Hoedspruit hotellia

Plussat: All of it! The owners are so nice and friendly. They help with all your requests and needs. They served lovely food in the evening. Would highly recommend this place and I would definitely come back ! Rooms were cozy and clean. Loved the safari vibe.

Miinukset: All was good

Plussat: The hosts, the food, the rooms, everything was perfect!!

Miinukset: Everything was perfect

Plussat: Nice and helpful host, tasty food - braai dinner in romantic atmosphere, many animals around. Excellent excursion tips given by Sander.

Miinukset: No wall between bathroom and bedroom.

Plussat: Gorgeous setting. Wonderful staff, excellent food

Miinukset: Absolutely nothing we had a great time

Plussat: The staff is welcoming and excellent, the talk in all sorts of languages and tell you more of what you can enjoy around.

Miinukset: The was no TV on our room.

Plussat: This is a small bed and breakfast type experience with 4 very nicely appointed private rooms with baths. The owners cook you an excellent breakfast and gladly take you to dinner in the town and share their experiences living in South Africa for the last 20 years. The owners are a couple originally from Holland...very nice people! The lodge is immaculate and very well appointed with a great outside space for eating, pool for swimming, fire pit for evening drinks, etc. The lodge is in a wildlife estate...it is a "neighborhood" with large lots and paved roads then has dirt, bush roads you can explore in your car to see all the wildlife that does not just stroll by the pool. :) There zebra, giraffe, warthogs, all types of antelope, porcupine, etc....and a leapard on site. We were there just after the mating season so there were little ones running around everywhere....including lots of birds...kingfishers, rollers, hornbills, ibis, etc. The location is great because even though you are among the wildlife, the roads are all paved and you are literally 5 minutes from town (fuel, restaurants, shopping, and the airport. You are also very close to the Kruger gate.

Miinukset: The place was excellent, but this is not "in the bush, roughing it, safari" type experience. So if you are looking for that, go into the park or sabi sands (where we stayed for a couple of days at Umkumbe lodge. Loved both experiences!

Plussat: Amazing hospitality, arrangement of tours, very good breakfast and dinner, the rooms are great. We had an amazing time, highly recommended!

Plussat: An amazing stay! The Reserve was such an adventure as we got to see the animals up close! Sander was great and so helpful, we had a great time and should have booked 2 nights!!

Plussat: Beautiful clean hotel amazing staff amazing safaris could not fault anything !

Plussat: Everything was excellent. the game drives amazing (we saw the 5 five very close to us). Food is excellent and accomodations very nice (we saw Impalas and monkeys from the terrace of our room)

Plussat: The safari are great . My ranger Eddy and the tracker Nevermind were the best ever . Competent and really kind . Also , they were able to answer to all our question with spontaneous as smart tips about animals . They really love their job and do it with passion ! Suzan ( cleaner room ) was very good , Alfred and Enough simply seeety . Mandla also , a very efficient and hard worker .

Miinukset: The room has no elettric plugs in practice. And to be a 5 stars hotel is unusual . The only two are occupied by lamps and are behind desk and sofa. That means taking off something . You anyway need a special adaptor cause no one international adaptor can be fit . And they give me as borrowed in the reception but you have to actually buy it in the curio shop . So it non included in the “ affordable” amount of the room night. Some employees are non smiley if not forced to do or simply unhappy of their rule . Since the people who generally come here are wealthy , and it is not a crime , nobody would like to be judged or feeling guilty for that so , the people who have contact with the public should be have payed in a sufficient way to make them smile to everybody . The atmosphere is not soft or happy and you feel as in the area of a judgment during the whole vacation ( maybe because you can afford it ) . I am very sorry for that and I am a very kind person but I would suggest you to make that personal assistance well payed ( I think they deserve much more for the hard job they do ) so you can make them smile to the smiley guests who are just have free time there maybe after a whole year of hard job . No excuse for non smiley. It is free . But of course if all the profit of this pricy building it goes only in the property pocket or mainly , they have a good excuse .However as smiley as friendly people can have their issues too so . Be at the high of the expectation for a 5 stars will be the minimum . Overall is good . The magic animal world just beside your balcony is priceless . And there is a well organization of all the system . It is evident too .

Plussat: We loved Kapama and really enjoyed our stay. Our ranger and tracker (Freedom and Noel) were amazing and made sure that we saw all the animals we wanted, including the big five (more than once) and more! We saw three different groups of lions, including one with 3 baby cubs, which was incredible!!! The hotel in itself is amazing as well. It is beautiful and the rooms are extremely nice. We stayed in a Spa suite and really enjoyed the tub after the safaris. We also got a massage at their spa, which was great as well and it has an amazing view. Finally, the service is really good. Everyone was so nice and attentive. I especially want to thank the staff for being so helpful when we forgot one of our phones in the safari jeep: they got it back to us so fast.

Miinukset: Nothing!

Plussat: The staff was excellent. The details of service in and out of the room, was excellent. It was my wife’s birthday and our wedding anniversary. The staff surprised us with a bottle of champagne in our room and a birthday cake at dinner. They did everything for us to have a great time.

Miinukset: Everything was excellent.

Plussat: The staff is super friendly. The food is good. The safaris were perfect. We saw all big five in our fist 3 safaris. The view from the room is awesome. We could see some animals like giraffe from our room/bathroom.

Miinukset: The food is served in a buffet though. They don’t offer iron for your own use, so you need to pay their iron services, that don’t work all day (I requested a iron service after the afternoon safari for a piece of clothes that I would wear in the next day morning safari, and they informed me that they didn’t have iron services during the evening). The room and bathroom are smaller than in the photos (maybe because it depends on the type of the room).

Plussat: Clean and comfortable

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Everything is perfect, a special highlight to the ranger Bryce and the Hunter Guev which made our safari experiences unforgetable.

Plussat: Just awesome !! No other words can describe it.

Plussat: We would recommend the place because its focus is on safari and those are really good - 3.5hours each early morning and late afternoon - our driver\guide Hamilton was very authentic and provided a lot of explanations - high chance of spotting leopards in the area however lions are rare - guides are connected via walky talky and share spottings thus if you are lucky you see big 5 in one day - drivers can also drive across official path to follow animals or get closer (not allowed in Kruger Parc)

Miinukset: cabins are not the newest anymore, the mattress not comfortable at all, food was good but not outstanding

Plussat: The facilities, room, staff, food and game drives were all extraordinary. It was very good value.

Miinukset: I personally found the bed somewhat uncomfortable, however my family did not have any issue. Bring a good rain pancho, because theirs are nylon and not completely effective if it rains during a game drive.

Plussat: Very nice staff, superb game drives, good food!

Plussat: Friendly staff and Very Nice Safaris. It was a wonderful experience

Plussat: It was dry season when we where there and the Lodge provided a lovely oasis of greenery to sit and relax in the garden watching the odd buffalo or warthog test out the fencing! The sleeping accommodation was large and comfortable and the outside shower was, well... a little different. The evening meal taken with the other guests was an enjoyable affair and breakfast was a thorough mix with the usual offerings. They're got the game drives off to a tee. We liked the fact we kept the same ranger/driver for all the drives so we didn't go down the same routes again and again - and the ranger sought out species we'd not yet seen. I felt they try to group guests with the same arrival dates as well for the same reasons. A nice touch. So was it worth it? Well, leaving aside the comfort factor - we got to see 4 of the 'big 5' - close up. By that I mean within a few feet - a male lion was more or less by the wheels chewing his way through an Impala snack. No Elephants on our drives - but we did miss the last one (airport beckoned). We had a Ford Ecosport and I wouldn't have liked to have driven the 7km track to the lodge in anything less robust. Not a problem - just something to be aware of.

Plussat: Our stay was perfect. Special thanks to our great guides Sam and Richard who did everything to give us the ultimate Safari experience including the big 5!

Miinukset: Nothing - everything was great

Plussat: The food has a strangely familiar 80s dinner party vibe that I love and is cooked really really well. The drives were great and we saw so much. If you have a few days for a safari then I can't say strongly enough that Mohlabetsi and the Balule are a great choice.

Miinukset: It doesn't feel as bush as some but this was my second visit in 4 months so not much I don't like.

Plussat: Every meal was lovely. We ate out, looking over the reserve, under the stars, accompanied by the Rangers who shared great stories with us all. The staff were extremely helpful and looked after us really well. Rooms were plenty big enough and had all you needed for a comfortable, relaxing stay. Our room had views out over the reserve. The afternoon dip in the pool was an added bonus, but all in all, a great place to spend a few days if you get a chance. Oh, and by the way, the game drives, Rangers and Trackers were awesome. Top marks all round for a fantastic lodge. I can see why a number of guests we met return again and again.

Plussat: The location, the peaceful landscaped gardens, views of the mountains, the people and the food! Khaya Ndlovu never disappoints.

Plussat: It is excellently located within a 2 minute drive from the town of Hoedspruit. We had the Leadwood Suite; very comfortable, spacious and has a view of an immense tree just outside the garden doors. Despite its luxurious feel it’s a good value for money. Staff very friendly and helpful!

Plussat: It was an amazing experience to stay at Khaya Ndlovu, everything was excellent. They offered different activities and did everything they could in order to make our stay unforgettable. If you are looking for a great and luxurious place to stay, this has to be your choice

Plussat: The staff was really friendly and attentive! At any time, you could contact them and they would give you all required attention. The food in breakfast and dinner (4 courses) was also delicious. The rooms were large and comfortable. A special thanks to the game drive with Hendrik, which was an awesome guide, friendly and really dedicated to get you to see all the animals that were in the reserve.

Miinukset: In the reserve there aren’t elephants and hypos, but don’t worry, from there you can to to Kruger Park one day and see both.

Plussat: Everything was spectacular - the food was healthy and warm and gave you a couple of options. The service is great and much attention to detail with everything drinks, food, and service. The decor is beautiful.

Miinukset: That we didnt stay longer and have a swim in the pool.

Miinukset: the rooms are a bit outdated - they are up for renovation! The bathroom in the room very dark and small

Plussat: Staff were very helpful. We book game drive and they really did everything for our familly to enjoy it. They even organise few drinks in middle of the bush

Miinukset: Dinner was very nice however not much time was given between the different course which was a bit a shame because we wanted to enjoy more the moment.

Plussat: Khaya Ndlovu is a beautiful manor house set in a large garden with a great view of the watering hole. Khaya Ndlovu means "House of Elephant", sadly they do not have any elephants in the reserve (they used to have them), they have 3 of the big five (Lions, Leopards, and rhinos). The chef and staff were very attentive and we had really good meals in a peaceful setting that felt very luxurious.

Miinukset: When we arrived we were informed that we were not allowed to do any game drives with our own vehicle, we could only go on the organized game drives. (This is not stated anywhere on their websites) We were hoping to do a mixture of both. Because we were the only guests in the lodge, we were also expected to pay a private drive fee of 880,- per person. Because we were shocked by this, they made a concession for us and we paid the group fee, which we were grateful for. The games drives were excellent, though, they drive you offroad to get right to the animals, we saw lions feed from close by, which was a first for me!

Plussat: The staff were fantastic. I liked having our own guides assigned to us for the whole trip. Same as having the same waiter looking after us. Good touch.

Miinukset: Our pool wasn’t as clean as it could have been but other wise no negative comments.

Plussat: Everything! It’s a very special place

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Very clean

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Everything perfect!!!

Plussat: Perfectly situated in a private game reserve , very comfortable, delicious food, friendly staff, best guide for our game drives ... Everything was wonderful! Thank u so much for the days there!

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Was fantastic, owners and staff very friendly and helpful

Plussat: The location in the bush with elephants, various species of buck, warthog and other wildlife almost constantly in sight on the river bank . The accommodations are excellent and very suitable for large families, and both management and staff are extremely attentive. Meals are a slendid affair.

Miinukset: Our experience could not have been improved upon

Plussat: The location is absolutely great. The view on the river is amazing. Staff was really kind with us. We were only 3 so the house was really big for us. My daughter enjoyed the food prepared for the dinner. It’s a pleasure to see the wildlife directly from the house.

Miinukset: Our bed was not so comfortable.

Plussat: Lovely spacious (Hippo) cottage, very well equipped, comfortably furnished, immaculate housekeeeping, superb outdoor areas both for relaxation (sunbeds, pool, deck chairs, table, shade), dining and braaing (boma). gorgeous views over the river. excellent meals (do NOT hesitate to book catered option), very tasty with excellent presentation. great privacy. peace. TOP birdwatching. TOP guides for game drives and bush walks on site. wonderful hosts/staff. friendly and 100% helpful at all times while respecting wish for total privacy. this is a truly wonderful place. we were here for a short rest (and clean up!) between longer stays in KNP and we would recommend anyone to combine a few days in the park with a stay in this lovely nature reserve. really worth staying for several days. many thanks to all at ximongwe....we´ll be back (IF you´ll have us?)

Miinukset: bed a little soft for my taste (am a large, "traditionally" built lady and sleep on a rock hard bed at home) but thankfully tastes differ and it may well be just perfect for you!

Plussat: Hippo Cottage is amazing. The hosts were super welcoming and very helpful during our stay. The house itself is beautiful. It's spacious, beautifully decorated, well equipped ( the kitchen has absolutely everything you'd need ) and comfortable. There are two private decks, one off the front and one off the side with a nice table, sun chairs, shade and a dipping pool. Lovely BBQ area as well. The view of the river is fantastic too. Lots to see.

Miinukset: Unfortunately, the windows couldn't be left open for a breeze because of the monkeys. While there were fans in all of the bedrooms and living room, air con would be nice for when it's super hot like it was when we were there.

Plussat: Ximongwe Safari's - Hippo Cottage A beautiful 5 bedroom home on the banks of the Oliphants River located on the Balule Reserve with Hoedspruit being the nearest town is where we found ourselves for a six night stay in January 2018. The location is superb for any activities that interest you whether it is sitting on a deck with the river flowing by in front of you with Hippo getting quite vocal 50m away, in full sight of the antics of the monkey population entertaining one mere meters away. Antelope come to the water to drink at various times during the day and while a huge crocodile eyes them from the river they still manage to keep a safe distance. Bird life is in abundance. At night the whoop whoop of a hyena can be heard as well as the early morning barking of a troop of baboons close by. Some of them being more curious than the others can lead to closer encounters which are not ideal, yet very exciting. There is about an hours drive to the gate from Hippo Cottage to leave the reserve and you will experience sightings giraffe, waterbuck, impala, zebra, bushbuck to name but a few. We were fortunate enough to see a leopard and on two occasions elephants. Private game drives on the reserve are not permitted which we didn't know beforehand and were disappointed to find out. The cottage is very well equipped and everything is in working order. It is serviced daily. There are two full bathrooms which is ample for a bigger crowd. One has the choice of dining on the deck or indoors and the boma outside is equipped with everything needed for a braai. The kitchen is huge and whipping up a meal with two thermofan ovens and a gas/electric hob combination is a pleasure. Extra dishtowels in the kitchen are needed to wipe up those unexpected spills, so bring your own. Bedding is crisp and clean and the towels provided for bathing and swimming are good quality and soft and fluffy.

Miinukset: Loved everything.

Plussat: This was fabulous - great location, great house with lots of space and astonishing balcony and terrace over the river, the food was fantastic, and we really enjoyed the very knowledgable guiding on the river cruise (highly recommended particularly for people who like to watch birds, but we also saw buffalo, giraffes, crocodiles, and lions...) as well as the game drive - you get quite close to elephants and can watch them tear out trees, and we watched some jackal pups directly next to the car. Super

Plussat: The house is in a perfect location, very espacious, and it has everything you need to feel like at home. The staff are so friendly and warm and helpfull whith everything. Food was delicious. We saw lots of animals from the garden, including an hippo walking early in the morning.

Plussat: The staff are amazing and our experience was absolutely perfect. Can’t be a better place in the world than this. 10/10. Rooms, food, game drive, staff, spa, pool are faultless.

Plussat: Beautiful lodge with private villas. Great game drives with qualified rangers. The food and the service were first class. We really enjoyed our four days there.

Plussat: Great hospitality!

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: An overall wonderful experience.

Miinukset: Dinners in the bush not our cup of tea and at times schedule felt a little rushed

Plussat: The room was beautiful and the location was great. Good and service was very posh.

Miinukset: Everything was perfect

Plussat: The best experience ever! Orlanda and Sarah were amazing!! The best staff

Plussat: Amazing crew and services. Totally value for money, you will definitely leaving this place with beautiful memories. The game drive was fantastic, the food was superb! Amazing camp!

Miinukset: Nothing to complaint!

Plussat: Everything about this place is executed to perfection. The camp is small and intimate but feels very spacious and relaxed. The food is incredible, with a wide array of options. The staff is very sincere, helpful, approachable and always very friendly. The tours are beautiful and the guides are very knowledgable. Would recommend this camp to anyone coming to S.A.

Plussat: It’s an exceptional place with great staff.

Plussat: Incredible staff, rooms very good and clean. Safaris were awesome, we got to see all the important animals

Plussat: All the staff was very kind and professional.

Miinukset: There was no WiFi inside the rooms

Plussat: Great game drives, lovely staff

Plussat: Everything was perfect. It’s comfortable, clean, heating/cooler air conditioning, good bed, nice shower.

Miinukset: No TV nor Wifi in the room. Wifi only in comum areas. But this is part of our nature experience.

Plussat: Very delicious food (buffet and barbecue w/ bonfire) Nice rooms Game drives in small groups, experienced field guide and tracker

Miinukset: no Wi-Fi in rooms Wi-Fi in the Public area slow or not working

Plussat: All staff were very friendly, helpful and efficient.

Plussat: Amazing place! The staff is absolutely adorable, they do everything to help you, the food is amazing, they even had vegetarian options for me in all meals! Game drives were also awesome, we managed to spot all the big 5, our driver and field guide were extremely helpful and keen in looking for all the animals while also respecting the animals’ space. I definitely recommend this hotel!

Plussat: Super pool, good food nice drinks.

Miinukset: Its ok to change rooms because somebody books it longer, but please inform people in advance and not just when they arrive.

Plussat: The venue and ambience

Miinukset: Our room was next to the kitchen, so was noisy. I’d booked it 10 months before. The bath water was brown with brown spots. The various wines we chose were out of stock. The dinner was fair and overpriced. Not a patch on the video presentation we saw online. I wish the new owner had been there, I would have liked to have told her how disappointed we were.

Plussat: Staff were very good. I think the bed was one of the best I've slept on.

Miinukset: The insects. Distance from lodge to viewpoint.

Plussat: The location was great and there was plenty of choice for breakfast.

Miinukset: The 'deluxe' rooms could do with being bigger, our deluxe twin room was tiny you could hardly get around the beds and we are by no means large people so we moved furniture to try to make a bit more room and the bathroom layout was not too good. One of the mornings we ordered our cooked breakfast and had to wait over an hour and when it turned up some of it was over cooked and dried up.

Plussat: Service was good but quite slow. Food was very good. The location was good for the Blyde River Cruise. It was very clean.

Miinukset: The staff didn't seem to communicate with each other so I had to ask for an early start with at least 4 people. food service was very slow.

Plussat: Great location, awesome room and very friendly staff.

Miinukset: My only suggestion (and it's not a complaint), is that perhaps staff might benefit from a little bit more training on sharing information about the dinner menu and wine list.

Plussat: The friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. They were hands on 100% attentive, polite and efficient. We were assisted in planning our stay to really get the most out of the area.

Plussat: In the morning the zebras were absolutely amazing. They even let to touch themselves!! Kids were adored. Lots of fauna. Nice houses, lots of space, nicely decorated. Very nice dinners.

Plussat: Nice and quiet. Thatched property in attractive surroundings. The staff were all very helpful. We enjoyed the pool and the zebra wandering by!

Miinukset: There was no choice for a dinner option. The set meal was just that but it was good “home style” food.

Plussat: Great location, very peaceful. surrounded by nature. Had Zebras at the front door. lovely staff, very attentive. Host is wonderful, Maria was so friendly and helpful and organized amazing safaris for us - saw all the big 5 - early morning safari is incredible. small spa with good massages and well equipped Gym. Was surprised at first to not have choices of food at lunch and dinner but they cater for all dietary requirements and the food was very good. Boma dinner was really fun too.

Miinukset: Nothing. This area is expensive but I think this lodge is good value for high quality location and facilities.

Plussat: The lodge is really nice! Everything is clean. Room is very comfortable. The particular hot tube is amazing. Staff members are kind and helpful. Safari were great moments, when we could see the Big Five. Zebras and other animals walked around the lodge. It was soo cool.

Miinukset: I think the food could be more sophisticated.

Plussat: Everything

Plussat: First and foremost Maria made the stay unforgettable, the room was exceptional and the staff gave the entire stay a very special touch. The grounds of Kusudalweni is literally in the bush (we watched Kudu and Impala within 5 meters of our room) yet every detail of the area has been carefully built and expresses opulence. The private game drives were in another league than the Kruger drives we had done prior to this stay; the game rangers (special mention to Simon) drove us right into the bush and knew the area like the back of their hands.

Miinukset: Leaving.

Plussat: The facility’s, the service level and hospitality mindset were next level. Want a last minute game drive in a private park? No problem. They will even fix a cooler box with a nice lunch and drinks. Want to go out on a game drive to Kruger by yourself no problem, lunch and breakfast to-go is arranged. Want to just chill out a day at the pool, no problem! The bar is always open and lunch can be prepared on the times that you ask. Diners were every day 3 courses, very tasty and upon request could be private or with the group. No request is to much and everything is done with a smile. Maria and her staff really make you feel at home. The private houses are really beautiful, clean and offer everything you could possibly want. Despite the smaller set up (there are only 4 rooms), there is a lot of privacy and it ensures that everyone is catered to his/her own needs. We will definitely come back!

Miinukset: Nothing. Just know that you are not in a big 5 park, but waking up with giraffes and zebra’s outside your bedroom window was just as astonishing! The drive to Kruger for a self-drive is only 40 mins and it’s the same for the guided tours to Manyeleti (private game reserve)

Plussat: A lovely and quite special place where you feel immediately at home. Special thanks to Maria who makes the lodge quite unique. Great safari organisation. we really loved it and hope to come back again!

Plussat: One of the most luxurious bush lodges Ive stayed at. The food was spectacular, rooms are very neat and tidy and staff super friendly. Maria is a fantastic host and is really a hands on owner of this lodge.

Miinukset: I did not expect to be transfered for 45min each way to go to the game reserve to go on the game drives.

Plussat: The tranquility, the friendliness, the fact that it was right on the banks of the Blyde River. The road was a bit bad to get to the lodge, but we managed. The room was also spacious, cool and wonderful.

Miinukset: The gravel road to the lodge.

Miinukset: unmotivated staff long drive from the main road

Plussat: The sound of the river

Miinukset: 6km gravel

Plussat: The location was beautiful and the rooms extremely comfortable and relaxing.

Miinukset: It’s quite a distance from the panorama view and we had to drive for over 6km’s on a dirt road with barely any signs or employees. It was very disconcerting and made us worried about what the quality of the lodge would be like. Not a great first impression.

Plussat: Great location by the river and very relaxing atmosphere.

Plussat: It was so calm and serene. The staff were very attentive and helpful and friendly. Our car was even washed when we weren't looking. We felt very special and pampered.

Miinukset: I was confused about the description of the cottage on bookings.com. it said Cottage(2 adults), but when I did the payment and got my confirmation it said that I had booked for only 1 adult. The lodge then corrected my booking but I had to pay extra for the additional person.

Plussat: Very friendly, easy going staff. Wildlife within the lodge reserve. Very good food. Lovely relaxing setting and nice to be able to cool off in the pool.

Plussat: Gardens and river!!! Tranquility gave us the idea of a Mauritius beach And an abundance of birdlife

Miinukset: In the Owl house Install an aircon on 2nd floor

Plussat: The food and the bar were incredibly good! It's a little paradise