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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.
An ideal retreat for a team that needed a break from the office. The day started with coffee and cake, followed by a relaxing massage and thereafter a scenic game drive with a very knowledgeable guide. The day ended with a scrumptious lunch
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2024
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Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
The place was good however the Serengeti needs to be upgraded as well to meet the morden style, instead of using bottled teas..etc, rather adopt the hotel style i.e. the milk was cold from the fridge which was not ideal for my cuppa tea. Also consider having relevant staff after hours i.e. bar attendant... On Friday we really struggled with Ntombi sitting behind the reception counter ....every time we needed help he had to go to her On Saturday there was a baby shower at the conference room however the attendees also occupied space outside the restaurant, they were up and down with plates from the event and shouting to each other while moving up & down along the bar area to the parkings...I would recommend that your events visitors stick to their designated areas.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2024
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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.
We had a wonderful time and a pity it was only for one night, we had rooms 1 and 2 of the Serengeti and accommodation was as we expected rustic and genuine, reminded us of our stays at the camps in Kruger Park. Ali and her staff were great and always a smile on their faces with them going over and above to get our stuff that we left in the room back to us before going back to the UK. A real great shoutout to Simon the game ranger, what a gent, his knowledge was perfect and his love for the surroundings and the animals is second to non, congrats Simon, keep the butterflies safe. Milton, Jo, Rich + Pats.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
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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.
Gwahumbe is a well-oiled machine and everything worked like clockwork! The staff is friendly and helpful - from admin to gardeners. The food is outstanding and really masterchef quality with a different menu every day. Serengeti has a beautiful view and the scenery of Gwahumbe is paradise. We haven't visited the spa, but tested out our Jimney by self-driving and we hiked amongst the animals. Not many in the reserve though but we saw giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, nyalas and impalas. The birdlife is great - so do take binoculars. The roads inside the reserve have been damaged by rains and floods but they are busy repairing it. This tranquil place is worth another visit soon. Thanks a lot for the pensioner's special offered to us.
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Date of stay: February 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:The road has suffered severe flood damage on the way to the lodge so 4x4 or higher vehicles are...
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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.
Our stay at the Riverbend lodge was nothing short of perfect. The peace and tranquility that surrounds you is exactly what our family needed after a hectic 2023. We enjoyed the luxury furnishings and the amazing pool and hot tub. The staff are super friendly and hospitable. We ate a few meals at the restaurants and it was delicious and well presented. We did self drives with our 4x4 vehicles through the reserve. Absolutely enjoyable. Definitely coming back soon.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
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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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Response from Shanon MacKenzie, Owner at Gwahumbe Game & Spa
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you for your great review. We are thrilled that you created happy Gwahumbe memories. We hope to see you soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Let the magic begin from the time you enter the Game resort- we were greeted by giraffes at the entrance-what adelighful way to start a two night stay. The service, from the reception when you arrive, to the bar and food staff were absolutely exceptional and extremly friendly. The RIVERBEND lodge was the best place we have ever stayed in and we have stayed in many places around the world. It just has the WOW factor from the time you arrive at the door. The kitchen, 3 beds, 3 baths, pool and hot tub and yes the high ceilings and wrap around balcony made for a wonderful stay. The fittings and beautiful decor around the entire place added to the ambiance. The added complimentary Sherry and rusk was also quiet the treat as was the braai (BBQ) pack we ordered with salads. My only disappointment was that we couldn't stay there for a longer period. If you want to experience luxury at it's best then this is the place to stay. The Game drive was wonderful and outr Game Ranger was funny, friendly and oh so knowlegable. Thanks to Gwahumbe staff and resort for a holiday we stil talking about a month later. This is our third visit and we so glad we finally managed to book the RiverBend lodge. …
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2024
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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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Response from Shanon MacKenzie, Owner at Gwahumbe Game & Spa
Responded 11 Feb 2024
Thank you for your great review Jen. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to welcoming you back soon
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I eagerly celebrated my 30th birthday at Gwahumbe Game & Spa, in December 2023 and could not have had a better time! My 12-year-old son and I tried out the mini luxury package, and I would recommend this to all who may wish for a short trip out into the bush, whilst getting some pampering, game viewing and delicious food! We thoroughly enjoyed our informative game drive, STUNNING views, company, full body massages, the food & dining, and the full Gwahumbe experience! We will definitely be back!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2023
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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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Response from Shanon MacKenzie, Owner at Gwahumbe Game & Spa
Responded 04 Feb 2024
We are thrilled that you had a happy birthday at Gwahumbe. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The service and the surroundings are quite interesting I will visit again. The way we enjoyed your service we felt like extending our stay. Our next visit we will definitely come with our whole family so that they can witness this beauty.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2024
Value
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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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Response from Shanon MacKenzie, Owner at Gwahumbe Game & Spa
Responded 04 Feb 2024
Thank you for your review. We are delighted that you had a good time @Gwahumbe. See you soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My friends and I really had a great stay however considering the fact that we opted for full house catering, 3 course dinner and 2 course breakfast it really shocked us to hear that drinks (soft drink at least) are not included. Please add a soft drink and option for variety of hot drinks for breakfast not your filtered coffee and diluted juice.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2024
Value
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Sleep Quality
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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Response from Shanon MacKenzie, Owner at Gwahumbe Game & Spa
Responded 04 Feb 2024
Thank you for your review. Our packages are competitive and have never included drinks besides filter coffee and juice at breakfast. We are disappointed to hear that you thought that the juice was diluted. We do not dilute this. Complimentary drinks are given out on game drives.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
On the 13th January 2024 I booked my friend and I to the lodge for a day visit for the Mini Luxury package for my birthday. We were not happy with the service from the spa staff as we were rushed to change after the massage. The waitress were rude and served us cold food. The ladies at reception were welcoming and gave us good service. We enjoyed the game drive and the tour guide was excellent.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
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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Response from Shanon MacKenzie, Owner at Gwahumbe Game & Spa
Responded 22 Jan 2024
Thank you for your review. We apologise for you feeling rushed. This tends to happen when guests arrive late for their treatments. Should you have been on time this definitely should not have been the case. Please accept our apologies. We are delighted that you enjoyed your drive. We are not sure who served you but this is definitely not the norm for our waitess staff. We wish that you had informed the recpetion of your issues so that we could have helped rectify them before you left.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
R 3,603 - R 3,697 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalMid Illovo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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