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Lake Murray Lodge

Lake Murray Lodge

Lake Murray

Nestled among the trees on an island spit, the lodge overlooks beautiful Lake Murray. Here in the remote reaches of Papua New Guinea, you truly feel that you are on the edge of the earth. The almost unbroken quiet of the lake is barely disturbed by the gentle sounds of dugout canoes seamlessly gliding through the water. Despite some Western influences, the tribes in this remote area still maintain many of their ancient and traditional customs and ways of life.

Lake Murray Lodge has a clean and fresh design, the main building is designed with a wraparound veranda from which you can enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the tranquil lake. You’re accommodated in 12 individual cabins built around the edge of the water. Wake in the mornings to the sounds of the tropical insects and birds while taking in the wonderful view of the lake from the private veranda.
Each cabin is constructed with local timber and sago woven matting to reflect the natural location. They are furnished with king twin or double beds, ceiling fans, modern ensuite bathrooms and a private veranda. In keeping with the eco-friendly philosophy, the entire lodge operation is powered with the latest technology in solar power. This provides 24-hour electricity with 240-volt power, a luxury in this remote location. A large garden provides fresh vegetables and fruit on site. The kitchen staff cook on a wood-fired stove and outdoor grill for the daily catch. Lake Murray is only accessible by private charter from Mount Hagen or Karawari Lodge.

At about 2000 square kilometres in the wet season, Lake Murray is the largest lake in Papua New Guinea. Island communities of stilted houses dot the water landscape of the lake. The tribes that inhabit the small, remote villages live their life on the water. Dugout canoes are their primary mode of transportation, and the abundant stock of freshwater fish provide their staple food source. You will be welcomed to the various villages, where you can witness and interact in a number of activities including traditional weaving, face and body painting, tribal warrior demonstrations, and traditional sing-sing. A sing sing is the unique celebration display that is unique to each tribe and typically expressed through traditional dress, song and dance.

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Amenities

Activities, Bar, Walking & Trekking

Inclusions

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Our Offers

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Other Options

The lodge offers 3 different types of accommodation:


  Lelapa (meaning "family")
  Dithaba (meaning "mountain")
  Kopano (meaning "small gathering") 

All are set overlooking the hills and plains of the malaria-free Madikwe game reserve. Each "lodge" has its own lounge and dining area, giving you the exclusive feel of a lodge within a lodge. African artwork, traditional lamps and artefacts give a real authentic sense of the bush. The rooms are in thatched villas have a private deck with outdoor shower, plunge pool and views across the reserve. Wood-burning fireplaces for cool nights, air conditioning and ceiling fans for when it's hot. 

Rooms at Dithaba Lodge are set further up the mountains and have some of the best views over the plains, while those at Kopano Lodge have a more private, exclusive feel. 

Meanwhile, Lelapa Lodge offers family rooms. 

Activities include Game drive, Game Walks & Bird Watching

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe

As one of the original game lodges in South Africa, Notten's Bush Camp offers a truly authentic African safari experience. It is a destination that captures the true meaning of being in the bush. Family owned and run it is probably our favourite camp in the region. A magical atmosphere is created by minimal use of electric light, lamps and candles enhance the feeling of being at one with nature. Game drives are led by experienced and professional rangers in open-top vehicles and you're likely to see some if not all of the Big 5. Unique walking safaris are offered daily giving you the opportunity of discovering the smaller treasures of the area. 

There's a restaurant and bar area overlooking the bush, there is also a spa and swimming pool for relaxing between game drives. The spacious rooms have both indoor and outdoor shower facilities, a private wooden deck with a beautiful view of the bush. Paraffin lamps and candles replace electric lighting, and all the rooms have air-conditioning (and reading lamps and charging points for your devices). Activities include Game drives, Bush walks, Cultural Visits, Kruger National Park Day Trips, Boma dinners by the fire and much more. 

Nottens Bush Camp

Sabi Sands (Kruger National Park)

Set in a spectacular and unique environment, Oceana offers a luxurious boutique hotel experience in a wildlife reserve overlooking the Indian Ocean. Home to more than 220 bird and 30 animal species. Daily game drives offer sightings of giraffe, zebra and a whole host of plains game. The drives are thoroughly enjoyable, and you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and learn a little about some of the different species. There's a huge private beach and picnics can be arranged, restaurant and bar, swimming pool, spa, gym and bush walks can be arranged. The Ocean Suites are spacious and comfortable and are all air conditioned with tea and coffee making facilities, safe and WiFi. They have their own deck with fabulous views of the ocean and reserve. Pool Suites are newer and have private plunge pool and outdoor shower.

Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve

Port Alfred

How our Tent Ratings work

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These are based on our personal experience of the hotel, camp or lodge and should not be compared against ratings you find elsewhere. We intend to guide you and don’t be put off by a low tent rating as some of our favourites fall into the 2 and 3-tent categories.​

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It is also important to bear in mind that standards vary from country to country and a 4-tent hotel in South Africa cannot be compared with a 4-tent hotel in another part of the world. 

To summarise our grading system, we have considered the following.

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High in both quality and luxury of experience, and property must have ‘wowed’ us on many levels.

This is our benchmark for excellent service and experience, location and /or activities. 

Good relative value, excellent location and/or experience, and offering an ideal base for exploring the area.

Budget-focused stopover property, sometimes it’s the ideal location on a driving itinerary.

Don’t be put off, these stays are comfortable and a perfect pit stop on a journey where the choices may be limited. 

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Your Adventure, Your Way

All good things start with a conversation and planning your holiday shouldn't be like flicking through a catalogue. Email us, book a free consultation, or give us a call, to get your next bespoke adventure underway.

Phone:

+44 (0)7516 766404

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