Ubizane Wildlife Reserve

Ubizane has two standards of accommodation: luxurious tree-top lodges and safari lodge self-catering units. We stayed in the latter on a full-board basis due to an error subsequently compensated by the tour operators. Fortunately, we had transport from the lodges to the restaurant - otherwise we'd have had a walk of around half a mile through bush in darkness. Despite these issues I found the stay in the safari lodge a very pleasant experience. Whilst a little basic, there is something about waking in the morning to find oneself surrounded by nyala, impala and zebra. My main wildlife interest is birds and I was able to photograph between 10 and 20 species. We went on one game drive within Ubizane plus two in the nearby Hluhluwe-iMfolozi national reserve. Both were thrilling experiences bringing us into close contact with a variety of animals and even more bird species. It is worth pointing out to anybody planning the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi drives that they involve a journey of 10-15 minutes at up to 60 km/h in an open vehicle with no windshield. Eye protection is essential and something like a scarf to wrap around the face is advisable. The food offered by Ubizane for breakfast, lunch and dinner were all buffets with plenty of choice of very palatable food.

Wunderschön gelegen in einem Reservoir mit Zebras und vielen anderen Tieren, die an den Tree Lodges vorbeikommen. Sehr freundliches und aufmerksames Staff. Auch das Essen ist wirklich sehr lecker!

I stayed here just for one night during one of my visits to South Africa with a colleague. What an amazing experience ... nature, wild life, and good food . Renting a vehicle is a must or visit through travel agents . The best part is you are only with nature and away from city life and internet... they will give a bedtime story to read 😀

I had been spoilt staying at some of the most incredible lodges on a scouting trip for business. Thus the Safari Lodge was not in any way enticing for my tastes. I found the dark wood and typical African safari setting a bit much for my palate. I could see the international tourists loved it though. The staff were friendly and they went out of their way to make sure one was comfortable and well treated. The accommodation were small little rondavels scattered across a mown area. The buck enjoying the safety of the cut grass in the evenings was a real pleasure. The room was good in many ways. This was a convenient B&B for me, not to my taste, but they were friendly and helpful.

Loved our two night stay here - best place we have stayed during our two weeks here in South Africa. Tree lodge rooms were very comfortable, king bed with mosquito net, large deck on which to sit and watch the nyala, Impala and monkeys below. Plenty of storage space for clothes, fridge in room, air conditioning. WiFi only available in bar/restaurant area which was fine, although charging 150 Rand ($10) for 1 gig is a bit pricey. The first 500mb is free per person but that doesn't go far when uploading photos. Nice open sided restaurant and bar area overlooking a pond with crocodiles and Weaver birds, and we took the short walk to see the Ostrich. Food was good, especially breakfast with eggs cooked to order. We did two game drives with Alan who was very knowledgeable. The first drive was inside Ubizane's private reserve and the second was inside the main Hluwe-luwe park. Fortunately we saw a tip from a previous reviewer on wrapping up for the early morning drive along the main road from Ubizane to the Hluwe-luwe park entrance - definitely take warm hats and layers! We saw lots of game both days. Wish we could have spent longer here and had more game drives!

We stayed at the Safari Lodge rondavels. Had a braai at the Boma on first night and supper at the restaurant on second night. The restaurant had a lovely candlelight- under-the-stars setting and food was good- Chakalaka was best tasting pap gravy ever! Chocolate pudding made in a potjie pot was a treat. We enjoyed afternoon guided walk and morning game drive. Take note - drive from Lodge to Hluhluwe Game Reserve is very cold. Dress warm- jacket, hats, scarf and blanket. All staff good but special mention to reception staff.

We did a guided walk with Alan. Alan was knowledgeable and showed us lots of interesting plants and told us about their customary uses. We got up close to a group of giraffes and gnus and zebras and impala and nyala and waterbuck. The fever tree forest shines.

The surroundings are pretty, we walked into the main building to see weaver birds building their nests, which hang upside down on the branches of trees, below them were Crocodiles in a man made large pool and enclosure. Our tree house was lovely with all mod cons, in and amongst the trees, where we watched monkeys playing in the branches, with Zebra and Impalas walking around below us. Fabulous

We did three game drives, early morning, mid pm and late pm. All fantastic. You really do see the "big five" and it's so great to be with Alan who was extremely knowledgeable and made sure he looked out for every wild animal so we saw everything promised. A truly great time was had by all on our jeep and we all felt very privileged indeed and humbled. The accommodation was first class in the circular thatched roof rooms with 4 poster bed etc and all mod cons. Excellent food n drink served at breakfast and dinner !

Clean and comfortable rooms with all the necessary amenities to have a pleasant rest before or after a game drive at Hluhluwe -Imfolozi Park, 30 minute drive from Memorial gate. The lodge can organize daily safari drives into the park in their own 4 x 4 vehicles. Make sure you are booked with Allan, one of the most knowledgeable safari guides you will ever encounter in this part of the world. Lovely elevated decks to enjoy the company of the Nyalas and the large colony of weavers. While afternoon tea is basic, nice and delicious meals are served for dinner. Service overall was slow and lacking enthusiasm and with a bit of training and focus in this area, this could be a really nice mid range property. This was a convenient place for an overnight stop between Joburg and Kosi Bay.