The 10 best Lodges in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

May 13, 2023 Terina Blouin

Discover the best Lodges in KwaZulu-Natal including Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge, Rhino River Lodge, Mseni Beach Lodge, Gwahumbe Game & Spa, Lavender Trout Guest Farm, Lalaria, Summerhill Estate Culinary Retreat, Beach Forest Lodge, Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge, Three Tree Hill.
Restaurants in KwaZulu-Natal

1. Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge

D464 District Road, Manyoni Private Game Reserve 3960 South Africa
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 874 reviews

Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge

This 5 Star, Multi-Award winning Big 5, Family Run Safari Lodge is set within the 58 000 acre Manyoni Private Game Reserve offering peace and tranquillity with friendly hospitality. PASSIONATE 5 STAR SERVICE IS OUR SIGNATURE Driven by conservation first the Leopard Mountain family, has an Uncompromising service philosophy that is Intimate, personalised and uniquely ours. Everything, and every step of your journey with us is an experience we want you to treasure, including inspiring all your senses. From our African inspired Cuisine where our original and adventurous Chef is inspired to truly spoil your taste buds in delightful ways. The Sacred Pampering you will experience in our tranquil Spa, all designed to rejuvenate, relax and enhance your health, vitality, and soul UNFORGETTABLE SAFARIS are our pride and joy Once-in-a-lifetime, exclusive and superior African safaris from the moment you drive into our reserve, to our open-vehicle expert ranger guided experiences. Our wild animals roam freely over our vast wilderness and you encounter spectacular and intimate game viewing with some of Africa's most endangered species. Our holistic safaris feature the planets largest land mammal to the smallest insect and flower, with more than 400 flying wonders. BREATHTAKING SUITES are waiting to welcome you home to Africa Our eight luxurious, private stand-alone, spacious thatched suites are your home away from home, your haven of tranquillity to rest and be inspired

Fantastic luxurious stay!

Reviewed By Inazietsman

We had the most amazing time! I took my boyfriend for his birthday and the attention to detail and all the spoils and special touches was completely unexpected and so appreciated! The staff is fantastic, going above and beyond without ever making you feel like anything is effort. Beautiful spot to just relax and enjoy!

2. Rhino River Lodge

P450 Off N2, Manyoni Private Game Reserve 3960 South Africa
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 615 reviews

Rhino River Lodge

Rhino River Lodge is a family-owned and operated Big 5 safari lodge located in the magnificent Manyoni Private Game Reserve. This 23,000-hectare private game reserve is situated in the very heart of Zululand, 30kms north of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The area is renowned for its African wildlife and rich cultural heritage.

Exceeded every expectation!

Reviewed By MTGrizinCO

5 Stars aren't enough for Rhino River Lodge. We can't express our satisfaction with choosing RR over other game lodges in the area. This was hands-down the best experience of our trip to Africa. The fantastic accommodations and exemplary service we received was on par with any luxury resort we've stayed at. Moreover, the impressive knowledge and cautious respect that our exceptional guide Stuart had for the animals made every safari an experience we will never forget.

3. Mseni Beach Lodge

Sodwana Bay National Park, Sodwana 3974 South Africa
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 371 reviews

Mseni Beach Lodge

Mseni Beach Lodge is nestled along the pristine coastline of Sodwana Bay. We offer a restaurant with sea view and in season, Humpback Whales can be seen splashing about, whilst you enjoy a delicious meal or cocktail. Many activities are available in the area snorkelling, scuba diving, beach walks and visits to the surrounding game reserves. Mseni means "place of happiness" and our friendly staff are ready and waiting to make your holiday a memorable one.

My destination of choice

Reviewed By DavidScholtz

Mseni Lodge is my destination of choice when visiting Sodwana Bay. It is not only the facilities and easy access to the beach for my kids, but also the amazing people who make my stay memorable, from the cleaning staff right through to the restaurant staff and office personnel. I can whole heartedly recommend Mseni Lodge to any prospective traveler.

4. Gwahumbe Game & Spa

D368 Road Gwahumbe Game & Spa, Mid Illovo 3750 South Africa
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 498 reviews

Gwahumbe Game & Spa

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway weekend, a family adventure or an indulgent spa day, Gwahumbe Game & Spa is the ideal KZN game reserve destination where you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the bushveld. Stay the day, stay the weekend, stay the whole week; you’ll feel right at home at our close-enough — yet away-from-it-all — bush escape. Gwahumbe is a private game reserve situated just an hour’s drive from Durban and a 45-minute drive from Pietermaritzburg. Our relatively small reserve is easy to navigate, with a network of 4×4 roads to enjoy. This means a weekend day trip or a safari getaway is possible in equal measure. The reserve has diverse and sometimes dramatic views to inspire awe in any nature-lover.

Very Relaxing Stay

Reviewed By keshnenaidoo

Hubby and I had a very tranquil time at the Gwahumbe lodge. The spa treatments were an absolute treat. The picnic though didnt happen the way we wanted. It would be nice if the picnic area was set up for us and we were dropped off and picked up to the picnic spot. We ended up walking to try to get to the spot, but could not find it

5. Lavender Trout Guest Farm

off R103, Nottingham Road 3275 South Africa
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 113 reviews

Lavender Trout Guest Farm

Lavender Trout Farm in Nottingham Road is located on the R103 on the Midlands Meander- only 3kms from Michaelhouse School and 7km from the centre of town. These 4 self-catering houses and 4 Deluxe Rooms are surrounded with gorgeous views and 3 dams. All the houses are fully equipped and are provided with 100% percale linen and bath towels.

Best Self Catering in the Midlands

Reviewed By Helen B

STONE COTTAGE We visit the Midlands often and this is by far the best self-catering place we have ever stayed. It is in a great location; the cottage is beautiful and homely and has everything anyone would ever need when staying at a self-catering cottage. The fire was already roaring in the fireplace when we arrived and the next day when we got back after meandering, it was also lit, and the cottage was warm. The beds were very comfortable and have electric blankets. The attention to detail in the cottage and on the whole property is the best I have ever come across. The outside patio/braai area of Stone Cottage is so lovely, I will have to go back in the summer so we can use it properly. Jo and her staff were a pleasure to deal with. It really makes ones stay that much more enjoyable. We will definitely be back.

6. Lalaria

25A Dolphin Crescent, Shaka's Rock 4420 South Africa
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 169 reviews

Lalaria

Best weekend

Reviewed By vrajas418605

Lalaria is absolutely gorgeous. The set up and flow of the house is easy and you get an undisturbed view the ocean. Easy access to the beach and shops close by made our stay more enjoyable. The location is perfect and the space was perfect for 12, everyone loved the house and had a very enjoyable weekend.

7. Summerhill Estate Culinary Retreat

9 Belvedale Road Cowies Hill, Durban 3610 South Africa
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 60 reviews

Summerhill Estate Culinary Retreat

Summerhill Boutique Hotel - a culinary retreat with unpretentious vibes overlooking Durban and the Indian Ocean. Established in 1997 by Christine Richter, Summerhill has successfully accomplished a combination of casual ambience paired with professionalism in hospitality, Family owned and run The LivingRoom @ Summerhill Estate supper club showcases Durban's culinary diversity at an internationally recognised level. Top 20 Mercedes Benz Eat Out Awards 2019, coming in at number 13 in the country. Logistical strength: Nestled between Westville and Pinetown, we are in the centre of M7, M13, M19, N2 and N3. Secure: CCTV on- and off site monitoring, special access gate and night guard.

Michelin standard culinary experience a stones throw away from Durban.

Reviewed By 826brucev

Simply Outstanding Meal! Michelin standard cooking using best local ingredients prepard skillfully prepared. The seven course tasting menu was paired perfectly with South African wines. The service was friendly, knowledgeable and well timed. A real culinary destination in Durban that I would highly recommend.!

8. Beach Forest Lodge

13B Marion Road, Ballito 4399 South Africa
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 146 reviews

Beach Forest Lodge

Beach Forest Lodge offers luxury self catering accommodation overlooking the serene Pigeonwood Forest, only 400m from the beachfront. Four spacious apartments are tastefully decorated and have private balconies/patios with barbeque facilities. There is a stunning pool and entertainment area set among the tropical gardens. BFL is close to all amentities and activities in the Ballito area.

Beach Forest Lodge

Reviewed By lynellele

Beautiful setting and a wonderful pet friendly place. Very professional and accommodating. The booking process was very user friendly and easy to do. They went out of their way to assist and accommodate us at short notice.

9. Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge

Golela Road, Pongola, Pongola 3170 South Africa
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 238 reviews

Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge

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 tnyawo286899

Shayamoya 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

10. Three Tree Hill

Rhenosterfontein Farm Hambrook Village, Bergville 3370 South Africa
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 366 reviews

Three Tree Hill

Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains, overlooking the secluded Mfazimnyama Valley of the Spioenkop Game Reserve and in the lee of the famous hill, Spioenkop, lies Three Trees lodge. Perfect half-way stop between Johannesburg & Durban, only 27km from the highway (N3)Spectacular scenery, locally grown Country-style food, fine linen and superb hosts makes this lodge the ideal environment in which to escape and unwind. This intimate luxury lodge is owner-managed by Simon & Cheryl Blackburn whose passion for Africa fills every corner. Guests are welcomed into their home, and invited to experience the warm hospitality in their family run lodge.

Consistently Brilliant

Reviewed By 0livinglife1

Often reviews are a single point in time based on alignment of offering and patron … I’d like to offer that in the case if Three Tree Hill Lodge I’ve returned again again since 2013 and I have never left happier. My most recent visit I stayed at the more secluded Churchills with stunning views and cosy fire. All meals are tasty and nourishing. The wine list is well balanced. I loved being able to eat in the wine cellar, deck and patio. Cheryl’s game walk was fantastic and I know my partner enjoyed the war history excursion as well. Melanie is fantastic and nothing is ever too much trouble. We also went to Cathedral Peak for a day and the drive there and back is was doable. Three Tree Hill continues to deliver consistent value for money. I can’t wait to return!

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