Imbabala Game Lodge — Hotel in Umtshezi Local Municipality

It was great to be back at Imbabala after a 4 yr hiatus but it never dissapoints.||This time we were met by new managers who really put on a super special wkend for us.||Friday we were chauffeured (on the back of a bakkie, sitting at a picnic table with blankets, it was a first and it was fun!) to a gorgeous private spot in the bush where bonfires and drinks were waiting for us accompanied by a stunning sun set. ||We were then driven back to camp after dark where we pulled up to a very cute dinner setting under a massive tree filled with fairy lights. Again there was a copy bofire waiting for us with more drinks while they finished the braai. Dinner was absolutely delicious and no they wouldn't give us the secret recipe to the most amazing potato salad anyone had ever tasted ;) The meat was perfect and we were all stuffed! ||In the morning we had a lovely breakfast of muesli and yogurt folded by bacon, eggs and sausage and toast washed down with coffee and orange juice. ||Reece then took us all on a guided ride around the farm. The trails were amazing, a lil bit of rocks to keep us awake and warm but mostly fun flowing single trails.||Accommodation was great, we stayed in a double story thatch with kitchen/dining area, with a main bedroom with double bed and a loft room with 3 single beds and a bathroom with shower. The unit was clean and cozy and had aircon/heater. Stunning views of the mountains from our front stoep. ||All in all it was a fantastic wkend. Friends went snake hunting and even found some chameleons and then came back to a delicious burger dinner.||We can't wait to go visit Imbabala again and hit...

Second year here for a private event booking. Under new management who didn't seem to care that they were staying in the room we booked and left us to make our own plans to find suitable accommodation, which we were luckily able to, as we had no camping equipment. The older self catering units still look the same from the outside, but the newer one we were able to stay in was poorly renovated with no thought about the renovation work or the number of utensils and chairs (3) for the number of guests the unit can house (4). This place is self catering, so bring your food as no on site restaurant or shop. There is a small bar with TV to enjoy sport if on. Pool was under maintenance. Giraffe and warthogs still come close to the units. Honestly, not sure if I will be back here.

10 Dec 2021 - Edit note due to owners response to review. We had requested accommodation in a unit with a bed and bathroom as we were travelling on motorcycles and did not want to camp. This had been booked in advance and on arrival, we were advised the accommodation was no longer available as new owners decided they were staying in the unit. New owners would have happily left us to sleep in the cold in the open or go somewhere else than assist us. Thanks is only given to the the event organiser in this instance for assisting us to to find somewhere to sleep for the weekend. Luckily for both my partner and I, plus another couple, one of the guests was unable to attend and all four of us could share the unit...

Imbabala Game Lodge is a welcoming venue to which we will return with it comfortable accomodation, excellent food, and stunning landscape and wildlife. The hosts go out of their way to make your trip memorable. |The lodge is based on a vast tract of land and harbours a number of well known wild-life species. It is possible to go on self driven game drives if you have a 4x4. ||A lovely place for a couples getaway or a...