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My visit was a dream come true! Biyela Lodge was just perfection. As soon as I arrived I received the warmest welcome and this continued throughout my stay.
I went on a game drive with my guide called Michael and the photographer Camilla. The knowledge that Michael has is unbelievable! There was nothing he didn’t know about the wildlife, park history, birds and plants. Everything he explained was so easy to understand and remember too which I appreciated. It’s clear he has spent years researching and that this is his passion! Big thanks also goes to Camilla - it was amazing to see you going along the tracks and identifying footprints, identifying birds flying in the sky and just being an all round great host!
In total we saw 23 rhinos, a dozen elephants (very close up), impalas, zebras, buffalo, giraffes, the endless list goes on - there were 100s!! I’ve read of some people going to other lodges/reserves and not seeing a thing, so this exceeded all my expectations by a mile. It was evident that Michael and Camilla knew exactly where to go to track them all down. This really was such an emotional experience seeing these animals roam free in the wild, yet so close to you.
The food during my stay was absolutely delicious!! Especially the ramen and the game drive lunch where Fleur prepared Asian ribs, chicken wings, sandwiches, and muffins. There was also a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks for everyone. P.S. those ribs were to die for!! What an incredible chef you have, I’ll really miss eating like royalty.
The reserve and lodge itself is so well kept and the views are absolutely breathtaking - especially from the infinity pools. This is the definition of luxury! I’m still speechless…I’m lost for words.
Last but far from least, thank you so much Irene for your hospitality! You constantly went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect and enjoyable. You’re an asset to Biyela Lodge and I can see that you put your heart and soul into running it. It was so well organised, and nothing was ever an issue for you. These are memories that I’ll have for a lifetime, all thanks to you and your wonderful team!
Thank you all so so much, I’ll never forget...
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What can I say about MfulaWozi Wilderness? It’s hard to know where to begin. My girlfriend and I spent three unforgettable nights at the Mthembu Lodge. This was her third safari and my first, and to say the holiday was special would be an understatement! It’s been nearly a week since we returned, and I keep having vivid flashbacks of our time there. We’ll truly remember this place for the rest of our lives.
From the incredible staff who worked tirelessly to give us the best experience, to the twice-daily game drives with Khaya (the best guide of all time), to the luxurious, spotless apartment, to the river of delicious food served four times a day, to the rejuvenating spa treatments that turned us into butter; every detail was carefully considered and executed to the highest standard. We were treated like royalty and were blown away by the generosity and warmth of the entire Mthembu team.
That’s before even mentioning the main event: the wilderness itself. We spotted rhinos, cheetahs, buffalo, zebras, tortoises, velvet monkeys, countless birds, antelope, and reptiles, the list goes on and on. The absolute highlight was a face-to-face encounter with the largest land mammal on the planet. Being that close to an elephant in its natural habitat was both humbling and awe-inspiring, a moment we’ll never forget.
We also learned about the plants, trees and the savannah biome. I wasn’t expecting to learn so much on this trip, our guide Khaya was so knowledgeable. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see any lions, leopards, or giraffes, as the water levels were too high to cross the river. But that just gives us the perfect excuse to come back again!
My girlfriend and I left feeling renewed and reset after a holiday that struck the perfect balance between exhilaration and relaxation. Five out of five stars, without hesitation. We cannot recommend MfulaWozi Wilderness enough and cannot...
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Review: Biyela & Mthembu Lodge
Our stay at Biyela & Mthembu Lodge was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the entire team — led so graciously by Spha and Chennai — went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable.
Hosting a large group of 35 is no easy task, yet the staff handled everything with such kindness, efficiency, and genuine warmth that it felt effortless. Nothing was ever too much trouble.
The accommodation was luxurious, beautifully appointed, and perfectly maintained. The chefs delivered extraordinary meals every day — creative, delicious, and presented with such care. After our incredible game drives with the highly knowledgeable rangers, Adriaan and Jason, we returned each evening to a seamless blend of comfort and hospitality that made every moment feel special. Their passion for the land and wildlife truly enriched our experience.
The spa treatments were another highlight — relaxing, professional, and deeply rejuvenating. Every staff member we encountered showed integrity, honesty, and pride in their work, which did not go unnoticed.
This was a rare gem of a lodge, where every detail reflects excellence and heart. Thank you to each and every member of the Biyela & Mthembu team — our 3-night escape to paradise was...
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