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Reviews of Maninghi Lodge

16 Parsons, 1390 Balule Game Reserve, South Africa

#8 of 13 hotels in Balule Game Reserve

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 22 hotel reviews

9.5

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.4

  • Comfort

    9.5

  • Location

    9.6

  • Facilities

    9.2

  • Staff

    9.9

  • Value for money

    9.1

  • Free WiFi

    8.3

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Showing 1 – 22

  • Reviewed: 14 April 2024

    10
    An amazing place
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with River View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    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.

    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.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 February 2024

    10
    Amazing wildlife experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with River View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    None

    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.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 November 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with River View
    • Stayed 1 night

    Very hospitable owner. We even watched the Rugby world cup at her house!

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 8 October 2023

    10
    Maninghi Lodge is South Africa, South Africa is Maninghi Lodge
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with River View
    • Stayed 3 nights

    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.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 11 July 2023

    10
    Amazing stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights

    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!

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 May 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    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.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 May 2023

    9.0
    Epic!
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Tent
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    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

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2023

    10
    A magical place
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with River View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    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.

    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.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 11 March 2023

    10
    Recommended 110% Loved staying here! Great great great!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    -

    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%.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 January 2023

    10
    fantastic
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tent
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    nothing

    the view and the private dinner sunset

    Stayed in January 2023

  • Reviewed: 9 December 2022

    10
    Great location and super staff!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with River View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    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.

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: 15 August 2022

    10
    An extraordinary 5 nights stay! A MUST!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with River View
    • Stayed 3 nights

    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!

    Stayed in August 2022

  • Reviewed: 8 June 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with River View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Victoria and Jess are such welcoming and warmful hosts. One of our highlights was definitely the food! Breakfast and Dinner were not only prepared and served with so much effort and love but also absolutely delicious!! We’ve enjoyed our “couch safari” watching the animals up close while eating breakfast or relaxing in the garden and Jess and Victoria teached us so many things about the nature and animals around!

    Stayed in June 2022

  • Reviewed: 16 May 2022

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

    amazing food, extremely relaxed, lovely hosts, incredible game viewing.

    Stayed in May 2022

  • Reviewed: 21 April 2022

    10
    AMAZING
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with River View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Absolutely amazing!! Vic, Paul and Jessica are so friendly, the food is delicious and the environment is beautiful. Our stay was perfect!

    Stayed in April 2022

  • Reviewed: 22 March 2022

    10
    Magnificent relaxed break in the bush
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with River View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing specific but be aware that the road to the lodge requires a high clearance vehicle

    The location of the lodge albeit a bit of a drive into the reserve, the excellent treatment from staff and management, animals roaming right at your doorstep. Very relaxed environment and magnificent food!

    Stayed in March 2022

  • Reviewed: 5 January 2022

    8.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Tent
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Food is great and staff and hosts exceptionally friendly and competent.

    Stayed in December 2021

  • Reviewed: 1 November 2021

    10
    Personlised, comfortable, picture perfect, thoughtful, excellent in every way!!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Our visit was just excellent in every way. Everything felt personalised, thoughtful and individualised. Victoria was the most amazing host, and she made us feel incredibly special. We felt so comfortable and at ease, and could genuinely wind down and relax. The food was out of this world, the scenery picture perfect and the overall feel for the place was that we did not want it to end. A big thank you to Victoria for making this stay one of our very favourites!

    Stayed in October 2021

  • Reviewed: 25 October 2021

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Tent
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Their Hospitality, they friendly,easy to get along with and Oh,the poikie kos dish.I loved it.

    The bedroom...we had to merge the beds coz they were single nd we thought we would get a double bed.

    Stayed in October 2021

  • Reviewed: 10 August 2021

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double Room with River View
    • Stayed 1 night

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in August 2021

  • Reviewed: 1 August 2021

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in August 2021

Showing 1 – 22

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