Rafiki Bush Lodge

Our four nights at the lodge were great. The host family and staff were friendly, flexible, and helpful throughout. We enjoyed the educational game drives in a nearby reserve that’s part of Greater Kruger. Breakfast and dinner were tasty, with vegetarian options too. The lodge is only a 15-minute drive from the airport and offers pickups. It exceeded our expectations, and we’d definitely recommend it.

The homemade food was so tasty and a real bonus. We were warmly welcomed, and the staff were always around to help with anything we needed. Rafiki Bush Lodge has a special location in the middle of Hoedspruit Wild Life Estate, a calm, peaceful setting that’s great for safaris. We had a wonderful stay. A big thank you to the whole team!

The game drives turned out to be a great fit for our 10-year-old. We’d wondered if two drives a day for more than a week might be too much, but Reinhardt’s knowledge and skill as our guide made them fun. I only wish we’d booked one of his overnight safaris too. Camping would have been incredible. Rafiki sits in a quiet, wildlife-rich part of a private reserve. Even a morning walk or coffee could mean seeing a giraffe, zebra, or another remarkable animal. It’s also close to the Greater Kruger, with drives on private sections. The lodge itself had everything we wanted: a pool, good rooms, bikes, breakfast on the deck with animals passing by, and an affordable, kid-friendly feel. We’re a well-travelled family looking for authentic, educational experiences, and this small safari lodge became one of our most memorable adventures. From the start, we felt like family. The hospitality was second to none, the food was fantastic, and our needs were handled before we even realized we had them. We mentioned at dinner that it was our kid’s birthday the next day, and a Cake Boss quality cake appeared. Rafiki was amazing. I don’t write many reviews, but this one stood out. Go.

Maria and Reinhardt run a small, modern guesthouse on the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, with a warm, familiar feel. The service is great and the staff are friendly. If you’re there, I’d recommend booking a game drive with Reinhardt or Charl.