For the pilot looking for a weekend fly-away there
could be no better place than Bona Bona Game lodge and Safari Spa deeply nestled in the picturesque North West Province Bushveld. Bona Bona recently opened their new upgraded runway, a whopping 1300 meters long and 11.2 meters wide(17/35), so no matter what you fly getting in and out should be a very pleasant experience.
Bona Bona was a hive of activity on Friday 7 March when aviators from all over the country made their way to this bushveld paradise for the official opening of the new runway, what better way is there to celebrate the opening of a runway than staging a “mini airshow”? Many of the prominent airshow teams were invited to attend and graciously accepted some of whom would be competing in the North West Regional Aerobatic Championships the following day at Klerksdorp, just 28 nm away.
The full Goodyear Eagles team including the L-29 Delfin wowed the large crowd that were accommodated on a specially erected grandstand on the skirt of the apron at threshold of runway 35. They were joined by a two-ship Flying Lions Harvard formation and Nigel Hopkins, delivering one of his signature freestyle displays in his Extra 330SC.
Goodyear Eagles
L-29 Delfin
Grandstand
Puma Energy Flying Lions
Nigel Hopkis' Extra 330SC
Mr Pieter Ernst, the owner of Bona Bona has put his dream into reality by building a venue unsurpassed by any other of its kind a real bushveld retreat where their slogan, “Pure African Comfort”, is evident in everything they do. Every one of the staff members at Bona Bona is hand-picked and extensively trained to the highest level to ensure that every expectation of their guests is surpassed.
Pieter Ernst (centre) enjoying the day with friends
Bona Bona was originally founded ten years ago and has recently undergone an upgrad with massive investments in infrastructure and facilities including the runway and hangars. On arrival it quickly becomes evident that this is not a “run of the mill” game lodge, a driver is dispatched to the airfield as soon as an aircraft is heard overhead and before the pilot and his passengers have parked and disembarked a friendly face is there to ferry them the short distance to the main camp.
Friendly Bona Bona Staff
The Main Camp, one of five camps dotted around this beautiful farm, offers executive rooms, twin rooms, double rooms, family rooms and a romantic honeymoon suite. The famous Jakkals Restaurant is also situated in the main camp overlooking one of the many waterholes on the game filled farm. The Jakkals Restaurant will also cater for the aviators that decides to just fly-in for a breakfast or lunch. They offer a delicious buffet breakfast or an a la carte lunch or dinner and for the connoisseur dining enthusiasts they offer a delicious African Fusion menu to choose from.
Bona Bona have shown interest in hosting the SAC National Aerobatics and maybe even the World Aerobatics Championships in the future. This would be an ideal venue for the championships as all the contestants and officials will be accommodated in superb comfort at the airfield eliminating the need for travel to and from off-site hotels. Currently Bona Bona can accommodate well over one hundred gusts in the five camps all in very close proximity to the airfield.
Bona Bona Apron
The competitors family members may choose to pamper themselves at the spa rather than spend the day watching the competition. With treatments that promise an African experience in style, for one to rejuvenate and indulge in complete relaxation will surly be a hit.
Bona Bona Game Lodge is home to four of the big five and is only a stones throw away from Johannesburg. Professional guides will entertain you with facts and figures about the fauna and flora on the farm while being driven around in a 4×4 Unimog. This is sure to bring back many memories to the older generation of their time spent in the military service while the younger generation will not stop talking about how this strong work horse takes on any terrain. As Bona Bona Game Breeders are part of the group of companies guests can experience the ins and outs of professional game breeding.
Bona Bona is conveniently located alongside the N12 between Wolmaransstad and Klerksdorp a mere two hours by road from Johannesburg for those that prefer to drive. GPS: 27°01″16″S and 26°13″18″E
