Thaba Pitsi Safari Lodge is a 500-hectare wildlife sanctuary situated in a malaria-free area. Located in close proximity to Gauteng; one and a half hours drive from OR Tambo International Airport and one hour’s drive from Pretoria. The accommodation on offer includes Family House, Country House, Rondavel, and Bungalow. Each unit comprises comfortable beds and a bathroom fitted with either a shower or a bath. Each Rondavel, Bungalow and House features a private Jacuzzi and/or pool and braai facilities. On-site facilities include game drives, feeding tours, and at an additional charge, walking trails. In addition, various other optional external activities can be arranged.
We had the good fortune to spend New Years Eve at this amazing lodge. The hospitality we experienced is for lack of a better word amazing.
The drive (approx 3 km from the restaurant/reception) via rugged game-viewing vehicle sets the tone for a truly 'out-of-Africa' experience and feels more like a game drive than anything else. Once the lodge area is reached, the full splendor of this lodge becomes apparent. Imagine an amazing pool, jacuzzi, spa treatments, etc etc right in the bush veld - all of this, and more, is offered in the most tasteful ambience.
Accommodation is in tents - (NO YOU DON'T CAMP THERE!!!) - approx 25 sqm, tiled and fully appointed with tasteful furniture, fridge and full bath. All you hear is the African bush in all its glory. Sleeping in the bush, whilst enjoying Nature's concerts in the comfort of this establishment is one of the most amazing experiences ever.
Another 'game drive', this time accompanied by French champagne, and we arrived for what has to rank amongst the best dinners we had in a very long time at L'Orange Bleue Restaurant at Thaba Pitsi. The owners, Marc and Nathalie, offered levels of service and style hard to come by, and the three-course dinner freshly prepared by no other than Marc himself is best described as a gourmand's wet dream... Merci beaucoup!
I could go on forever... But best you experience this amazing place for yourself.
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Date of stay: December 2012
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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We had the most amazing time ever at Thaba Pitsi Nature Reserve at its best. The green mountains and beautiful blue sky. It felt like we, were the only ones on the entire reserve at all times. The hospitality of the owners and staff was awesome and we were treated very well. We were given the country house to stay in which has the most incredible decor and finishes. We went on a game drive and got to see a lot of the animals on the reserve and took loads of pictures. The tranquil surroundings really made for a peaceful and relaxing weekend away. Our kids really enjoyed it and we got to do most of the activities on the reserve. Thank you so much for an incredible weekend stay and we will definitely we back. Much love.
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Date of stay: February 2015
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Trip 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.
Run by a real Belgian chef, the food was superb. Visited from another lodge in Bela Bela. The road was un-tarmacked for about 15km, but the hire car did well (fastest car in the world, after all). Bit bumpy but drivable. Went for an evening meal, the starters were very flavourful, nicely presented. Mains were good too. About 4 choices for each course, we all found something we wanted and enjoyed. Highly recommended, worth the drive, and it really stands out in Bela Bela where generally the food is not so great. Good choice of wines too. Slice of Belgium in South Africa!
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Date of stay: March 2015
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Didn't stay over.
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.
Beautiful location, friendly and charming owners / staff.
However we experienced the following issues:
- facilities are out dated and in desperate need of maintenance - room decor is tired and doesn't come close to meeting its 4 star rating, for eg old bed linen, squeaky bed, noisy toilet / geyser throughout the night and no toilet door - bathroom lights didn't work - charming outdoor shower but no water in the morning ( staff were quick to fix this ) - game vehicle was broken so we had to stand at the back of a 4x4 with other people (7 people in the back, not very safe) - dinner was limited to one option which although delicious was not up to 4 star standards
With a couple of adjustments and more reasonable pricing this would make for a great value 3 star experience. However priced at R2800 for the night (2 ppl, breakfast, dinner and game drive included), this experience fell short.
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Date of stay: March 2016Trip 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 matmax32, Responsable relations clients at Thaba Pitsi Safari Lodge
Responded 28 Mar 2016
Good day, Thank you for the feedback, we are taking your comments seriously and we understand your frustrations. Please accept our sincere apologies for your disappointment at your recent stay at Thaba Pitsi. We take the full responsibility for the showers, the noise, geysers, etc... The game vehicle broke down just before the game drive, we couldn't expect this mishap... In your confirmation, we specified the set menu for dinner. We are not graded as a four star Lodge but as a Eco Lodge, we are not member of TGCSA anymore since 2014 as we disagree with new standards (TV, etc..). We will make sure that all the issues that you have mentioned will not happen again. It is always our highest priority to us to ensure that our guests leave Thaba Pitsi satisfied at all times. Julie
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We booked into the lodge as we were attending a wedding nearby. The accommodation was adequate but somewhat shabby. Only one hard pillow per person and cramped sleeping area. Booked self catering but would have appreciated some teabags and long life milk for morning tea? A couple of bottles of water? Some glasses in the "bathroom"?? Not sure where the four star rating comes from - expensive for below average accommodation.
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Date of stay: March 2015
Rooms
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Trip 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.
We had a wonderful 4 days at Thaba Pitsi. It was with a big family group with 8 adults and 6 children aged between 1 and 10 years old. The safari tents and bungalows were very rustic and just right for a short stay. We spent a lot of time in the pool because it was very hot! The game drive was a wonderful treat for the kids. We also went on a quad excursion and had a pony ride for the kids. The food was excellent and we had a very memorable stay. Thank you everyone at Thaba Pitsi!
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Date of stay: December 2017Trip 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.
Our experience was the WORST, wouldn't recommend to my worst enemy. The place needs a MAJOR upgrade! It is a family farm! A warning for the long gravel road should be highlighted on the website. The reserve is empty, only has 6 varieties of animals, it was an insult to be taken around and view almost nothing. The bed we had to sleep on was so old and not pleasant to sleep on. Everything is outdated. Dstv is the cheapest package; we couldn't watch our programmes (Impossible to make the place feel like home). The family's pets are roaming around the place, the two dogs gave us a scare and we ended up giving them our meat while screaming for help from the family. The cats are all over the place, which made us uncomfortable. Vodacom network is not available. I would never re-visit the place, EVER. Nor recommend it to any one.
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Date of stay: November 2017
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Trip 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.
Where to start? This is the place to stay I promise you. The service is above and beyond. We stayed out of season, had the place to ourselves for 4 nights and enjoyed it immensely. The food, oh the food. It is out of this world, every night we were asked how we liked certain things without a menu to look at - but we were never disappointed by what arrived on our plates. Steak to die for, soup that left you crying out for more, desserts that were just amazing.
Our accommodation was good, everything we needed and allowed us a great view of wildlife in the evenings. We were down in the valley but the location and scenery from the top of the ridge will guarantee and amazing experience as well. Everything was laid on for us - my daughter did turn her nose up at the pony ride after breakfast, but then she is only 2 and prone to changing her mind on a whim.
All I can say is BOOK AND STAY HERE - YOU WONT REGRET IT.
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Date of stay: September 2015
Location
Service
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Trip 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.
We would like to thank you for having shared your experience at Thaba Pitsi Nature reserve. Our chef is delighted to hear you had an enjoyable time at our restaurant :) It was a pleasure to have you as our guest. We hope to see you again soon.
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We were accommodated in a well furnished and private bungalow. This was ideal for a family with an infant. The restaurant is one of a kind and the food was extremely well prepared. The private bungalow was situated close to the fenced off area of the property were we could enjoy the wild life.
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Date of stay: October 2014Trip 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.
Wow we had such a relaxing quality time. Such a welcoming and personal touch from the owners. Best food in Bela Bela by far. I will upload some pics as well. Thank you very much We highly recommend Thaba Pitsi. And on a lighter note couldnt stop laughing at one one the bad reviews. They complain about not being under the same roof as the rest of their guests. When you book a 10 sleeper it means that there is 5 double rooms. So if two of your group decides to occupy a double room each by themselves you will obviously have a space issue. In Afrikaans we have a saying...lee blikke maak die meeste geraas meaning empty cans makes the most noise. Enjoy Thaba Pitsi!
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Date of stay: April 2015Trip 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.
Thank you for your nice comment. Very special guest like yourself (and your family) remind us why we have such passion for what we do and inspire us to continue wanting to delight our visitors.
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Good Afternoon,
Unfortunately the wifi does not reach the rooms, but it is available at the restaurant. The chalets have satellite tv in them, with dstv, all the beds are king size in the chalets, and the costs on self catering is R550- per adult per night, and on DBB (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) is R995- per adult per night.
If you need any further information I invite you to contact us through email.
Kind Regards,
Javier
There are more places to choose from in the Bela Bela area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 1,258 - RÂ 1,275 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaLimpopo ProvinceWaterbergBela Bela
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
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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THABA PITSI SAFARI LODGE - Hotel Reviews & Price Comparison (Bela Bela, South Africa)
Frequently Asked Questions about Thaba Pitsi Safari Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Thaba Pitsi Safari Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Cheetah Experience (ZA Cheetah Conservation) (1.0 km), L'abri Farm Shop and Brewery (1.1 km), and De Wildt Shingwedzi Cheetah Ranch (3.7 km).
