Top Hotels in Zululand Lodges
Top Things to do in Zululand
10 Lodges in Zululand: Best hotel deals for 2023
Discover the best Lodges in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal including Shonalanga Lodge, Black Horse, Thokazi Royal Lodge, Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge, Nibela Lake Lodge, Thanda Safari Lodge, Zulu Nyala Game Lodge, Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa, Leopard Walk Lodge, Hluhluwe River Lodge.
Things to do in Zululand
1. Shonalanga Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 122 reviews
Shonalanga Lodge remains a popular lodge to stay at in Vryheid because of its friendly staff, clean rooms, hearty breakfast, competitive room rates, FREE Wifi and 60% of the rooms have their own, next to the room undercover parking. Even though Vryheid is a very safe town with lovely residents, we have taken extra care to ensure your safety. Therefore, our property is surrounded by high perimeter walls and the entrance to the lodge is controlled by an electric gate and manned by a gate attendant throughout the night.
Gratitude
Reviewed By Maps41859129846Excellent reception and welcome. Good hospitality and compassion shown and expressed when my grandson hit the glass panel of the door. We were just overwhelmed with the support. I'll recommend Shonalanga to any family travelling with children. Make it your second home. we always do.
2. Black Horse
Overall Ratings
1 based on 1 reviews
Offering a barbecue and views of the mountain, Black Horse is located in Vryheid in the KwaZulu-Natal Region. We off Family Suites, Executive Suites, Standard Rooms and Twin Rooms. All units are air conditioned and have a flat-screen TV. Some units also have a kitchenette, equipped with a microwave. Each unit has a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
never ever will i go there again
Reviewed By mandy19833the owner and the management was very rude i had the worse experince when i was there over the past weekend, we had a deposit in the begining if the year and when we arrived to check in on Sat we were told that our booking has been canceleed without our knowldge to make it worse the lady that own the place was very rude and didnt even apologise for ehat they have done to us i Will nor recommend anyone to go there , as much as we try to support blacl businness this lady was just plain rude full stop!!!
3. Thokazi Royal Lodge
This peaceful bush-style retreat set in the majestic landscape of Zululand, Boast a picturesque stone farm house which was constructed in 1919. Thokazi which means hefer in Zulu is a reverberation of the rich Zuluculture, which is ever-present in this pastoral location. Thokazi Royal Lodge is located to Royal Residence of His Majest King Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu and Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
4. Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Experience how the breeze cools you as it blows gently off the great lake up the ridge or join us for one of our speciality Tiger Fishing excursions where the thrill of fighting one of these rare ferocious game fish is simply invigorating. A truly unique bush lodge in Northern KwaZulu Natal where the view from the spectacular setting is particularly breath-taking as you gaze out onto Lake Jozini, the Lebombo Mountains and the Pongola Game Reserves. Privately managed by the Blevin family who have lived in the area for many years, Shayamoya exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Great Stay
Reviewed By tnyawo286899Shayamoya exceeded our expectations, great staff, great food, great location, great environment, a lot of privacy. We enjoyed the indigenous gardens, the Boma was very peaceful and fun couldn't of asked for better
5. Nibela Lake Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Nibela Lake Lodge blends seamlessly into its forest surroundings, overlooking the expansive Lake St Lucia. Eleven thatched, timber chalets are situated beneath a magnificent canopy of trees, and are connected by wooden walkways, raised high above the cool forest floor. Private and secluded, guests are able to enjoy the solitude and tranquility of Africa at its best. Our Lakeside restaurant boasts a variety of delicious homemade meals prepared daily. Activities include a tented spa overlooking the lake with various treatments available, quad biking, guided walk, nights drives, guided trips to the famous flood plains where pelicans and flamingos like to gather, star gazing, mountain biking, boat cruises, cultural tours and fishing. There are two swimming pools on the property one with a large kiddies outside play area. Nibela Lake Lodge is off the beaten track and deep in the bush but the trip is totally worth the drive. We guarantee you will leave feeling rejuvenated.
A wonderful experience.
Reviewed By DHenry3004This past weekend my wife, Caron and I had the pleasure of spending 4 days at the Nibela Lake Lodge. It was a wonderful, relaxing experience in a beautiful part of South Africa on the banks of Lake St. Lucia. The ferry trip from Lister Point to the Lodge set the tone for the four days. The accommodation was lovely and the food very good. The staff were all excellent, thoughtful, very helpful and incredibly knowledgeable about the area, the fauna and flora and the local cultures. The trails are well marked and make for easy walking. If attention to detail, peace and quiet and good food are what you are looking for, then Nibela Lake Lodge is the place to be. Dan Henry
6. Thanda Safari Lodge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 465 reviews
Thanda Safari is situated 23km north of Hluhluwe in northern Zululand, South Africa, and is set on a 14 000-hectare Big Five private game reserve. Thanda, meaning 'love' in isiZulu, unites romance and exclusivity with Zulu culture and wildlife. The nine luxury bush suites at Thanda Safari Lodge have private infinity pools, viewing decks, private salas, lounges, fireplaces and full bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers. The individual bomas at each suite offer guests dining privacy. The public facilities at Thanda Safari Lodge include a lounge, library, dining room, boma, dining deck, wine cellar, cigar bar, private business area and viewing decks. Villa iZulu can accommodate 10 people, offering accommodation as a unit of five separate suites. Each suite is individually decorated and very private, with its own viewing deck. Public facilities at Villa iZulu include a boma, library, wine cellar, business area, heated pool and a magnificent deck overlooking a waterhole. Thanda Tented Camp is built in colonial safari style, offering an authentic bush experience in 15 tents. The tents have viewing decks and en-suite canvass bathrooms. Public facilities at Thanda Tented Camp include a dining tent, a boma area, and a sala consisting of an 'open-air' lounge and a 10x5m rim-flow pool. The Jabula Tent, located within Thanda Tented Camp, offers a sophisticated mix of romance, privacy and refined comfort in the heart of the African bush. It features a king-sized bed in a spacious bedroom, and a comfortable separate lounge area for relaxation. A highlight of Jabula Tent is the outdoor shower and splash pool which has spectacular panoramic views of the 14000-hectare reserve. Thanda's award-winning spa offers signature treatments that are based on a combination of western techniques and ancient Zulu holistic practices - learnt from traditional Zulu women, to massage, soothe and heal. Safaris in open game viewing vehicles are conducted exclusively for Thanda guests on the low-risk malaria reserve.
Disappointment
Reviewed By SabrinaS5720Just arrived back from a 2 night getaway at the Thanda Safari Lodge. I suppose I am supposed to rave about my stay at a supposedly 5-star location. Unfortunately I cannot do that. Day 1: more than half the advertised activities canceled with no prior warning + no hot water in our room and maintenance only arriving at 11:30 at night (when we had a game drive at 4:30 then next morning). Day 2: no heated pool, as promised on day 1, as it is has a broken pump + again no hot water in the room. Rude and inappropriate maintenance to top it off. I have to say if it was not for the game drives and unbelievable tracker and game-vehicle-driver the trip would have been an absolute disaster. So disappointing for the price we paid.
7. Zulu Nyala Game Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 754 reviews
An entrancing experience in a unique wilderness area, the privately Zulu Nyala Lodge & Game Reserve provides a unique bush experience in the heart of one of South Africa’s most diverse conservation regions. Nestled between the wilderness reserves of Mkuze, Hluhluwe and St Lucia, this lush stretch of paradise is home to a wide variety of game, from the majestic elephant to rhino, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, the shy and beautiful Nyala buck that is endemic to the region and the secretive leopard. Nestled atop a hill, the Lodge offers views from East to West meaning you get to witness spectacular African sunrises and sunsets without leaving the property. We offer a variety of accommodation options to suit from single travelling guests to families and honeymooners with excellent food, a modern bar area and plenty of space to relax when not on an exciting game-drive with one of our excellent Rangers. Zulu Nyala - Experience the Magic of Africa!
We loved this park. It is small and the animals are up close and personal.
Reviewed By NancyB111We bought our trip to this park at a non-profit auction. We went right before the pandemic so this review is based on February 2020. However, we liked it so much that we recruited the donation for a non-profit we belong to and bought it again, convincing friends to join us. It is small and does not have the full range of animals some larger parks have, be we saw fascinating animals every day including many mothers with babes. We paid for six days there with two trips a day; we paid that amount for only two days at another park. To see more animals, we paid for a side trip to a more extensive park where we did see one lioness and ......monkeys, lots of monkeys. All of the animals were hiding in the thick foliage of the enormous park. We were happy to return to our small park. There is a charge for other side trips -- an elephant rescue center, a river cruise to see more hippos, and a village where we met (and sang!) with school children. We found the food very tasty and varied. Another couple is considering buying this at our auction this year, and we may purchase it again. It was a thoroughly enjoyable trip.
8. Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 394 reviews
Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa is situated along the banks of the picturesque Jozini dam & overlooking the Lebombo Mountains of KwaZulu Natal. Situated in the heart of the Kingdom of the Zulu with its rich heritage and untamed natural beauty, this Lodge & Spa is an exciting holiday destination which offers a perfect luxury getaway in the heart of nature. The hotel offers a variety of outdoor activities such as tiger-fishing, game viewing, hiking and kayaking. Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa is easily accessible from both Durban and Gauteng.
Very disappointed stay at a four star hotel facility
Reviewed By 311janinapReview based on expectations of a four star hotel facility that also markets that it caters for children. Poor overall experience. Dirty bathroom. Dirt toilet with yellow dirt from urine. Dirty knobs in room. VERY VERY poor customer experience due to 99% of staff that are not friendly, do not appear accommodating at all. One staff members stood out: Khosi. The two members at activity desk were especially poor in communication and were not friendly. Range of activities are limited and not child friendly. For instance a paddle boat but only two adults and a child. The activity desk said sorry I cannot go on with my husband and two and four year old at the same time. No proactive planning to address activities for kids on cruises. Cruises are 150 to 200 more expensive than cruise compared to AfriCamps. No drinks or snacks included, compared to AfriCamps that include some beverages. We booked a game cruise that got canacelld due to wind at 8h40. But at 9h15 there was no wind. When we asked if they would consider a cruise later it was said it is not possible. We are convinced that the cruise was canceled due to other reasons and they lied. This is because we called AfriCamps and they do a wildlife cruise as well. They said wind is not an issue it is an ideal day. We booked a cruise with them later in the day much cheaper and beverages included. Dinner evening 1: veggies were all raw NOT aldente. The chef and team are incompetent. Carvery was very tuff. Breakfast: in general the omelet, scramble and friend egs were bad. Cook needs some lessons. A simple training issue of staff to look out for kids and offer smaller cutlery when their mouths cannot handle big spoons or forks is lacking. We can ask but four star hotel staff need to be trained to look out for things like this. On arrival reception handed our key and walked to a balcony pointing to block 3 where we stay. Not the reception one expects from a four star hotel. At the pool there is no staff to take drink orders. Again not what one expects when paying for a four star hotel. We checked into a hotel loft for family if 4 and only got 2 sets of towels. Upon requesting more towels in the morning to shower it arrived 30min later... I drip driedand used the wet towel shared by my kids and husband. All in all way too much money for poor service and bad reception staff. I did not once feel welcome. The culture needs serious attention.
9. Leopard Walk Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
Your safari to Leopard Walk Lodge – a safe, romantic and friendly destination with excellent rates. Ideal for honeymoons, special occasions and eco-tourists – will bring you to South Africa’s world-famous Elephant Coast, a spectacular natural wildlife area. Rejoice in your luxurious accommodation with glass wrapped rooms set in a unique sand forest and relax in your own private outdoor Jacuzzi. Set in a private wildlife reserve with over 350 bird species and abundant wildlife.
Surprise one night get away
Reviewed By dalenek2022Great service, friendly staff, yummy food and beautiful nature and animals. So relaxing, quiet and clean. Perfect breakaway to just recharge again. Beautiful room with aircon and fan, mosquito nets and jacuzzi.
10. Hluhluwe River Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Hluhluwe River Lodge is an intimate forest lodge situated far from the hustle and bustle, offering a tranquil environment and relaxed atmosphere. The lodge is ideal for self drive visitors looking for a fully catered restaurant facility and spacious living area. The main lodge has a lounge, expansive terrace and Wifi facilities. Ideal for a family getaway or a couples retreat, our attention to detail and personal touch will make your stay memorable. Upon request, we offer guided walks into False Bay Park which includes forest and lake shore experiences where the focus is on the little details and magic of our greatest asset, the Sand Forest.
Can’t wait to return to Hluhluwe River Lodge
Reviewed By Edward SSome context: First trip to South Africa and after nearly a week in Cape Town attending a wonderful business event, this was to be my first time seeing (as my native South African friends told me) ‘the real Africa.’ Hluhluwe River Lodge has set the bar very high! A friend and I were greeted by a friendly and engaged staff member while our luggage was swiftly wheeled to our respective chalets. After an hour long walk on one of the nature trails, a first rate steak dinner, accompanied by a wonderful high-value South African Pinotage, was served on the outdoor terrace and I could sense I was in for a special couple of days. My chalet (#2) was clean, comfortable, everything worked and had a huge shower with enough water pressure that I’d love to have it back in the States! We worked through Reception to book a half day 4x4 guided tour into the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, and the breakfast (for two) that was packed was large enough for two adults’ breakfast AND lunch. There are many options on where to stay in this area of KwaZulu-Natal, but if you are looking for a respite from your screens/monitors and want a laid back lodging experience off the beaten path encircled by nature, come to the Hluhluwe River Lodge. I can’t wait to come back and this time bring my family. Kudos to the entire staff (including Schona and Ayenda) for making this American’s first visit to ‘the real Africa’ unforgettable.
