Bonamanzi Game Reserve, Hluhluwe ~ Discover room options, reviews & pricing

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About the Hotel

Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe, South Africa

“The fine landscapes of Zululand at Bonamanzi took my breath away!”view full review

Bonamanzi Game Reserve is a privately-owned Big-4 game reserve with the Hluhluwe River forming the Eastern border. This 3-star reserve offers an array of accommodation options and is recognized as one of the best birding destinations in Southern Africa with over 426 species.

Diverse Accommodation Options

Bonamanzi Game Reserve accommodation ranges from air-conditioned Lalapanzi Deluxe Chalets with satellite TV to self-catering Tree Houses built on stilts. Each unit contains either a king bed or single beds with en-suite bathrooms, while the Family Tree Houses can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children across two levels.

Scenic Dining Experience

The elegant Lalapanzi Restaurant features an outdoor bar next to a fire pit and tables extending into gardens under a massive tree. A viewing deck overlooks the Lalapanzi Dam where guests can relax and watch the sunset, making it an ideal place for family meals.

Wildlife Adventure Activities

Guests can traverse the wilderness in custom-built open vehicles for twilight game drives or experience the Hluhluwe river on guided two-hour tours. The reserve offers interactive bush experiences including guided walks, boat cruises with knowledgeable guides, and evening entertainment with Zulu dancing extravaganzas.

Strategic Conservation Location

Located 40 km from Phinda, Bonamanzi provides access to the Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Big Five Reserve within a 30-minute drive. The Isimangaliso Wetland Park is accessible via the Ndlozi Gate, also just 30 minutes away.

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Check out the full range of transport modes

City Centre

Hluhluwe 2.9 km

Airports

Phinda (PZL) 39.7 km

Richards Bay (RCB) 93.3 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Breakfast Delight

“The breakfast at the lodge was very nice! It offered a wide variety of options, going beyond my expectations. Fresh fruits, pastries, and different hot dishes made every morning a good experience.” view full review

Cozy Campsite Amenities

“Staying at the campsite was a treat. Each site had its own lockable private toilet and shower, adding a sense of comfort. I particularly appreciated the shared washing area which was easy to access and clean!” view full review

Spotlessly Clean Facilities

“The bathrooms at the campsite were extremely well-maintained. With separate ablution facilities for each site, it provided a level of privacy and cleanliness that I truly appreciated during my stay.” view full review

Relaxing Swimming Pools

“After a day of exploring, the swimming pools were a fantastic retreat. It was the perfect spot to cool off in the late afternoon while enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the reserve.” view full review

General

Smoking allowed in designated areas
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Luggage storage
Lift

Services

Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

Paid breakfast
Restaurant
Picnic area/ Tables

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Paid babysitting/ Child services

Facilities for people with disabilities

Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
BBQ facilities

Room features

Terrace

Location

Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe, South Africa

Map view

Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe, South Africa

City landmarks

Landmark

Crocodylus Private Sanctuary and Ostrich Farm

3.8 km

Landmark

Bonamanzi Game Reserve

4.6 km

Landmark

Kuleni Game Park

4.6 km

Landmark

Zulu Croc Reptile Park

4.9 km

Landmark

Tunga Needlework Studio

4.9 km

Landmark

Super Spar Food Store

5.0 km

Nearby

Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve

290 m

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

Victor

United Kingdom, February 2025

6.8/10

My stay at Bonamanzi was a unique experience. the grounds were incredibly beautiful, bursting with wildlife. I loved the laid-back atmosphere and the chance to appreciate the natural surroundings. However, there were some hiccups, particularly with the dining options and some aspects of service that could be improved.

Rooms

8.0

I stayed in a tree house that was perfect for my needs. it was close to the main restaurant and well-kept. I found the bedding comfortable, which was important for a good night's sleep.

Service

7.0

The service was decent, though there is definitely room for improvement. sometimes I felt like things could be a bit more organized.

Location

8.0

The reserve is situated in a lovely area of Zululand. being near Hluhluwe offered great access to the natural beauty of the region.

Dining

6.0

The dining experience had its ups and downs. while the meals were tasty, I found the prices a bit steep, and the portions could be reduced.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities were generally good, with clean environments and essential services available. I did have some issues with the condition of the tap water, though.

Georgia

United Kingdom, January 2025

6.4/10

Bonamanzi Game Reserve offered a beautiful backdrop for my recent getaway, with well-kept accommodations and an informative game drive that added to my experience. However, there were some service hiccups, particularly with the restaurant reservations and a maintenance issue that needed addressing. Overall, it was nice, but improvements could enhance the stay further. 🌿🦓

Rooms

10.0

The room was clean, featuring two single beds joined to form a king bed, providing comfort for my stay.

Service

6.0

While the reception staff was friendly and professional, I faced challenges during my visit, including a misunderstanding with restaurant reservations that dampened my dining experience.

Location

10.0

The reserve's setting was stunning, located on the main dam, allowing for beautiful views and easy access to other park areas.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience was just okay overall, and my planned dining at the restaurant did not go as smoothly as expected due to miscommunication.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities were generally good and clean, but I encountered a maintenance issue with the power supply that marred my overall experience.

Jade

United Kingdom, January 2025

6.4/10

I had a wonderful holiday at Bonamanzi Game Reserve. The peace and beauty of the area were simply magical, though I didn't get to see the big four during my stay. The staff was exceptionally friendly and kept everything well-maintained, making it a lovely experience overall.

Rooms

10.0

I enjoyed a comfortable king bed, which was kept clean throughout my stay.

Service

10.0

The staff were very friendly and helpful, and they made my stay even more enjoyable.

Location

8.0

The scenery along the river was beautiful, but it was a bit frustrating to only have access to heavily forested areas.

Dining

9.0

I loved the gourmet sandwiches offered, which were a treat after a day of exploring.

Facilities

10.0

The facilities were well-kept, including the clean pool and private camping amenities.

Jennifer

United Kingdom, November 2024

5.6/10

I enjoyed my stay with comfortable and clean accommodations, though the air conditioner was a bit of a hassle as it blew directly on my head all night. The meals were decent but felt somewhat overpriced for what was offered. However, the lovely evening on the veranda and witnessing a Nyala doe give birth made my experience quite special.

Rooms

6.0

The room was kept clean and had adequate facilities, including two single beds put together to form a king bed.

Service

6.0

The reception was friendly and professional, making me feel welcomed upon arrival.

Location

8.0

The location by the river was stunning, providing a beautiful setting for relaxation and exploration.

Dining

6.0

The quality of the meals was average, and I found the pricing to be a bit high for what was served.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities were generally adequate, although some aspects fell short of expectations.

Evelyn

United Kingdom, November 2024

5.4/10

My stay at Bonamanzi Game Reserve was a refreshing escape into nature. The scenery was beautiful and I enjoyed spotting a variety of antelopes, zebras, and even a couple of giraffes and buffalos. However, I missed seeing some of the larger animals like elephants and leopards. Overall, it was a very relaxing experience, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Rooms

8.0

I had a comfortable room with two single beds put together, and the cleanliness was great. The bedding was well-maintained and added to the overall comfort of my stay.

Service

10.0

The staff at Bonamanzi were incredibly friendly and provided sincere hospitality that made me feel welcome throughout my visit. Their assistance was commendable, enhancing my overall experience.

Location

8.0

Located on a small island in the main dam of the Hluhluwe national park, the setting was beautifully immersive. I did find it a bit frustrating at times to only have access to the heavily forested areas, but it still felt authentic and serene.

Dining

10.0

I enjoyed the meals offered during my stay. The food was delicious and provided a great dining experience, complementing the overall relaxation of my trip.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities were well-kept and suited to my needs, providing a good base to explore the area. I appreciated the options available, even if I didn't use all of them.