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Reviews of Hluhluwe River Lodge

Sub 21 lot h104, 3960 Hluhluwe, South Africa

#9 of 22 hotels in Hluhluwe

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 165 hotel reviews

8.8

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.0

  • Comfort

    8.9

  • Location

    8.8

  • Facilities

    8.7

  • Staff

    9.7

  • Value for money

    8.6

  • Free WiFi

    5.9

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Showing 76 – 100

  • Reviewed: 12 September 2021

    9.0
    Excellent facility and strongly recommended
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 3 nights

    As a recommendation we suggest that the trail marking be improved as there were are sections that were difficult in observing the trail and at one spot we had to retrace our steps. As the sun was setting we had to cut the trail and return on the road that the trail crossed.

    Via Booking.com we were upgraded to the honeymoon chalet that provided us with extra space and comfort. Overall the meals were excellent and the staff very accommodating. Our main objective was to rest which was accomplished in the bush with no distractions.

    Stayed in September 2021

  • Reviewed: 9 September 2021

    10
    Very helpful and friendly staff
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    We were the only guests staying at the lodge but they still made such a big effort with everything! We did a few of the walks/hikes around. The lodge has a beautiful view and is lovely to sit around for the afternoon. We really enjoyed everything.

    Stayed in September 2021

  • Reviewed: 2 September 2021

    9.0
    Memorable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Car parks is a bit far from chalets

    Breakfast was delicious and dinner was devine

    Stayed in August 2021

  • Reviewed: 17 August 2021

    8.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Would have liked a waterhole to see the surrounding birds more easily. As well guided walks to have a more knowledgeable person point out birds. Also almost got lost twice on the walk, more tegular signage would be advised. Wonderful accommodation and the staff are super friendly!

    Breakfast and dinner was AMAZING! Best food we have had! Loved our nightly dinner guest from nature too!

    Stayed in August 2021

  • Reviewed: 13 August 2021

    10
    Amazing Stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    This is a awesome place where you can relax and enjoy nature. We absolutely love the silence and privacy at Makulu’s House. The house is very spacious, well equipped and have the most beautiful views of the bush, lake and river. We stayed at many places in our country and overseas and this definitely ons of our top stays we ever had. We will recommend this place to anyone who loves nature. Thanks for your outstanding hospitality, your place is much more than we expected.

    Stayed in August 2021

  • Reviewed: 10 August 2021

    8.0
    Lovely and serene
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Missed a tv in room

    Staff were amazing and very hospitable .. breakfasts and dinners were great.. accommodation was lovely and comfy … the trail in the property was a beautiful walk.

    Stayed in August 2021

  • Reviewed: 9 August 2021

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The hospitality from Lesley and crew was exceptional. And great food

    Stayed in August 2021

  • Reviewed: 11 July 2021

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Too many emails both from booking.com & the lodge

    So tranquil, utterly charming and totally unpretentious

    Stayed in July 2021

  • Reviewed: 30 June 2021

    10
    very enjoysable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 2 nights

    A guided walk on the property-a tour of the surrounding area.

    the food breakfast & dinner was exceptional> Service from staff was excellent and staff were friendly and helpful. They had organised a game drive at our request which was excellent though pricey.

    Stayed in June 2021

  • Reviewed: 26 June 2021

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Patchy MTN signal despite numerous fault reports 😐

    The excellent food, helpful staff and the comfortable A frame thatched units and spacious communal areas, all set among pristine forest, ensure this lodge is a must to visit. A definite place to stay for keen birders, and also within easy reach of game reserves in the area.

    Stayed in June 2021

  • Reviewed: 9 May 2021

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 1 night

    Beautiful bush and surroundings. Friendly owner with travel advice. The regular genet visitor was so cool.

    Stayed in April 2021

  • Reviewed: 20 February 2024

    7.0
    Very relaxing
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Villa
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The kitchen taps were leaking and thus there was mould in the kitchen cupboard and we had to now and then mop the kitchen floors

    Best location

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 9 January 2024

    6.0
    If you want somewhere out of the the way to just chill then this is worth considering . Evening dinner is superb with fo
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Stayed in lodge 10 , which didn’t come me up to the standard of advertising pictures . Needs an upgrade & lacking maintenance .

    Peace & quiet , relaxing . Old style with service to match 👍😁

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 31 July 2023

    4.0
    Disappointing
    • Business trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very dated accommodation and bedding .Bathrooms need a lot of tlc .Expected a lot more for the price we paid .

    Staff were friendly Food was good

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 7 April 2023

    4.0
    I was really disappointed about the room
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    -bedroom was full of geckos and dusty -shower was dirty -room had a smell of mould -looks like the room is not often used, but was not spring cleaned/ properly prepared for us

    food

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 27 December 2022

    4.0
    Disappointing
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The accommodation was bad too much bugs The rooms are old Too many bugs in the room Beds are old and needs to be replaced Floors of the room was so slippery

    We liked the food and staff was very friendly

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: 25 December 2022

    7.0
    Amazing food papers over the cracks
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Toilets, shower and sink need upgrading.

    The food was amazing, staff friendly. Halaal catering(although each dish needs to be checked)

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: 11 July 2022

    6.0
    It was comfortable but expected more
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Not much to do. No game drives

    Food was good Staff were very friendly

    Stayed in July 2022

  • Reviewed: 22 June 2022

    4.0
    Poor comfort. Over priced. Great food.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Expected a lot more in terms of comfort and luxury for the price paid. Beds mattresses were sunken in the middle (old) not comfy. Had very poor sleep. Pillows were bad as well. No hot water in the bathroom sink. Shower head is small, and very very low. You freeze while bathing. Could not stand under to wash hair. (I'm 1.66 in height which is average) pics attached. Toilet doesnt have individual light so whole room lights up at night if you use the loo. No view from the room. No TV either.

    Staff excellent. Food excellent. Lots of animals up close in the lodge.

    Stayed in June 2022

  • Reviewed: 19 June 2022

    3.0
    Not as advertised/disappointing/ Not Value for money
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No privacy at accommodation. I had the gardener walk across our patio and use our braai area as access to his tool shed. I had just got out the shower and got the fright of my life. Accomodation and furnishings need a serious upgrade. The dishwasher stank to high heaven and had not seen dishwasher salt or a clean ever! Utensils and cutlery in the kitchen were covered in left over old food. Old dirty sponges and cleaning materials stuffed under the sink. Needless to say we did not cook for ourselves in the kitchen and ended up spending more at the restaurant! Hair on beds. Balcony breaking. Cobwebs. Rats running in roof at night. Cracks in ceiling. I could go on… I spoke to the owner re the above and asked for dishwasher salt to no avail, although an attempt to clean the kitchen was made. I did not get any feedback from the owner after my feedback/complaint and it appeared he had left the property as we did not see him again for the remainder of the weekend.

    Staff friendly and welcoming. Food was great. Reception lounge and restaurant area were well laid out.

    Stayed in June 2022

  • Reviewed: 2 June 2022

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Excellent dinner and breakfast. Friendly and helpful staff.

    Stayed in May 2022

  • Reviewed: 14 March 2022

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The Pool was not the same as the picture,and the water in the bathroom was in drip draps. No internet in the rooms

    The staff is very friendly,and food was great

    Stayed in January 2022

  • Reviewed: 22 December 2021

    4.0
    disappointing, not the luxurious evening we had in mind.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    room wasn’t as good as the pictures, dusty behind bed, no lunch available at the property. no bottled water in the minibar fridge.

    scenery was pretty & bird life was good. staff were friendly.

    Stayed in December 2021

  • Reviewed: 9 December 2021

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Would have been great to have a small couch in the room to relax on a rainy day, and the beds were not great.

    The service and staff were really great. Food was excellent. Good value for money

    Stayed in December 2021

  • Reviewed: 10 July 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Chalet
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Could have had a better view of the lake, I believe they will clear some of the foliage to give this

    Great location, well maintained and the staff were amazing. Not to mention the food - wow

    Stayed in July 2023

Showing 76 – 100

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