Mbizi Bush Lodge — Hotel in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality

Our stay at Mbizi Bush Lodge was mixed. ||On the one hand, we were utterly amazed by the viewings around the Grietjie Private Nature Reserve on which the lodge is located, as well as the frequent elephant visits to the pool. Despite the summer season making it difficult to see across the bush, we were lucky to see many elephant herds, rhinoceros, lions, giraffes, and more. In addition, Divya's cooking was exceptional, and she kindly accommodated last-minute to my vegetarian diet despite us having forgotten to give advance notice. ||On the other hand, many of our experiences at the lodge made it feel like we had overpaid for the service we received.|First of all, we were not contacted prior to our arrival except in response to our own inquiries, and no arrangements were organised to help us arrive from the airport to the lodge. Although this is not something we expect everywhere we stay, we feel it is a part of the safari industry in South Africa, at the very least for the host to explain how to arrive to the lodge, and typically to also arrange airport pick-up.|Secondly, upon arrival at 2pm, we were told the kitchen was closed and we could no longer order or purchase any food for lunch. Having come straight from the airport (with our own transportation method), we therefore had no food other than (chargeable) potato chips until the evening meal. This again falls short of our expectations given the price paid and the remote location of the lodge preventing us from looking for alternatives for food. Adding to this point, we were often left to our own devices during the day. The staff was hidden away in the main house of the owner, and we were unable to find them to make simple requests (such as for lunch on our second day). Had it not been for the delicious food in the evening, it would have felt as though we were staying at a self-catered accommodation, perhaps more suited to clients with rental cars who are able to arrive and get their own food by themselves. |Third, and most importantly, the game-drive experience was considerably lacking. Bjorn, the owner and safari guide, was reluctant on two occasions to bring us on a morning-drive, claiming that the weather would be too bad for any sightings. We accepted the cancelation on the first day, but insisted on the second day to do the game-drive nonetheless, and it happened to be one of the best drives we had done out of the three. My sister being in the safari industry in South Africa, I also know that guides tend to 'try' whether or not the weather is ideal because you never know what you may spot. It was disappointing for Bjorn to insist upon not doing the game-drives. On top of this, while we were beyond happy with the sightings we had, we found Bjorn's engagement during the game-drives to be lacking. We were offered no spontaneous information, on either the animals we were seeing or on the bush in general, and our numerous questions obtained short, often snappy responses. The coffee/drinks break in the mornings and afternoons were also prolongated for Bjorn's own cigarette-breaks and this despite the fact that it was raining or that all other participants had signaled they were ready to head back to the vehicle again. ||We ended our stay feeling incredibly lucky to have had this experience in the bush, but disappointed in the service we...

During my stay at Mbizi Bush Lodge, I was genuinely impressed by the exceptional quality of service and the overall experience. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this was no ordinary lodge; it felt like a home away from home, where the staff welcomed me as if I were a part of their family.

The service at Mbizi Bush Lodge was truly five stars. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my stay was perfect. Whether it was the warm smiles that greeted me each morning or the personalized touches that made my room feel so inviting, the team at Mbizi excelled in creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. They were attentive without being intrusive, always ready to assist with any request or provide recommendations for making the most out of my stay. This level of care made a significant difference, elevating the entire experience to something extraordinary.

The culinary offerings at Mbizi Bush Lodge were nothing short of spectacular. Each meal was a delightful journey through flavors, crafted with care and expertise. The chefs clearly have a passion for what they do, as every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with fresh, vibrant tastes. From hearty breakfasts to elegant dinners, the food was consistently of the highest quality. It wasn’t just about eating; it was about savoring every bite in the serene, natural surroundings. Dining at Mbizi was an experience in itself, one that I looked forward to every day.

One of the most remarkable aspects of my stay was the sense of belonging I felt. Despite being a guest, I was treated like a valued member of the Mbizi family. This personal connection made my stay even more special, as it created a warm and welcoming environment that was both comforting and memorable. It’s not often that you find a place where you feel such a strong sense of community, but at Mbizi, it’s clearly a priority.

The lodge was impeccably clean and well-maintained, adding to the sense of safety and comfort that pervaded the entire property. I never once felt uneasy during my stay, knowing that the lodge’s standards for cleanliness and security were top-notch.

As a nature lover, one of the highlights of my stay was the opportunity to see a variety of animals throughout the day. From the comfort of the lodge, I could observe wildlife in their natural habitat, making every moment feel like a true safari experience. Whether it was the sight of a majestic elephant passing by or the sounds of birds chirping in the early morning, the connection to nature was ever-present and deeply enriching.

In summary, my stay at Mbizi Bush Lodge was nothing short of incredible. The five-star service, exquisite dining, and the warm, family-like atmosphere made it an unforgettable experience. Coupled with the pristine environment and the chance to witness wildlife up close, Mbizi offers an extraordinary retreat that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking a unique and...

We recently had the pleasure of staying once again at Mbizi Bush Lodge which is nestled within the breathtaking landscape of Grietjie Private Nature Reserve. From the moment we arrived we were once again welcomed with a genuine warmth which is normally only reserved for family . From Divya’s warm smile , to Bjorn’s bear hug welcome, to the excitement of their two gorgeous little boys, we knew we were once again amongst family. This is our second stay with this delightful loving family . We initially arrived as strangers not knowing what to expect , but soon realised that to Divya and Bjorn we were not just guests, to them, everyone that visits becomes family. I can’t praise our stay enough , from Divya’s amazing meals, one better than the next, featuring Michelin Star dishes from around the world, to the efforts she takes ensuring that everyone’s dietary needs are met . Nothing is too much trouble . And Bjorn the master of finding even the most stubborn wildlife . Always in constant contact through his two way radio for sightings , enduring that each game drive holds a magical experience for each guest. Each game drive brought one magical experience after another, from the magic of sitting drinking hot coffee on the banks of the Olifants River watching the morning mist rise, while naughty hippopotamus misbehave, to rounding a corner and coming upon a pride of Lions enjoying the afternoon sun not 3 metres from our Jeep; to the excitement of spotting 4 or the big 5 on our first night out, these are the memories that I will carry forever. And who can forget sitting by the pool watching a mamma Elephant trying to corral her mischievous baby calf while the herd keeps a watchful eye . And my daily visits from Oscar , the world’s friendliest Giraffe. And the magic doesn’t stop there, Divya and Bjorn have gone to great lengths to ensure they a stay at their lodge reflects the very essence and beauty of Sth Africa. The accommodation at the Bush Lodge truly reflects the natural beauty of the surroundings. Each Hut is thoughtfully designed with local materials and decor , showcasing vibrant colours, handcrafted furnishings and traditional African Art. The pool room where all meals are served is surrounded by open windows and decking, allowing guests to experience the surrounding bush and wildlife as they relax and share experiences with visitors from around the world. Staying at Mbizi Bush Lodge is truly a magical experience, each day brings the unexpected and each corner a memory forever etched in my mind. For myself and my Granddaughter these are the moments that dreams are made of, memories she will carry long after I am gone. If you are a lover of animals and want to experience rare untouched nature, then, I can’t think of a more magical place to visit than Mbizi ...