Madwaleni River Lodge - Babanango Game Reserve

Beautiful setting, wonderful staff and service, amazing variety of animals, decent meals, incredible facility and tent lodge. Special mention for our safari guide Sibo who went the extra mile to search the Big 4 game and found them!

The quality of brunch at the river bed gathering could be better. Pastries and dessert were good. Beer and wine offering would be nice. Being a wine afficionado, the inclusive wine selection can be upgraded.

The description and the other reviews on booking.com. The design of the room.

Our stay at your hotel was supposed to be the conclusion and highlight of our two-week trip to South Africa, and we were very much looking forward to it. However, as our experience was greatly marred, we would like to share our experiences with you: 1. First, three email enquiries about prices and availability went unanswered. Then we received a reply from the sales manager we had also contacted, but he offered us worse rates than Booking.com (which we were not aware of). 2. On the evening of our arrival, the lighting leading to our room was faulty. 3. The next day, the toilet flush was faulty. 4. Common drinks (Coke Zero, Fanta Orange) were not available or only available in limited quantities. 5. The minibar was minimally stocked. 6. The selection of alcoholic all-inclusive drinks was very limited and, in some cases, incomprehensible; for example, there was initially no (white) sparkling wine on offer. 7. The reception could not be reached by telephone from the room (telephone numbers 550 and 551: ‘User refused’). 8. The gym had not been cleaned and the treadmill in the gym was not working. 9. The animal density was also very low (‘have you seen the elephant?’). It was also a pitty that you couldn't let light into your room in the morning, as the tent curtains could only be operated by staff. All in all, the standard was not only below our expectations of a 5-star hotel in this price range, but also below our previous experiences in South Africa, and that at lower prices. However, we would like to emphasise that the staff on site were all very helpful and friendly; it was simply the above-mentioned conditions that were unpleasant and greatly detracted from our experience.

I cant put into words how amazing this lodge is ! We were blown away by all of it. The rooms feel like you are stepping back in time / onto a movie set, but with all the modern amenities you would expect from a 5 star hotel. You are right on the banks of the rushing river and can hear the water running over the rocks as you sleep. The lounge , dining room and library feel extremely private and are full of amazing history. The gym has amazing equipment and the pool is large and looks over the river. The food was exceptional , the wine from their cellar all top notch ! The staff took care of our every need and made us feel like no request was too small. We will definitely be returning as soon as we can !

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The staff exceptional attention to EVERYTHING to make you comfortable (Mandisa, Nhlakanipho, Ntombi, Lizo and Sbo) Location is prime exclusivity and so aesthetic .⁹ The chef kept on delivering the BEST mouth watering meals! Babanango game drives have yet to disappoint. Truly a breathtaking stay !

The river sound takes a while to acclimate to but thats what you get on a curated bush getaway. We should've stayed longer!

Una experiencia excepcional, todo estuvo increíble.

There’s nothing not to like. Every staff member gave us the best service. We checked in late and the communication between us and reception was exceptional.

There’s nothing to dislike.

The lodge embodies the essence of an intimate retreat, offering a sanctuary of tranquility where serenity reigns supreme. The gentle cadence of the river’s flow weaves seamlessly into the stillness of the surroundings, creating an atmosphere that soothes the soul. It is a haven where time slows, allowing one to revel in the quietude and reconnect with a loved one in the embrace of nature’s understated elegance.

Maybe develop a spa tent to cater for massages and beauty requirements with its own swimming pool, and cabanas.

Madwaleni River Lodge exceeded all our expectations! From the moment we arrived, we were treated to incredible hospitality and an unforgettable experience. The food was abundant and absolutely delicious. The service was outstanding, with a special shoutout to Anele, who went above and beyond to make our room extra special with thoughtful treats and surprises. The tent was simply spectacular—the most luxurious we’ve ever stayed in. Every detail was carefully considered, and the quality of the furniture was top-notch. Our game drives were a highlight, thanks to our knowledgeable guide, Njabulo, who made the experience even more memorable. Drinking sundowners next to the river was an absolute dream, and the lodge’s location—nestled between the White Mfolozi River and breathtaking mountains—made for a truly magical setting. A huge thank you to Robyn, Sifiso, and all the incredible staff who made our stay so special. We can’t wait to return!

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