Maninghi Lodge

Location: 16 Parsons, Balule Game Reserve, za

Star Rating: 9.3 Stars

Property Type: Lodges

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
• Parking
• Non-smoking rooms
• Air conditioning
• Swimming pool
• Terrace
• BBQ facilities
• Safety deposit box
• Ironing service
• Packed lunches
• Darts
• Private check-in/check-out
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Board games/puzzles
• Shuttle service (additional charge)
• Kid meals
• Shared kitchen
• Outdoor furniture
• Coffee Shop on site
• Fruits
• Staff adhere to local safety protocols
• Guest rooms disinfected between stays
• Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
• Physical distancing rules followed
• Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
• Cashless payment available
• Fire extinguishers
• First aid kit available
• Sanitized tableware & silverware
• Contactless check-in/check-out
• Invoice provided
• Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
• Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
• Guest room sealed after cleaning
• Physical distancing in dining areas
• Process in place to check health of guests
• Face masks for guests available
• 24-hour security
• Thermometers for guests provided by property
• Supervised childcare/activities
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Free wired internet
• Self parking (surcharge)
• Pool sun loungers
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Game drive nearby
• Internet access
• Housekeeping on request
• Wine release events
• Pool waterfall
• Exercise/lap pool
• Japanese garden
• Secured parking
• Horse riding nearby
• Swimming nearby
• Charcoal grill
• Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
• Vegetarian menu options available
• Accessible shuttle
• No accessible shuttle
• Accessible train station shuttle
• No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

• Double Room

  The double room features air conditioning, a mini-bar, a terrace with river views as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath. The unit has 3 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 4 (3 Adults)

  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Terrace
  • Linen
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Toilet paper
  • Cots
  • Socket near the bed

• Double Room with River View

  This double room's standout feature is the pool with a view. The double room offers air conditioning, soundproof walls, a terrace with lake views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Terrace
  • Linen
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Plunge pool
  • Pool towels
  • Shallow end
  • Pool cover
  • Trash cans
  • Cots
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Adapter
  • Feather pillow
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hand sanitiser

• Twin Room with Garden View

  This double room's special feature is the pool with a view. The double room provides air conditioning, soundproof walls, a terrace with lake views as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath. The unit offers 2 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Terrace
  • Linen
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Plunge pool
  • Pool towels
  • Shallow end
  • Pool cover
  • Trash cans
  • Cots
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Adapter
  • Feather pillow
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hand sanitiser

• Tent

  This tent's standout feature is the pool with a view. The tent offers a seating area, a safe deposit box, a terrace with lake views as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Hair dryer
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Terrace
  • Linen
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Plunge pool
  • Pool towels
  • Shallow end
  • Pool cover
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Adapter
  • Feather pillow
  • Hand sanitiser

• Tent

  This tent features a pool with a view. The tent offers a seating area, a safe deposit box, a terrace with lake views as well as a shared bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Hair dryer
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Terrace
  • Linen
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Plunge pool
  • Pool towels
  • Shallow end
  • Pool cover
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Adapter
  • Feather pillow
  • Hand sanitiser

Guest Reviews

• Lpc (10/5): Juste parfait, un lieu incontournable ! - Un cadre exceptionnel en pleine nature avec vue sur les hippopotames, les éléphants et autres. Une qualité d’accueil parfaite au niveau des équipes et de l’infrastructure. Mention spéciale à notre guide Jack qui a été incroyable, bcp d’animaux vus pendant et hors safaris. Je recommande +++
• Anais (10/5): Fantastique - Séjour absolument remarquable à Maninghi Lodge, dans une atmosphère à la fois prestigieuse et intimiste. Dès l’arrivée, on ressent un vrai sens du raffinement et du détail : accueil soigné, équipe attentive, et une impression constante d’être traité comme un invité privilégié. Chaque petite attention fait la différence, qu’il s’agisse des gestes du personnel, de la qualité du service ou de l’ambiance chaleureuse mais élégante du lodge. Le guide safari mérite une mention toute particulière : extrêmement compétent, passionné et attentif, il a su transformer chaque sortie en une expérience unique, avec des explications précises et une vraie capacité à rendre la faune et la nature encore plus fascinantes. Je recommande sans hésitation pour une expérience safari d’exception. Le séjour est très bien organisé avec les repas inclus (déjeuner, dîner et petit-déjeuner). Cependant, il serait utile de préciser plus clairement aux clients que l’arrivée peut se faire dès 12h afin de pouvoir bénéficier du déjeuner du premier jour. En effet, en arrivant après 14h, le repas du midi n’est plus servi, ce qui peut créer une petite déception.
• Dominique (10/5): - L'emplacement au bord de la rivière nous permet d'observer la vie sauvage depuis le lodge. Nous avons été très bien accueillis, avec plein d'attention de tout le personnel, mention particulière à la cuisinière qui nous a régalés et surtout à Jack notre guide, très sympathique et professionnel. Le temps était maussade, nous n'avons pas vu beaucoup de gros animaux (sauf les éléphants qui sont venus nous rendre visite au lodge), mais l'équipe de l'hôtel ne peut rien pour cela. La piste pour arriver est longue et cahoteuse, malgré tout c'est bien passé avec notre petit SUV. L'important c'est qu'au bout de cela, on arrive dans un paysage de rêve et on a été très bien pris en charge par notre guide.
• Jacobus Johannes Maria (9/5): Ontspanning, verwondering! - Een prachtige locatie: aan de olifantsrivier! Volop dieren in de directe omgeving. Lekker eten, mooie gamedrive, vriendelijke ontvangst!
• Susan (10/5): GEWELDIG! - Wauw, wat zijn we goed en geweldig ontvangen! Iedereen is zo lief en behulpzaam. De game drives waren geweldig en weinig andere auto’s in het park. De staff is vriendelijk en maakt de meest geweldige maaltijden. Je beleeft je in een bubbel met de geweldige natuur en dieren die voorbij komen. Eén van de hoogte punten van ons verblijf!!
• Anna (9/5): -
• Buth (9/5): -
• Sandra (9/5): Fantastisch verblijf op een geweldige plek! De Safari's waren geweldig! - De plek is prachtig! Hij ligt aan de Olifantenrivier waar de apen, olifanten en andere dieren gewoon rondlopen. NIETS!
• Natasja (10/5): -
• Claudia (9/5): -
• jerome (9/5): -
• Evelyne (7/5): -
• Louis (10/5): Victoria and Paul perfect hosts, stay was to short - Location, hosts Nothing
• Marc (10/5): Le paradis au bout du chemin… - Emplacement fantastique au bord de la rivière avec des éléphants qui traversent la rivière, on voit des hippopotames…et dans un cocon de verdure à l’abri d’un de deux arbres, magnifiques et gigantesques Un des meilleurs souvenirs de nos vacances en Afrique du Sud Sans parler du repas, absolument fabuleux, on vous conseille le brai !
• Thaiana (10/5): Acomodação incrível com vista privilegiada! - Funcionários atenciosos e gentis. Nosso guia foi muito simpático. Fizemos dois game drives e conseguirmos ver elefantes, girafas, leopardos, leões e havia hipopótamos no rio. A vista é privilegiada, cama confortável. A estrada para chegar na acomodação está em boas condições, não tivemos problemas mesmo usando um carro pequeno. Recomendo, estamos satisfeitos!
• Maggy (9/5): Waanzinnig verblijf in Manghini lodge - Prachtige setting, vakkundig personeel en heerlijk eten: we hebben genoten!! Niets op het geheel! Wel jammer dat we weinig dieren troffen op onze gamedrive, maar Haydn compenseerde dat ruimschoots met interessante informatie over de flora, de geschiedenis van het gebied en land en het gedrag van fauna in het gebied!
• Felix (9/5): Experience we won’t forget - We had such a nice stay at Maninghi Lodge. The owners, the staff and our guide made us feel so comfortable at their lodge throughout the whole stay. We booked the tent and even got an upgrade to the double room because of some rain. Booked the all inclusive rate and enjoyed all that came with it. Amazing food (even dinner next to the fireplace) and wonderful game drives with our guide Hayden. We can’t imagine of a better guide than him. Apart from driving the vehicle he tells you everything about birds, insects, the fauna and all other animals you’ll see while driving through the reserve. He has a really broad knowledge and wants to get out the best of the drive for his guests. The location of the lodge itself is just perfect. You can spot a lot of animals during the day which makes the full day an experience we won’t forget. Regarding the road to the lodge some guests complaining about: For sure it’s a gravel road that is quite bumpy sometime. But the drive to the lodge can be managed with every car and don’t forget, it’s already a game drive to the lodge so enjoy the sightings. The animals we saw on our way do compensate the bumpy road by far! All in all we really can recommend to stay at the lodge for as long as possible. The only thing we did wrong was staying only for 2 nights. Nothing
• Priscila (9/5): Ótimo Lodge - Lugar incrível, no meio da natureza e próximo ao rio onde os animais tomam água. Avistamos muitos do hotel. O quarto tinha um pouco de cheiro de mofo e as comidas tinham temperos muito fortes para o nosso paladar, principalmente pimenta. Sobre os games, em alguns não vimos nenhum animal, ficamos 4 dias e não conseguimos ver os Big5, mas acho que pode acontecer.
• Lucas (9/5): - Emplacement face a la rivière magique Très bon repas Le guide Hayden est vraiment super ! La piste qui mène au lodge avec un plan très très rudimentaire pourrait être amélioré !!
• Melissa (10/5): - Prachtige locatie aan de Olifants river . De gamedrives waren fantastisch met Hayden. Lekkere maaltijden! Niets alleen de weg ernaartoe is wat lastig te vinden door Krugerpark!
• Stefan (10/5): - De locatie is geweldig aan het water. De dieren lopen gewoon door de tuin van de lodge heen. De gids en het personeel waren daarnaast super vriendelijk en behulpzaam.
• sylvie (10/5): Prévoir le budget mais ça restera un souvenir inoubliable. - Notre guide un amoureux de la nature était tout simplement génial et adorable !!! Les éléphants en promenade sur notre terrasse a 4h du mat. Et les impalas matin midi et soir 🥰 Menu unique. Repas simple mais bon. Des boissons dont alcool en libre service. La route pour y arriver. Au 15km de piste avec plusieurs croisement et chemin sans aucune indication. Le plan envoyé au préalable était une image floue pas très bien expliquée. Il suffirait d’installer quelques panneaux sur le trajet pour faciliter les arrivées…
• Jose (9/5): Geweldig❣️ - Wat een prachtige locatie met leuke eigenaren en personeel! 2 nachten is te kort!! De tip van de eigenaar om de noordgrens te pakken naar Eswatini hebben we opgevolgd. Wat een fantastisch gave en avontuurlijke route was dat!! Bedankt 😃
• Maud (10/5): Dit verblijf was het absolute hoogtepunt van onze reis door Zuid-Afrika, echt waanzinnig! - Super vriendelijk en fijn personeel, alles is verzorgd en overal wordt aan gedacht. Heerlijke maaltijden, Victoria kookt echt fantastisch! Ze denken graag mee in de plannen en kunnen ook alles voor je organiseren. De lodge heeft een fantastische ligging in een privé park van Kruger. Intens genoten van al het wild wat rondom en langs de lodge loopt. Wij hopen ook echt dat we hier ooit nog weer naartoe kunnen. Wij hebben meerdere safari's gedaan met de gids Hayden, als je de kans krijgt, zeker een safari met hem doen als gids. Een en al enthousiasme en hij heeft super veel kennis van de omgeving en de dieren. Vergeet niet dat je het laatste stuk, zo’n 45 minuten, door het park rijdt naar de lodge. Zorg dat je dat nog bij daglicht doet, want de kans is groot dat je onderweg wild tegenkomt! Echt een ervaring!
• Julian (10/5): A true wildlife experience - The Maninghi lodge was the most memorable stay of our trip! The lodge is located at a river with a lot of animal activity. Hayden told us the guidelines of the lodge and how to handle animals encounters, which made us feel confident and safe. We had a room with river view and the first morning we woke up an elephant stood right in front of us eating the trees in the garden, it was amazing! The hospitality was great, the food was delicious and we could get drinks by ourself (self-service) which made it feel like we were at home. We went on game drives and bush walks, Hayden and Paul know so much about everything in the bush! They realy take the time to tell everything about it, which made us appreciate the nature a lot. We would recommend this lodge if you want to experience life in the bush during your whole stay (other lodges have fences around the lodge). Nothing
• Ulrike (1/5): Aufenthalt nicht möglich - Nichts , nur der Fluss war schön Wir sollten in ein winziges Zimmer gehen, dass extrem nach Schimmel roch. Man konnte den schwarzschimmel auch am Boden der Wände sehen. Die Kritik wurde ignoriert und man war nicht bemüht uns zu helfen. Der Weg geht zudem über 18 km Buckelpiste, man braucht über 1 Stunde. Wir mussten ohne Zimmer mitten in der Nacht abreisen. Man konnte in dem Gestank nicht atmen und es ist extrem gesundheitlich!
• Edward en Gonnie (10/5): Paradijs op aarde - De ligging is zo prachtig. Je hoeft alleen maar te gaan zitten, naar de rivier te kijken en de safari komt aan je voorbij. Misschien is dit wel het mooiste plekje waar we ooit zijn geweest. Wij sliepen in een tent en maakte gebruik van het dichtbij gelegen toiletgebouwtje. Functioneel, maar ook niet meer dan dat. De tent was prima. Bij sterke wind, flappert er nogal veel aan de tent. Maar alle minpuntjes vallen in het niet bij de fantastische locatie en lekker eten. Zou voor een 2e keer zo weer gaan.
• Alexandra (10/5): - Вкусный ужин, внимательный и заботливый персонал. Великолепное расположение! Отель находится в отдельном парке прямо на реке. Во время ужина наблюдали за слонами и антилопами, во время завтрака за мартышками. Не смотря на то, что в букинге указано, что все налоги и сборы включены, с нас дополнительно взяли оплату за въезд в парк и сбор за кровать.
• Guillaume (10/5): Perfect - Everything was perfect from start to finish — from Victoria’s kindness to Johnathan, who was an excellent guide during our safaris. The place is stunning and the food is excellent. You can go there with complete confidence.
• Douglas (8/5): A beautiful space to stop at in the middle of travel. A great rest day. Two nights recommended! - The location and the food were superb. I loved the no fences and real feel of Africa as you step out of your door. A real little treat in the middle of the bush. The staff were awesome! Courteous and super fun to be around. The food.... ah... real good. The management were fun and very hospitable. My boy had a great time with their kids which was such a nice surprise as they were the same age. Hayden was the bomb as a guide. A real love for the bush and a passion for nature and very kind. Paul and Victoria thank you for our awesome stay. There was quite a strong wind the one morning, so we had to eat inside. Maybe clearer communication on the extras... game drive cost etc. are not included in your stay. Also there was sometimes a strange/off smell that wafted through every now and again.
• João Caetano (8/5): Vista vale à pena, o atendimento pode ser melhor. - A localização em frente ao rio é espetacular! Os funcionários (com exceção do Hayden) pareciam não estar muito felizes e prestativos.
• Susann Marx (7/5): - Tolles Zimmer, leckeres Essen, direkt am Fluss. Sehr teuer und zusätzliche hohe Kosten für das Gate wurden vorher nicht kommuniziert!
• Isabelle (10/5): -
• simone (10/5): - Experiência de imersão única. Girafas, elefantes, hipopótamos, macacos e muitos outros animais passam em frente ao quarto.Fomos muito bem recebidos.O jantar é servido ao lado da piscina com cardápio típico e saboroso. Da Localização
• Sheri (6/5): Very hard to get to - Idyllic setting on the Olifants River. The room was comfortable and the catering was excellent. Terrible 15k dirt and rock road to get to the lodge. The safari vehicle which could see over the brush wasn't registered for Kruger. Our 17 year old safari guide was knowledgeable but had no working radio or binoculars so very little game was seen. We would've been better just staying at the lodge.
• Robin (8/5): Stunning setting and wonderful hosts - The view and the hosts
• Dalene (10/5): Great space to unwind - The overall setting perfect and great for game watching whilst having breakfast or sipping your favorite drink
• Adrian (10/5): An amazing place - The property is beautiful and in the perfect location. In our 3 night say we had visits by Elephants,Bush Buck,Kudu, Hippo,Giraffe, were woken each morning by a family of Baboons and saw Crocodile in the river and Wild Dogs on the other bank. Absolutely fantastic The hosts are amazing and the food was perfect. The road through the reserve to the property is rough and would be tricky without a 4wd. But it’s like a game drive itself.
• Esmee (10/5): Would recommend to stay at this lodge! It was just perfect. Thanks to Victoria & Paul! - Chef-kok Riri made the best food! From breakfast to dinner: 10/10. Even when we went out they prepacked a lunch for us which was yummy! The hosts Victoria and Paul were very kind, flexible and helpful and provided us with everything we needed. The location was so perfect and so peaceful with a beautiful garden. Just loved it. Also the room was very nice (with airconditioning yes!) The drive up to the lodge is a rocky road (but very fun if you’re a bit adventerous) rent a good car ;)
• Moniek (10/5): Amazing wildlife experience - In the middle of the private game reserve between the animals, this beautiful lodge with amazing view is situated. The hosts were lovely, welcoming and above all: passionate about wildlife. We enjoyed every minute. None
• Joost (9/5): Superb - Very hospitable owner. We even watched the Rugby world cup at her house!
• Raymond (10/5): Maninghi Lodge is South Africa, South Africa is Maninghi Lodge - We stayed here for only three nights, but that was too short! We had never been to SA before and didn't know what to expect. From the moment we arrived here, we were blown away. Located on the banks of the Olifant Rivier you have an almost 360 degree view over SA wildlife. We had our breakfasts and lunches near the water, whilst vervet monkeys, impala's, waterbucks, nyala's, hippo's and girafs passed by. Also countless kinds of birds. Incredible! Even an elephant passed by we could almost touch and meanwhile a crocodile was lying in the water. Victoria, Paul and their staff do a great job running this all. Paul was our driver and guide during the safari's and gave everyone a great time and had al the right information. This is a place you don't want to leave.
• Daanvp (10/5): Amazing stay - Super location in the Balule game reserve with amazing hosts and cool activities! Hippo's and crocs in the river nearby were a real plus!
• Imad (10/5): Exceptional - Very good good, everyday was a feast. The staff is awesome both Nicky and Vicky. The scenery is so calm and you most probably will see all big 5.
• Zalika (9/5): Epic! - Our stay was awesome! Maninghi is right by the river Olifant. As we were dining at night, we saw 2 hippos. Victoria is such a breath of fresh air…very friendly and warm. The idea of having everyone at the table for dinner was such a good idea. It was nice chatting to people from other countries. Then we saw a lion leap for an impala. That was just epic! We saw 2 males lying by the road and as we were leaving, one lion was standing on the road facing us. My friend was scared and didn’t want me to stop. We had an awesome time. Thank you to everyone at Maninghi
• Elaine (10/5): A magical place - What a paradise! We loved every minute at Maninghi Lodge. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like kings and queens by Paul, Victoria, and the wonderful staff. We felt our stress just melted away. It is truly a beautiful setting. The river, the breeze, the animals .... everything is magical. We saw lots of animals right in front of the lodge - hippos, monkeys, waterboks, warhogs, elephants.... The game drives are also amazing. Paul is an extremely experienced safari guide. We particularly loved the sundown drinks with all the animals roaming around us. The food was so delicious. From breakfast to dinner, every meal was prepared with care. We loved the traditional potjie dinner and the wonderful open fire BBQ. Paul and Victoria went out of their way to make sure that our every needs were satisfied. Nothing really. The road to the lodge can be a bit bumpy, but it is the price to pay to be truly out in the wild.
• Barbara (10/5): Recommended 110% Loved staying here! Great great great! - Before arriving me and my girlfriend were looking for the lodge and 3 min before we found it Paul came looking for us and showed us the way. He and Victoria made sure we were well looked after our whole stay. The chef was great! The place was clean and the location is amazing. Highly recommend the game drive + game walk. The quad tour was also nice. This place & people (& animals) made our trip memorable. Thank you for having us. RECOMMENDED 110%. -
• Lodrick (10/5): fantastic - the view and the private dinner sunset nothing
• Marthijn (10/5): Great location and super staff! - What a great stay! We were really satisfied by our stay. Absolutely highlights were the amazing location and the super friendly staff. The Lodge is located next to the river, which gives the opportunity to see a lot of animals. We saw for example some; crocodiles, hippos, babboons and elephants next to the river. Regarding the staff: super friendly, good organized and you feel directly welcome! Not unimportant, the lodge is clean and all needed facilities are there! We would definitely recommend to go here and will go back when we are in the surrounding.
• Mark (10/5): An extraordinary 5 nights stay! A MUST! - The fantastic placement on the Olifants River bank surely cannot be bettered; with a complete unbroken view both directions there are also inherent opportunities for in-close wildlife sightings which includes on the rolling-to-river lawn. Plop down at one of the tables on the lawn and simply marvel at all around. Add all around excellent rustic-cum modern lodging, a well stocked bar, strong wifi (with multiple tables set-up for online work as needed) and far better than expected and varied meals. Dinner time proved nightly to offer up one wonderful surprise after another while breakfasts are large. I arrived Hoedspruit minus vehicle with this no constraint with transfer to/ from availed. I suggest using this lodge as base for multiple in-area day sorties, as I did. Vicky, Mariska and the team spoiled across the many excursions available which I advantaged including multiple in-reserve game drives (some super dramatic), a Kruger day trip, Panorama day trip, the HESC visit and other including arranging a massage on the property at riverbank. Vicky and Paul are people-people with no detail missed and oversee an intimate and fantastic place. My stay was exceptional!

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