Owner/Manager team Steve & Nicole Baillie would like to invite you to visit Toro Yaka Bush Lodge. This special lodge is nestled in the heart of the Balule Nature Reserve, a 38 000 hectare conservancy, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park area. ToroYaka means “My Dream” in Northern Sotho, one of South Africa’s local languages, and the creation of Toro Yaka Bush Lodge has fulfilled the dreams of Steve and Nicole, by establishing a haven of peace and tranquility from which to share their passion for nature. The lodge has been designed in a modern elegant style, with a relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to sit back, relax and feel at home. The four en-suite double rooms ensure tranquillity and comfort at all times. Steve is now a trainer/instructor in a nearby reserve, you might see him during your stay. Nicole is a qualified holistic massage therapist and takes care of all the tiny details. Amore is at Nicole's side assisting in the runnings of the lodge. Mike, your guide, has been working as a guide for a decade. His passion and enthusiasm for nature is inspiring. Together with the Toro Yaka Staff, they will ensure your stay to be a memorable one. Balule is home to a large variety of plants and animals. From the smallest spider to the largest elephant, from the tiniest flower to a 1000-year-old leadwood tree, owls at night and eagles by day, every aspect of the ecosystem is explored. The Olifants River, which flows year-round through the Balule, is home to hippos and crocodiles, and the whole area is one of scenic splendour, with the northern tip of the Drakensberg mountain range being visible from many points. Together with all of this, Toro Yaka Bush Lodge offers you good home-cooked food, friendly service, warm South African Hospitality and loads of enthusiasm
We travelled as a party of four in November 2019. From the moment we arrived to the time we left there was nothing we could give a negative comment about. Getting ready early in the morning at 0430 to hear the lions roaring to finding elephants and giraffes right outside the lodge gates was surreal. The two drives a day were absolutely amazing. Mike is such an a fantastic driver (his off road skills phenomenal), tracker and a complete font of all knowledge from the tiny to the large species. Andrew who was there sitting up front also was great with his navigating and expertise. We were very lucky to see some fantastic animals and even on the drives when we didn't see many big ones Mike always found us something interesting to see (not everyday you see a dung beetle at work). Just being out in the wild nature was so serene. They always found us a beautiful spot to have our morning coffee and delicious home made cakes and sundowners with nibbles. The food was spectacular and served with such grace. The pool was a welcome to chill and cool off between drives. We just loved that this place is small and intimate, it makes you feel part of the family. The small personal touches made it more special - everyone greeting at the entrance on arrival - and saying goodbye on departure - a gift on arrival and every night at turn down Thank you to Nicole who is a fantastic host and to everyone at this wonderful place. We will definitely be back
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Date of stay: November 2019
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Response from toroyakabushlodge, Manager at Toro Yaka Bush Lodge
Responded 30 Jan 2020
Dear Tamasin, Erin, Isaac & Darren Thank you so much for the awesome review. It may be an odd thing, but we're so glad you got to see the little dung beetles at work. We have so many guests arrive at the wrong time of the year wanting to see them! We look forward to seeing you all again someday (we've got a special running for the month of June ;)) Warm regards to all. The Toro Yaka Team
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We had a very special time at Toro Yaka Bush Lodge. Nicole and her staff spoil their guests with attention to detail in everything that they do. The rooms are stunning with a private patio surrounded by the bush. The lodge is not fenced and one can really experience nature even from your private outdoor shower. There is an abundance of bird life around the lodge and some resident bush babies who are so cute. From the pool deck you have a view of the waterhole where there is always something happening. The game drives were amazing. It was a blessing to experience nature and learn more about birds, plants and animals. The guides are so passionate and love their work. After the evening game drive Nicole and the dogs were waiting for us with lanterns. The meals were delicious. For breakfast the best homemade muesli, fruit and a cooked breakfast is served. A three course gourmet dinner of the highest standard is served after the afternoon/evening game drive. Every night a different area of the lodge was used for dinner. Every area has its own charm - pool deck, boma, indoors and on the patio. After dinner, when you get to your room it was so romantic with the mosquito nets hanging in a soft light, with a printed african bed-time story and Sally Williams nougat on your bed. To spend time at Toro Yaka is really a true experience of the real Africa. Thank you for taking care of us and spoiling us.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
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Response from , Owner at Toro Yaka Bush Lodge
Responded 11 May 2021
Thank you. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us.
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Wow, this is our third visit all the way from Australia. It was so wonderful to be back. From the wonderful warm welcome from Nicole and all the staff, to the amazing game drives with Tim, Serena and Chat. And Steve on the last day 😊. We had incredible experiences with the animals, seeing so many giraffes, elephants, zebra, hyenas, lions, hippos, rhinos, baboons & birds galore. The meals are delicious and beautifully presented. My husband is ceoliac and Nicole is amazing in making sure he never missed out on anything. You get to eat in all different parts of the lodge. We love seeing the animals come up to the watering hole which is just beyond the pool. The rooms are extremely comfortable with a choice of indoor or outdoor shower. Mosquito nets over the bed for sleeping. Turn down service every night, complete with a bush story and sweet . Bed were so comfortable. Tea and coffee provided in the room as well as in the lounge, there is a coffee machine available for use. The attentive staff made sure you lacked nothing. 7 nights still was not long enough. Hope to be back again soon.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip 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.
Response from , Owner at Toro Yaka Bush Lodge
Responded 28 Aug 2022
Thank you Caroline, We loved seeing you again, and look forward to the next time
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This was our second stay here and if possible the standard has been raised. Nicole, Amore and the team make the accommodation and atmosphere really peaceful and enjoyable taking a genuine interest in their guests and making them feel very much at home. The food alone is worth the trip.
In relation to the game drives, Mike shows his expert tracking skills and knowledge of the wild animals and keeps Andrew on his toes as spotter. These are not just a drive around a reserve but a complete education in the whole eco system and a better understanding of the African bush. You really do take away some memorable pictures and memories.
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Date of stay: January 2020
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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.
Response from toroyakabushlodge, Manager at Toro Yaka Bush Lodge
Responded 14 Feb 2020
Hi John! Thank you for your kind words - they're always good to hear! It was a pleasure having you with us, best regards to Susan as well. Awesome review - thanks again. The Toro Yaka Team
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As returning guests we couldn't recommend Toro Yaka Bush Lodge more - it is the perfect place to safari, relax and reconnect. You are looked after by Nicole and the team from the moment you arrive to the sad moment when you have to leave.
*Food*
The food is outstanding, Nicole knows exactly what her guests need throughout the day. Before morning game drives there is tea/coffee etc provided as well as fruit and other nibbles. Breakfast is a combination of fresh fruit, cereals, pastries and something cooked. Lunch is a lighter bite, but exactly what you need in the heat of the day, while dinner is a bigger feed and always delicious.
Nicole does well to mix you in with other guests, while also giving you your own time together.
*Game drives*
Serena (guide) and Chat (tracker) made our trip. Both extremely knowledgeable, friendly and approachable they showcased all the variety the bush has to offer.
Serena talked us through tracking, spider webs, how to start fires without matches as well as tracking the big 5.
We were also very lucky to see an incredible lion hunt - possibly the best day we have had!
In the mornings we stopped off for tea/coffee/hot chocolate and in the evenings we watched the sun go down over a beer.
*Accommodation/Lodge*
The lodge feels like home, there is an honesty bar, fresh water and a superb pool to lounge beside. The rooms are sizeable, clean and have mosquito netting over the beds.
The real highlight is the outdoor shower - it is quite special to shower while looking at the Milky Way.
*Other*
We were in SA while load shedding was happening (resulting in no power being available across SA). However this was something we hardly noticed. In fact it was refreshing not to be able to access internet and be in the moment instead.
Every day Nicole updated on the times of the load shedding times so we were aware of what was happening. In the room we were provided with wireless lights and fans if needed.
All in all an amazing trip and we will be back!
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Pre-book your taxi from Hoedspruit Airport to the lodge with Nicole.
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.
Back home in Luxembourg, we often think about our wonderful time that we spent at Toro Yaka Busch Lodge in South Africa. We'll never forget the amazing game drives with Wesley, Chad and Sophie. They made every imaginable effort to make us see the elephants, zebras, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, wild dogs ...etc and gave us many interesting informations about life in the African bush. In the evening, Nicole, together with Portia and Sibongile superbly cooked delicious meals, always served with a friendly smile by Daisy, Cbonelo and Nathi. The spacious rooms are cosy and tastefully furnished with a nice balcony and a great view of the reserve and its animals. Thanks to Angel who took good care of our room. We also loved to read the little African stories that we found on our bed every evening. Unfortunately, we didn't meet Steve, but we hope to see him next time!? Until then, we would like to thank each of you for having made our stay at Toro Yaka so unforgettable and having helped us going home with Africa in our hearts. Jeanne + Franco
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Date of stay: May 2022
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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.
Response from , Owner at Toro Yaka Bush Lodge
Responded 28 Aug 2022
Thank you, We really enjoyed meeting you
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A memorable trip which introduced my wife and I to the Greater Kruger Park fauna and flora. All of the staff were fantastic and headed up by Steve & Nicole who were always checking to see if we needed anything or answer our many questions about the lodge. The food was always memorable and delicious prepared by the lovely staff and had a creative flair for each of the nightly dinners. We really enjoyed the thrill of the game drives and fascinating commentary from our very enthusiastic and entertaining guides. We would recommend Toro Yaka to people that like a more boutique style of safari managed by people who are passionate about respecting both flora and fauna. Thanks to Nicole, Steve & all of the lovely staff at Toro Yaka for making our Safari an unforgettable experience.
Stephen & Jann D
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Response from , Owner at Toro Yaka Bush Lodge
Responded 16 Jan 2023
Thank you Stephen and Jann. We loved meeting you and we wish you all the best for 2023
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This was our fourth stay at Toro Yaka. It is a favourite place for me and for our whole family. Even now in Covid-times Nicole and Steve and there staff manage to keep up the high standard. This is luxury in a special way. Not flashy at all but all the details are well thought out and you feel really special. If you are looking for a place to be pampered and where you are really, truly close to the bush, go to Toro Yaka and have the time of your life. We will be back!!
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
Response from , Owner at Toro Yaka Bush Lodge
Responded 23 Jan 2022
Thank you, for your your kind Review. We always love having you stay with us, and we look forward too next time.
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We had 7 wonderful days at Toro Yaka and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The Hosts Steve and Nicole and the guides Tim, Serena and Chat and the rest of the staff were all amazing, the room was very comfortable the food was beautifully presented and delicious and the service level was way beyond any expectations. I would highly recommend this lodge, I think the fact this was our third visit speaks volumes. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy the unfolding bush from your little gem in the bush. We will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip 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.
Response from , Owner at Toro Yaka Bush Lodge
Responded 28 Aug 2022
Thank you Des
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This was our fifth visit to Toro Yaka since 2013 and once again it was an amazing experience. As a keen photographer I am always amazed by the incredible and intimate sightings- Wes is a superb guide and and is highly respectful of the animals. He will get you into the best positions for safe viewing. Nicole and the staff continue to prepare food of the highest standard and will treat you like family. There are so many elephants in Olifants West at the moment and it was a joy to watch them rom the swimming pool at the waterhole along with giraffe, zebra, and impala. We will return!
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Date of stay: April 2022
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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.
Hoedspruit, South Africa5 contributions1 helpful vote
Hello,
Thank you for contacting me.
I am not allowed to give out contact information via this site.
Either I can assist you here, or enquire via our website
Nicole
Hello Bridget,
Thank you for the enquiry.
All our safari activities (game drives and bush walks) are conducted in the Balule Nature Reserve.
We can organise days trip stop the Kruger National Park if you like.
The Closest airport is Hoedspruit airport. SA Express has 2 flights daily between OR Tambo and Hoedspruit airport.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me.
Kind Regards,
Nicole
I went in April weather still warm but not too hot to enjoy the safari. you stay at the lodge and then pay for as many drives as you want. They normally have one early morning and one early evening.
i am not sure of the costs my south african friends who i stayed with in Krugersdorp sorted the bookings etc for me.
as it is a fairly small lodge and independently owned you will be very well looked after . Hope this helps
There are more places to choose from in the Balule Nature Reserve area.
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkBalule Nature Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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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