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Reviews of Minara Private Boutique Game Lodge

4 Klipdrift Road, 0400 Dinokeng Game Reserve, South Africa

#1 of 8 hotels in Dinokeng Game Reserve

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 75 hotel reviews

9.0

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.5

  • Comfort

    9.3

  • Location

    9.0

  • Facilities

    9.4

  • Staff

    8.7

  • Value for money

    9.1

  • Free WiFi

    7.5

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 22 April 2024

    10
    Serene, peaceful, stunning!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    N/A

    Very beautifully appointed rooms with TV and good wifi signal. Very clean rooms with comfortable beds. The team is very helpful and so professional. We were kept up to date before arrival and on arrival they called to check if we were safe and settled. Love that the villas are also secluded from each other, allowing for more privacy

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 April 2024

    10
    Fantastic
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There was alot of ants in the kitchen and the flies were quite bad. The drain in the shower was not flowing well.

    The privacy was very nice and the and the fasility itself was special.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 April 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    .

    beautiful and spacious.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 April 2024

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

    Plenty flies caused us discomfort during the day.

    Cleanliness. Plenty utensils and furnishings.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 31 March 2024

    9.0
    Heaven in the bush
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights

    there were too many flies more than mosquitos we went through 3 cans of insect spray. we requested for cleaning and were told that someone would come, no one attended to us throughout our stay. The gate system needs to be more efficient, if 2 cars are on both sides only one can go through at a time meaning you would need to call again for the gate to be opened as there isn't anyone at the gate. There are lot of bugs but granted that its the bush, cant fault the property as they do mention this so be prepared

    absolute tranquility, the villa had everything we needed. i loved how the animals roam freely but are also very cautious around people, there are so many options for places to eat around the reserve. the plunge pool was perfect for the December heat

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 28 March 2024

    8.0
    Absolutely beautiful lodge!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The gravel road leading to the lodge is very uncomfortable. I would also recommend that they provide basic amenities like an iron. The fridge didn’t keep our stuff cold enough either

    Really enjoyed my stay! Minara is easily the most aesthetically pleasing and beautiful lodges around. Great value for money considering it’s a private villa. It’s also super easy to navigate to there.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2024

    8.0
    Loved how quiet it was, such a relaxing place.
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Two-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The front porch could use some work. Getting to the farmhouse is a hassle because of the roads in the area.

    Loved the private pool. The nature around the farmhouse and the styling of the place. Also no mosquitoes. Constant hot water. Lots of plates and cutlery. Great variety of utensils. Really great for a self catering place.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 March 2024

    10
    We had lovely stay at Minara. My wife and I were completely satisfied with everything there. We were there to relax and
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The flies were a nuisance but theyre part of the eco system so theres not much that can be done about them.

    Peacefulness, Tranquility, Private, Facilities

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 March 2024

    10
    Amazing
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    The privacy The aesthetic Everything was so perfect

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 March 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Loooots of flies unfortunately this season but still lovely

    I just loved the environment. Peaceful, stylish and serene.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 March 2024

    9.0
    Enjoyable stay at Minara
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There was not much to see or do within the "camp" itself. The staff forgot to close the tap to the pool and switch off the pool light.

    Beautiful rooms, the pool was fantastic. Decor great. Host very responsive to our queries.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 February 2024

    10
    Absolutely fantastic 👏 👌 😀
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing at all

    The communication via watsapp was great..they responded on time,when checking out I forgot my purse and they called to inform me and to arrange to bring ot to my house ...everything was still there...thank you so much for everything and the attention to detail

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 February 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Absolutely breathtaking to wake up with animals roaming around. Extremely comfortable bed and couch. The aircon was a life saver in the summer heat! Lots of multi plugs, extra lights for load shedding. We would stay here again in a heart beat....”

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 21 February 2024

    9.0
    Pure relaxation
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Tv can be lowered slightly and flies are constant menace , even if you kill them all and keep the doors closed , they somehow get in but overall everything was amazing

    Staff are very friendly and helpful , pool is well serviced and maintained , bed is comfy and aircon works well , overall very lovely stay , will definitely stay there again and the price I paid for the facilities given was amazing , they have a generator as well , to help with load shedding

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 February 2024

    8.0
    Exclusive
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Flies flies flies. Big problem that one

    Perfect location, away from the buzz. Clean and love the interior design

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 February 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Luxury Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Would not recommend using Google Maps to get you there. Rather navigate to the Tau gate of Dinokeng game reserve with Google maps and then use the directions provided.

    The facilities and decor were wonderful. Beautiful surroundings with great wildlife. Very peaceful and relaxing. The owners were very helpful and easy to reach.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 February 2024

    10
    A Luxurious Retreat with Thoughtful Touches
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights

    It is very difficult to find Negatives with the lodge, and one would really have to nit-pick. The comments below are meant more as constructive feedback than a negative complaint. One issue that proved to be a nuisance was the persistent presence of multiple flies. This intrusion took away from the otherwise serene and tranquil atmosphere that the lodge strives to provide. The lack of reprieve from these persistent flies was certainly a downside to an otherwise well-appointed establishment. While I understand that the presence of insects is a common challenge in a bush environment, it would be advisable for the management to explore measures to mitigate this issue and ensure a more comfortable stay for guests. Perhaps an automated insect spray can be placed somewhere inside the lodge, similar to those small automated aerosol air fresheners. The lodge does advise to bring bug spray; However, I would definitely advise to bring an electric fly swatter and can of Doom. No signage was visible along the main paved road indicating the location of the lodge. We therefore had to rely solely on our Nav, trusting that the extended and narrow dirt road it directed us to was indeed the correct route to the lodge. I am unsure if it was due to load shedding, (which management kindly provided the schedules and timing for) but the power in the lodge tripped /reset a few times one evening. I suspect it could have been due to the Aircon perhaps drawing too much power. Despite these tiny drawbacks, I would like to emphasise that the lodge has many positive attributes, including its tasteful decoration, luxurious amenities, and private setting, and would highly recommend this lodge.

    I recently had the pleasure of staying at Minara Lodge and it was truly a delightful experience that exceeded my expectations. From the moment I stepped into the lodge, I was captivated by its tasteful and luxurious décor, creating an ambiance of refined elegance. One of the standout features of my stay was the attention to detail evident in every aspect of the lodge. The branded towels, plush bathrobe, and high-quality amenities provided a sense of luxury that added to the overall comfort of my stay. The lodge's commitment to privacy was another highlight. Nestled in a serene and secluded location, I appreciated the tranquillity and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The private setting allowed for a truly relaxing experience, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The private swimming pool and fire pit further enhanced the overall appeal of the lodge. The pool provided a refreshing and enjoyable way to unwind, while the fire pit created a cosy atmosphere for evening relaxation. Communication via WhatsApp was very efficient, massages and game drives were easily organised and if we required anything we got an almost immediate response My time at Minara was nothing short of exceptional. The tasteful decoration, private setting, make this lodge a standout choice for anyone seeking a luxurious and rejuvenating getaway. I highly recommend Minara to those who appreciate the finer things in life and desire a truly indulgent escape.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 January 2024

    8.0
    Comfortable rooms and a tranquil setting, but look elsewhere if you want an actual game lodge
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights

    You are 35 mins drive from the entrance to the Dinokeng Game Reserve. It is certainly not a game lodge and you are enclosed in a small area which has four villas and a slightly large one called a farm house. There are a few buck inside the enclosure, but not much else.

    Great rooms and comfortable beds. A nice place to unwind and relax. Well equipped kitchen and each unit has a plunge pool. A small playground is situated on the site.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 January 2024

    9.0
    Perfect place to destress in an upmarket bush environment.Loved it!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Load shedding but this is being addressed by the owners. Should not be a problem in the foreseeable future.

    Amazing layout and décor. Own splash pool for the villa was thoroughly enjoyed. Perfect for a romantic getaway. Close to all major attractions in the area. Will definitely be back.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 January 2024

    9.0
    A peaceful majestic holiday!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Luxury Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There was a lot of flies in our room. We even drove to the nearest shop ( travel time back and forth is an hour) and bought doom but the flies didn’t die.

    The place has wildlife on the premises. There we kudus, nyalas, wildebeest and springboks. The place is exactly as it looks in pictures. The pool is the perfect size and the wild animals are well trained as none of them came too close.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 January 2024

    9.0
    We had an amazing time. It was private & romantic.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The place was clean but we had an flies. Our can of doom finished in a day.

    We enjoyed the insect repellent provided for us. This helped keep the mosquitoes away. The animals & atmosphere was enjoyable.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 31 December 2023

    8.0
    thank you, best stay in years. will definitely be back
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    flies

    quiet, tranquil

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 29 December 2023

    10
    WOW in the Wild
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Luxury Villa
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Absolutely breathtaking to wake up with animals roaming around. Extremely comfortable bed and couch. The aircon was a life saver in the summer heat! Lots of multi plugs, extra lights for load shedding. We would stay here again in a heart beat. Friendly and helpful and owners.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 28 December 2023

    8.0
    It was a great stay, the staff is friendly the place is beautiful , the craft is insane out of this world
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing I like everything

    I liked their facilities, the comfortability of the furniture

    Stayed in December 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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