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Fiona S
United Kingdom

Haven of peace and tranquility

5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 19 Mar 2023
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!
Date of stay: March 2023
Room Tip: Pre-book your taxi from Hoedspruit Airport to the lodge with Nicole.
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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    All reviews bush lodge game drives watering hole other guests the reserve outdoor shower moment you arrive honesty bar south africa comfortable rooms amazing place an amazing experience flora and fauna safari experience every evening greater kruger the entire staff
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    10 - 15 of 447 reviews
    Reviewed 15 January 2023 via mobile

    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

    Date of stay: November 2022
    Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    Thank Stevennjann
    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.
    Management response:Responded 17 January 2023

    Thank you Stephen and Jann.
    We loved meeting you and we wish you all the best for 2023

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC
    Reviewed 24 August 2022 via mobile

    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.

    Date of stay: August 2022
    Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    Thank Blond007c
    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.
    Management response:Responded 29 August 2022

    Thank you Caroline, We loved seeing you again, and look forward to the next time

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC
    Reviewed 24 August 2022 via mobile

    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.

    Date of stay: August 2022
    Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    1  Thank Des V
    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.
    Management response:Responded 29 August 2022

    Thank you Des

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC
    Reviewed 28 July 2022

    We had a great stay. Nicole, Steve and their team are great and the lodge is sumptuous. The meals are delicious. We loved our discovery of the bush with them, it was very good moment. We recommend a lot

    Date of stay: July 2022
    Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    Thank charleshenrifouquet
    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.
    Management response:Responded 29 August 2022

    Thank you, we loved having you here.

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC
    Reviewed 19 June 2022

    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

    Date of stay: May 2022
      • Location
      • Rooms
      • Service
    Thank francov435
    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.
    Management response:Responded 29 August 2022

    Thank you, We really enjoyed meeting you

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC
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