Bonamanzi Game Reserve

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 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.

My wife and I went there on a camping trip, Bonamanzi reception area is refreshing and well maintained, nice and clean and it's got a very pleasant inviting feel about it, the staff are friendly and helpful, we stayed at the standard campsite which was clean and well maintained as a matter of interest all the campsites and accommodation were well maintained of what we saw when we drove around. However there are 2 pools 1 at reception very clean and the 2nd by the campsite the water was clear but every day I went to the pool it was never brushed or the leaves and dead bugs were never removed. The Ablution block at our campsite which there are 6 campsites in a horse shoe shape that share this ablution block, was very clean be as it may that it's dated but everything worked well, so no need to complain except for one thing the water is brownish so although the showers work well you never feel clean after a shower, NB Please don't drink the water at allll. Please note that there was a lone Hyena that came through the campsite scavenging for food so don't leave food stuff out at night, it was really scary but very cool peeping out of our tent at night looking at it roam around before it wondered off into the bush. The overall game viewing was a bit disappointing whilst we were there which brings me to what I would say was my biggest disappointment at Bonamanzi reserve and most probably the big game changer as to whether We will go back to Bonamanzi and that are the Roads and the total lack of signage. Let me start with the roads... If you don't have a 4WD vehicle especially in the rainy season You will struggle, we got a Ford Tourneo Bus which has got good ground clearance and we struggled in the softish sand, you get 2 types of sand 1 is a clay type that is hard when dry but when wet you definitely don't want to be in it even 4x4 vehicles struggle in this when wet. The 2nd is almost like a beach sand and in certain areas it is a bit thick so we got stuck but were able to reverse and go a different route which brings me to my next point signage which is non existent. My advice is that you drop yourself a pin location of where you are staying so that you can use this to get back and pray you have signal, we on Vodacom which was fine most of the time. In my opinion don't try this reserve in a normal passenger vehicle as they charge R1000.00 recovery. So my disappointment was rerouting because of some bad roads then not knowing at all where you are so you spend your time trying to figure out where you are and stressing not to get stuck so you don't enjoy just relaxing and spending time looking for animals. Apparently they are working on it and I really hope they do because this could be such a beautiful park to drive around in. Before I forget if you do walk around which you are allowed to do please note there are ticks around so take anti tick spray.

We were very unlucky with the weather during our stay, but otherwise really enjoyed the reserve. We stayed in an exclusive campsite (unfortunately did not sleep the first night due to loud music coming from outside of the reserve but it was only one night and understand it is beyond the control of the reserve management). ||||The staff were very friendly and we loved having wildlife roaming our campsite. The birdlife was exceptional and we had a fantastic game drive.

We went to Bonamanzi for the first time last month. We really enjoyed our stay. We enjoyed the 4x4 element as it rained while we were there… unfortunately we did not see much game. The maps are terrible and the signage is also poor! Make sure you have a location pin of camp and hope that you get signal.

We stayed at Lalapanzi. The rooms are very clean. The shower was the best shower I've had for a while. The bed was very comfortable. The food at the restaurant was outstanding . Was so relaxing to sit and watch the Nyala grazing in tge camp. An awesome part of KZN

Stayed in the chalets near reception overlooking the Dam. Beautiful view. Lovely rooms with Fridge and kettle. Very clean. Whilst it rained and not so many animals we still felt like we were in another world. Food was very nice, delicious and tasty

Absolutely top spot. Some of the best bush camping around. New dimension is that Hyena have moved into the park which for me and many other adds another awesome experience of being here. Love the place and will definitely be back, just be careful and mindful of the cotton soil and remember you're in a big 4 reserve with Hyena so don't get complacent!!!!!!!