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#1 of 21 lodges in Vaalwater
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Travellers' Choice
A beautiful safari bush home in a malaria- free private wildlife reserve for a South African holiday full of activities. Small, stylish and relaxed and offering many unique safari experiences, such as a junior tracker programme where children learn a range of bush and survival skills. Ideal for family safaris or smaller groups, it is available for exclusive, private use or non-exclusive booking.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Pool
Bar / lounge
Bicycles available
Game room
Babysitting
Books, DVDs, music for children
Airport transportation
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Hiking
Tennis court
Fishing
Table tennis
Board games / puzzles
Children's television networks
Indoor play area for children
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Highchairs available
Foot massage
Massage
Neck massage
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Umbrella
24-hour front desk
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Housekeeping
Safe
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Clothes rack
Cable / satellite TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Hotel links
Location
Muisvogelkraal, Vaalwater 0530 South Africa
E-mail hotel
Getting there
Car HireSee all Vaalwater car hire
239Reviews1Q+A58Room tips
Reviews
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+1
Jembisa Lodge is a fabulous destination set in beautiful surroundings, staffed by the nicest and most helpful people you can want. Nothing is too much to ask. The food is top class, offers a variety of locally sourced, tasty, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented dishes. Do make sure you try the delicious steak. Food allergies and intolerance well catered for. The game rangers are incredibly knowledgeable. It’s like taking a game drive or walk with an expert old friend. The rooms tastefully decorated and very comfortable. Overall whether a family, group or solo traveller, you will be well looked after. There are a range of different locations to stay, loads of activities to choose from including offsite big 5. They may not have the big 5 themselves but offer a far better and interesting experience than many of those do. Totally recommend. …
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 3 days ago
Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation, we are so happy that you had the best bush experience here at Jembisa. Our experienced game rangers delight in sharing their knowledge with guests of all ages whether on game drives, night drives, bush walks or cycling through our beautifully diverse reserve making them always exciting and interesting for all. We look forward to welcoming you back again for another stay.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Property's Favourite Review
Where do I even start? This place is absolutely heaven on earth. I have to say, my stay at Jembisa was a life-changing experience. I've never seen such beauty nor have I ever connected so closely with staff. From the moment we set foot on the property, we were transported to another world. The staff welcomed us so warmly and immediately made us feel like we were at home. Each day we were served incredible, three-course meals in amazing locations, making every meal feel special. The food was so good and the chefs ensured we got to try native dishes throughout our stay which was fantastic! We enjoyed our time with our driver, Ed, who's passion and knowledge of the bush was impressive. We learned so much during our stay and he was happy to answer all the questions we had, pointing out unique plants, animal tracks, and other curiosities during our daily drives. Lorraine orchestrated a gorgeous weekend for our group, going above and beyond daily to care for us and ensure every need was met. I cannot say enough how wonderful this place is. I would encourage anyone looking for a special experience in SA bush to stay here. You certainly won't regret it.…
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 02 Aug 2023
We are delighted that you had such a life-changing experience at Jembisa, our little piece of heaven on earth, and thank you so much for your wonderful review and such high recommendations of Jembisa to anyone looking for a special South African experience! We are so happy that you enjoyed the authentic South African cuisine served at various locations around the reserve, and that you all learnt so much about the bushveld and surrounds during your stay here. We loved meeting you and having you stay here and cannot wait to welcome you back for another authentic bushveld safari holiday.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My family and I had the most amazing time at Jembisa.... The staff are what elevate this place from being a lovely peaceful bush home to a place that feels like a home from home. From the moment you arrive, nothing is too much trouble and you are made to feel so incredibly welcome. Our guide for our 5 days was Ed, he was fantastic, extremely knowledgeable and patient with our 10 year old son. The private reserve is simply stunning, we saw plenty on our game drives including baby giraffe! Being non big 5, we had ample opportunity to get out the jeep and look at tracks and explore poo - which our son loved! We also went for a bush hike, river fishing and a great cycle safari too. The food is fabulous, each meal (without spoiling any surprises) is served in a different location...each one just as beautiful as the last! Thankyou so much Lorraine, Marinette, Ed, Cliff, Sunnyboy and of course Milo & Astro for a truly wonderful time. We cannot wait to come back one day...…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you for such an incredible review! It is so appreciated and we are all delighted that your family enjoyed staying here at Jembisa Bush Home. How wonderful that you all experienced so many of the exciting safari activities that we have to offer on the reserve such as our game drives, hiking, cycling and fishing, and that your son so enjoyed identifying the different tracks and animal droppings found all over. We look forward to welcoming you back to experience another amazing safari holiday here with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Jembisa staff are incredibly accommodating, friendly, and welcoming, to guests of all ages. They're at your beck and call before, during, and after your stay. Your event will surely be a success and you will be a happy customer thanks to their positivity and can-do attitudes. The beautiful scenery, delicious food and drink, and the staff's extensive knowledge of the natural surroundings are icing on the cake. I want to go back already!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 07 Oct 2023
We absolutely loved hosting your safari wedding and are delighted that you found your dream wedding celebration location here with us at Jembisa Private Game Reserve. Safari weddings are a speciality for us with such an incredibly beautiful reserve and flexibility to create specially unique celebrations for each wedding. We are so happy to have met and exceeded all your expectations for your special day and the ensuing celebrations. We look forward to your return!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have traveled the world and never have I stayed at a place more enchanted than Jembisa. I was there for four days with my sister. From the moment we arrived, we walked into a dreamscape. Bush country stretched on all sides. The staff welcomed us with smiles and drinks and seated us for the most exquisite dinner, perfectly tailored to our culinary needs. We shared our hopes for our stay with our host, and from that moment on, we were swept through four magical days, every experience curated just for us. Every morning, we hiked at dawn through bush country on foot with our guide, learning the names of the plants and trees and their Indigenous uses. Jembisa has plains game, and so we walked freely among giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest. No barriers between us. We had endless time to sketch them and study them and fall in love with them. It was an experience of a lifetime. After our hike, we were ushered to brunch, each time in a new breathtaking place. One meal overlooked the sunlit valley, another was in the heart of the bush, another alongside a winding river. The food was delicious, the views magnificent, and the staff met our every need. In the afternoon, we journaled and rested. In the late afternoon, we set out for a game drive on a jeep just for us, again with our private guide who by now became our friend. At night, we shared luxurious fireside dinners in the lodge or outside in a clearing under the stars. One night, we wanted to stargaze, and our host sent us outside with warm drinks and hot water bottles and blankets, and we stayed out for hours making wishes on shooting stars. On our final day, my sister and I actually wept when we said goodbye to the staff. They had treated us not as guests but as family. That kind of hospitality is rare in this world. This wasn’t a transaction for them — it was a way to share their passion for the South African Bush with people around the world. The result was magic. At Jembisa, my sister and I deepened our relationship with each other, and with the earth. If you want to experience the South African Bush on a reserve far from the crowds, with a dose of luxury, and the warmest hospitality on the planet, come to Jembisa. Magic awaits you. …
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 28 Sept 2023
What an absolutely wonderful review of Jembisa. Thank you so much for describing how special a stay at Jembisa is. We look forward to welcoming you and your sister back again to enjoy another experience ‘far from the crowds, with a dose of luxury, and the warmest hospitality on the planet'.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jembisa was heaven for our kids - everything thought through to make the stay memorable and enjoyable. Such a great place for families with lots to do and all taken care of - highly recommended! We will be back
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 08 Sept 2023
Thank you so much for your review and recommendations, we are delighted that your family had such an enjoyable stay here at Jembisa. Family safaris are our speciality, with many unique safari activities available which are designed to suit different age groups and to ensure an exciting and memorable safari experience for the whole family. We look forward to welcoming you all back soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
My experience at Jembisa is one I will never forget. It was truly life changing. I did not know what to expect, but it exceeded all of my expectations. The moment we arrived there I felt so welcomed and it truly was a home away from home. The staff was unbelievable. They took the time to get to know each and every one of us. Any request we had was immediately fulfilled. The food was home made on site and delicious. I stayed at the magari villa and it left me speechless. It was clean, decorated beautifully, and the view was impeccable. It was so wonderful to look out and see animals grazing down below. The ride from the main house to magari felt like a safari ride in and of itself! We spotted many different animals and learned so much about the property on the drives. Ed, our main driver was so knowledgeable and made sure we had everything before turning in for the night. I feel like I can go on for hours and hours about my experience at Jembisa, I know I will be returning back soon! Thank you so much for the hospitality <3 …
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Helpful
Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 28 Aug 2023
Thank you so much for such a lovely review, we are delighted that your expectations were exceeded and that you so enjoyed our Magari Safari Villa. With our spectacular views and landscapes, exciting wildlife and safari experiences, exquisite lodgings and winning African hospitality, Jembisa does not disappoint and our guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love of the natural surrounds with our guests. We look forward to welcoming you back for another life changing safari holiday here at Jembisa soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jembisa Bush Home is such a magical place! After a few days of safari in the Greater Kruger area, I came to Jembisa for a friend’s wedding and was absolutely blown away by my experience there. The property is gorgeous, the accommodations are beautiful and comfortable and the staff - I cannot say enough good things about the staff! They went above and beyond to make it an incredible stay. We stayed at Magari, which is a gorgeous property overlooking a river and valley with beautiful views. We loved our room with the bonus outdoor shower! Our drives to and from the main lodge for wedding events were scenic, fun, and full of wildlife spottings. We learned a lot about the reserve, the animals and their conservation efforts from Edmar who was such a great (and patient) guide. Every meal was delicious and every setup was stunning at different scenic locations on the property; candlelight dinners under the stars, long table dinners under twinkle lights. The views, the sunsets, the night sky full of stars, made every evening truly magical. The staff were extremely accommodating of my dietary restrictions (and all of our special requests) which made me feel so well cared for and so grateful. Lorraine was warm, welcoming and beyond helpful - taking care of every need and making us feel like old friends. Every member of the team was friendly, helpful and professional and helped make our time there that much more memorable. It was a perfect place for a wedding and friend trip and would also be great for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. This is truly a special place that feels like home. We were there only 3 nights and it was simply not enough time! I can’t wait to return! …
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 03 Aug 2023
How wonderful that you had such a magical experience at Jembisa Bush Home and Magari Safari Villa, we are delighted that you enjoyed our luxurious accommodations and agree that the outdoor shower at Magari is a fantastic bonus with the magnificent views of the Palala valley below. Our game drives and nature walks are fascinating and exciting, from the abundant wildlife sightings to the varying landscapes found on the reserve, and our highly knowledgeable guides are happy to discuss and share interesting facts and details with guests. Alfresco dining spots across the whole reserve ensure dining experiences are culinary delights, set up either alongside the river, under a canopy of shady tree’s or under the amazingly beautiful African night skies. We are happy to accommodate any dietary requirements and are thrilled that you felt so well cared for and at home here. We cannot wait for your return for another magical and memorable safari holiday at Jembisa.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What an absolutely brilliant experience. The lodge is gorgeous. The reserve is stunningly beautiful. The staff are all deeply professional but also so welcoming and friendly that they make you feel like family. The guides have extensive veld knowledge and are very patient with amateur birders. We had a splendid time and will definitely be returning soon.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Helpful
Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 02 Aug 2023
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are so happy to hear that your experience at Jembisa was so brilliant. Our guides are highly knowledgeable on all aspects of the wildlife and bushveld, especially the abundant birdlife found on Jembisa, and are always thrilled to share this with our guests, we are so pleased that you enjoyed this so much. We look forward to seeing you all back again soon to enjoy another splendid stay here.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Two years in the planning, our daughter’s wedding celebration was more than we could have hoped for. Our expectations were quite high, and they were exceeded in every way. Our many emails, video chats and endless questions would have been enough to try anyone’s patience, but Lorraine and Marinette were always responsive, extremely accommodating, and a delight to work with. We were greeted so warmly upon arrival that we felt we were amongst friends. The Bush Home is beautifully decorated, luxurious yet comfortable, and the grounds are gorgeous. All of the guest accommodations were lovely, many with stunning views of the Reserve. Four days of festivities were beautifully executed, including sundowner cocktails and candlelight dinners in the bush, a traditional barbecue served around multiple campfires, a riverside brunch, a fly fishing lesson, game drives with the extremely knowledgeable Ed and Clayton, massages, and a golf outing with Andre. Highlights included a night sky safari presented by a local astronomer and his telescope, and the Jembisa staff choir singing and dancing to welcome the married couple to the reception. The dinner reception, in a hidden garden with candlelight, bonfires and twinkling fairy lights was absolutely magical. Jembisa’s staff is truly outstanding. Lorraine and Marinette were beyond helpful, without being intrusive. They calmed pre-wedding nerves, welcomed late guests, and minded toddlers. Our guests were treated so warmly and called by name shortly after arrival. Special requests and last minute changes were handled with grace and a can do attitude. Thanks to Chef David, Cliff, Sonny Boy and others, the food was consistently delicious, well presented and plentiful. Dietary restrictions and special meals for children were handled with ease and great care. Several guests remarked that it was the experience of a lifetime, and we couldn’t agree more! Words can’t sufficiently express our gratitude. Thank you Jembisa! …
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
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.
Helpful
Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 02 Aug 2023
What an absolutely fantastic review of Jembisa Bush Home, thank you so much! We loved hosting your daughter’s wedding celebrations here at Jembisa and are absolutely delighted to have exceeded your expectations in every way and that you rate us higher than 5 stars! Our luxuriously appointed lodges, situated within our own beautiful private game reserve, are perfectly suited for celebrations and large groups, and with unique alfresco dining spots set in the midst of our abundant wildlife and stunningly beautiful landscapes, we are able to provide the magical experiences for these occasions that set Jembisa apart. Exciting safari activities on the reserve, such as game drives and bush walks, fishing along the Palala river, cycling alongside wildlife such as zebra and giraffe, visits to bushman paintings and much more, ensure that there is always a safari experience for everyone to enjoy. The Night Sky safari presented on our reserve by our local astronomer is highly recommended and enjoyed by all. Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides allow for guests to discover and learn many interesting aspects and facts about our natural surrounds and the fauna and flora, and children of all ages are welcome to enjoy our special Junior Tracker programme, suitable for all ages. How wonderful that your guests called it the experience of a lifetime, we cannot wait to welcome everyone back for another exhilarating safari holiday at Jembisa.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$582 - US$641 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaLimpopo ProvinceWaterbergVaalwater
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Frequently Asked Questions about Jembisa Bush Home
What are some of the property amenities at Jembisa Bush Home?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Jembisa Bush Home?
Guests can enjoy a lounge, complimentary tea, and a free welcome drink during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Jembisa Bush Home?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Jembisa Bush Home have airport transportation?
Yes, Jembisa Bush Home offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Jembisa Bush Home?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Does Jembisa Bush Home have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.