Vuyani Safari Lodge

What else do I have to say apart from - WOW. If this is your first safari, booking with these guys is an absolute must. There’s a reason why you’ll barely find a bad review about Vuyani. Here are the details:||Safari: |We were sceptical about going to a private reserve but reflecting on it, we got to see far more and had up close encounters that you just do not get at Kruger or anywhere else. Our driver Benette and spotter Godsave were absolute legends and a credit to the whole organisation. They took us off-roading into the bush to find a leopard with a kill, five small lion cubs, and much much more. We trusted them implicitly to find the rarest sightings and they absolutely delivered for us. All the drives include a pit stop for coffee (in the AM) and cocktails (in the PM) at some brilliant vistas where you can literally watch the sunset, sip a gin and tonic, and watch the game walk by. ||Other activities:|If you want to go into Kruger then you can do for a day but you will miss the morning and evening game drives. As we only stayed 4 nights, we didn’t want to have the FOMO of coming back to dinner and hearing about what everyone saw on their drives! However we will probably book this on our next visit as other guests said they had a great time on the day trip and got to see a different assortment of game. |We did venture out in between drives to do the elephant whispers interaction experience which we would definitely recommend if you love the African elephant and want an informative and chilled experience. It is a 1 hour drive there and 1 hour drive back but you get a packed lunch provided by Vuyani and it meant we didn’t miss any of our game drives. ||The lodge and amenities:|We stayed in the luxury suites which were great. No private plunge pool but we didn’t mind as we basically had the main pool to ourselves all day while everyone else was enjoying theirs. It also meant we had quick access to the brilliant Henky and Stamford for any drinks throughout the day. |The rooms were spotless and, as other reviews say, the cleaners are literal ninjas. It felt like every time we left the room and came back, our bed was made or turned over, fridge was restocked and fresh towels were waiting for us.|We also made use of the laundry service which was done punctually (done within the same day). |Throughout the lodge we had impala and other game walking around during the day which was exciting to see. ||Food and drink |When they say all inclusive they mean all inclusive! The food was excellent and they had something for everyone. You will not go hungry or thirsty! There was a surcharge for sparkling wine but it was small so we didn’t mind. |All meals are had at communal dinner tables which was daunting at first but by the end we really loved catching up with everyone over breakfast and swapping videos and photos of what we saw on the drives. This place seems to draw in friendly, open people from all over the world who were a blast to get to know during our time there. ||Conclusion:|We will absolutely be coming back and will be raving about this place to everyone we know. If you’re on the fence about booking, just do it. You will not regret it.

Wow.... i honestly don't want to write a review as I don't want it to be spoilt.... this a place to totally immerse yourself.... waking up 05:00.for 06:00 game drive....x2 a day unless you arrange trips. EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE went above my expectations.... was worried about an All inclusive but this was not what I was expecting probably due to small numbers but everyone was so hospitable... care free... just enjoying the privileged atmosphere day in and night. Games drive were excellent I so miss them since back home, especially the off roading.... David / Direct you both were stars and made my birthday celebrations awesome. I literally can't not fault your enthusiasm... although Bill for new jacket is coming your way .... lol... honestly best trip ever. Memories to last and to top it all found new lovely friends along the way. Rooms are lovely, welcoming although probably would prefer bathroom light lighter that's just a women's view when trying on her make up lol..... love the outdoor shower, love the fact we did not have TV.... my marriage is saved 😆 Food was exceptional, not once did I feel unfulfilled.... stuffed more like it. Many thanks to David, Direct, Cyril, Reply, Mo, I know there's more but the list would go on... Your place is amazing as are those who cater for us all. We will be back!

Vuyani is an incredible place to stay the staff are always so friendly and helpful. You get 3x meals per day and all your drinks included. Food was incredible and the staff are always offering you drinks. I loved the location you are right in the middle of the reserve! It is very peaceful. We were lucky enough to see all of the big 5 on our game drives! Including 3 leopards

This was our first safari experience, and was recommended by friends who went for their honeymoon.|So our expectations were high, but the experience was even better than we imagined.|The staff are so attentive and caring. The game drivers and trackers are not only knowledgable but really care for the animals on the reserve. They can read the behaviours, so you get close, but not so close as to interfere with the animals. |A special shout out to Uyai, and Chris, who kept us safe and imparted a bit of their extensive knowledge. |Food- all fresh, hot dishes, salads, fresh vegetables, meats, and always slightly different. |The itinerary is quite full on, and the evening meals over wine with other people is really wonderful. Everything is relaxed, and friendly.|There were a few honeymooners, some older folks and parents with grown up kids. Everyone gets on because of the shared experience.|The rooms are spacious and well equipped. The air con works and is quiet. |Wine beer soft drinks are on tap- as much as you wish for whenever- just ask. |A great experience.

Absolutely fantastic holiday from start to finish. You get six hours per day of safari (one morning drive and one evening drive). The reserve is absolutely massive and full of wildlife, don't think we had a single drive where we didn't see one of the big five. Solly and Stephen were fantastic guide / tracker, so knowledgeable, friendly and funny. Food at the hotel was excellent with a good variety. Staff were all extremely friendly, Wisdom was always on hand to be helpful. Both the river trip and the animal rehabilitation centre were well worth doing and reasonably priced when booked through the hotel. There were no hidden charges or upsells which is rare these days for an all-inclusive, even the room minibar was included! Overall couldn't fault a thing, will definitely be recommending Vuyani to friends and family.

I’ve wanted to go on an African safari all my life and this did not disappoint. |From the moment we arrived, we were so looked after. Everything we needed was catered for. |The game drives with Solly and Calvin were just incredible. We saw so many amazing animals at an incredibly close but respectful distance. This lodge catered for all our dietary requirements and made sure we had everything we needed. |Boat trip to Blyde River Canyon was a fab excursion organised by the lodge. |Thank you, Vuyani. Can’t wait to return! |Beccy and Ben

Since the moment i found Vuyani Safari Lodge and contacted them to arrange a 7 nigjt stay for a group of 6 of us they made me feel like family. Nothing was too much for them and no question too silly. The whole time we were there the whole staff made us feel special and never saw a misrable face the whole time we were there. The trackers we had for the week were so so great and will always now have a special place in all our hearts. If you want a holiday of a life time feeling like your spending it with extended family this is for you. This is not a hotel were you are a faceless guest. |I would say the safari (two a day) were amazing and saw things that i never imagined i would in the wild and thanks to the guides/trackers we were so well informed. You can tell how much these guys care about these animals and although they want you to have the best experiance you can they will never do this at the cost to the animals.|Would deffo go back.|Thanks Vuyani for making this experiance so magical. Xx

We have just stayed at Vuyani Safari Lodge for the fifth time! I think that says it all but I just want to emphasise what an amazing place Vuyani is. |First and foremost, the staff here are truly amazing! Justine/Johan for booking and communication - cannot fault how seamless it all was and super quick to respond to emails, never had a more efficient service. Divine/Alyssa/Faith - the front of house team who are all absolutely fabulous! Greeted with a smile and ‘how are you?’ each and every time we saw them. They are present consistently around the lodge for your needs, not that we had any! Funki/Wes - hands down the best waiters in town! Always a Castle Lite in Greg’s hand before he’s had a chance to ask! Both of them are absolutely faultless. Then of course there are all the hidden gems behind the scenes: each of the maids, chefs and maintenance staff who keep the wheels spinning. Our room was spotlessly clean and cleaned regularly - we apologise for not being the tidiest! Also, absolutely beautiful touch with the welcome and farewell messages! The food was out of this world - you will most definitely not go hungry! Vuyani are very accommodating for any dietary requirements - we didn’t have any but we did observe their hospitality. One fault - we now have to wait until our next stay to taste those wonderful dishes again!|Now for a very special shoutout to Jannie and Peace - our incredible guide and tracker. These guys are simply the best! Their knowledge, their passion and their personalities are unmatched. We saw everything and so much more. Completed the Big 5 yet again with so many beautiful sightings, more memories and experiences to keep for a lifetime. The best coffee stops and sundowners! Just to add though, the other guests here who had the other guides and trackers were equally amazed. |We very much view Vuyani as family! |We have, yet again, met some lovely people (3 couples who have also previously stayed at Vuyani which speaks volumes). Meal times and pool side are really lovely opportunities to talk to the other guests and socialise, particularly the evening meal where you can all share your sightings from the evening game drive! |For information, we are a family of 3 with a 13 year old who quite simply is blown away by each visit we’ve had, |Don’t wait any longer, you really do need to experience it for your self. |Until next time all at Vuyani! |The Lewis Family