Rafiki Bush Lodge

Hotels
9.8 (103 reviews)
708 Tamboti Street, Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate , Hoedspruit , za

listing image 1
Show all photos
Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Terrace
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
Tour desk
Ironing service
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent food quality
Outstanding service
Cons:
Cleanliness issues with the pool

Categories

Cleanliness
8.8
The only thing that could be improved was the cleanliness of the pool.
Service
10
Outstanding hosts, constantly providing excellent recommendations.
Location
10
Perfect location close to town but still in nature.
Room Quality
10
Fantastic atmosphere, the lodge offers privacy and a relaxing setting.
Amenities
9.8
Game drives and various activities enhance the stay.
Value for Money
9.8
Exceptional experience considering quality of service and amenities.
Food and Beverage
10
Food overall was fantastic and beautifully served.
Overall Experience
10
Incredible experiences, highly recommend Rafiki Lodge.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 12:35

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation with Scenic Views
Rafiki Bush Lodge in Hoedspruit offers a tranquil retreat with an outdoor pool, garden, and free WiFi. The rooms feature mountain views and cozy patios, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Relaxing Amenities for a Memorable Stay
Indulge in a buffet breakfast, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or sip on your favorite drink at the bar. The shared lounge and terrace provide ideal spots to socialize and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Convenient Location and Personalized Service
With multilingual staff to assist you in planning activities, from cycling to wildlife adventures, your stay at Rafiki Bush Lodge promises to be seamless and unforgettable. Book now to experience luxury in the heart of nature.

Important information:

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.8
Based on 103 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.8
Service: 10
Location: 10
Room Quality: 10
Amenities: 9.8
Value for Money: 9.8
Food and Beverage: 10
Overall Experience: 10
R
Roni Djeison • couple • br
10
We had an incredible experience at Rafiki
Pros:

We had an incredible experience at Rafiki! Right upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Maria, who showed us all the facilities and gave us great local tips. The dinner and breakfast are fantastic—beautifully served and of excellent quality. Chef Lungsani prepared everything perfectly every night, always being mindful of our dietary restrictions.

Maria and Reinhardt were outstanding hosts, constantly providing excellent recommendations for things to do around Hoedspruit. Rafiki is located within a private reserve where you can spot various animals like giraffes and birds. Additionally, it is about an hour from Kruger National Park and close to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre; both are well worth the visit.

We highly recommend Rafiki Lodge and are deeply grateful for the care shown by Maria, Reinhardt, and Lungsani.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
L
Laura • couple • co
10
Pros:

We had a fantastic time at this lodge. All the Staff were extremely attentive and made us feel very welcome .We recommend taking the game drive they offer, they are well organised and add so much to the experience.
The food was delicious! we really enjoyed our stay; the place is paceful, relaxing and offers a lot of privacy.
we would definitelz come back!

Cons:

The only thing that could be improved was the cleanliness of the pool.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
T
Tanya • couple • za
10
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
G
Garth • couple • gb
10
2026-01-15 • via Nuitee
V
Valerie • couple • za
9
2025-12-29 • via Nuitee
R
Reneilwe • couple • za
10
We had an awesome experience and the game drive was exceptional thanks to Charl the guide.
Pros:

Food overall was fantastic and the chef was as super friendly. Maria and family thank you for being a great host. Location is perfect.

Cons:

Everything was on point.

2025-12-18 • via Nuitee
M
Melba • extended_group • za
10
It was a home away from home but more beautiful experiences
Pros:

Maria and her staff were amazing
They made show we had everything we needed
The game drive ,massage,food top notch
The place is very clean

Cons:

Horse riding was fully booked only that

2025-12-18 • via Nuitee
A
Alica • couple • de
10
2025-11-20 • via Nuitee
V
victor • solo_traveller • es
9
Pros:

The owner and their staff were very attentive and caring. I was sick unfortunately during my stay and they looked after me like if I was a member of their family. I totally recommend this place.

2025-11-05 • via Nuitee
A
Andrea • extended_group • mx
10
Food and hospitality were amazing!
Pros:

Yes!! So much!

2025-10-31 • via Nuitee
M
Moses • couple • za
10
2025-10-26 • via Nuitee
T
Taylor • couple • au
9
2025-10-23 • via Nuitee
D
Doctor • couple • za
10
2025-10-15 • via Nuitee
Q
Quinton
10
Pros:

Absolutely amazing, only stayed one night whilst visiting family and the staff and family are lovely. Food is amazing and plenty of it. Had a hyena and a giraffe outside our rooms during the night!

2025-09-27 • via Nuitee
M
Mathibane • family_with_children • za
10
Wonderful
2025-09-14 • via Nuitee
V
veerleb368 • Couples • Gouda, South Holland Province
10
perfect location, and they do gamedrives!
Pros:

We had a wonderful stay at Rafiki Lodge! The location is perfect—close to town but still in nature. Reinhardt offers game drives in a nearby Big 5 reserve, which we highly recommend. Maria gave us such a warm welcome, and we’d definitely love to come back!

2025-08-21 • via Tripadvisor
L
Lepulana • young couple • za
10
Exceptional
2025-05-19 • via Nuitee
O
O4735DZdaniellet • Couples
10
Wonderful Honeymoon
Pros:

We spent 2 weeks at Rafiki and simply didn't want to leave. The lodge is beautiful and immaculately clean. Maria took my long wish list of activities and made them all a wonderful reality. From hot air balloons to horseback safari and feeding hippos, Maria arranged it all.

The room was lovely with plenty of space and an incredible bathroom. The housekeeper was in everyday and everything was kept lovely and clean.

The food at Rafiki is amazing and Lungsani was so accommodating making us breakfasts to go if we had early morning activities. Dinner was different every night and Steaks on the Braai were a highlight of the stay!

Rafiki is inside the lovely Hoedspruit wildlife park and we regularly took walks were we came across Giraffe, Zebra and Antelope. Being able to just walk through them was better than I imagined and the location was just superb.

The safari's with Safari.Reinhardt were incredible. We did a mixture of morning and night drives and even a full day drive in Kruger. We saw the big 5 and so much more. Charl had an amazing eye for picking out wildlife and was always looking to get you the best view. Both Charl and Reinhardt were fountains of knowledge and a lot of fun!

We very much hope to come back!

2025-05-11 • via Tripadvisor
N
Nomalungelo • young couple • za
7
Good but can improve for the amount
Pros:

Nice breakfast but I wish it was a buffet. With a lot of options rather than dishing up what you have prepared on the plate.

Cons:

The place is nice, the rooms need a little bit of entertainment.

2025-03-28 • via Nuitee
P
Phumi • family with young children • za
10
Exceptional
2025-03-24 • via Nuitee