Unwind by the Lakeside
A Bushveld Getaway on the Urban Edge
Welcome to Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, where the tranquil allure of the bushveld meets the convenience of urban living. Nestled on the outskirts of Johannesburg, our lodge offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, without the need for a long journey. Here, amidst the sprawling Cradle Moon Conservancy, guests can immerse themselves in nature’s embrace, unwind by the lakeside, explore winding trails, and indulge in diverse outdoor activities. Join us for a getaway that promises both relaxation and adventure, just moments away from the city’s vibrant energy.
A Brief History of the Wall
The dam wall stands 20m high, is 300m wide, and just short of 10m thick at the base. All the stones used during the construction were found on site, now visible as coves on the sides of the lake. 50 000 bags of cement were used to keep each hand packed stone in place.
These numbers make the wall the largest stone dam on the African continent!
When the wall was completed in 2006, question on everyone’s lips were “How long will the lake take to fill?”
Thanks to a week of torrential rain in 2006, the lake filled in only four days. And the water level has hardly dropped since then.
On the far side of the lake is an abandoned tennis court that used to belong to a double-storey house that was submerged when the dam filled.
The dam comprises five crests with a walkway along one of these that allows visitors to appreciate the size and magnitude of the dam wall, as well as the beauty of the lake. The three middle crests are at different levels, with the middle one being the lowest and constantly overflowing. The one just to the left only overflows during very heavy rainfall.
Built on the Crocodile River, it is a testament to his foresight and determination to provide the property with a natural “water feature” that would attract guests as well as various species of water birds.
Being in the Cradle Moon Conservancy, the lake is frequently used by paddlers, canoeists, fly fisherman and open-water swimmers as it is a clean and safe body of water. Lake Heritage has played host to multiple swimming events including the Rockman Ultra Triathlon and the Midmar Mile qualification rounds.
Activities for All
Discover a haven of adventure at Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge. Our 32-hectare pristine lake hosts non-motorized water sports and a resident hippo family. Enjoy leisurely boat cruises on our 24-seater pontoon. Explore over 50 kilometers of mountain biking and running trails amidst diverse terrain, home to over 20 species of wild animals, including rhino. Experience the unique wonders of Cradle Moon.
Eating With a View
Come and join us for a taste of lakeside bliss!
Our cozy restaurant and bar are waiting to delight you with mouthwatering dishes and refreshing drinks, all against the backdrop of our beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you’re craving a fancy feast or a laid-back meal, we’ve got something to satisfy every appetite. So gather your loved ones and come on over for a dining experience you won’t forget!
Cradle Moon Consevancy
Cradle Moon Conservancy was created with the sole goal of rehabilitation and environmental ethics. Thus the flora and fauna will come first. The Conservancy is made up of the farms of Zwartkop and Driefontein incorporating Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge (the old Heia Safari Ranch), Ekudeni, Eduzani, Bell Gables, Riverview Spa, Glenburn Lodge and Kloofzicht. This will make up an area of around 1600 hectares with Rhino, Eland, Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Duiker, Impala, Springbuck, Blessbuck, Brown Hyena,Jackal and Aardwolf.