10 Top-Rated Lodges in Hluhluwe, Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal

May 13, 2023 Karren Gelb

Discover the best Lodges in Hluhluwe, Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal including Nibela Lake Lodge, Emdoneni Lodge, Zululand Lodge, Bushbaby Lodge & Camping, Duiker Game Lodge, Thanda Safari Lodge, Khangela Private Game Lodge, Thanda Safari Lodge, Leopard Walk Lodge, Hluhluwe River Lodge.
Restaurants in Hluhluwe

1. Nibela Lake Lodge

Nibela Peninsula, Hluhluwe 3960 South Africa
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 204 reviews

Nibela Lake Lodge

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 DHenry3004

This 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

2. Emdoneni Lodge

123 District Road Emdoneni Farm, Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe 3950 South Africa
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 364 reviews

Emdoneni Lodge

Following the 2015 voting period, Emdoneni Lodge has won: Global Winner in the Luxury Game Lodge category of the World Luxury Hotel Awards. Located in the heart of Zululand lies Emdoneni Lodge. The lodge offers unique opportunities for the visitor, as you get up close and personal with local wildlife. From sitting by the pool watching Zebra, Nyala, duiker and impala in their natural Sand Forest habitat, to coming face to face with Cheetah, Serval, Caracal and African Wild Cats at the Cat Sanctuary! Air-conditioned, en-suite rooms allow you to escape the heat of the day, and in the evenings you have a variety of meals to choose from at the buffet restaurant. Dinner in the Boma adds a different atmosphere as you eat under the African night sky, and get a glimpse into one of South Africa's great cultures with our Zulu dancers.

Piece of heaven

Reviewed By P7800ZVjohnm

What a great way to spend some time in the peace and quiet of Africa. Wife off doing the cat tour me sat on the terrace with complimentary coffee and biscuits It’s a little piece of heaven Would recommend this as a chill out place. Love it Thanks to all the staff very friendly.

3. Zululand Lodge

Portion 32, Farm Msinene Estate number 14137 off R22, P483, 22km north of Hluhluwe, Hluhluwe 3960 South Africa
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 21 reviews

Zululand Lodge

Zululand Lodge is a small secluded lodge located on a private game reserve, in the heart of Zululand, northern KwaZulu Natal, near the town of Hluhluwe. The lodge is located within walking distance of the Msinene River and offers accommodation in nine secluded safari-style canvas rooms feature large windows and a small deck with views of the African bush. Each has a private bathroom. The camp has a main lodge with lounge and a dining area where guests can relax and admire the wilderness views. We offer guided bush walks on the conservancy and game drives in the surrounding game reserves. Zululand Lodge is close to Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Mkuzi Game Reserve and the St Lucia Wetland Park, iSimangoliso.

Our visit to Zululand Lodge

Reviewed By judymcnaughton16

This was a great experience for all of us. Walks were very special seeing things and discuss aspects of nature you wouldn't normally discuss. Meals prepared and presented with pride. Having a very fussy 6 year old we would have taken more of her own food. Eg cheerios cereal. Staff were very helpful in altering her food where they could. Martin our host was amazing and so happy to share all his knowledge and experience of the bush with us. Idea person for the job. Thank you Zululand lodge. If you want a bush experience this is the place to visit. Loved being in the tents and watching the sun rise from my bed through the insect proof meshing while listening to the woodpecker working in the tree next to us.

4. Bushbaby Lodge & Camping

D49 Bushlands, Hluhluwe 3960 South Africa
Excellent
42%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 85 reviews

Bushbaby Lodge & Camping

Chalets & campsites in a lush garden of indigenous treesBushbaby Lodge is the perfect break-away in the heart of Elephant Coast. In a picturesque tropical garden under the shade of enormous indigenous trees with South African hospitality at its best. Treat yourself to traditional home cooking, or make use of the equipped communal kitchen and cater for yourself. Enjoy leisurely walks while viewing the rich bird live and game of the area. We are only 20 minutes away from the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve and various exciting activities can be organized in the area.

We love this place

Reviewed By Chad R

I can honestly say the Bushbaby Lodge is an awesome place to stay, it is close to the game reserve and affordable. Although this is a budget lodge and there are no frills, the accommodation is comfortable and clean and the staff were awesome and friendly. We will definately be back here soon.

5. Duiker Game Lodge

District Rd D722, Hluhluwe 3960 South Africa
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2 reviews

Duiker Game Lodge

A stylish and peaceful game lodge, perfect for an intimate bush getaway with family and friends. Based in the heart of Zululand just outside Hluhluwe, Kwa-Zulu Natal. We are close to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park for Big 5 game drives. Guests can either self-drive through the Park or book a guided tour through us.

Excellent stay at Duiker Game Lodge

Reviewed By franco1515

Beautiful place, food was excellent, staff were very welcoming and kind. Game drives were great, really well educated guide. Everything was well priced. Manager went out of her way to make our trip special just showing how much they care. Highly recommend

6. Thanda Safari Lodge

D242 Off The N2, Hluhluwe 3950 South Africa
Excellent
86%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 465 reviews

Thanda Safari Lodge

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 SabrinaS5720

Just 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. Khangela Private Game Lodge

Khangela Private Game Lodge, Hluhluwe 1330 South Africa
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Khangela Private Game Lodge

Tranquility

Reviewed By JoyKeila

What an amazing experience in a beautiful place! True definition of “Private” setting. The lodge was amazingly sparkling clean yet it’s located in dusty area. Very humble lady Zonke and gentlemen Dean (can’t remember his name right) really took care of us everything we needed they were available instantly. It was great moment to see the springboks just after we won the World Cup ?. No doubt I’ll be returning here with my friends in the near future.

8. Thanda Safari Lodge

D242 Off The N2, Hluhluwe 3950 South Africa
Excellent
86%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 465 reviews

Thanda Safari Lodge

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 SabrinaS5720

Just 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.

9. Leopard Walk Lodge

Lot H122, Hluhluwe 3960 South Africa
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 229 reviews

Leopard Walk Lodge

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 dalenek2022

Great 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

D540-Hluhluwe (District Road 540), Hluhluwe 3960 South Africa
Excellent
61%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 197 reviews

Hluhluwe River Lodge

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 S

Some 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.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.