Reviews

Kings Walden is still our favourite place to stay in this relatively remote part of South Africa. Tzaneen is one of the most scenic places to stay as a stop-over between the Waterberg, Mashatu or the northern Limpopo area and the game lodges of the Greater Kruger Park. However with Kings Walden, it may not suit everyone. The gardens reek of romance. And yet there is no denying that they have some maintenance issues to deal with. If you only want ultra-modern and all mod-cons then Kings Walden may not be for you. However if you like a little bit of romance and history and can trade this for a fresh paint of coat, then we recommend Kings Walden!

Mohlabetsi continues to offer great value for money with friendly, welcoming staff!. This is an unpretentious, moderately-priced lodge, with traditional rondavel-style rooms. We had good game viewing right off the bat! We were spoiled with large herds of buffalo and the largest pride of lions I’ve certainly ever seen (approx. 18). We had seen all of the Big Five by the next morning’s game drive, with great leopard sightings.

Kings Camp has a soft colonial style with an expansive lawn running down to the riverbed and a gracious ambience. This style may not suite everyone. But if you like that traditional style, Kings Camp does it very well.
However what they have now done is bring the rooms into the 21st century in terms of comfort and amenities. The rooms are still colonial in style. But the bathrooms are rather funky with an interesting baroque-meets-New -York-loft style.

They call Xaranna the “lady”, with softer colours inspired by the water lily – olive greens/soft pink. I loved this lodge the most and I didn’t feel it was TOO feminine at all. It had a light hearted feel with great staff.

Sandibe is a great new design-orientated lodge, which is the flagship product. I loved the open layout of the main area with the light airy decor.

Tuskers Bush Camp is very neat, tidy, but rustic as well. I like how it is situated and how well

Reailly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge is a great little lodge atop, not unsurprisingly, a forested hill. This affords it great views

Thanda Tented Camp is a very attractive tented camp that offers a good alternative to its sister lodge, the very

Fugitives Drift Lodge was an absolute highlight of our trip. The ambience and hospitality are superb, and they create a