Bonamanzi Game Reserve

We stayed here for a 4 night long weekend. The game is fantastic. The roads are well maintained. The park is fantastic but the restaurant and accommodation was very disappointing. The food was not very good, time for a professional chef. Absolutely no manager in sight for our stay. They need signs in the park for you to find your way around the park, No signs in the park to assist you with getting around. Fortunately we have tracks for Africa and google maps.

Just had a couple of nights at Bonamanzi in an Africamps glamping tent. Customer service at reception (shout out to Sphindile) is exceptional. Africamp tents are new, very comfortable and well-equipped, and the whole Bonamanzi camp is well maintained and a birding paradise. Great to be able to self-drive most of the park now too - and to be able to walk/run the bigger tracks. Some of the park will be closed off after rains because of black cotton soil. Beautiful and varied bushveld just doesn't disappoint - will return for sure.

We had a lovely stay at Bonamanzi. This is definitely the place to go if you like birding - we saw over 60 species in a three hour guided birding boat cruise. The guide was very knowledgeable about birds, plants and wildlife. The accommodation is basic, but all you need for a stay in the bush. The restaurant had lovely fish meals.

We loved our stay. Super pleasant staff on all levels, decent accommodation, and a lovely reserve. The sand forest is just great, and the birds are a real attraction.

We went comping this weekend. First time I have camped in my adult life, so was very skeptical. What a place to go camping, was really amazing. Campgrounds, bathrooms/building was all very clean. Staff came through early mornings to clean. Each staff member we encountered were friendly and helpful. Got such a nice greeting from the reception, we felt at home from the beginning. |There is something for everyone, as their camp sites and lodges, and separate bungalows as well as stunning treehouses overlooking forest/wildlife. |Highly recommend it and can't wait to go again

We went camping for the weekend at campsite 23 and it was perfect. Peaceful and quiet. Unfortunately the big 4 is not easily spotted in this reserve and you will have to work hard for your big sightings, but the bush, smaller game, and bird life makes up for it.

Hi Filipa, this is one of your travel buddies here — yes, the very same trip you wrote about. I read your review with some surprise (and a bit of a smile).||You’re absolutely right: the facilities are fantastic, the sheets spotless, the kitchen well-equipped, and the view breathtaking. On that we fully agree. But when it comes to the staff, I had quite a different experience.||Yes, we broke the rules — let’s admit it! One of us thought “responsible driver” included holding a child on his lap for a short drive, and another decided his playlist was more important than the sounds of the bush. The staff showed up quickly, true, but instead of “aggressiveness,” what I felt was firmness mixed with patience. The Manager is direct (he’s no cruise ship entertainer…), but I never felt disrespected. In fact, I found him rather understanding considering we were clearly breaking rules we already knew about.||To me, it made sense: the rules exist to keep the place safe, calm, and fair for all guests — and let’s be honest, if everyone started driving with kids on laps and playing loud music at dinner, this would stop being the paradise it is.||So while you saw “rudeness,” I saw “firm management of a special place.” In the end, it might just be a matter of perspective.||Either way, it was a memorable trip — even with our little resident rat trying to join the party in the tent!

We had a lovely stay at Bonamanzi at the private 10 sleeper game lodge. Always had antelope in the vast garden, heyna walk through on the first night and warthog. Although we didn't explore the reserve much as it was a break between destinations we found it restful and peaceful. Friendly staff and cottages cleaned daily. The pool was also a plus for the kids that to stretch legs and loads of space for everyone to be comfortable. The only minor issue was the steep incline of the showers but can be easily managed once aware of it and aircons need a service should you be staying in the summer months. We felt it was great value for money and hoping to explore the reserve more in future visits.