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5.0

Excellent

109 reviews

#1 of 75 lodges in Hoedspruit

Location

Cleanliness

Service

Value

Travellers' Choice

The Vuyani River Lodge is Vuyani's most recent addition to its fold of exclusive safari lodges offering spectacular closeness to nature, in the heart of the African Bush.

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Property amenities

Valet parking

Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)

Pool

Free breakfast

Free airport transportation

Business Centre with Internet Access

Massage

Adults only

Paid private parking on-site

Wifi

Pool / beach towels

Pool with view

Outdoor pool

Bar / lounge

Restaurant

Special diet menus

Free shuttle or taxi services

Airport transportation

24-hour security

Mosquito net

Outdoor fireplace

Outdoor furniture

Shared lounge / TV area

Sun deck

Sun loungers / beach chairs

Sun terrace

Private check-in / check-out

Laundry service

Ironing service

Room features

Air conditioning

Private balcony

Safe

Wardrobe / wardrobe

Bottled water

Minibar

Walk-in shower

Bath / shower

Clothes rack

Wake-up service / alarm clock

Complimentary toiletries

Hair dryer

Room types

Mountain view

Landmark view

Pool view

Non-smoking rooms

Suites

Good to know

HOTEL STYLE

Charming

Languages Spoken

English, Afrikaans, Zulu

Location

R40 Klaserie Road Blue-Canyon Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, Maruleng 1380 South Africa

Getting there

Hoedspruit Airport13 kmSee all flights

Ngala Airfield32 kmSee all flights

Car HireSee all Hoedspruit car hire

See all nearby hotels

Nearby attractions

Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

1,058 reviews

3.8 kmNature & Wildlife Areas

Nyani Cultural Village

57 reviews

4.5 kmTheatre & Performances

See all nearby attractions

109Reviews20Q+A19Room tips

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Cecilia wrote a review Nov 2023

2 contributions1 helpful vote

+1

Best ever experience

My daughter and I had the most amazing time. We stayed for just over a week and also went for a day in Kruger Park, which is near by and to the Blyde River Canyon which is the third largest canyon in the world. The food at Vuyani River lodge was excellent and usually included a South African dish to try. The tented accommodation and outside shower were a novelty and so was the ‘walking bus’ (a rather British thing for school children) to get around after dark. The morning and evening Safari drives were incredible. Because it is a relatively small reserve, we were able to go ‘off road’ to track the animals (unlike Kruger Park where you have to remain on the tarmac roads), but we saw lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, hippos…in fact, all the big five and many other animals besides. The staff were all really helpful, friendly and could not do enough for you. My daughter (who is supposedly a grown up!) cried when we left and we would go back in a heart beat. …

Date of stay: September 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled with family

Room Tip: No problems with anything as it is a small and intimate venue.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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WENDY S wrote a review Nov 2023

1 contribution1 helpful vote

+1

AMAZING, FANTASTIC ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE.

My husband and I have just arrived back (yesterday) from Vuyani River Lodge and although this was our first Safari and we didn't know what to expect, it was the best holiday we've had, actually it was fantastic and we couldn't fault a thing. Our game driver Stuart and Tracker Krest, were both fantastic and their knowledge of the area, the animals and their behavior was nothing but outstanding and the fact they seemed to love what they do, made it so much more enjoyable. We learnt so much and don't think our trip would have been the same without them, they are both are a credit to Vuyani The front of house staff at the lodge were also fantastic, i.e Kelly the Manager, Kulani, Jan and Siyabi were so welcoming even just coming back from a game drive, someone would be waiting to welcome you back, no request was too much, they were so attentive and were always one step ahead. The food was outstanding and we can't find a fault (apart from the fact my trousers won't zip up 😆) the waiters, the chefs were all fantastic. The chef would make a point of introducing themselves before the meal and always explained what was on the menu and then after the meal they would come over and ask how it was. It was the small touches that made such a difference. The waiters were also very attentive, always coming over and asking if you needed anything they just couldn't do enough. The housekeeping staff were also amazing and when coming back from game drives and throughout the day, the rooms had been cleaned and refreshened and they went out of their way to make sure our stay was enjoyable and we never had to ask for anything. We also want to thank Jared, Eddie, Siri and Wavil who are also a credit to Viyani. On our experience, we would absolutely recommend a stay at Vuyani River Lodge. A huge thanks to them all from us for making our first trip an adventure rather than a holiday. We hope to see you again soon. Wendy and Maz Khan …

Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Bee L wrote a review Oct 2023

Suffolk, United Kingdom103 contributions23 helpful votes

+1

So many great memories made and shared

This lodge is such a friendly, relaxed place to stay - with only 8 rooms and guests arriving and departing, on almost a daily basis, you get to know so many lovely people of all ages and nationalities (very popular with honeymooners) I loved everything here: the huge, comfy beds with thick mosquito nets (didn’t see any mozzies), the invigorating outdoor shower, the balcony where you could sit and watch the wildlife wandering by (apparently I missed a couple of giraffes!), the ability to turn up the air conditioning to warm the room if a bit chilly (one night our very attentive housekeeper turned it on for us making it lovely and cozy for our return), the delicious food and ever flowing wine, the communal lounge where we ate if a bit chilly outside, sitting around the fire on BBQ nights, the fun and laughter of our fellow guests and, of course, the wonderful, happy staff. Last, but not least, were the amazing game drives - made so special by our guide / driver Tom and tracker Crest. Such a great pair with hawk eyes that missed nothing and we felt privileged to see so much from massive elephants to small dung beetles. Most of the time we seemed like the only Jeep in the reserve and often went off track to get a closer look, but the animals were always shown great respect and seemed to know that we posed no threat. One day it rained, but the jeeps carry waterproof ponchos, so all was fine. The morning break for coffee with Amarula and the sundowners whilst watching the breathtaking sunsets were always much enjoyed. Every safari was a wonderful experience. Thank you to everyone who made our stay so special - we will never forget our Vuyani safari experience and hope we’ll do it again one day.…

Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple

Room Tip: As everyone says - bring some warm clothes for the early morning and late evening

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Tobias B wrote a review Oct 2023

1 contribution1 helpful vote

+1

The most amazing experience I have ever had in my life!

Spending 12 days at the vuyani river lodge was the most amazing experience i 've ever had in my life! Super quiet and private first class lodge in middle of the wilderness of the blue river game reserve with a first class staff! Really all of them giving it all to make you happy and feeling comfortable. Jan-Adrian, Weevil, Lloyd, Benjamin and Clive are just a few mentioned of them, because we saw them the most. Thank you a lot for your very good work! Two Game Drives per day in the huge reserve, with very good chances to see the big five a few times. Or just ask your Guide and your tracker what you want to see today and they give their best to make that happen. The work of Thomas and Krest at the game drives were really a big part to make this experience as incredible as it was! Thank you again guys! What i also could not believe was the diversity of the menu. Two times per week you have an fantastic barbecue at the boma, on all other days you can choose from 3 different main courses with no repeat in 12 days!! Extraordinary! I dont know whatelse to say, but we will come back, to see you all again and repeat this experience for us! Thank you Tobias and Tania …

Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Tania B wrote a review Oct 2023

2 contributions1 helpful vote

+1

Best Place ever

Spending my time (12 days) at the Vuyani River Lodge was the best experience i have ever made. This Lodge is super private, all the staff Called me by my name- they tried everything to make everybody feel comfortable. I never saw an all inklusive package at this High Level Standard. The food is super delicious and high quality, the Chef came to the table for every single meal and asked If everything is fine. During the 12 days i spend there, there was not a single repeat in the menu. The rooms are super clean, i dont know how the cleaning staff did it, but they realized every single time i left the room and cleaned it Up again- no matter how often per day. There are 2 Safari Tours everyday, one in the morning and one in the evening. And that was just surreal. A big thank you again to Krest and Tom, these 2 made my vacation the best it could had been, because they showed me, that Southafrican Safari is not about the big 5… it is about the nature and the feeling (yes, i saw the big 5 but also soo much more). If you book extra Trips, they will make sure that you have a driver who brings you there and stayes with you. No big bus with other people. To us it felt like being on a trip with a friend, when we went to the trips we booked extra. A special thank you to Derick for the most beautiful day at the Panorama Tour. There is so much more i could highlight here, but to sum it up- If i will come back to south africa, I will have no other choice but to go to Vuyani River Lodge again. …

Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Flightsnotfeelings wrote a review Oct 2023

Shrewsbury, United Kingdom20 contributions7 helpful votes

+1

Surpassed our expectations , wonderful memories were made and we wouldn’t hesitate to go back

We had the most memorable 6 days at Vuyani which surpassed our expectations. Rooms were comfortable, spotlessly clean and well spaced out which made it feel very private. The food was exceptional and dietary preferences were no issue. We booked the transfer from Joburg which despite being a 5 hour daunting prospect, went quickly. Our driver gave us lots of advice since it was out first time in SA, and the scenery as we got closer to Hoedspruit was beautiful. Communal eating was a lovely experience and the other guests were so friendly. All staff went the extra mile and nothing was too much trouble. The daily drives into the bush with Stuart and Mpilo were the absolute highlight of the trip. Every drive was exciting, educational and most importantly they made it fun. The daily 5am wake up from Benjamin was tiring but the fresh air and bumpy drives certainly woke us up. By 9am we’d be eating a hot cooked breakfast and drinking tea. It was an active full on trip but you can have downtime around the pool in-between drives or other activities. We would not hesitate to go back to Vuyani, we miss the people and the animals. Thank you for the most amazing holiday!…

Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple

Room Tip: Pack layers/hats/gloves for the drives as they can be chilly in the back of an open top truck.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Sharon Maggs wrote a review Oct 2023

Swansea, United Kingdom3 contributions1 helpful vote

+1

Fabulous Vuyani

Vuyani River Lodge is a wonderful, friendly, welcoming lodge. The staff are a credit to the company, each one being polite and attentive, they genuinely want to do everything they can to enable you to have a great experience. The rooms are spacious and clean with an outside shower adding to the safari experience. The food was outstanding and the chefs were happy to cater to any dietary needs. Communal eating with the other guests was delightful, everyone was so friendly. The sunrise and sunset game drives were magical with Jarrod our driver and Direct our tracker. These guys truly made our experience outstanding. We saw so many animals it far outweighed our expectations, we even saw a pangolin!!! I would highly recommend this delightful, intimate, friendly lodge.

Date of stay: October 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled with family

Room Tip: The game drives were outstanding

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Donnalamb wrote a review Oct 2023

11 contributions2 helpful votes

AMAZING!!!!!

Don't hesitate just book! This was our first time on safari and wow what an experience it was. We arrived at Johan airport and got our connecting flight onto Hoedspruit where we were greeted by Stuart, lovely chap who was also our guide throughout. His knowledge along with Mpilo (tracker) was impeccable. They made our game drives very entertaining and go above and beyond to ensure you have the BEST experience. All of the staff at the lodge go above and beyond, they honestly could not do enough for us. Special shout out to the chef, wow the food was top notch! Couldn't fault any of it. The only thing that i would change and this is purely on a personal basis is the communal eating.. you are sat with the rest of the travellers throughout around a large table (for all meals breakfast/ lunch and dinner), we felt that we would have very much liked to be sat alone during the meals to give you your own time, again this is just personal preference, with sharing the safari drives it would have been nice to dine alone :) That being aid, this will not put me off booking again, we cannot wait to come back and experience it all over again! :) Thank you to all the staff for an unforgettable experience. Until next time :)…

Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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James54096 wrote a review Sept 2023

London, United Kingdom3 contributions3 helpful votes

What a safari holiday

First of all this lodge is fantastic, the staff are truly amazing in making your stay the best it can be. The safari team are excellent in the way they conduct the drives, and try the very best to make the experience great, our guide Stewart and tracker mpilo (hope I’ve spelt this name correctly) made our drives so entertaining even when the animals were hard to track. Our holiday was only marred by the airline delaying our holiday and also our baggage, but the booking team of Emily and Johan were exceptional in helping by arranging connecting flights for us, and offering to replace our lost day with a stay at the safari lodge which we loved. The food was varied and great every night and breakfast too, the lodges were very good and equipped with all you need, and finally lloyd who woke us up every morning with such charm. I really would recommend this as the perfect place to go and have an awesome holiday.…

Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Laura wrote a review Sept 2023

Cheltenham, United Kingdom12 contributions10 helpful votes

Amazing 5 star Experience

From the minute we got here the staff could not do enough for us. We had a terrible start thanks to Virgin Atlantic delaying the flight by almost 3 hours so we missed our connection from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit. Thankfully the staff at Vuyani arranged a car to collect us at the airport and transport us to the Lodge. 5 hours later we arrived and were completely blown away. The tented rooms are beautiful, the outdoor shower is a highlight (my husband was sceptical but came to love it). The food is amazing and I cannot fault it - the drinks were free flowing and Clive's special cocktails are out of this world. The mini-bar has beer, cider and soft drinks but the ladies are happy to switch beers for cider if you prefer. Everyone sits together for dinner but if you ask they will arrange a separate table for you to dine alone if you wish. I was a bit apprehensive about this but needn't have worried. We met some great people and would exchange details about our day and compare photo's over the dinner table and you get to stay in your groups on the drives which is nice. We would get woken by a knock on the door at 5am by lovely Benjamin who would collect us at 5.20am for the morning drive. Our tracker and driver were Krest and Goodwill who were so friendly and informative, even showing me how to read the stars one night to find the way back to the Lodge. We saw every animal and the guys got us so close to them it was amazing. I could go on and on and if I could give this 6 stars I would. It was an absolutely amazing stay and I was sad to leave.…

Date of stay: September 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled as a couple

Room Tip: Wrap up warmly for the morning drives as they get really chilly.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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