilities are available?

• Dedicated fire pit
• Braai grid
• Firelighters
• Braai tongs
• Fire extinguisher nearby

Braai / fire rules

• Fires must be made only in the dedicated fire pit
• Please keep fires moderate and supervised
• Extinguish the fire fully before going to bed
• Bushveld conditions can be dry — caution is essential

How do we book?

You may book via:

• Website enquiry form
• WhatsApp
• Email
• Your preferred booking platform (Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.)

What deposit is required?

• A 50% deposit confirms your booking.
• The balance is due 7 days prior to arrival.

What is your cancellation policy?

• Free cancellation up to 14 days before arrival
• 50% refund between 7–14 days
• No refund within 7 days of arrival

What is the minimum stay?

• 2-night minimum stay year-round
• 3 nights on long weekends / public holidays
• 1-night mid-week stays may be allowed with a small R200 cleaning surcharge

Do you offer long-stay discounts?

Yes — discounted rates are available for:

• 7+ nights
• 14+ nights
• 21+ nights (monthly rate)

Please see the Rates page for full details.

Are visitors allowed?

Visitors may be allowed by prior arrangement only.

Noise rules

This is a peaceful bush environment.
Guests are asked to respect the quiet surroundings — no loud music or disruptive noise.

Smoking policy

No smoking inside the bungalow.
Smoking outdoors is permitted with extreme caution, due to veldfire risk.

Is there a TV at the cottage?

The bungalow is intentionally designed as a peaceful, unplugged bush retreat.
There is no TV in the cottage, but a TV can be arranged on request for longer stays or for guests who prefer having one.

Are there games or activities available?

Yes — we provide a selection of boardgames and card games for cozy evenings indoors or on the deck.

Are there walking trails on the property?

Yes — guests can enjoy several private walking trails throughout the bush estate.
They offer beautiful scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities, birdlife, and peaceful stretches perfect for reflection or photography.

Please note: Trails are mostly natural, with rocky areas, so closed shoes are recommended.

Can we mountain bike on the property?

Bushveld Bungalow is situated on part of the Bronberg ridge, which features a natural, rocky terrain that is well-known among experienced mountain bikers in Pretoria.

There are biking routes on the estate, but guests should be aware of the following:

1. The on-site trails are highly technical: Most of the tracks on the property are rugged, steep, and rocky — suitable only for experienced and technically confident cyclists. These routes form part of the annual Rotsvas Challenge, a well-known trail running and mountain biking event held in the area. Because of this, the terrain can be challenging and may be unsafe for novice riders.
2. Easier areas are available for casual riding: While the technical trails require skill, there are shorter, gentler paths and open areas closer to the cottage that are suitable for children or casual cyclists who simply want to ride around safely. These include: the driveway, flat areas near the cottage, small non-technical paths within the immediate surroundings.
3. Excellent mountain biking destinations nearby. If you’re looking for structured, graded trails, several popular MTB parks are within a short drive: Rosemary Hill – flowing single track, forests, bridges, cafés, Cowhouse Market / Hazeldean Valley Trails – well-marked MTB routes ranging from beginner to advanced. These venues offer a variety of difficulty levels, bike rentals, coffee stops, and secure parking — ideal for riders of all skill levels.

Is there anything else to do around the cottage?

Absolutely. Guests often enjoy: Watching wildlife from the deck (the nyala often wander past at sunrise and sunset), enjoying a sunset fire in the boma, star-gazing — very little light pollution in the estate, birdwatching (the ridge is known for excellent sightings), photography — especially sunrise over the valley, quiet reading or journaling in a uniquely tranquil setting.