Phumelo Lodge

Phumelo Lodge

16 Cyferfontein Road D908 , Mabalingwe Game Reserve, Bela Bela 0480 South Africa
main lodge area and view
Traveller (197)
Relax at the Deck
Dining (25)
Room Deck
Room & Suite (19)

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Avg. R 2,697 /night, 2/13 - 2/14
R 3,713
per night
R 3,196
per night
R 2,679
per night

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Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
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About

#4 of 28 lodges in Bela Bela
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Phumelo Lodge - only 1h 30min from Pretoria and 2 hours from OR Tambo International Airport. Phumelo Lodge is situated in the "Big 5" Mabalingwe Game Reserve which is non-malria area. With us, will enjoy an authentic African experience which will keep you coming back. At Phumelo Lodge your 2-day break will feel like a week long holiday. Please note: Our listed prices are exclusive of VAT (Sales Tax) of 15%.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Horseback riding
Board games / puzzles
Body wrap
Non-smoking hotel
Secured parking
Public wifi
Hot bath
Pool / beach towels
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Salon
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Private check-in / check-out
Ironing service
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Bottled water
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Business
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans

Location

16 Cyferfontein Road D908 , Mabalingwe Game Reserve, Bela Bela 0480 South Africa
Traveller rating
  • 174
  • 30
  • 11
  • 4
  • 8
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Detailed Reviews
Lariska_vr wrote a review Mar 2024
Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and made great memories. From the moment we arrived Theuns, Alida and staff made us feel special and they were extremely attentive. The lodge has a very serene ambience and rest and relaxation is at the order of the day. The game drives were magnificent and Theuns is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to nature and wildlife. The food was excellent and the chef made sure that all our personal requests were met. The service was flawless and we had an unforgettable time. In fact we have been raving about our experience to all our friends - encouraging them to come to your marvellous lodge. Special thanks to Theuns and Alida who made us feel like family, they are a great asset for the lodge. Phumelo Game Lodge make sure to retain your staff. They make the place worth the superlative experience.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
nkeil317118 wrote a review Jun 2022
Midrand, South Africa
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We booked for 2 nights at Phumelelo Lodge in the Waterburg, greater Mabilingwe reserve for our wedding anniversary. What a lovely surprise we got. this is our new favourite place to stay for special occasions, the lodge is very tastefully decorated in African Bush lodge style and the food was fabulous.
Derek and his staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2022
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Annelie S wrote a review Apr 2022
Pretoria, South Africa
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Even before our arrival at Phumelelo Carina handled our requests and questions in a timely and efficient manner.

We visited Phumelelo as a family of 4. The rooms are spacious and the bathrooms are huge with a bath, indoor and outdoor shower. Rooms are equipped with a small fridge and coffee making facilities.

Due to poor weather we only did one game drive. We spend a lot of time in front of the fireplace and even on cold mornings the lookout from the large veranda is breath taking.

Derrick made us feel welcome and really takes an interest in all his guests. He went out of his way to help us get home safely in really bad weather conditions.

Compliments to Beverly as every meal was prepared and served to perfection.

Derrick really look after his guests
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2022
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
FarAway15970134649 wrote a review Sept 2023
2.0 of 5 bubbles
We arrived there and there was no power, we could not believe that there is still an establishment that has not come up with some sort of alternative to cushion guests from load shedding. The rooms were decent but are old and in need of refurbishment. There were no gowns, slippers or extra blankets In the room so I don't know how they are rated 5 Star. In a short while we went for dinner. The food options were very limited and it was cold. The following morning as we showered hot water ran out within minutes leaving us to bath in cold water. Breakfast was set to start from 08:30 and at 09:00 someone came to our room and rudely banged in our door telling us we were late. When we got to the restaurant there was barely anything left in the chaffing dish, and ofcourse, it was ice cold. This is the moment we decided to cut our stay from 2 to 1 night. We asked to see the manager, and were directed to the chef who was also the manager who shrugged our concerns off and told us there was nothing she could do. Overall this was one of the poorest stays I've ever had in South Africa, and I will not be returning there
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Date of stay: September 2023
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
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.
Inspire3592008888911 wrote a review Jan 2022
Gauteng, South Africa
3.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a place u can visit if u planning to just chill in ur room which is pointless if u ask me🤷🏽‍♀️Bcos if u planning to chill by the pool/jacuzzi area with ur own drinks in ur ice bucket and ur platter of snacks to enjoy the view forget it it’s not gonna happen as they do not allow self catering by the pool side and u are only told that part when u get to the place and it’s to late to turn back as u have already payed for the stay. They however have a bar which has limited stock of beverages and that is the only drinks u are permitted to have by the pool area.

The 2nd part I did not like is their false advertising, when we made bookings the was a list of things that was said they will be included in the amount paid only to get there and have them say no it is not included. And also please note the infinity pool view is not part of ur bedroom view and that is the other thing u only get to know once you get there, but how ever there’s only 1 room that has that view which u not given an option to choose when u book bcos they do not mention it on their booking site cos judging from their site one would automatically think the room u booking into is the room with that view.

And ohh the pool area closes at 10pm so if u think Ull have the opportunity to jump in the jacuzzi at 11pm to watch the stars, u thought wrong 🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️. These are the things that should be stated on their side before you make bookings so you know what u signing up for and let it be ur choice to proceed or not with ur booking, 1 more thing the roads there are very bad it won’t work with a small car u need a Bakkie or something that is meant for gravel roads.
The only granted thing u gonna get ryt is the game drive and their beautiful view.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2021
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
rlang2023 wrote a review Apr 2023
Roodepoort, South Africa
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Before booking we asked Carina if the jacuzzi was working, she said yes definitely. Upon arrival at the Lodge they told us no the jacuzzi does not work, there were also no cushions layed out on the chairs, we had to ask for them. Carina also said upon arrival we could book the predator park but the staff knew almost nothing about it. The food was average, and the state of the place was not well kept. Our kettle in the room was filthy, we couldn't even make coffee. There was also no activities book in the room as stated on arrival. For the price we paid for 2 nights was not worth the money at all!! I hope this feedback gets back to the owner. I feel we got ripped off.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
avlok227862 wrote a review Oct 2023
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Few hanging cupboard's handles in the room were missing, toilet seat was loose, one wall socket was completely open and electrical wires exposed, one of the bathroom sink taps did not work properly and the bathtub tap kept leaking water. What is offered/listed to you for breakfast is not what is served (cold breakfast).
We as guests had to drop off one staff member in our own vehicle, we did not mind at all, but guests are not suppose to transport staff members. The rest of the stay and service and the food quality was really great, but taking all of the above into account, I won't rate the lodge as 5 star but rather 4 star.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2023
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Edward W wrote a review Aug 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Our three-night stay at Phumelelo Lodge was exactly what we needed. We were greeted by friendly staff with excellent service during our stay and the food was great. The lodge is small with only five rooms and the main lodge and deck, which adds to the tranquil experience.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2021
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Mel Watson wrote a review Jun 2024
Sun Valley, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Phumelelo offers a fantastic stay. A weekend is almost to short. The hosts were fabulous and went out of their way to make tour stay memorable. Exceptional staff. Delicious food, that's well-prepared and presented. Rooms are clean and comfortable and cater for all your needs. They add extra touches that make it just that more pleasant. A lovely lodge for a weekend getaway.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip 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.
infoC2930RI wrote a review Mar 2023
3.0 of 5 bubbles
One of the most beautiful bushveld views I have ever experienced. We had a wonderful stay. The only suggestions I can make is for the lodge to look at their finishings around the room. Some of the floor boards were loose and the skirtings broken of half way etc. I can also suggest a better menu. The food was far too basic for an expensive lodge like this one.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Stellie-Bell asked a question May 2018
Pretoria, South Africa434 contributions58 helpful votes
Does every room have a jacuzzi?
Answer from Phumelo Lodge
Pretoria, South Africa
Dear Stellie, Unfortunately at the moment there is only one jacuzzi (with the most amazing view over the river and mountain with game walking below) on the main deck, but being a very exclusive and intimate lodge, the jacuzzi is only shared by the 4 King suites. Belinda Phumelelo Lodge
Mike wrote a tip Sept 2024
Pretoria, South Africa1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Take your binoculars to spot the wildlife from the deck."
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Nqobile M wrote a tip Aug 2023
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"It is advisable to use a 4x4 since there's gravel road approaching the lodge."
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Lucas I wrote a tip Feb 2021
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Private, great views"
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MLA6011 wrote a tip Oct 2018
Perth, Australia17 contributions3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We had room 1 - great being close to the main lodge but some of the doors to the balcony and outdoor shower need some attention"
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mrhaasnoot wrote a tip Oct 2018
Alicante, Spain9 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Amazing view"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Bela Bela area.
PRICE RANGE
R 2,660 - R 3,214 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaLimpopo ProvinceWaterbergBela Bela
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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PHUMELO LODGE - UPDATED 2025 Reviews & Price Comparison (Bela Bela, South Africa)

Frequently Asked Questions about Phumelo Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Phumelo Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Adventures with Elephants (7.3 km), Mabalingwe Nature Reserve (8.0 km), and Ingilozi Park (7.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Phumelo Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Phumelo Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Phumelo Lodge?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Phumelo Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Phumelo Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
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