Phelwana Game Lodge

The luxury tents were very comfortable and had a great view over the dam. Unfortunately the hippos had decided to stay in another dam opposite but we got to see lots of monkeys/baboons, giraffe, zebras and even a Warthog. The staff were fantastic and we were very well looked after. Unfortunately it rained a fair bit but we kept ourselves occupied in the main lodge with various games. Sly was amazing on the game drive and walk and extremely passionate and knowledgable.

The Tour to the rehabilitation centre was a bit on the expensive side

There is so much to tell! From the minute Sly fetched us from the airport our amazing South African holiday started, we were blessed with so many animals and a lovely tour by Sly to the facility. We received a warm welcome and our rooms (villa) awaited our arrival, at first we were worried that we booked a place with no AC but the fans are more than enough. I was even "cold" the one night. Katie, Phumzile and Jefferey made each day memorable. We booked a trip to the Panorama Route with Sly and it was just perfect, great company, chats along the way, shopping, sightseeing the works. They also booked our Kruger trip - so memorable! Phelwana actually have enough animals on site that you can enjoy via their bush walks at 7am and or their afternoon drives at 5pm, it was baby season so we saw so many little ones from baby zebra, giraffe, nyala and water buffalo. The food was really great as well. I don't think there was anything missing. The wifi can be a bit iffy but you are in the bush it is to be expected. We had some traffic issues from the local giraffe :P so cute but a quick call to the reception and someone would fetch us safely. If I had to pick one item it would to request more vegetarian opinions like tofu but honestly we ate well! We loved our stay and everyone there made it so special, they even decorated our breakfast table and arranged a cake for my birthday!

To be honest there was nothing to complain about

Good selection and choices of meals With excellent service by staff.

Thought the ablution facilities at the dinner in the bush was a disgrace, to say the least.

Scenic location, total number of guests was comfortable so we always had a table, or could get into the game drive bookings. Animals roaming freely are healthy and abound. Dinners were great and breakfast was sumptuous. Walking game sessions were lovely and extremely insightful with Sly. Chalets are beautiful and spacious. Having a private pool alongside the chalet was such a luxury!

No food options for kids dinner apart from ice cream as a special request. WiFi in rooms wasn’t good.

Everything

Nothing

Hospitality

Jeffrey (restaurant waiter) and Joe (inside property game driver) were awesome! Food was limited in options but still really good! The property was somewhat close to the park.

We were pretty disappointed with many things that really put a damper on the trip, unfortunately. First, activities organized through them were hectic. We ended up on the most run down safari truck (who they go with was most low end even though they charge high end prices). Organizing other activities was also hectic, last minute in their end, and awkward due to their poor communication with places. There was a power outage (which we understand is not their fault); however, they basically then acted like no guests were there (they left the pool a mess on leaves and branches with furniture in it due to a storm the night before but it took asking 3 different people over 2 hours for something to clean it out with…which we needed because it was soooo hot no electricity or air on- they hadn’t fixed their generator so had no back up). Their Wi-Fi never worked for us - the whole time(not too big of a deal but very inconvenient for figuring out flight changes). Then things were abandoned/left untidy since we were the only guests (I think) - no staff at reception, no way to communicate with them we were left waiting at the gate for 25 minutes in the heat - even though they knew when we were to return), no communication about power, etc. And no real apology or accountability. Forget having any of the special things they market - such as outdoor braai around campfire - this didn’t happen even on nice nights. I’m not one to leave a poor review…but I really hope this doesn’t happen to other people given how many other great options there are in the area and how much they charge.

This is the most relaxing lodge! I came for a weekend retreat and loved every minute. I was able sit in my own little plunge pool and watch the animals come to the water hole. The staff were all very friendly and inviting. I 100% recommend this place