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Bordering Kruger National Park, this award-winning country-style lodge is situated in the small town of Malelane and is a great base from which to discover the Bushveld. Wake up to the sounds of native birds. At River House Lodge you can watch hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat while relaxing in the pool or sunbathing on the large thatched deck. Alternatively, you can marvel at views of the river and national park from the comfort of your private balcony. Spend the day enjoying drives through Kruger National Park or visiting Swaziland. The attentive staff is happy to arrange various fun and adventurous activities for you. For special occasions, the original pump house has been converted into a stunning wedding or party location. River House Lodge is a gay-friendly property. It has an outdoor swimming pool and provides free on-site private parking.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.4)

Breakfast info

Buffet, Breakfast to go

Free private parking available on-site


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Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
1 large double bed
2 single beds
2 single beds
and
1 large double bed
2 single beds
and
1 double bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.1
Facilities
8.0
Cleanliness
8.1
Comfort
8.0
Value for money
8.4
Location
9.4
Free WiFi
6.9
Low score for Malelane
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Natali
    Australia Australia
    It is an amazing place. We didn't really know what to expect but were positively surprised by River House Lodge. Watching the animals (buffalos, hippos) from the observation deck was wonderful. Johan and his team took great care of us and we...
  • Rambire
    Portugal Portugal
    Hosts were great and welcoming, we were well taken care of.
  • Celeste
    New Zealand New Zealand
    Great value for money. Loved the food. The staff were a highlight- so nice and friendly and accommodating. We saw so many animals from the deck like hippos, crocodies, elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, kudu etc. I would definitely come again and...

Hosted by Johan Daffue

9.1
9.1
Host review score
Host review score

Johan Daffue
A little about my humble self, Diesel, the greatest Cat this side of the Sahara and owner of River House and how I manage this establishment. Even though I'm unbelieveably good, clever, affectionate, efficient and more, I had to employ staff to help me rule the house with an iron paw. Firstly there are Johan and Daffue, who are under the mistaken impression that they are the owners of River House. Their task is to look after day to day operations, tend to guests by making them feel comfortable and well looked after, paying the bills and most importantly make sure that I get my meals on time. Then there are the girls, four of them. Smiley, happy bunch they are. Really super people who enjoy having guests around. They look after guests, clean, prepare and serve breakfasts and generally ensure that all is happening smoothly and quietly, down to offering swimming pool towels when required and most importantly making sure I get my meals on time. So, generally a happy team who try their best to make everyones' stay memorable. I am there to charm, to be stroked and petted and to entertain all at the bar in the evenings. Please do come and share my house with me. Purrs, Diesel p
River House is uniquely situated on the banks of the Crocodile river overlooking Kruger National Park. We are fortunate to have beautiful views into the park and have regular visitations of many of its 'residents'. Sightings of the so-called Big 5 and so much more from the property are not uncommon. On the other side we have the infrastructure of a small country town with all basic necessities. Certainly the best of both worlds ! Our suburb is a quiet, laid back place where residents walk their dogs and kids play in the streets. Indeed a gentle place to be.
Languages spoken: Afrikaans,English,Zulu

Property surroundings

Facilities of River House Lodge
Great facilities! Review score, 8

Most popular facilities
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Bar
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Towels/sheets (extra fee)
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
View
  • River view
  • Mountain view
  • Garden view
  • View
Outdoors
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • Patio
  • Balcony
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator
Room Amenities
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Game drives
    Additional charge
  • Billiards
  • Golf course (within 3 km)
    Additional charge
Living Area
  • Desk
Food & Drink
  • Coffee house on site
  • Fruits
  • Wine/champagne
    Additional charge
  • Bar
  • Tea/Coffee maker
Internet
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
    Reception services
    • Invoice provided
    • Tour desk
    Cleaning services
    • Daily housekeeping
    • Ironing service
      Additional charge
    • Dry cleaning
      Additional charge
    • Laundry
      Additional charge
    Business facilities
    • Fax/photocopying
    • Meeting/banquet facilities
      Additional charge
    Safety & security
    • Fire extinguishers
    • CCTV outside property
    • CCTV in common areas
    • Safety deposit box
    General
    • Shared lounge/TV area
    • Designated smoking area
    • Air conditioning
    • Heating
    • Packed lunches
    • Chapel/shrine
    • Fan
    • Family rooms
    • Non-smoking rooms
    Accessibility
    • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
    Outdoor swimming pool
    Free!
    • Open all year
    • All ages welcome
    • Pool with view
    • Shallow end
    • Pool/beach towels
    • Sun loungers or beach chairs
    • Sun umbrellas
    • Fence around pool
    Wellness
    • Full body massage
    • Hand massage
    • Head massage
    • Foot massage
    • Neck massage
    • Back massage
    • Spa facilities
    • Body scrub
    • Body treatments
    • Facial treatments
    • Beauty Services
    • Sun umbrellas
    • Sun loungers or beach chairs
    • Massage
      Additional charge
    Languages spoken
    • Afrikaans
    • English
    • Zulu

    House rules

    River House Lodge takes special requests - add in the next step!

    Check-in

    From 14:00 to 19:00

    Check-out

    From 10:00 to 11:00

     

    Cancellation/
    prepayment

    Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

    Children and beds

    Child policies

    Children of any age are welcome.

    Children 18 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

    To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

    Cot and extra bed policies

    Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

    No age restriction

    There is no age requirement for check-in

    Mastercard Visa Cash River House Lodge accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.


    Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

    The fine print
    Need-to-know information for guests at this property

    Please note that there are neither telephones nor TVs in the rooms.

    FAQs about River House Lodge

    • The prices at River House Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

    • Check-in at River House Lodge is from 14:00, and check-out is until 11:00.

    • Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

    • River House Lodge is 0.7 miles from the centre of Malelane. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

    • Guests staying at River House Lodge can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 7.8).

      Breakfast option(s) include:

      • Buffet
      • À la carte
      • Breakfast to go

    • River House Lodge offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

      • Massage
      • Billiards
      • Golf course (within 3 km)
      • Body scrub
      • Back massage
      • Beauty Services
      • Hand massage
      • Swimming Pool
      • Neck massage
      • Facial treatments
      • Head massage
      • Spa facilities
      • Foot massage
      • Body treatments
      • Full body massage
      • Game drives

    • Room options at River House Lodge include:

      • Double
      • Twin
      • Family