The Dreamiest Dream Resort? Finfoot Lake Reserve Might Just Be It
If you’re after a getaway that blends adventure with serenity, the dreamiest Dream Resort might just be tucked away at Finfoot Lake Reserve. Just two hours from Johannesburg – but worlds away from the city grind – this lakeside lodge in the Greater Pilanesberg area is where bushveld South Africa meets soul-soothing leisure.
Bungalows and Buffets
Our stay began with charming bungalow-style rooms, thoughtfully spaced for privacy and immersed in the sounds of nature. While it was quite the walk from your room to reception, it made you be at one with nature for a little while. Between the gentle rustle of the breeze and the distant call of birds and wildlife, it was easy to slip into relaxation mode.
The resort’s games room and outdoor bar provided just enough buzz for socialising without disturbing the lodge’s laid-back rhythm. The breakfast buffets (hot and cold) were wonderfully presented, with so many options to choose from that our plates were piled high. The supper-time buffets were just as superb, offering a glimpse into traditional African cuisine and most-loved meals. Prepare yourself for slow-cooked oxtail, braai-style chicken and pork chops, with traditional pap and chakalaka rounding off the plate. Consequently, it felt less like hotel dining and more like a feast prepared just for you.
And, every night, two bonfires would burn bright, creating a hub of after-dinner drinks and laughter between strangers.
Safaris and Spas
However, the highlight of the experience would have to be the activities (and very friendly game rangers and staff). We went on a sunset game drive, experienced a luxurious spa treatment, rode segways on a safari and went on a sunset bush walk.
Every day offered a different way to connect with the wild. A sunrise game drive brought us up close with kudu, zebra, and giraffe. However, the guided bush walk turned our eyes to the smaller wonders of the veld. The most valuable lesson we learnt was that, when walking through the bush, it’s a good idea to “duck”. Massive spiders love making their webs in between small trees, and you don’t want them (or their home) to become tangled in your hair.
The following morning, we were up bright and early for a canoeing adventure. With our life jackets adding fashionable style to the bush, we rode our way around the lake, spotting a baby crocodile and intricate bird families on our travels.
Nevertheless, it was the Segway Safari that offered the most unexpected thrill. We spotted baby giraffes with their gigantic parents just a few hundred metres away. Gliding through nature with an electric hum, plenty of laughs were shared.
No stay would be complete without a little pampering and Finfoot delivered. The massage treatments melted away any lingering city stress, set against the calming backdrop of the bushveld. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.
A Word to the Wise
The only hiccup? The access road leading to the lodge is rough enough to rattle your fillings. While not impossible for little cars like our Fiat 500, a 4×4 is highly recommended if you’d like to arrive with your tyres — and sanity — intact.
Therefore, Finfoot Lake Reserve is ideal for couples, families, or friend groups looking to unplug and indulge in bush luxury without the crowds. It’s rustic without being rough, remote but rewarding, and definitely one of the dreamiest Dream Resorts in South Africa.
