Hoedspruit hotellia

Plussat: The location, the room, the nature and Sanders hospitality.

Miinukset: Nothing actually

Plussat: Very nice and luxurious room, beautiful location on a beautiful estate park. Owners are very nice and think along. Take the time to help and think along with your plans. The breakfast was excellent. Everything in the rooms was thought out and correct. Super clean. Absolutely recommended! Now we had booked everything in advance and we did not know how fantastic this location was. Otherwise we would certainly have stayed longer Unfortunately, that was not possible due to our program. Tip for future travelers: We would have liked to stay here for a few nights because of the relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful surroundings. Also a lot of sights at a short distance! (panorama route, rehabilitation centers, shopping centers)

Miinukset: We should have stayed longer.

Plussat: * Location: in a closed and safe estate with wild animals roaming around. Driving or walking around is great. Very cool! * Sander, the host, was extremely helpful, informative, and helpful. His relaxed attitude is soothing. * The room was spacious and well-equipped, including safety deposit box, nice balcony, nice decor, mosquito net, and spacious showers. The pool also looked nice (too cold to swin at that time). * Dinner (pay extra) was a great braai buffet. Recommended. * Breakfast was nice.

Miinukset: * Rooms are quite dark. * The shower was a bit hard to handle. * Bed was okay, yet the pillows were not comfortable.

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: Everything from superb hosts, to fabulous clean and super comfortable facilities, to wonderful food. We could not fault this lovely lodge and would highly recommend it to any future travellers. We wish we had stayed longer and will be back.

Plussat: Very friendly owners and excellent local knowledge. Superb meal provided in the evening, on request. It’s a braai. We had ostrich steak, beef, chicken, fish, kudu and lovely dishes to accompany. They so kindly bought me gluten free bread for breakfast. Lovely pool.

Plussat: There were free bikes that we road around the neighborhood and saw zebras, giraffes, deer, and warthogs. Such a great location! The owner is very friendly and helpful. The hotel is very well decorated and stocked with everything you need. The owner has obviously thought about every detail of the room and property. It was amazing. And such a great price for what you get. The breakfast was delicious and we enjoyed the cheap, good local beers.

Plussat: Very nice people, very friendly and helpful. The lodge and is nice with a great pool. We really enjoyed the BBQs both evenings we have been there!

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: everything!

Plussat: We had the most fabulous time at this lodge. Sander and Juliet have created a wonderful setting with a warm and gentile atmosphere. True luxury is not about fluffy towels and butlers, more about kind and genuine hosts ensuring their guests relax and have everything that they need in a very comfortable environment. These hosts appear to get it just right effortlessly but I’m sure a lot of hard work goes into making a perfect lodge, thank you so much.

Plussat: Everything - superior service from everyone, excellent food, great rooms and fun tours. It was perfect, and highly recommended!

Miinukset: For the price you pay, I expected much better food. And the restrictions they make on your schedule. You dont feel like you are relaxing. You cannot eat when you want.

Plussat: Excelent option. All well designed and distributed, very close to the airport.

Plussat: Guided game drives were amazing, we were able to see all big 5 quite easily, breakfast was very good, rooms were very big and clean, trackers and ranger were very experienced and effective in finding animals

Miinukset: Quite expensive, food was good but not amazing, extra anti-fly protection could be used for breakfast

Plussat: We get a lot more that what we expected ! Excellent game drives, nice staff and very good and nice spa.

Miinukset: The pool is very cold

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 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: The food, Safari and the Spa

Miinukset: We enjoyed everything about the lodge...beuty at its best. The spa is excellent, the food is 5*. I loved everything.

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: I normally don’t like food service in this format and prefer a la carte but I have changed my mind after Kapama. The food met every taste and need and the staff were incomparable. I would be extremely proud of this team.

Miinukset: Sometimes it wasn’t always clear what times and where we were meeting for various activities etc

Plussat: Everything perfect!!!

Plussat: Magic place, amazing safari, outstanding service, delicious food.

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: The food is unexpected good！Every staff there is friendly！

Plussat: Breakfast was perfect daily

Miinukset: Swimming pool

Plussat: Everything is outstanding in this accommodation! The sunset is spectacular; staff is so very friendly; game drive was really great; rooms are very cozy and you are being pampered left and right! What a wonderful place!!

Miinukset: We only stayed one night.

Plussat: Everything!

Plussat: What an great place to stay. Will stay longer next time. Amazing view and fabulous staff. Food was great as well. Keep up the good work!

Plussat: Out stay at Khaya Ndlovu was incredible. We took two days off to relax in nature during an extremely busy period. From the word GO everything was outstanding. The service, the views, the massages, game drive and last and certainly not least THE FOOD!!! I cannot fault a single thing and I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to feel at home on a luxury game farm surrounded by wildlife in the most serene setting i.e basically everyone! We cannot wait to be back. THANK YOU TEAM KHAYA NDLOVU

Miinukset: N/A

Plussat: The game drive was exceptional

Miinukset: None

Plussat: I’ll start with the watering hole. What a gem of a place. Both days were saw activity there right in front of us. You don’t have to move from the sun loungers it’s that good! Staff are excellent and happy to help out where they can. Room was good, but the bathroom was rather small and no bath :( Good onsite Rhino rehabilitation centre to show what good work goes on thanks to this charity. Complimentary laundry was a god send. Chef created some incredible food! That and the backdrop meant it was a perfect setting for couples.

Miinukset: Hornet in the bed, somehow got through the mosquito netting. Also in our room it looked straight out onto the arrival path and car park so curtains needed to be closed after a shower etc and had to stay closed on wake up before we got dressed- spoils the tea in bed looking at the view.

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: 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 is superb, the hosts are wonderfull.

Miinukset: You have to be lucky to spot one of the big five.

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: Excellent place, especially if one needs a break from the city buzz and lovers of nature

Miinukset: The place could do with air conditioning, especially during the hot season

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: Everything & everyone !

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Dear Kim, Sander and Arne, thank you so much for the absolute awesome stay at kurhula Wildlife lodge. Everything was great, lovely personal, the view on the river, the breakfast, and of course the dinner were amazing! Thank you so much for making my birthday such a beautiful day I won't forget! Your are the best hosts we've ever had! We will always remember our stay at kurhula Wildlife lodge! Kinds regards Monika and Daniel

Plussat: It’s a quiet place, perfect to chill surrounded by wildlife. You will get the chance to see lots of animals in the garden, from imapalas and monkeys to elephants!!!

Miinukset: The road to the lodge it’s not in the best conditions and even though it’s only 15 km away, it can take you about 40 min to get to the main antrance of the reserve.

Plussat: Bed very comfy and BIG Food excellent Hoist very friendly and super

Plussat: This place is next to perfect in every way. The hosts go out of their way to make everything completely effortless and comfortable. The elephants in the garden made it special. The wildlife and birds next to the river are mesmerizing.The river location magical and the food was amazing. This is a place to come to relax and unwind. It’s small yet large enough to do your own thing and not be disturbed. The pool is perfect. The hosts, Riana and Ane are diamonds who couldn’t do enough to make our Christmas break one of the best ever. Living in South Africa, we would rate this as one of the best lodges that we’ve stayed in. We are definitely planning another trip here. Bonus we saw giraffes and zebras as we left.

Miinukset: There is nothing that we didn’t like.

Plussat: It was absolutely magnificent. Kim and Sander are so lovely and kind hosts and overall most interesting to talk to. The lodge is right on the river and you can spend the whole day watching animals passing by in the garden and on the river. Kim is also an amazingly talented chef...every evening was like heaven on our plates. And for me it was just a once in a lifetime experience because Kim knows about gluten and lactose intolerance and she prepared so many nice dishes for me. They also arranged a game drive where we saw 4 lions just next to the car. This continued under water because both recommended the best dive spot in South Africa. Thx so much and good luck with your new project, the Bare Feet Retreat. We will come back.

Plussat: Great hosts and an unbelievable setting. Could sit watching the river all day. Food was also very tasty and large portions of top quality home cooked meals.

Miinukset: Facilities are definitely more worn and tired than you expect from photos and social media. Cost touch on the high side.

Plussat: What a gem! It's a very small, family run lodge - 4 very nice rooms, immersed in nature. Wonderfully relaxing, perfect choice if you are looking for peace and quiet. We stayed for two nights but would gladly have stayed more. Excellent food.

Miinukset: The dirt track going there is pretty bad but not unmanageable even with a standard sedan. Wouldn't want to try it with rain, though.

Miinukset: small room with standard comfort

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: The employees are the best! Very happy and glad to help! The safari is beautiful and the room, one of the best I ever been! Amazing experience! Of course a must to go

Miinukset: There is no variety of food! As this is an all inclusive hotel, should have more options of food and more food available in the afternoon. It would be great if the hotel invest in the gym.

Plussat: Loved all their staff

Miinukset: I don't see room for improvement all at its best

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: Lovely ambiance

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Great hospitality!

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Everything was excellent

Plussat: The service was excellent and the hotel it-self was much better in the reality than on the pictures. Very calm, modern and fresh design and the food worth a Michelin star. The Safari experience with amazing Rangers who explains every single detail about the animals and how they track them, just don't hesitate to ask questions, they are more than happy to answer to you. As well go feed the elephants, it is an overwhelming feeling.

Miinukset: Only one little detail. When you arrive at the airport at the hottest hour and the hotel sends an open car to pick you up. 30 min under the strongest sun weren't that pleasant. So be ready and get a hat out of your suitcase in advance.

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

Miinukset: Everything was perfect

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: Everyone is incredibly friendly; the food was by far the best we had ever had and the whole experience is something you will keep as a happy memory for the rest of your life! This sets a new bar for me in hospitality and hotel expectations, and lets other hotels miles behind in my opinion.

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

Plussat: Awesome hot tub, relaxed vibe

Miinukset: Communication regarding safari options

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: 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 staff were very pleasant and helpful. A good breakfast. Pleasant bushveld location and comfortable rooms. Appreciated having the car cleaned after the baboons messed on it during the night. The check in was prompt and efficient.

Miinukset: Rooms, although comfortable were rather cramped. The dinner was very poor - starter - over cooked broccoli in a "cheese sauce" had been told it was springbok carpaccio, mains - chicken piece with veg and potatoes and gravy - pud - "deconstructed" milktart with jelly on top. It was extremely disappointing and shockingly overpriced.

Plussat: Lovely home with masses of room (six of us fitted with room to spare). Good location as long as rural and remote work for you! Super friendly staff.

Miinukset: Could do with some minor maintenance (leaking showers for example) and the pool area really needs redoing (notably for guests over the summer months).

Plussat: The breakfast and dinner( at R340.00 p head) was superb!!!!

Miinukset: The room was very small, thank goodness my colleague and I booked 2 rooms as there was very little space to move around!!! Seemed to have been run by 1 lady who welcomed us, served us a drink and made up the room. we had to go look for someone 3 times to get us a drink whilst sitting on the veranda outside. seems 1 person was on duty last night only!!!!

Plussat: Wonderful relaxing place to stay in the most fantastic surroundings. Form first arrival we were so impressed with the friendliness of the staff, and the feel of the place. We stayed two nights and ate dinner both nights - fixed menu but lovely food, served on a covered terrace with log burners, and an extensive wine list. Added bonus of the local zebras coming for a visit.

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: Absolutely gorgeous lodge, the staff were amazing so helpful and friendly, awesome to watch the zebra walking around, the food was fantastic and they especially catered for my son and I as vegetarian. Will definitely want to go back

Miinukset: Nothing

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: All the reviews were accurate. Amazing place.

Plussat: Friendly reception and staff, food and comfortable beds

Miinukset: Room space slightly small

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

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: We are a family of four adults .We loved and enjoyed everything about our stay at Elandela! Thembie was the most wonderful hostess.. looking after all our requests and needs. Our room was spotless with a very high level of cleanliness through the whole property. Our rangers John and Taleen were so knowledgeable and made our drives really interesting and fun ! The food was so delicious and tasty .. we were not expecting that in the middle of the bush! We thoroughly enjoyed the bbq and boma evening with the singers and dancers ! Great fun ! Our drive thru Kruger was amazing .. especially seeing the cheetahs and the elephants .. sadly no lions or buffalo that day ! We appreciated John’s cooked breakfast in Kruger ... yum !! The white lions on the Elandela reserve were very special and we thoroughly enjoyed our drives there . It was our first safari and we couldn’t recommend Elandela highly enough !

Plussat: Everything was perfectly. Mamma is the best. And everybody takes care of us. Amazing. A dream !!!!!!

Miinukset: Nothing. Is perfect.

Plussat: - Room and lodge - Drives - Food - kindness and support of the staff - everything

Miinukset: nothing

Plussat: The lodge is very clean and comfortable. You can see the staff work very hard to maintain the property and grounds. View of the Rhinos in the lake superb! The guides on the safari tours are very informative, we had John and Lymon, both excellent. We were fortunate to see the big 5 on our trip, all of them during our stay in Elandela. The white lions are stunning, I have never seen anything so beautiful. The trip to Kruger national park is a must. I loved the décor in the bar an restaurant very African and rustic. Service from all staff in the lodge was excellent! The boma evening was fab, dancing and singing by members of the lodge team and we got to join in! Relaxing by the pool between safaris is needed!

Miinukset: It would have been nice to have some African dishes to try.

Plussat: The rooms were clean.The reception was beautiful. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was excellent. The safari was the best. In short, we were more than impressed and we are are definitely going back

Miinukset: None

Plussat: The game drives with the rangers were excellent and we could see incredibly variety of animals. The trip to the Kruger was worth it. Rooms very clean and comunicating door was nice to have the kids close by. Wifi connection worked fine.

Miinukset: Variety and quantity of the food was average A cofee before the morning game drive would make it nicer to be awake. Service at dinner professional but too fast

Plussat: Amazing place to stay when exploring the area. Made our time here very special!

Plussat: The room was very impressively decorated, loved the bathroom and views from the private deck were just lovely. Animals roaming on the lawn, a river beyond, peace and quiet, what more could a guest ask for. A few more tea bags would not have gone astray.

Miinukset: Dinner and breakfast was ordinary, nothing to rave about and little thought to presentation and service. Staff need more hospitality training

Plussat: Stayed in the Owl House. Very beautiful and spacious for the 2 of us. Only 1 bathroom which may be an issue with more people. The grounds were beautiful, very special having animals walking around.

Plussat: Food was excellent

Miinukset: Would prefer a tv in room although it is not common for lodges to have a tv in room

Plussat: Beautiful location, lots of wildlife and peaceful. The lady who ran the place was lovely

Miinukset: The drive is very long and off road, which is ok if you know but would be impossible at night. There was no hippos but I understand we just were unfortunate. There were small touches that were forgotten.

Plussat: Outstanding game drives - memorable encounters with wildlife in the Bush. Good quality food and excellent service.

Miinukset: N/a

Plussat: Game drives in a beautiful private game reserve, diner on new years day in the bush

Miinukset: Large group of 20 tourists makes you feel the resort is a bit big

Plussat: The hospitality is unparalleled.

Plussat: Amazing game drives. Giyani is superb, explains a lot about the animals, the birds and nature. Even taught me how to track and we enjoyed every min w him. Sanof was also an excellent host. We thank him for our wonderful experience

Miinukset: We had some hickups in organizing our pickups from the airport as the person organizing it wasn’t great nor helpful. That was all, rest it is a wonderful place and highly recommend.

Plussat: Our guide, Louis and tracker, John on the game drives were fantastic. Food was great and abundant, Peter our butler was wonderful, bar staff and all staff (Zelnia, Albert, Bango) were always helpful and great.

Miinukset: Could have dimmers in the rooms to make the lighting even better.

Plussat: Hospitality and the amazing game drives!!

Plussat: We thought the whole experience was amazing. Being able to see the animals up close. The Thorny Bush Camp was an excellent place to stay with very good rooms and food. The staff were very accommodating and made sure we had a good time.

Plussat: Our guide Roland and tracker Anthony were amazing, so knowledge and passionate about all the animals, the eco system and their clients.

Plussat: The entire experience from beginning to end far exceeded all our expectations. The lodge has an authentic and intimate feel as it only caters for up to 4 rooms. Our guide, Rew, had incredibly impressive knowledge of all the animals and got us much closer than we could have ever imagined. Our tracker, Vousi, displayed great knowledge and also nerves of steel being sat on front of the car. Food and housekeeping was also fantastic - delicious variety of food.

Plussat: Staying here was an amazing experience. Luxury hidden away in the bush. Nothing was too much trouble. They have got everything right here. I would love to go back one day.

Miinukset: Nothing.

Plussat: The location of the Lodge was excellent. The ranger Gino was very enthusiastic about his work and did his best to show us as many animals as possible. He added great value to the experience. The food was nice and plentiful. Staff was pleasant and service the best. The dining environment was always charming. A special thanks for the wine and candles on our anniversary.

Miinukset: I wish we had gone out for the safari on our last morning. I got the impression the staff was not very willing.

Plussat: Wonderful spot with room overlooking watering hole. Ranger and tracker excellent showing us lots of wildlife on game drive.

Plussat: The personal meal the staff set up on the verandah of our lodge for myself and my partner on New Years Eve with candles, a bottle of champagne, petals on the table and excellent service and hospitality.

Miinukset: The only thing I would recommend rather than didn't like is the three mornings I went out searching for animals was at 5.30am and I think each morning was quite quiet until at least 6.30am in terms of spotting animals so you could push the morning kick off until 6.30am instead of 5.30pm

Plussat: The friendly staff, facility with the view of bush and wild animals and food arrangement with heart.

Miinukset: Nothing I didn’t like.

Plussat: The breakfast deck was amazing, as well as the garden, incredibly beautiful. The pool was very clean and private and the braai area was remarkably suggestive. Fantastic staff, extremely helpful, accommodating and pleasant

Plussat: Wifi connection poor, the hot water gets cold before you have even started your shower. No viewing site or 'walking' to the river to view crocs or hippos. The coffee provided in the room was so hard we could not get it out of the jar, and no tea provided but we had a teapot?

Miinukset: Wifi connection poor, the hot water gets cold before you have even started your shower. No viewing site or 'walking' to the river to view crocs or hippos. The coffee provided in the room was so hard we could not get it out of the jar, and no tea provided but we had a teapot?

Miinukset: The 4 star rating is misleading and and links to false advertising. Over priced for what is on offer. No breakfast included at the price . Room not worth more than R450.00 per person per night.

Plussat: Not worth the money

Miinukset: (1) far from safari (2) when requested to cooperate for safari the lady asked an exhorbiant amount and when said ok .... she denied that she cannot get the safari done as it is booked. She insisted to take the day safari instead. (3) bad wifi (4) at this rate you will get much more ch better place .

Plussat: Absolutely wonder staff!! Wonderfull environment and great rooms! I felt at home and had a very very restful weekend away from the busy city