16 Parsons, 1390 Balule Game Reserve, South Africa
#8 of 13 hotels in Balule Game Reserve
Guests' ChoiceBased on 16 hotel reviews
9.1Cleanliness
9.7
Comfort
9.9
Location
9.3
Facilities
9.6
Staff
9.4
Value for money
8.3
Free WiFi
7.5
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Showing 1 – 16
Reviewed: 29 August 2025
Douglas
United KingdomThere was quite a strong wind the one morning, so we had to eat inside. Maybe clearer communication on the extras... game drive cost etc. are not included in your stay. Also there was sometimes a strange/off smell that wafted through every now and again.
The location and the food were superb. I loved the no fences and real feel of Africa as you step out of your door. A real little treat in the middle of the bush. The staff were awesome! Courteous and super fun to be around. The food.... ah... real good. The management were fun and very hospitable. My boy had a great time with their kids which was such a nice surprise as they were the same age. Hayden was the bomb as a guide. A real love for the bush and a passion for nature and very kind. Paul and Victoria thank you for our awesome stay.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 23 July 2024
Robin
South AfricaThe view and the hosts
Stayed in July 2024
Reviewed: 23 July 2024
Dalene
South AfricaThe overall setting perfect and great for game watching whilst having breakfast or sipping your favorite drink
Stayed in July 2024
Reviewed: 14 April 2024
Adrian
United KingdomThe road through the reserve to the property is rough and would be tricky without a 4wd. But it’s like a game drive itself.
The property is beautiful and in the perfect location. In our 3 night say we had visits by Elephants,Bush Buck,Kudu, Hippo,Giraffe, were woken each morning by a family of Baboons and saw Crocodile in the river and Wild Dogs on the other bank. Absolutely fantastic The hosts are amazing and the food was perfect.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 11 February 2024
Esmee
NetherlandsThe drive up to the lodge is a rocky road (but very fun if you’re a bit adventerous) rent a good car ;)
Chef-kok Riri made the best food! From breakfast to dinner: 10/10. Even when we went out they prepacked a lunch for us which was yummy! The hosts Victoria and Paul were very kind, flexible and helpful and provided us with everything we needed. The location was so perfect and so peaceful with a beautiful garden. Just loved it. Also the room was very nice (with airconditioning yes!)
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 7 February 2024
Moniek
NetherlandsNone
In the middle of the private game reserve between the animals, this beautiful lodge with amazing view is situated. The hosts were lovely, welcoming and above all: passionate about wildlife. We enjoyed every minute.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 19 November 2023
Joost
NetherlandsVery hospitable owner. We even watched the Rugby world cup at her house!
Stayed in October 2023
Reviewed: 8 October 2023
Raymond
NetherlandsWe stayed here for only three nights, but that was too short! We had never been to SA before and didn't know what to expect. From the moment we arrived here, we were blown away. Located on the banks of the Olifant Rivier you have an almost 360 degree view over SA wildlife. We had our breakfasts and lunches near the water, whilst vervet monkeys, impala's, waterbucks, nyala's, hippo's and girafs passed by. Also countless kinds of birds. Incredible! Even an elephant passed by we could almost touch and meanwhile a crocodile was lying in the water. Victoria, Paul and their staff do a great job running this all. Paul was our driver and guide during the safari's and gave everyone a great time and had al the right information. This is a place you don't want to leave.
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 11 July 2023
Daanvp
NetherlandsSuper location in the Balule game reserve with amazing hosts and cool activities! Hippo's and crocs in the river nearby were a real plus!
Stayed in April 2023
Reviewed: 1 May 2023
Imad
NetherlandsVery good good, everyday was a feast. The staff is awesome both Nicky and Vicky. The scenery is so calm and you most probably will see all big 5.
Stayed in April 2023
Reviewed: 1 May 2023
Zalika
South AfricaOur stay was awesome! Maninghi is right by the river Olifant. As we were dining at night, we saw 2 hippos. Victoria is such a breath of fresh air…very friendly and warm. The idea of having everyone at the table for dinner was such a good idea. It was nice chatting to people from other countries. Then we saw a lion leap for an impala. That was just epic! We saw 2 males lying by the road and as we were leaving, one lion was standing on the road facing us. My friend was scared and didn’t want me to stop. We had an awesome time. Thank you to everyone at Maninghi
Stayed in April 2023
Reviewed: 11 March 2023
Barbara
Netherlands-
Before arriving me and my girlfriend were looking for the lodge and 3 min before we found it Paul came looking for us and showed us the way. He and Victoria made sure we were well looked after our whole stay. The chef was great! The place was clean and the location is amazing. Highly recommend the game drive + game walk. The quad tour was also nice. This place & people (& animals) made our trip memorable. Thank you for having us. RECOMMENDED 110%.
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: 1 January 2023
Lodrick
South Africanothing
the view and the private dinner sunset
Stayed in January 2023
Reviewed: 9 December 2022
Marthijn
GermanyWhat a great stay! We were really satisfied by our stay. Absolutely highlights were the amazing location and the super friendly staff. The Lodge is located next to the river, which gives the opportunity to see a lot of animals. We saw for example some; crocodiles, hippos, babboons and elephants next to the river. Regarding the staff: super friendly, good organized and you feel directly welcome! Not unimportant, the lodge is clean and all needed facilities are there! We would definitely recommend to go here and will go back when we are in the surrounding.
Stayed in December 2022
Reviewed: 28 January 2025
Sheri
United StatesTerrible 15k dirt and rock road to get to the lodge. The safari vehicle which could see over the brush wasn't registered for Kruger. Our 17 year old safari guide was knowledgeable but had no working radio or binoculars so very little game was seen. We would've been better just staying at the lodge.
Idyllic setting on the Olifants River. The room was comfortable and the catering was excellent.
Stayed in January 2025
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