Nyala Safari Lodge — Hotel in Maruleng Local Municipality

The resort itself is stunning. It was beautifully set just above a river, which is mostly dry in the winter but hosts a well-fed watering hole. We saw an elephant, rhino, or some other animal there most, if not every, day. The rondavel housing made for a beautifully rustic scene while being exquisitely made up with modern features and local design accents. Beds were comfortable to the best of my memory, but our days were so full that we fell asleep the moment our heads hit the pillow, and probably would have even if we were sleeping on the ground. Staff took careful attention to detail in making up the room daily, and the freestanding tub and outdoor shower were just as beautiful as they look in the photos. Villas were set far enough apart for privacy but provided convenient access to the grounds.

The communal spaces were just as beautifully designed. Meals were overlooking the watering hole, with one special evening in the candlelit boma. There was a comfortable lounge with rusks (new to me but quickly a favorite) and some of the best peanut butter cookies, plus a de’longhi primadonna espresso machine for great coffee/espresso on demand.

The managers and staff were welcoming and made us feel completely at home. When we asked if they had Coke Zero they didn’t, but a case magically appeared after Dave’s trip to town the next day. Throughout the trip Nicki and Dave were available, regularly checking in to make sure we were well fed and comfortable. Maple, the resident dog, came up to meet us every time we’re came back from a drive. I wanted to teams her home with me, but she seems pretty happy where she is.

As someone who experiences new places through food, I live in fear of single-option all inclusive meals. Not a concern here. Everything we ate was delicious. We would’ve been thrilled to have gone to a restaurant and been served these dishes.

With all that said, our guide Christelle was far and away what made the trip for us. While she works with Nyala often, you may have a different guide on your trip, but if Christelle is any indication of the lodge’s standards, you’ll be in good hands. Christelle grew up in the bush and her passion for the animals and the conservation of their habitat was contagious. She made learning about termite mounds as engaging as spotting a crash of rhinos. She’s an amazing and enthusiastic tracker and found us all big five in one day (also a little bit of luck with that one) including close encounters with rhinos, lions, and Ezulwini, one of only 25 majestic tusker elephants currently living.

The awe-inspiring safari experience was made all the more enjoyable in the Land Cruiser with all its luxury safari mods. We had comfortable seats with zippered pockets to hold sunglasses and cameras plus blankets for when the evenings got chilly.

We’ve had a lot of travel adventures, but hands down this is at the very top of our list. Even though we live in the US which makes for a very long trip we’re already looking forward...

Do Not Stay Here (Unless You Want the Safari of a Lifetime!)

This was our first safari and first time in Africa, following the Comrades Marathon in Durban. We truly hit the jackpot with this lodge. If you're looking for a boutique luxury safari experience—with what might be the best guides in the park, delicious and healthy meals from a phenomenal chef (all included!), and family-run hospitality that genuinely cares—look no further.

We found this gem through our friends at BHS Safari Company, and now we understand why they were so insistent. But fair warning: once you've stayed here, it may ruin all future safaris. I often tell people not to visit Japan first if they're new to Asia—because it sets the bar too high. This lodge is the "Japan" of Kruger National Park: simply the best.

From the moment we arrived, the experience felt like something out of White Lotus—but in the best way possible. We were welcomed with drinks and cool towels by the entire staff, and after every game drive, we were greeted the same way. With only five lodges on the property, everyone quickly becomes familiar. By the end, we truly felt like one big family.

Dave and Nikkie, the owners, are a wonderful couple who treat their guests and staff with warmth and respect—and it shows in every detail. Shylet and Kutso, the powerhouse chefs, served up hit after hit. Not a single bad meal in our entire 4-night stay.

But the real star? Our guide, Christelle. Words can’t capture our gratitude. Her deep connection with the animals and reverence for the park was immediately apparent. She struck a perfect balance between delivering an unforgettable guest experience and respecting the wildlife. She was so good, we spotted all of the Big Five on our first day.

I could tell you how comfy the beds were or how beautifully designed the lodges are—but the truth is, we hardly stayed in our rooms. We spent every moment we could connecting with the incredible staff and fellow guests. That kind of magic? It can’t be bought.

We came for the animals. We left with lifelong memories—and...

Sorry, this review is a few months overdue, but, hope it still offers potential new guests some pointers. |We visited Nyala Safari Lodge in early April 2025. This was our 2nd visit to the lodge following a previous visit in 2022. Some friends accompanied us this time and for them this was their first ever safari trip to South Africa.|We kept Nyala until the last stop on our safari adventure, as based on our last visit we knew our friends would love the 'feel and ambience' this place had to offer - and it did not disappoint.|Dave and Nikkie are very attentive towards their guests and run this lodge really well. You can tell because there is a happy atmosphere in the camp which translates into excellent service served up by staff with genuine smiles.|We find the standard of food in South Africa to be generally very good anyway. However, the quality of dishes served up by Shylet (Head Chef) and Kutso were once again, truly exceptional. So much so that all four of us really looked forward to what was on the menu each day.|The standard of accomodation at Nyala is excellent and there is no attention to detail spared in terms of decoration, including towels folded up in the shape of a smily elephant's head on your arrival. The rondavels are beautifully appointed and the bathrooms, including an additional outside shower facility, really make for a truly wonderful bush experience.|You visit Nyala though for the safari experience and in this respect we had some wonderful sightings this time. Christelle was once again our guide and she really knows her stuff - and is incredibly funny and interesting too. Knowing that we were (slightly) disappointed last time not to see Ezulwini ( a big elephant tusker that sometimes visits the property) she went out of her way to make sure we saw him this time. So, thanks Christelle and we hope your trip to Norway went well.|Finally, a big thanks to the Nyala team. We really enjoyed our stay and needless to say our friends got back home with some wonderful memories of their last stopover in...