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Nurturing in the African veld
Askari Spa
Pool area Askari Spa
© Askari Spa
Did you know?
Askari Game Lodge has a vast collection of animal-drawn vehicles, wagons and carts dating back to the 1800-1900 period, on view in a history museum on the property.
The Askari Spa is at the Askari Game Lodge, which in turn is part of the Big 5 Plumari Private Game Reserve in the Magaliesberg, close to Gauteng’s major cities. This location in the expansive African veld is key to its treatment philosophy, which makes the most of natural vegetation growing on site and its beneficial properties.
At this game lodge spa, the nurturing properties of aloe vera, wild olive trees and wormwood or Artemisia Afra make their way into potions and lotions that combine age-old wisdom and contemporary knowledge. Other ingredients that feature in treatments are cucumber, mint, lemon, river clay, mineral salts and essential oils. When hot stones are called for in massage, these are found at the lodge’s own Rooisloot River and heated to perfect temperature. For facial treatments, the organic Esse range is used, made from pure, unpolluted plant ingredients, free of chemicals, fertilisers and genetically-modified ingredients.
All facilities open onto outdoor relaxation spots and gardens, which invite explorative walks. These include an individual and a couple’s treatment room, hydrotherapy bath, steam room, change rooms and outdoor showers. You’ll also find a manicure and pedicure area, juice bar and a swimming pool with daybeds to recline on.
For total unwinding, the spa offers a number of overnight packages that enable guests to fully absorb the ambience of the African wild, while enjoying the remedial effects of body pampering. Book in for 1 to 3 nights’ accommodation. Revel in treatments like a jojoba bead polishing, hour-long ‘Earth’ or ‘Fire’ massages, botanical hair and scalp treatments, and milk baths.
Spa treatments can also be built into conference packages. Couples about to marry (the lodge is a wedding venue with a 120-seater chapel) can opt for a 3-hour pre-wedding experience to get them in shape for the special day.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Askari Lodge & Spa
Tel: +27 (0)14 577 2658/9
Fax: +27 (0)14 577 2654
Cell: +27 (0)82 416 1340
Email: spa@askarilodge.co.za
How to get here
Askari Game Lodge is in the Plumari Private Game Reserve at Doornhoek in the Magaliesberg. The game lodge, on the R560, is within easy road access of Johannesburg and other parts of Gauteng. From Johannesburg and Pretoria driving time is around one hour.
Around the area
The Askari Game Lodge offers 2 game drives daily, each of 2-3 hours. There are guided bush walks that lead to San rock carvings. One can also participate in an Elephant Experience, walking and interacting with the big beasts. Further afield, leisurely drives will lead you to the quaint village of Magaliesburg, and the many attractions around the Hartebeespoort Dam (including animal sanctuaries, arts and crafts outlets, a cheese factory, and a cultural village).
Where to stay
An old family farmhouse overlooking a dam at Askari Game Lodge is now the main lodge on the property. The lodge is operated to four-star standards. Additional accommodation comes in the form of thatched chalets.