If you are looking for the best Hoedspruit lodges, you are in the right place. Hoedspruit is one of the main zones for holiday goers who are looking for a getaway away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hoedspruit is one of the towns that are close to the Kruger National Park so it is a good place to visit on the way. Aside from the being a stop on the way to the Kruger Park, the charming town has become a tourist spot itself and you can find a bunch of things to do in Hoedspruit.
While on your safari vacation, you will need a perfect place as your base for discovering the nearby attractions. Hoedspruit has no shortage of compelling places to stay. We have listed some of our favourite lodges to stay in while there.
List of Best Hoedspruit Lodges
Ekhaya Bush Villa
This amazing bush villa is located in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, which offers the best blend of the bush and creature comforts. The hotel is close to a lot of points of interest that you can explore on your safari holiday.
The hotel has a compact team of well-trained staff who are on available to cater to your needs but also give you privacy. You will be greeted with friendly smiles throughout your stay will never wanting for anything. The villa is perfectly located within an animal reserve so you will see plenty of animals roaming around.
Ekhaya has 3 different types of rooms that you can choose from. In order of increasing size, there is the standard room (which sleeps 1 adult), and the deluxe room, and luxury rooms which can accommodate two adults. All rooms come with an en-suite bathroom and a double or king size bed depending on the room.
A nice touch in the rooms is that they have universal plug points, so as a traveler from abroad, you have the convenience of using your own plugs if need be. Dining at Ekhaya is served on a bed and breakfast basis.
Every morning you will be served with hot breakfasts that range from specialized meals to a classic full English breakfast. For when you want to get out, Ekhaya can arrange a variety of activities from hot air balloon rides, to a full day tour at the Kruger National Park.
So you can get along with your safari holiday with all the admin taken care of for you. One of the things that make this hotel very popular with visitors is its affordable pricing.
Nyala Safari Lodge
Nyala Safari Lodge is like your own little paradise in the middle of nowhere. The lodge is located in the heart of the Badula Private Nature Reserve. The reserve is right adjacent to the Kruger National park, making this another convenient location.
The theme at Nyala Lodge is on moving at a relaxed pace and taking in the splendor of the surrounding wild habitat. You have your choice of two lodges to stay at, each with its own unique décor and layout. Nyala Safari Lodge consists of 5 thatched chalets with luxurious decorations and an outdoor area with lush green lawns and a swimming pool.
Nyala Sands consists of 4 East African inspired chalets, with a panoramic view of the Mohlabetsi dry bed river which allows animals to come to you. If you opt for the catered option on your stay, you have a choice of four dining areas both indoors and outdoors. Meals are prepared daily with a focus on traditional South African home cooking.
Special dietary needs are also catered for on request. For the self-catering option, you have access to a fully equipped kitchen, along with staff on hand to assist with getting fires started for a braai. To complete your safari experience, guided tours to the Kruger National park are available from the hotel.
Bushbaby River Lodge
The Bushbaby river lodge is another one located in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, one of the most picturesque parts of Hoedspruit. Don’t let the Wildlife aspect worry, you, they do not have the big 5 in the estate itself. It is safe to explore the bush setting on foot or on a leisurely drive by yourself if that catches your fancy.
The lodge is a short distance from popular tourist destinations like the Blyde River Canyon among others. If you love nature, privacy and luxury, you will find just what you need at Bushbaby River Lodge.
The lodge consists of 5 thatched roof chalets, each with its own unique theme and named after one of the big 5. Luxury is the focus, with each chalet having a king-sized bed with Egyptian cotton linen for maximum comfort. The chalets also sport an outdoor shower so you can refresh in the amid the sounds of the bushveld. The rooms are built to accommodate two but a single bed or bay cot can be added at a fee. 
You receive a bottle of complimentary wine on your arrival. Breakfast is served daily and is included in the room rates. Additionally, barbeque dinners are available on request on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. The lovely pool area with pool loungers and for poster beds is the perfect place to relax, during the day or at night.
Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa
Unembeza Boutique lodge is a more recently opened lodge but it is becoming popular quite fast. The lodge is a 5 star boutique lodge with all the trappings of luxury that the high end guest is accustomed to.
Whether you stay in the lodge or in one of the villas, you will be treated to a curated stay with a focus on personal attention to make you feel like a valued guest. There are luxurious rooms which accommodate two people each, and two luxury villas which can accommodate 5 and 8 people, respectively.
Unembeza offers a full range of hospitality services. The hotel is created as not a place to stay while on safari, but as a destination on its own. You can enjoy Unembeza from the inviting spaces that beckon you to spend time here, like the pools, viewing decks and lounge areas. The Unembeza Bush Spa will take you on a sense safari as you rejuvenate yourself right in the middle of nature at this outdoor spa.
Dining happens at the on-site restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is well-known for its 4 course dinners that focus on South African traditional cuisine with a twist. The meals are as effective for curing your hunger as they are for the aesthetic appeal. As a foodie, you might spend more time photographic your food than eating.
When you want to get out into the wild, Unembeza has a list of fun activities that they host with external partners. From excursions to the Panorama route to horseback riding, all can be organized for you to help maximize your stay.
Vuyani Safari Lodge
This lodge is offers a different experience to others on the list. Located in the Moditlo Wildlife Estate and part of the Blue-Canyon Conservancy, this commercial boutique lodge is a tented camp that really gives the safari feel, inside and out. You will be catered to by incredibly friendly staff who are knowledgeable about the surrounding environment and wildlife.
The lodge is decorated in a colonial style with thatched roofs and French Windows. Your accommodation choices are the luxury and honeymoon suite, or the tent. If you are in a larger group, there is a deluxe family suite that can accommodate up to 5 adults.
If you intend to go to the Kruger National Park, there is a free road transfer available to all guests. Game drives depart twice daily from the lodge in an open-top safari vehicle with knowledgeable trackers to guide you and give you informational tidbits. Alternatively, you can relax onsite on the sun loungers around the pool or enjoy a barbecue around an open fire in the boma area.
The best thing about staying ere is all the inclusions in your rate. All meals, all drinks, 2 safaris per day and airport transfer are included, so you can pay upfront and not worry too much about further expenses.
Rafiki Bush Lodge
Rafiki Bush Lodge is a newly built luxury lodge and is already becoming a hit with guests. It is located in the Hoedspruit Wildlife estate which is the town’s foremost estate, where you can spot wildlife roaming freely. At Rafiki, Guests are offered luxury accommodation in 4 rooms decorated in modern African Décor.
Rooms
There are 3 types of rooms to choose from at the lodge. The queen room comes with a double bed and is approximately 18m2 in size. Deluxe double room is around 22m2 and comes with the choice of 2 single beds or a King size bed. The King room is quite spacious at a whopping 34m2 and is essentially the honeymoon suite. Have a private balcony with views out to the estate.
Location
Rafiki Lodge is located in the greater Kruger area and is a good base from which to explore the lowveld. You are right in the midst of nature, with the possibility of seeing wildlife from right on your doorstep. Do not that there are free-roaming leopards on the estate so be vigilant if you do decide to walk or cycle on the reserve.
Amenities
All of the rooms at Rafiki Bush Lodge are equipped with air conditioning and fly screens keep the rooms airy.
Breakfast is included in the daily rate while other meals can be prepared on request. The meals at Rafiki are easily one of the highlights and we highly recommend having dinner there as it is outstanding.
Facilities that guests can make use of include an outdoor swimming pool the large boma. Secure covered parking is available, and there is free WiFi to on-site.
Overall
Rafiki Bush lodge is a good packaged deal, giving guests luxury accommodation and great amenities at prices which make excellent value for money. The expertly prepared meals also stand out as a highlight, while the option to book out the whole lodge makes it particularly suitable for a large group.
Moya Safari Villa
Moya Safari Villa is a relatively new establishment but it offers arguable the best experience for travellers, especially if you are coming from abroad. It provides luxury accommodation as well as tailored safari experiences in one package. The experience includes township and village tours for guests to get an authentic African experience.
Rooms
The 6-suite lodge consists of 3 suites in the main villa and three freestanding units. Each of the suites are uniquely decorated in a modern African style. The suites are all spacious and vary in size between 25m2 and 35m2, with the Moya suite being the largest at 45m2. Each unit can accommodate 2 adults. All of the suites are en-suite and come with both an indoor shower and an outdoor shower.
Location
Moya Safari Lodge is located in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. Like other properties in the estate, it is located on an expansive plot with bush vegetation outside that allows for a great sense of privacy. Guests are able to explore the estate on foot and can see free-roaming wildlife. The lodge is 63 km from the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park.
Amenities
All of the suites at Moya are equipped with air conditioning, bar fridge and a tea and coffee station.
Full English/Irish breakfast options are available each morning and Dinner is available on request. For relaxing, there is a shared lounging area outside with a sparkling pool and wooden deck with loungers.
Parking is available on-site and there is free WiFi available in all of the units.
Overall
Rather than simply providing a place to stay, Moya focuses on a complete experience that entails proper exploration of the Kruger National Park and the history of the town. Staying here will give you a bigger picture on the community and wildlife. If you are visiting Hoedspruit and looking for a complete safari experience in one package, Moya Safari Villa makes a good case for best in class.
Malilule Safaris
Malilule Safaris is a riverside lodge that offers rare combination of quality accommodation, an idyllic location and very affordable prices. It is a self-catering establishment with space for up to 18 guests and is ideal for a family or a very large group.
Rooms
The lodge consists of 5 chalets, with the larger ones able to accommodate up to 4 adults and being en-suite. Family rooms are equipped with a double bed and a bunk bed. The chalets are open plan with high thatch rooves that give a sense of speciousness. The décor is modern bush style that blends right into the environment.
Location
Few places in Hoedspruit can compete with Malilule when it comes to a scenic location. It is located right along the banks of the Monomohlape River, making for picturesque scenery that compels you to spend more time outside. The lodge is also in a private location which is quite and allows you to take in the sounds of the surrounding environment.
Amenities
Malilule is a self-catering lodge, with a communal kitchen that serves all of the shares. Each chalet also comes with its own barbeque facilities. Other facilities that guests can make use of include a communal lounging area and bar. The wooden deck overlooking the Monomohlape is easily the standout highlight of the lodge. There is ample parking an open areas on the property, and free WiFi is available.
Overall
Malilule is a great destination among the accommodation in Hoedspruit. It has one of the best locations and scenery of any properties we have encountered. The fact that you can book out the whole lodge makes it great for extended family outings or even business retreats. It is also offers some of the best value for money, with huge savings for those who book the whole lodge. If you are looking for an idyllic escape that is kind to the pockets, this one is a good option.
Kingfisher Creek Lodge
Kingfisher Creek Lodge is a favourite for travellers and offers guest self-catering accommodation and luxury tented accommodation options. It is located half an hour from Hoedspruit town centre and earns its place on this list because of its high standard and being one of the most highly rated lodges in the area. The lodge is owner-run, with an emphasis on hospitality.
Rooms
The accommodation at Kingfisher Creek comes in the form of luxury apartments or tented accommodation. There are four apartments, of varying sizes to choose from. The double rooms come with an option of a double bed and single bed and can accommodate to adults. There is also the “holiday home” apartment which can accommodate up to five people and is ideal for the small family.
Location
Kingfisher Creek Lodge is located inside the Guernsey Private Nature Reserve close to the Kruger National Park & the Blyde River Canyon. It is 40km outside of Hoedspruit town, in a secluded and private area. The trade-off is that it is a fair distance from shops with the nearest supermarket being 20km away so be sure to stock up on essentials. On the upside, it offers a sense of escape unlike any others on this list.
Amenities
The lodge has the option of self-catering as well as catered meals which are available on request. Facilities available for guest to use include an outdoor swimming pool, shared lounge and barbeque facilities. There is sufficient parking and free WiFi is available throughout the property so you can stay connected.
Overall
Kingfisher is one of the highest rated lodges in the Hoedspruit area. It focuses on giving guests an experience, and the hosts are always on hand to ensure that your needs are catered to. The availability of a larger apartment that can accommodate a slightly larger group is also a big plus and provides good value for money. If being a little bit out of town is not an issue, then this is definitely one of the best lodges you can find in Hoedspruit.
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