Komati Gorge Lodge — Hotel in Emakhazeni Local Municipality

So, if you are reading this, you also need to check out the reviews for Komati Gorge Lodge - which is the same place, but under a different heading on Tripadvisor. ||||What a fantastic and under-rated find this was! I am almost tempted to NOT write a review so I can keep this gem tucked away from other eyes. ||||PROS: 1.Only three hours from Northern Joburg. The final 45 minutes were on an unpaved road, but in Mid-Oct (pre-heavy rains) it was a easy ride. 4X4 or high clearance vehicle not required 2. Luxurious accommodations. We stayed in Leopard 3, which had self catering options. 3. Good restaurant. We were not expecting fantastic food from a restaurant in such a remote location serving limited guests - but were blown away by the quality of the food. 4. Lots of activities as mentioned by other reviewers. Mini-Brat didn't ask for her iPad or TV even once the entire time. 5. The river was a perfect level in Mid-Oct - low enough for our 3 year old to wade, jump rocks or just splash in the water. 6. Friendly service and good management. 7. Unspoilt nature galore. 8. Massages on site(not the greatest, but hey! There is no such thing as a bad massage) 9. Private Braii on balcony||||CONS (Kind of): No cell phone service or wifi. You can buy internet vouchers if you absolutely have to get online, but IMHO the whole point of being in a place like this is to disconnect. ||||TIPS: The Leopard suites offer more privacy (self-catering option). More romantic. They have thatch roofs. There is also a 'hotel-like' option, with rooms right on the river. These do not have the self-catering option. Also no thatch roof (some people prefer that)||Though officially there is no room service, the restaurant can deliver to your room if you ask in advance.||AND, you can get ice-lollies at the office!!! :)||||We will definitely...

"Just wrapped up an unforgettable stay at Komati Gorge Lodge and I can't express my awe enough! The magic behind this amazing vacation? Sandy, Ross, and their phenomenal staff who made us feel like family from the moment we set foot on their property.

Right from the start, we received vital pre-arrival road updates and load-shedding schedules, ensuring our journey was smooth and stress-free. The moment we arrived, we were greeted as if we were old friends. The warmth and genuineness of their welcome are unmatched!

Our private unit, the perfect blend of personal retreat and shared adventure, was a home away from home. What's more, the pet-friendly atmosphere allowed our beloved Yorkie to join in on the fun.

Each morning started with breathtaking wildlife sightings right at our doorstep. Each day ended around a cozy fire, with Ross even rushing over late at night to provide extra firewood. This level of service, this commitment to guests' comfort, is simply extraordinary!

Sandy and Ross, with their invaluable local advice, weren't just hosts - they became friends. The wonderful staff reflected the same warmth, contributing to the familial atmosphere.

One of the unexpected highlights was a much-needed digital detox. Currently, the cellphone reception is limited to the reception area. Although they're expanding it, I found this feature truly amazing.

Why are you not booking your stay at Komati Gorge Lodge yet? Trust me, it's not just a vacation, it's a heartwarming, adventure-filled journey crafted by some of the most amazing human beings you'll ever meet. Sandy, Ross, and their team are waiting to welcome you. Can't wait for our next visit! #KomatiGorgeLodge #UnforgettableStay...

We have spend a great weekend here in July. The travel there is Ok with the last part being a dirt road but accesible with a normal car. All cottages are well appointed and self catering but the restaurant is open for the weekend offering breakfast, light lunches and great dinners.We had all breakfast and dinners there. There is an anusual choice of breakfast hot dishes and I really enjoyed my smoked trout with scramble eggs, spinach and feta- all very freashly prepared.For dinner there is a small choice of dishes that were rather large and very well presented. I could not finish my venison escalopes as a portion was so big! The wine list was OK and they have wine per glass as well.The staff was pleasant and food well prepared. There is many activities one can do around. WE went on a 4x4 trial that was very exciting as some part of the road were extremely difficult to pass. We also gone on quadbikes excursion with a local guide - road was also difficult especially for a small frame person (myself) as one has to hold bike very tight and pass amongst many rocks up and down. There are 2 good hiking trials, ponds to fish for trouts,horse riding, mountain biking, river paddling etc. The place is pet friendly and majority of tourists there brought their dogs! that had a great time.. Nights were v cold , hotel is in a gorge by the river but there are electric blankets and open fireplaces in each cottage. Fireplace was no good as smoke went inside the room so we used a small heater available.Overall a great place for a family weekend ( they have larger cottages as well) as a lot of fun can...