With just a handful of rooms and suites, Bushwillow Cottages feel wonderfully private and personal – the sort of place where you can truly unwind and feel part of the bush rather than just a visitor. Built from natural stone, thatch and wood, the camp blends beautifully into its surroundings. The design is open and airy, with large windows and shaded verandas that make the most of the sweeping views across the Waterberg hills and valleys.

Lion, Leopard and Buffalo rooms are all comfortable double/twin room with shower ensuites and access to veranda. The Cheetah suite has a double and a twin room, both with shower ensuite, spacious lounge and access to veranda. A minimum of 2 people required for the Cheetah suite. All rooms are a short walk from the main lodge.

Each room has been thoughtfully designed with comfort and simplicity in mind – its very cute and full of little details that make it feel like home. Expect soft linens, locally crafted furniture, earthy tones and splashes of colour inspired by the landscape. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious, with walk-in showers and rustic touches like stone basins and natural finishes. Outside, private verandas overlook the bush, where you can sit quietly with your morning coffee and watch antelope grazing or giraffes wandering by.

At the heart of the camp is the main lodge, an inviting thatched building that serves as the social hub. Inside, there’s a relaxed lounge filled with comfy sofas, books and maps, and big open doors that lead out to a broad veranda and dining area. Meals are often enjoyed here overlooking the plains, or outside under the stars beside the campfire. The lodge’s layout encourages easy conversation and a sense of community, yet there’s always somewhere quiet to retreat with a book or a drink.

A few steps away, the swimming pool sits tucked into the rocks, surrounded by sun loungers and shaded spots – perfect for cooling off after a long ride or just watching the clouds drift by. In the evenings, lanterns and firelight give the camp a warm, golden glow, and the sounds of the bush create a peaceful backdrop as you settle in for dinner or a nightcap.

Every detail at Bushwillow feels relaxed and natural – nothing overdone, just a genuine, welcoming space that lets the landscape do the talking. Whether you’re sharing stories around the fire, watching wildlife from your veranda, or drifting off to sleep under the thatch, it’s a place that captures the real spirit of the African bush – wild, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.

Meals

Mornings begin with freshly brewed coffee and a generous breakfast spread – think fruit, yoghurt, cereal, pastries and hot dishes cooked to order. Lunch is usually a relaxed, home-style affair served under the shade of acacia trees or back at the lodge, with crisp salads, grilled meats, and plenty of colour and flavour.

In the late afternoon, tea and homemade treats appear – a slice of cake or something savoury to tide you over before your evening ride or game drive. As the sun dips, you’ll pause for sundowners in a beautiful spot overlooking the bush, enjoying a gin and tonic or a cold beer as the sky turns gold and pink. 

Evenings at Bushwillow are something special: guests gather around the fire or at the communal dining table for a hearty, three-course dinner. Expect a mix of South African favourites and international dishes – perhaps a braai (barbecue) under the stars one night, or a candlelit dinner in the lodge the next – always freshly prepared and full of flavour.