Hazyview Buffalo Game Lodge

The rooms were clean and the place itself was quiet, attractive, and nice to stay in for a weekend. The problem was the owner, who stays on the property and seemed drunk much of the time. On our second day back from Kruger National Park, he abused us, made racist comments, and kept us from entering our rooms. The helper locks all the rooms after cleaning in the morning, and the owner has the keys. A lot happened that evening, and in the end we had to call security to get the keys. I’ll never go back.

The resort is in a beautiful location, but the rooms are equipped very sparsely and as cheaply as possible. There’s nowhere in the bathroom for toiletries except the floor. Between the two beds there’s just one tiny side table, and the plastic chairs have no little table between them. The open hanging cupboard has no shelves, only a slatted ledge where things can fall through. We had no hot water the first night, and there’s only a fan, so I wouldn’t stay in summer without aircon. There’s no small bar fridge either, so you have to use the shared kitchen fridge. The owners also use that kitchen; we couldn’t find the toaster for breakfast, and think the owner had taken it to her place. They give you one toilet roll that looks like it’s been recycled a hundred times, and I had to ask for another. Bring camp chairs, your own braai for the patio if you want privacy and space, and your own pillow, since theirs are hard. There’s no DSTV, and no card machine, so you have to pay everything upfront. The residential estate isn’t really suited to walking, so this is mostly somewhere to sleep.

I was travelling alone, and the owner was so kind and looked out for me. It’s peaceful and beautiful if you want some quiet. I enjoyed my morning walks and spotted a giraffe. There are lots of nearby areas to visit too, so I’d give it 7/10 overall.

The lodge is still new and needs a few things, but Pieter sees it as a work in progress. He’s aiming for a niche offering affordable overnight stays, daily game drives, and scenic outings. There are shared braai, kitchen, dining, and TV facilities, the rooms are clean, and the service comes with a smile. Pieter is originally from Holland and invested in setting the place up. With some of the changes he has planned, I think it can find a lasting place in that niche. My wife and I enjoyed our stay. Good luck, Pieter.