Guest reviews Hlosi Game Lodge

by Bertrand_Wooster London, United Kingdom

Mixed experience but overall fantastic

Firstly, we had a great experience in Hlosi Game Lodge. We went primarily to see the wildlife, and here Amakhala does not disappoint. There is so much to see, and the principle of only two jeeps near animals at any time means that each safari drive feels exclusive, never overcrowded. Our guide was so knowledgeable, and clearly had such a love and respect for the wildlife we encountered. The rest of the stay is where the 4-star status started to creak a little, which may explain the mixed reviews that Hlosi has received. All lodges in the Amakhala reserve get the same amazing safari drives, but it is in the other aspects of the stay that differences between lodges (which are generally 5-star) arise, and depending on the priorities of different guests may give rise to expectations not being met for some. Our luxury tent could not be faulted. It was such lovely accommodation, with little details such as a carafe of sweet wine (port?) that was refilled, and the turndown service that meant we arrived back to our tent to find electric blankets already on (it was very cold at times - do bring layers, as at one point we wore 7!). The long, narrow layout of the campus means that every tent and suite is very close to the electric border fence, meaning that you feel very close to the wildlife. We sat and watched a herd of 23 giraffes meander by just in front of us. Very special! The pool is uninviting and the pool area looks tired. Monkeys relaxed on the loungers, which was cute, and it was winter after all, but I'm not sure we'd want to swim in the pool even in the summer. Food was hit and miss, and this is where the 4-star ranking has the biggest issues. To pre-order breakfast, then go out on a three hour drive, returning to then have to wait 45 minutes for bacon and eggs which were cold in parts - something isn't right. Meals generally offered a choice of two courses, but again, quality (presentation, temperature, flavour, portion) varied enormously. Perhaps if the promotional material talked of rustic home-cooked food, expectations would be better managed. And given that reviewers have commented on food/food service for some time now, the responses to reviews promising escalation to management etc seems not to have resulted in sustained improvements. It would be relatively easy to make things so much better, and presumably the other lodges are also dealing with post-pandemic supply and staffing issues. The staff, though, were a delight and worked so hard. We really appreciated their thoughtfulness, and they readily addressed any issues we had. But as I said - we were there for safari, and that is the reason we were, overall, so happy with our stay at Hlosi Game Lodge.

by LoveTravel61634

Fabulous safari experience

We had the most beautiful time at Amakala recently. Lucky Nokanda was the most fabulous safari Guide making superb experiences happen seeing 3 cheetahs, lions close up and a pounce at baboons, herds of elephants. He was amazing not forgetting the morning and afternoon snacks and drinks. The venue was beautiful and the luxury tents fabulous. Housekeeping staff did a perfect job every day. Highly recommend this place. Not forgetting the 2 hippos who took up residence in the watering hole... A great view of them at meal times

by Clairemcl662 Belfast, United Kingdom

Fantastic experience 🦁🦏🦒🐘

What a wonderful way to finish off our honeymoon trip! We had a lovely 2 night stay in Hlosi Game Lodge, with fantastic food, very friendly staff and amazing game drives. Our ranger, Evans, was great fun and very knowledgable about all the animals. He made sure to give us the best experience on the drives- we saw elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes and so much more!! The only downside was the weather- it was pretty stormy with some impressive rain showers, but thankfully cleared up well for the drives. The drives were cold once the sun was gone, so I would advise lots of layers, a wooly hat, a snood and even gloves (during the winter months anyway)! Overall fantastic experience and would highly recommend a stay here!

by drthomasmeier Celle, Germany

We loved our stay in the Hlosi Game Lodge, strictly recommended!

Nice lodge with comfortable rooms; very skilled and humorous personal; great tasting meals, in a wonderful setting in the middle of the game reserve. You are able to watch animals right from the patio of your bungalow. Knowing and experienced rangers are explaining and showing wonderful nature with plants and animals. We would strictly recommend this outstanding lodge.

by Buggsi Teignmouth, United Kingdom

Nothing like expected, left as soon as possible

Hlosi needs to update its website urgently. The offer is nothing like the reality and our disappointment having travelled for hours to get to the lodge was unfixable. The luxury room booked was poorly maintained and in places verging on shabby in a bad way. The on site staff were friendly and tried to provide a solution however list of issues continued to grow right up to point that we departed after just one night. If you don’t research where you are staying, are happy to accept sub-standard facilities and want to miss the best that glorious South Africa has to offer Hlosi will meet you needs.