Grand Kruger Lodge and Spa

The staff were so friendly and especially kind to our children. Breakfast was a real highlight, fresh, delicious, and served in generous portions. We had a wonderful stay, and the location is ideal for getting to the Kruger National Park Crocodile Bridge Gate. We even spotted wildlife close to the property.

We booked a private game drive through the lodge, and it was worth every penny, one of the highlights of our stay. The spa was incredible too, with an amazing view over the bush and the natural pool. We spent three nights at the lodge and loved it all: a spacious room, welcoming and helpful staff, an excellent restaurant, and great cocktails. It was lovely to see wild animals wandering around, and we appreciated being able to feed them. Thanks for making our journey such a joy.

I can only speak about the spa facility, as I wasn't staying at the lodge. We booked massages for two couples and arrived on time. We weren’t 15 minutes early as requested because the signs to the lodge were poor and we got lost, which should have been taken into account. The billing afterwards was a problem. We were charged an extra R400 without warning. They said asking for firmer pressure cost another R100, though nobody had explained that beforehand. I had selected medium pressure on the intake form but was charged for deep pressure anyway. I asked not to turn over and simply wanted the rest of the massage on my back. That led to another charge for a head, neck, and back massage, even though we stayed in the same room, the session length and setup didn't change, and nothing extra was provided. We were also billed for bottled water that was supposed to be complimentary. The massage itself was very poor, more like someone spreading oil on my skin than giving a massage. The therapists didn’t introduce themselves. The air conditioning was uncomfortably cold the whole time, the lighting was harsh, and there were no eye covers. The atmosphere wasn’t relaxing and the staff were unfriendly. This was meant to be a relaxing holiday experience, and it wasn’t. Between the poor service and these unexpected charges, I wouldn't return. I’d advise other visitors to be very clear about the pricing before booking.

The staff were friendly, and the place felt homely. The rooms are a little dated but comfortable, with great water pressure. The food was good enough, in a home-cooked style. The excursions and transfers were well organized, and the Kruger safari was magnificent. The Pano tour had beautiful views, but the long minibus ride meant too much traveling and wasn't great.