Set in a private reserve, surrounded by Blyde River and the Drakensberg Mountains, this lodge offers self-catering rooms with balconies. It features 2 outdoor pools, massage treatments and barbecue facilities. Blyde River Wilderness Lodge’s elegantly decorated rooms have a mosquito net, a seating area and the self-catering rooms offer a fully equipped kitchen. Each room has a private bathroom with a hairdryer. All rooms lead out onto the tranquil river settings, where crocodiles and hippos cruise by. The reserve is also home to giraffes, zebras and nyalas. Guests can start their day with a rich breakfast buffet, before exploring the surrounding area. Tea garden lunches, patio dinners and packed lunches are also available on request. Refreshments can be be enjoyed at the bar. A variety of activities is offered in the surrounding area, including boat cruises on the Blyde Dam, game drives, quad biking and hot air ballooning. God's Window is about 60 km away

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.4 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.4)

Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

Breakfast info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Gluten-free

Free private parking available on-site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
1 large double bed
Bedroom 1:
1 large double bed
Bedroom 2:
2 single beds
1 large double bed
2 single beds
2 single beds
2 single beds
and
1 extra-large double bed
2 single beds
1 double bed
2 single beds
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.1
Facilities
8.7
Cleanliness
9.0
Comfort
8.9
Value for money
8.6
Location
8.4
Free WiFi
7.5
Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Shona
    South Africa South Africa
    My stay was extremely comfortable and Cynthia and her team couldn't have been more helpful. It's a beautiful tranquil spot along the river and the chalets are beautifully decorated and private. The staff even cleaned my dusty car and windows...
  • Victoria
    South Africa South Africa
    The friendliest staff, the Breakfast, the privacy was exceptional
  • Kamogelo
    South Africa South Africa
    The location was perfect , nice and neat. The staff were welcoming and assisting the call duty
  • Nelson
    South Africa South Africa
    Breakfast 🍳 was 👌 even the place has a peace,quite
  • Nthabiseng
    South Africa South Africa
    Everything was as I had imagined it to be, the staff were really friendly and pleasant especially Cynthia.the scenery was beautiful this was value for money.i really enjoyed my stay
  • Adrienne
    Reunion Reunion
    The staff was amazing. They really went above our expectations to accommodate my mother who is meat and gluten-free !! While it is a bit isolated from the town, the lodge is in a really nice environment. On the premises, you can spot giraffes,...
  • Wandile
    South Africa South Africa
    Staff as really friendly The facility was clean and beautifully set up. The river view is just spectacular. You really get to just lose your self in nature.
  • Mfundisi
    South Africa South Africa
    Everything about the place is so amazing and i would love to go back
  • William
    South Africa South Africa
    The hospitality was great. Cynthia and team went above and beyond in ensuring that our stay was a comfortable one.
  • Gerald
    South Africa South Africa
    We loved the fact that it was so relaxed, in th3 nature and well set up.

Quality rating

This property is rated 4 out of 5 as compared to other homes and apartments on our site. The rating is based on overall quality using factors such as review score, facilities, size, location and service.

Managed by John Mittan

Company review score: 9.1Based on 98 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company information

Born in South Africa in 1979, John immigrated to Perth in Western Australia with his family at the age of 5. He had already been introduced to the wonders of the bush however and memories of family camping trips in South Africa's coastal and wildlife reserves, combined with expeditions to Australia's wild areas and return trips to Africa, drove him to register for a Biological Science degree in Sydney, taking subjects such as biology, microbiology, ecology and geology. On finishing university, John decided on the spur of the moment to join a game ranging course run by EcoTraining in the South Africa lowveld and within three weeks he had packed up and returned to South Africa. A month of intensive training in guest relations, birds, plants, animals, insects, geology, ecology, weapons handling and walking followed, with John's performance earning him a position as an instructor on the course after completion. Having gained experience in this position John went on to work as a guide and then head guide at a lodge in the lowveld, where he also worked with a research organization called K.E.R.I. on a study of leopard and cheetah.

Property information

Surrounded by the tranquil Blyde River and the majestic Drakensberg mountains, this thatched lodge is set in a Private reserve, in an area famous for its panoramic scenery, birdlife, fauna and flora. Nestled on the banks of the Blyde River, it offers travelers a unique bush experience whilst soaking up the beauty of the natural surroundings. The lodge is situated along the famous Panoramic Route of Mpumalanga/Limpopo Province near Hoedspruit and is just a 50-minute drive to the Kruger National Park - Orpen Gate. Places of water are places of life. Not only are the water courses of the Blyde River Wilderness Lodge well populated with Hippo and Crocodiles, the reserve is home to Giraffe, Nyala, Impala, Wildebeest, Zebra, Bushbuck, Duiker, Steenbuck, Waterbuck, Bushpig and Warthog.The towering Northern Drakensberg escarpment provides a canvas for nature to capture a masterpiece with each sunrise… This is your opportunity to escape and invest in peace. PLEASE NOTE: We are a private establishment and our main gate is situated 6km from the reception area. We therefore kindly request that guests advise us on an estimated time of arrival to ensure that the gate has been unlcoked upon your arrival. Latest check-in is 18h00 unless prior arrangements have been made. Please contact us to advise on the time of your arrival.

Neighbourhood information

The following activities are available in the area: Beautiful Scenery Panorama Route Incorporating: The Three Rondawels Gods Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes Berlin Falls Pinnacle Lisbon Falls Graskop Pilgrims Rest Kruger National Park Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre Boat Cruise On The Blyde Dam Game Drives Elephant Encounters Endangered Species Centre Rafting & Tubing Blyde Dam Khamai Reptile Park The Cotton Club Cafe Quad Biking Hot Air Ballooning Walking with the Wild Hlokomela Hat Tours (Community Project) Jessica the Hippo

Languages spoken

Afrikaans,English

Property surroundings

Restaurants
1 restaurant on site

  • Restaurant #1
    • Ambiance
      Family friendly • Traditional • Modern • Romantic
    • Dietary options
      Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Facilities of Blyde River Wilderness Lodge
Great facilities! Review score, 8.7

Most popular facilities
  • 2 swimming pools
  • Free WiFi
  • Free parking
  • Family rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Room service
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Bar
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
View
  • Garden view
  • View
Outdoors
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • BBQ facilities
    Additional charge
  • Patio
  • Balcony
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator
Room Amenities
  • Socket near the bed
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Walking tours
  • Hiking
    Additional chargeOff-site
Living Area
  • Seating Area
  • Desk
Food & Drink
  • Fruits
    Additional charge
  • Wine/champagne
    Additional charge
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Tea/Coffee maker
Internet
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
    Services
    • Daily housekeeping
    • Packed lunches
    • Ironing service
      Additional charge
    • Laundry
      Additional charge
    • Room service
    Reception services
    • Invoice provided
    Safety & security
    • Fire extinguishers
    • 24-hour security
    • Safety deposit box
    General
    • Air conditioning
    • Tile/marble floor
    • Heating
    • Fan
    • Family rooms
    • Ironing facilities
    • Non-smoking rooms
    2 swimming pools
    Pool 1 - outdoorFree!
    • Open all year
    • All ages welcome
    • Pool/beach towels
    • Sun loungers or beach chairs
    Pool 2 - outdoorFree!
    • Open all year
    • All ages welcome
    • Pool/beach towels
    • Sun loungers or beach chairs
    Wellness
    • Sun loungers or beach chairs
    Languages spoken
    • Afrikaans
    • English

    House rules
    Blyde River Wilderness Lodge takes special requests - add in the next step!

    Check-in
    From 14:00 to 18:00
    Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
    You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
    Check-out
    From 07:30 to 10:30
    Cancellation/ prepayment
    Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
    Children and beds

    Child policies

    Children of any age are welcome.

    Children 12 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

    To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

    Cot and extra bed policies

    0 - 11 years
    Extra bed upon request
    ZAR 470 per child, per night
    12+ years
    Extra bed upon request
    ZAR 940 per person, per night

    Prices for extra beds are not included in the total price, and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

    The number of extra beds allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.

    There are no cots available at this property.

    All extra beds are subject to availability.

    No age restriction
    There is no age requirement for check-in
    Pets
    Pets are not allowed.
    Groups
    When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
    Accepted payment methods
    American ExpressVisaMastercardCash
    Parties
    Parties/events are not allowed
    Quiet hours
    Guests must be quiet between 20:00 and 08:00.

    The fine print
    Need-to-know information for guests at this property

    Our normal check in is between 14H00 and 18H00.

    Please note that we are a Private Lodge and we do not have 24 hours check in service.

    Our gate is locked on a permanent basis due to the Wildlife on our property, we therefore ask that you please advise on an estimated time of arrival for us to have the gate unlocked upon your arrival.

    Latest check in is 19H00, between 19H00 and 20H00, there will be a Surcharge of R 250.00.

    Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

    Please inform Blyde River Wilderness Lodge in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

    Payment before arrival via bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

    This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.

    Dear Visitor, this region is currently experiencing drought conditions. Please be aware that certain properties are subject to comply with local water usage restrictions.

    Quiet hours are between 20:00:00 and 08:00:00.

    In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

    In accordance with government guidelines to minimise transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary and other relevant information, during dates where such guidelines exist.

    FAQs about Blyde River Wilderness Lodge

    • Check-in at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge is from 14:00, and check-out is until 10:30.

    • The prices at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

    • Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

    • Guests staying at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 8.0).

      Breakfast option(s) include:

      • Continental
      • Full English/Irish
      • Gluten-free
      • À la carte

    • Blyde River Wilderness Lodge is 6.8 miles from the centre of Hoedspruit. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

    • Blyde River Wilderness Lodge has 1 restaurant:

      • Restaurant #1

    • Blyde River Wilderness Lodge offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

      • Hiking
      • Walking tours
      • Swimming Pool

    • Room options at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge include:

      • Double
      • Holiday Home
      • Twin
      • Family
      • Bungalow