Most Popular Facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Outdoor pool
No Air-conditioned
No Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
No Airport shuttle
No Fitness center
Bar
Smoke-free

Welcome to Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge

Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge stands as a serene retreat nestled just outside Johannesburg, on Plot 59 Beyers Naude Drive in Muldersdrift, South Africa. With a solid rating of 4.4, this lodge captures the essence of wilderness combined with comfort, making it a favored destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Guests consistently praise the lodge's stunning natural setting. Surrounded by verdant trees and a shimmering lake, it offers a tranquil backdrop for a range of outdoor activities. Hiking and cycling trails weave through the terrain, providing cheerful encounters with local wildlife, from playful zebras to majestic rhinos. Water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding add a refreshing touch to the experience, inviting visitors to engage intimately with the lodge’s extensive water features.

The accommodations at Cradle Moon emphasize peaceful privacy, creating a restful environment where the sounds of nature soothe and invigorate. While the lodge does not offer air conditioning, the open, airy spaces and lakeside breezes foster a comfortable stay. Complimentary amenities such as free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking enhance convenience without detracting from the rustic charm. The site is notably family-friendly and accessible, reflecting thoughtful design aligned with guest comfort.

In addition to nature-based activities, the culinary options enrich the visit. The lakeside restaurant serves as a popular gathering spot, praised for its reasonable prices and ambiance, although guest experiences vary slightly regarding service and cleanliness. Some reviews highlight quick, attentive staff and a well-managed dining atmosphere, while others point to occasional lapses. The bar and smoke-free policy further contribute to a relaxed and inclusive setting.

Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge’s proximity to notable attractions such as Aloe Ridge Game Reserve and the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve enhances its appeal. It offers a seamless blend of adventure and relaxation without the need for long travel, making it an ideal day getaway or overnight stay for those craving a deeper connection with South Africa's natural beauty.

While a few guests have noted areas for improvement, including restaurant service and crowded pool zones, the overwhelming sentiment is one of appreciation for the lodge’s balance between accessibility, wilderness immersion, and activity diversity. Cradle Moon invites visitors to embrace the outdoors fully—whether through spirited hikes along well-maintained trails, gentle paddling on the lake, or simply absorbing the peaceful wildlife vistas.

Ultimately, Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge offers more than just accommodation; it delivers an experience that reawakens the senses and nourishes the soul. Its harmonious mix of scenic landscapes, diverse recreational opportunities, and welcoming atmosphere resonates deeply, creating memories that beckon guests to return time and again.

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Good for visitors

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131,000-acre, World Heritage listed area with caves containing primate fossils and rich wildlife.
Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
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Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
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Serene natural area with picnic areas, birdwatching & trails amid indigenous plants & wildlife.
Airports
O.R. Tambo International Airport
Driving: Loading | Transit: Loading
Lanseria International Airport
Driving: 18 minute | Transit: Loading

Last Reviews

Matthew Passmore
03 April 2026

Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge is such a gem close to the city! The surroundings are stunning with the lake, wildlife roaming freely, and beautiful walking and cycling trails all around. The accommodation feels peaceful and private, and the lodge has a great balance of nature and comfort. The staff are friendly and always ready to help, which makes the experience even better. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a day out in nature, or some adventure activities, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge. Highly recommended!

RB Umar
18 March 2026

Go here to hike. SUP on the river. Great place if you love the outdoors. Hiking, swimming, boating, cycling you can hire all the equipment or bring your own. When you done there is two restaurants the one at the reception has a pool, and you get to spit little wildlife . Really economical and a great day out ⭐

Lucia D
12 March 2026

Cradle Moon Lodge was an exceptional experience, offering a wide range of activities within the facility, such as paddling, game drives, swimming, and hiking. Entry for day visitors is R50, with separate fees charged for activities. We chose hiking, which we truly enjoy. The trails were easy to navigate, clean, and well maintained. Along the way, we were fortunate to spot zebras, a rhino, and springboks. Another standout feature is the beautiful waterfall created by the river. It is a wonderful place to recharge. Definitely a must visit destination in Muldersdrift.

Deon Nel
02 March 2026

Only did a hike. The venue offers hikes cycling and has a huge water feature for canoeing. I found the restaurant at the dam stop grubby and the service poor. The scenery along the 5km hike was disappointing. The pool area was overcrowded and unpleasant The one thing that I cannot understand is why people litter in places like this when there are ample trash cans around. Shocking.

Pambili Sinxoto
26 February 2026

Visit Cradle Moon for a daily visit or a stay over. It has beautiful scenery and lovely hiking trails. Lookup some fun activities including Kayaking, Game drives etc. I loved the restaurant area by the lakeside the most

Janita Ramdayal
16 February 2026

We visited this Cradle moon as we where doing a hike. The place was neat clean with a sparkling pool. There are alot of activities that you caan do from hiking, watersports and game drives. Restuarant at the lodge was fairly priced however staff was rowdy and not very friendly.

Sen G
29 January 2026

A group of us did a hike here, followed by breakfast. Wonderful experience on overall and the restaurant is phenomenal. The service was impeccable and the waiter was great- he handled such a big order promptly and managed all the variations so well. We will definitely return in the new year. The happy go lucky zebras were delightful and such a treat to see.

Aunty Daisy
27 December 2025

The venue is very amazingly beautiful, lots of nature ,very affordable to enter R50 only ,id give the food a 5 out of 10. I was disappointed to find some tables dirty. The waiter cleaned the table apon our arrival. But the services is quick .

Info (Essential details)

  • Check-In15:00
  • Check Out
    Check-Out10:00
  • Phone
    Phone Number+27 11 919 5000
  • AddressPlot 59 Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, 2024, South Africa