Location: Hluhluwe
Top Hotels in Hluhluwe
Top Restaurants in Hluhluwe
Hluhluwe Hotels | Places to Stay in Hluhluwe
Discover the best hotels in Hluhluwe, Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal including Thanda Safari Lodge, ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe, Ama Zulu Guesthouse And Safaris, Bushwillow Collection, Bushbaby Lodge & Camping, Hluhluwe Country Cottages, ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe, Zululand Lodge, Gooderson DumaZulu Lodge & Traditional Village, Nibela Lake Lodge.
Restaurants in Hluhluwe
1. 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.
2. ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 468 reviews
Anew Hotel Hluhluwe - Luxury Set in the Heart of The Zulu Kingdom. Rich in natural ambience and with a distinctively African rhythm, ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe treats guests to luxurious accommodation, tantalising cuisine, and a world-class service with friendly staff who live the motto "hospitality is our game". ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe encourages visitors to leave the modern world behind and to embark on a discovery ... The untamed beauty of Kwazulu Natal's Elephant coast and the neighbouring wildlife reserves have created a vibrant eco-system of unrivalled diversity. Soak up the sun at the swimming pool terrace and feel the cultural richness in the evenings whilst sipping on a refreshing sundowner and watching the Zulu dance shows beneath the magnificent Umkanyakude (Fever) Tree. At Anew Hotel Hluhluwe, you'll discover the wild nature of Africa, rejoice in the luxury and revel in the friendly warmth of one of Africa's most welcoming hotels!
Perfect stay in hluhluwe
Reviewed By cmaas495481The hotel exceeded our expectations. Nice comfortable stay . Beautiful deco in the lobby , great cocktails at the bar , kind helpful staff . Only complaint is the food could be better. Its not that the food is bad but it isn’t great either - it’s edible enough but nothing fantastic . Cleaning staff were all so thoughtful and our baby was sick and the staff helped us with a thermometer at stupid o’clock which I thought was very kind . We would definitely return.
3. Ama Zulu Guesthouse And Safaris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 363 reviews
Ama Zulu Guesthouse is set in the heart of Hluhluwe and the beautiful untamed Elephant Coast in KwaZulu Natal This newly renovated house offers guests comfortable accommodation in a relaxing atmosphere at affordable rates. The taste fully furnished and decorated bedrooms all have private entrances, en-suite bathrooms and are equipped with coffee and tea making facilities, bar fridge and colour TV with M-Net. A Continental and full English Breakfast is served daily. Dinners on request. Guests are welcome to relax in the courtyard or at the pool area and enjoy the fresh air and sunny skies. Braai/ barbeque facilities are available! Laundry service available! Children welcome! This Guesthouse greatest asset is it's location ideally situated between the world renowned Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Where the untamed wildlife and marine reserves meet creating an eco-system of unparalleled bio-diversity. Ama Zulu Guesthouse is also within easy reach of Sodwana Bay, St Lucia, Cape Vidal, Lake Sibaya, Mkuze Game Reserve, as well as Ndumo Game Reserve, Tembe Elephant Park and Lake Josini. The "umHluhluwe Safaris" arranges three, six and nine hour safaris into the game reserve. Champagne breakfasts, bush braai's, lunch packs as well as picnics in the Park can also be arranged on request. Qualified field guides will take you on safari in comfortable, modern open game drive vehicles.
Disappointing Experience
Reviewed By Michael7472020When we arrived, the welcoming was rather cold and unfriendly, however, information was given about restaurants in the vicinity. Our room, the Honeymoon Suite, was really smelly, as if it had not been ventilated for weeks. The same smell was captured in the towels in the bathroom, where there was a candle holder with candles that were completely bent, probably due to high heat, but had never been exchanged. There was a spider web on the ground next to the bath tub. The refrigerator was not clean. I would not book again.
4. Bushwillow Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Choose between self-catering, dinner bed & breakfast or all inclusive packages. Bushwillow Collection offers 3 different accommodation style options to suit your mood. Stay at our LODGE with warm wooden floors, reed ceilings and muted colours for a feeling of serenity and oneness with nature, together with good, honest home cooking. Meet fellow travellers at the central lodge area with pool deck and share adventures. Choose one of our BOUTIQUE self-catering chalets with private pool and quirky design and let the bright and cheerful colour schemes lift your spirit whilst still allowing nature to bring balance. Ask nicely, and we can bring you breakfast... or try an evening meal at our lodge one evening, subject to availability.
Bushwillow Retreat
Reviewed By Roam671564Enjoyed our few days at the comfortably furnished Green Monkey Orange chalet - lovely walks through the peaceful forest trails . Conveniently close to other attractions too including the Pineapple farm and of course Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. Nerischia so pleasant and very helpful in attending to our various requests.
5. Bushbaby Lodge & Camping
Overall Ratings
4 based on 85 reviews
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 RI 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.
6. Hluhluwe Country Cottages
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Fantastic!
Reviewed By mkeppl886928Lovely Cottages, friendly staff and a great view. The accommodation is just a couple of hundred meters away from the main road and well marked. It’s a great place if you want to visit the Hluluwe National park.
7. ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 468 reviews
Anew Hotel Hluhluwe - Luxury Set in the Heart of The Zulu Kingdom. Rich in natural ambience and with a distinctively African rhythm, ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe treats guests to luxurious accommodation, tantalising cuisine, and a world-class service with friendly staff who live the motto "hospitality is our game". ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe encourages visitors to leave the modern world behind and to embark on a discovery ... The untamed beauty of Kwazulu Natal's Elephant coast and the neighbouring wildlife reserves have created a vibrant eco-system of unrivalled diversity. Soak up the sun at the swimming pool terrace and feel the cultural richness in the evenings whilst sipping on a refreshing sundowner and watching the Zulu dance shows beneath the magnificent Umkanyakude (Fever) Tree. At Anew Hotel Hluhluwe, you'll discover the wild nature of Africa, rejoice in the luxury and revel in the friendly warmth of one of Africa's most welcoming hotels!
Perfect stay in hluhluwe
Reviewed By cmaas495481The hotel exceeded our expectations. Nice comfortable stay . Beautiful deco in the lobby , great cocktails at the bar , kind helpful staff . Only complaint is the food could be better. Its not that the food is bad but it isn’t great either - it’s edible enough but nothing fantastic . Cleaning staff were all so thoughtful and our baby was sick and the staff helped us with a thermometer at stupid o’clock which I thought was very kind . We would definitely return.
8. Zululand Lodge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
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 judymcnaughton16This 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.
9. Gooderson DumaZulu Lodge & Traditional Village
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 136 reviews
Experience traditional KwaZulu-Natal hospitality at Gooderson DumaZulu Traditional Zulu Village, South Africa’s biggest cultural village. Watch as locals make spears, shields, baskets and clay pots. Peek into the world of the sangoma and have a one on one reading. Experience the rhythmic drumbeat and dance of Africa. Taste Zulu beer. Watch the throwing of the bones… Situated in the heart of Zululand near Hluhluwe, Gooderson DumaZulu Traditional Zulu Village is as much a living cultural museum as it is a natural and therapeutic outdoors environment for guests to reconnect with nature. Cultural guides give guests a rare insight into local customs.
Back in Time for the Zulu Village
Reviewed By SafariKZN-MarkThe Zulu warrior, bare chested, wearing only his cow hide ibheshu skirt, and traditional skins covering his biceps and shins, smashed his knobkerrie fighting stick against his shield. He cried out at the top of his voice what sounded like a battle cry. He stamped his feet and jumped high in the air. His small impi of men behind him shouted their encouragement while the Zulu ladies let out shrill calls to accompany their singing. He banged his fighting stick again against his shield before he charged us, feet stamping hard into the soft sand but barely making a sound. He stopped only a meter or so in front of us, like a lion making a mock charge. We were at the Gooderson DumaZulu Lodge & Village and the mock charge was part of the climax to our tour around the on-site Zulu Village. The tour had started when we were met at the gates by a Zulu elder who greeted us in his native tongue. We spoke through our guide and translator and picked up one or two Zulu words to help us on our way. Before being allowed to pass beyond the gate drums were banged to let the villagers know we were there. Our guide waited for the drums to signal we could enter. She then led us through a thatched archway and back in time. The village is surrounded by a fence which our guide told us is called a kraal, it is circular and constructed from branches of trees pushed into the ground. These fences were used to keep livestock in and wild animals out. Within the village there are a selection of traditional beehive huts built from wood, reeds and thatching grass. This is the type of home that the Zulu people traditionally lived in when European settlers first arrived in Zululand around three hundred years ago. The men in the village showed us how to make spears, both long throwing spears and shorter stabbing spears. The latter is known as an iklwa and when pronounced in Zulu it resembles the noise that the spear made as it was plunged into, them removed, from an enemy soldier during battle. After we were shown how to make the spears, we then got to launch the throwing spear ourselves. Our next meeting was with the village’s sangoma. The sangoma or healer is highly respected, powerful, and responsible for the well being of the community. They can treat and advise on all matters. Being gifted with their abilities, various methods are adopted to treat a huge array of problems. They can converse with ancestors and use the throwing of bones, pebbles and sticks to aid their powers. On meeting the ladies of the village, we learned of their crafts and the way that each of them was dressed. We were shown how clay pots, woven grass baskets, and traditional bead wear was skillfully made. Their skirts, their hats and other items of clothing told different stories and often depicted if the ladies were married or single. After being taken to the centre of the village we were greeted by a warrior who prepared for us a homemade Zulu beer in a clay pot. Beer plays a big role in Zulu culture and recipes are handed down through the generations. After careful sieving and stirring we drank from the pot and thanked him for his warm welcome. Young warriors then demonstrated their stick fighting skills. The men and ladies then came together and sang. On my travels I have been lucky enough to hear Zulu singing many times. I am yet to meet a Zulu who cannot sing. However, this was as good as any that I have heard. The singing was accompanied by drumming and whistles and we found ourselves engrossed by the sounds. The dancing is always special and maybe one day I will be able to raise my legs high enough to silently stamp them down? We stayed at the main lodge in our own traditional twin bed rondavel. Each room is dedicated to a different Southern African tribe. Our room was ‘Swazi Dlamini’ associated to the royal house of eSwatini, formerly Swaziland. The rooms are spacious and included a separate dressing room and en-suite bathroom. There is also a fridge along with tea & coffee making facilities. The accommodation, like the traditional village, is laid out in a circle amongst indigenous forest, where trees, like the marula, stood laden with fruit. Vervet monkeys and birds made the most of the abundant food supply. There were also masses of butterflies, of all sizes & colours, in the gardens and around the main lodge. The garden also has a fire pit area and swimming pool. We ate all meals in the restaurant and enjoyed a cold drink from the bar in the warm Zululand evening air. The dining area and bar are new, laid out and constructed with great thought and finished to an extremely high standard. The food was exceptional. Lunch and dinner served from a buffet, with staff on hand to talk you through each dish, and breakfast cooked to order. For lunch the stews, cooked in cast iron pots, served with traditional Zulu accompaniments included samp & beans, putu and creamed spinach. There was no shortage of anything, and buffets included, steak, boerewors, chicken, vegetables, salads, all served with beaming smiles.
10. 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
