Nyala Safari Lodge

This was our first safari and first time in Africa, following the Comrades Marathon in Durban. We truly hit the jackpot with this lodge. If you're looking for a boutique luxury safari experience—with what might be the best guides in the park, delicious and healthy meals from a phenomenal chef (all included!), and family-run hospitality that genuinely cares—look no further. We found this gem through our friends at BHS Safari Company, and now we understand why they were so insistent. But fair warning: once you've stayed here, it may ruin all future safaris. I often tell people not to visit Japan first if they're new to Asia—because it sets the bar too high. This lodge is the "Japan" of Kruger National Park: simply the best. From the moment we arrived, the experience felt like something out of White Lotus—but in the best way possible. We were welcomed with drinks and cool towels by the entire staff, and after every game drive, we were greeted the same way. With only five lodges on the property, everyone quickly becomes familiar. By the end, we truly felt like one big family. Dave and Nikkie, the owners, are a wonderful couple who treat their guests and staff with warmth and respect—and it shows in every detail. Shylet and Kutso, the powerhouse chefs, served up hit after hit. Not a single bad meal in our entire 4-night stay. But the real star? Our guide, Christelle. Words can’t capture our gratitude. Her deep connection with the animals and reverence for the park was immediately apparent. She struck a perfect balance between delivering an unforgettable guest experience and respecting the wildlife. She was so good, we spotted all of the Big Five on our first day. I could tell you how comfy the beds were or how beautifully designed the lodges are—but the truth is, we hardly stayed in our rooms. We spent every moment we could connecting with the incredible staff and fellow guests. That kind of magic? It can’t be bought. We came for the animals. We left with lifelong memories—and friends. —Allen & Kaiser

Sorry, this review is a few months overdue, but, hope it still offers potential new guests some pointers. We visited Nyala Safari Lodge in early April 2025. This was our 2nd visit to the lodge following a previous visit in 2022. Some friends accompanied us this time and for them this was their first ever safari trip to South Africa. We kept Nyala until the last stop on our safari adventure, as based on our last visit we knew our friends would love the 'feel and ambience' this place had to offer - and it did not disappoint. Dave and Nikkie are very attentive towards their guests and run this lodge really well. You can tell because there is a happy atmosphere in the camp which translates into excellent service served up by staff with genuine smiles. We find the standard of food in South Africa to be generally very good anyway. However, the quality of dishes served up by Shylet (Head Chef) and Kutso were once again, truly exceptional. So much so that all four of us really looked forward to what was on the menu each day. The standard of accomodation at Nyala is excellent and there is no attention to detail spared in terms of decoration, including towels folded up in the shape of a smily elephant's head on your arrival. The rondavels are beautifully appointed and the bathrooms, including an additional outside shower facility, really make for a truly wonderful bush experience. You visit Nyala though for the safari experience and in this respect we had some wonderful sightings this time. Christelle was once again our guide and she really knows her stuff - and is incredibly funny and interesting too. Knowing that we were (slightly) disappointed last time not to see Ezulwini ( a big elephant tusker that sometimes visits the property) she went out of her way to make sure we saw him this time. So, thanks Christelle and we hope your trip to Norway went well. Finally, a big thanks to the Nyala team. We really enjoyed our stay and needless to say our friends got back home with some wonderful memories of their last stopover in South Africa.

Fantastic overall experience – this place offers both adventure and relaxation. The absolute highlights are the two game drives a day we had with the most passionate and fabulous guide, Christelle – you couldn’t wish for better!! Nicki and Dave and the whole team at the lodge are amazing, you can tell that they are putting a lot of thought into how to make it a memorable stay. They prepared different romantic dinners for us and the chef spoiled us with her delicious food! Do bring a book or two—between game drives, the peaceful surroundings invite you to unwind. Hoedspruit Airport is relatively close by, making arrivals and departures convenient. The 3-4 planes that fly by in the early afternoon are hardly noticeable. Rooms are very clean, and taken care of twice a day when on safari. The lodge is well protected, felt very safe during day and night time. With stunning views of the riverbanks, you might see various animals pass by while dining or relaxing—making this a place to remember and one we would love to come back to one day!

We spent four days in this exquisite, little camp. The managers Dave and Nicky made us feel at home with their attention to detail. They made sure each of our experiences, from the morning safari to late evenings by the fire were perfect. Shylet and Kudzu created delicious meals that were just right. The rooms and camp area were beautifully maintained. The highlight, of course, was the safaris twice a day. Nick, our guide, was knowledgeable, patient, accommodating and made it a great experience for every single person - and we were six individuals with different interests ranging from big 5 to birds to photography. We couldn’t have asked for more!

This lodge gives an unforgettable experience. The hosts Nikki and Dave are welcoming and give attention to detail. The meals are excellent and tapered to individual preferences. The kitchen staff are friendly and professional. The rondavels are spacious, comfortable and very clean. Our laundry was serviced everyday. We saw the big five and much more on the drives. The guide was very knowledgeable and considerate. We had a wonderful stay and can’t recommend this place enough if you want to experience the bush naturally and in comfort. Five star !

For my first time in the bush i have experience this splendid feel-like-home place being operated by Nicky&David with Crystal as true wild nature expert. Those four days were full of genuine hospitality, great cuisine and unforgettable hours spent at Safari. Hope for comming back again!