Cradle Moon

Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge sits in a private conservancy of about 1,600 hectares on the old Zwartkop and Driefontein farms, near Muldersdrift on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Its focus is Lake Heritage, a 32 ha lake held back by a stone dam on the Crocodile River that was finished in 2006, with a resident family of hippos. For overseas visitors flying in or out of Johannesburg, it’s a way to see rhino and plains game without a long drive to a big reserve.

What to expect

There are 50 thatched rondavels, each with two bedrooms and three single beds (some add a sleeper couch), an en-suite shower, underfloor heating and a covered veranda. There are no TVs or fridges in the rooms and Wi-Fi is limited. Rates are bed and breakfast, and there is a restaurant, a bar and a poolside menu.

The conservancy holds more than 20 species, among them rhino, eland, kudu, red hartebeest, both kinds of wildebeest, zebra and brown hyena. Guided game drives need at least two people. On the lake you can hire a canoe, fly fish, swim marked open-water courses of 500 m to 1,500 m, or take a 90-minute cruise on a pontoon. Over 50 km of trails take mountain bikers and runners, and hikers can follow the marked 5 km or 9 km routes or book a guided 20 km summit hike on Zwartkop.

Practical details

• Phone 011 919 5000 or 060 776 0264, email reservations@cradlemoon.co.za.
• Check-in 3pm, check-out 10am. Bring ID.
• Day visitors pay a conservancy fee at reception.

Good to know

This is not a self-catering or braai venue. Outside food and drink, pets, camping and picnics are all not allowed, and there are no lifeguards at the lake.

Last updated 7 October 2026. Sources: Cradle Moon, about, Cradle Moon, accommodation, Cradle Moon, activities, SA Hikes.