Reviews of Maninghi Lodge
16 Parsons, 1390 Balule Game Reserve, South Africa
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Reviewed: 29 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe 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.
There 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.
Dear Doug and family, thank you so much for your review! it was an absolute pleasure having you with us for your short Kruger holiday. thank you so much for your review as well, it always helps travellers to find their next safari destination :) we have recently noticed that our booking messenger doesn't always send the initial information needed when booking, so thank you for bringing this to our attention. we will definitely make sure all future guests receive the necessary information needed. as for the strange smell, this has been detected from the neighbouring property and we have asked them to sort this out. again, thank you for choosing Maninghi as your getaway, and we do hope to welcome you back soon 😊 Warmest, Maninghi Lodge
Dear Doug and family, thank you so much for your review! it was an absolute pleasure having you with us for your short Kruger holiday. thank you so much for your review as well, it always helps travellers to find their next safari destina… Show more
Reviewed: 28 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewIdyllic setting on the Olifants River. The room was comfortable and the catering was excellent.
Terrible 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.
Dear Sheri, Thank you for taking the time to review your stay with us! We are so glad you enjoyed the lodge and what it has to offer. We do pride ourselves on our accommodation, cuisine and of course, the view of the Olifants River! With regards to your concerns, thank you for noting them. It was unfortunate that your stay with us was over the period where our roads were being maintained, making them difficult to traverse on. We do apologise for this, but it does take time for the reserve to make the effort to maintain our roads due to the traffic, however you will be pleased to know that the majority of the road to the lodge is now a lot better 😊 Our safari vehicle is fully permitted for entry into Kruger, and this was most definitely an option for you for a Kruger Day Trip. With regards to your Guide, he is 22, and fully qualified (under SA law) to guide you in private (our) and public (Kruger) reserves. Please do note that his radio was fully functional for your game drive within our reserve, but a radio is not permitted, for several reasons, in the Kruger Park itself. For a 3-night stay, and partaking in 1 game drive, 1 bush walk and 1 Kruger Trip, you did manage to spot 4 of the Big5 amongst several other animal and bird species – which is fantastic considering our animals are in an open system and do have the freedom to roam as they please. We do hope to welcome you back in the near future, to better your experiences with us! Warmest, Maninghi Lodge
Dear Sheri, Thank you for taking the time to review your stay with us! We are so glad you enjoyed the lodge and what it has to offer. We do pride ourselves on our accommodation, cuisine and of course, the view of the Olifants River! With r… Show more
Reviewed: 23 July 2024 · Stayed in July 2024
Verified reviewThe view and the hosts
Dear Robin, Thank you for your review! We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Warmest, Maninghi Lodge
Reviewed: 23 July 2024 · Stayed in July 2024
Verified reviewThe overall setting perfect and great for game watching whilst having breakfast or sipping your favorite drink
Dear Dalene, Thank you so much for your review! We are so pleased you had a great time with us, and look forward to welcoming you back in the near future :) Warmest, Maninghi Lodge
Reviewed: 14 April 2024 · Stayed in April 2024
Verified reviewThe 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.
The road through the reserve to the property is rough and would be tricky without a 4wd. But it’s like a game drive itself.
Dear Adrian, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are so glad you had a wonderful time with us :) Although the roads are fairly bumpy, they are constantly being maintained. We do recommend a higher clearance vehicle, and to enjoy the Big5 game viewing along the way :) Warmest, Maninghi Lodge
Dear Adrian, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are so glad you had a wonderful time with us :) Although the roads are fairly bumpy, they are constantly being maintained. We do recommend a higher clearance vehicle, and to enjo… Show more
Reviewed: 11 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewChef-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!)
The drive up to the lodge is a rocky road (but very fun if you’re a bit adventerous) rent a good car ;)
Dear Esmee, Thank you so much for your wonderful, detailed review of your stay with us! :) The road to the lodge is unfortunately out of our control but they are constantly being maintained. We do give advance notice to guests who self-drive to rent a higher-clearance vehicle, best advice is to take the roads slowly and enjoy the Big5 game viewing along the way :) Warmest, Maninghi Lodge
Dear Esmee, Thank you so much for your wonderful, detailed review of your stay with us! :) The road to the lodge is unfortunately out of our control but they are constantly being maintained. We do give advance notice to guests who self-dri… Show more
Reviewed: 7 February 2024 · Stayed in January 2024
Verified reviewIn 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.
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Dear Moniek, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! Warmest, Maninghi Lodge
Reviewed: 19 November 2023 · Stayed in October 2023
Verified reviewVery hospitable owner. We even watched the Rugby world cup at her house!
Dear Joost Thank you for your review! We do try and be as accommodating as possible ;) Warmest Maninghi Lodge
Reviewed: 8 October 2023 · Stayed in September 2023
Verified reviewWe 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.
Dear Raymond, Thank you for your wonderful review! We are thrilled we got to share our experiences with you, and that you both had a wonderful time with us! Warmest, Maninghi
Reviewed: 11 July 2023 · Stayed in April 2023
Verified reviewSuper location in the Balule game reserve with amazing hosts and cool activities! Hippo's and crocs in the river nearby were a real plus!
Dear Daan Thank you for your review, and we are so glad you had a great time with us! Warmest Maninghi Lodge
Reviewed: 1 May 2023 · Stayed in April 2023
Verified reviewVery 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.
Dear Imad, Thank you so much for your review! We are glad you enjoyed your stay with us :) Warmest, Maninghi
Reviewed: 1 May 2023 · Stayed in April 2023
Verified reviewOur 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
Dear Zalika, Thank you for your kind review! It was an absolute pleasure having you both with us, and as you are not far, we do hope to see you again in the future! Warmest, Maninghi
Reviewed: 11 March 2023 · Stayed in February 2023
Verified reviewBefore 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%.
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Dear Barbara, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are so glad you enjoyed your time with us :) Warmest, Maninghi
Reviewed: 1 January 2023 · Stayed in January 2023
Verified reviewthe view and the private dinner sunset
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Dear Lodrick, thank you for your wonderful review! we hope to welcome you back soon :) warmest Maninghi
Reviewed: 9 December 2022 · Stayed in December 2022
Verified reviewWhat 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.
Dear Marthijn, thank you for your wonderful review. Your descriptions will definitely help other travellers decide on their next safari destination. We look forward to welcoming you back!