Exotic Hot Spring Bungalow in Mookgopong, Limpopo
When we first heard about this exotic hot spring bungalow in Limpopo, we got super excited, because it would provide the best roadtrip for us, just 3 hours from Johannesburg.
Secondly, it looked stunning, it was relatively new and we were excited about trying it out.
We were looking for the perfect getaway for bae’s birthday, something away from the city that we had not done before, and it was perfect. There is something special about taking a roadtrip as a couple, because we get to make new memories together, spend quality time, bond over the music while we explore the places or sites along the road . . . it is something we highly recommend.
We were to check in at 14h00, so we didn’t need to rush out of Johannesburg like our normal trips. However, we were going to a self catering unit, so we had a lot of packing to do with regards to our meals and what we wanted to do once we got there.
We pulled out of Johannesburg around 10h00 on a Sunday morning, and the traffic was nice and easy.
First Impressions of the Aquarius Exotic Hot Spring Bungalow in Limpopo
South Africa has no shortage of cute cottages, cabins and getaway places that are secluded and perfect for couples to get out of the city to and relax, while surrounded by nature, and this place is no exception.
When we arrived, we were greeted by Piet, their friendly and very helpful caretaker on the property. He literally gave us the 411 in terms of the property, and helped answer our questions that we had.
We also met Schalk, who assisted us with everything that we needed, to make our “home away from home” comfortable and enjoyable.
The Exotic Hot Spring Bungalow is in the middle of nothing (which we loved), surrounded by nature next to a dam/river.
The bungalow is a 2 bedroom thatched cottage, with a river/dam view. It has a deck with a private hot tub, which was a highlight for us. It gets filled with heated spring water, and great for a couple to enjoy.
The bungalow also has a kitchen, with a stove top, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave and kitchen utensils for you to use. Outside, there are braai facilities as well as a pizza oven, that you can use for your meals.
There is also a toilet and sink inside the bungalow, and an outside shower.
The main bedroom is upstairs, and is accessed via a wooden ladder case. The second bedroom is downstairs, and is perfect for children for those travelling as a family.
Things to do at the Exotic Hot Spring Bungalow
It was my partner’s birthday, so we wanted to have fun and relax, and for her to enjoy her day to the fullest. Here is some of what you can do when you are there:
Picnic
As a couple, we love picnics, so that was definitely in our list of things to do. A picnic in the wilderness is quite romantic, overlooking the dam and listening to the chirping of the birds.
We had packed a ton to make our platter: Ghostpops, cheese, crackers, strawberries, grapes, nuts, coated pretzel sticks, biltong, cold meats, chocolate, drinks . . . everything to make it fun. We also had a blankie with us.
We enjoyed watching the clear blue skies just above us, as we chatted away and celebrated the day.
Candlelit Romantic Dinner
I attempted to put a decent birthday dinner together for the love of my life, with limited resources.
The plan was to cook oxtail with mash, spinach and butternut. However, I only managed to do the oxtail and mash (the stove top is a 1 plate, so this was a challenge to do).
But it turned out super great, and she was super happy.
We dressed up, dolled the place up and put on romantic music for a dinner in the wilderness.
Hiking
If you love hiking, you definitely should do this.
Hiking not only allows you to explore the place, it’s a great opportunity to get some exercise done in a beautiful place immersed in nature.
We had our hiking gear nicely packed, and we attempted to hike, however time was a major factor and we couldn’t finish it.
Definitely a great idea.
Hot Tub
The hot tub is incredible . . . it’s the ultimate relaxation thing that you can do, while you bond with your lover, and have those beautiful conversations that you need to have.
Add nice sips and munchies, and that makes the experience even more amazing.
In all honesty, the hot tub is where we wanted to be 100% of the time!
Horse Riding
There is an opportunity to do horse riding right next to the property. If you are a huge fan, and you don’t have a phobia for it, you definitely should consider doing this.
You will get a chance to explore the place a bit better, and see more beautiful sites by the mountain.
All you need to do and contact your host, and he will supply you with all he information that you need.
Where to Eat at Aquarius Exotic Hot Spring Bungalow
Food is a huge part of any getaway, and this one was no different.
We love great food, so given that this is a self catering place, we knew we had to pack everything that we needed. This included, food for the dinner for my baby’s birthday celebration, snacks for the platter, food for breakfast (eggs, bacon, bread, beans, cheese and mushrooms) and of course potatoes and wings.
We also had to pack our drinks, and what we needed to make them look pretty.
It was a full house of meats, salad stuff, breakfast things and munchies . . . the last thing we wanted was to crave for something that we didn’t have. And we wanted this experience to be a home away from home, so the last thing we wanted was to want something that we didn’t pack. which would have sucked.
So think about what you want to eat, the snacks that you want to have and the type of food that you want, and pack it. It’s better to overpack than to not pack enough food.
How to Get to Aquarius Exotic Hot Spring Bungalow
This Exotic Hot Spring Bungalow in Mookgopong is a 4 hour drive from Johannesburg (2 hrs if you are in Pretoria), with great scenery along the way. We actually wanted to travel in an Isuzu 4×4, but we ended up taking a private car. We were relieved to know that we didn’t need to drive a 4×4 to access this cottage, the road is a tarred road the entire way, excpet for a small patch of gravel road where they are doing road works.
It is located at Mineral baths road, 0560 Gemsbokfontein, South Africa.
Conclusion
We loved the place, it’s a great place away from the city, right in nature. A great place for peace, tranquility and fun. The hot tub was amazing.
There are a lot of creepy crawlies on the property, especially because the top part of the space is open, the whole time.
If you are planning to cook your own food, I would advice that you braai for your entire stay.
