Mbizi Bush Lodge

We were at Mbizi for five nights and had a memorable, comfortable stay. The owners and staff made us feel welcome, and the food and lodge location were great. Since it was our first trip to Africa, we had felt a little nervous beforehand, but there was no need to be. We enjoyed the private reserve drives more than going into the park, though Kruger Gate is nearby for park trips. We also took a day trip to the beautiful Panorama Route and drove ourselves. We had a wonderful time and hope to return.

Divya and Bjorn helped make the trip easy from the start. They arranged our accommodation and safari tours, shared directions, and gave us ideas for things to do both nearby and during the wider trip. My partner and I couldn't have asked for more from the hospitality, service, location, and attention to detail. And Divya's cooking was delicious at every meal, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Booking was easy too. I'd highly recommend the lodge.

We felt safe and well looked after on the safaris, and Bjorn made them especially engaging. He knows the bush and its animals so well, and his enthusiasm made each drive both fun and educational. At Mbizi Bush Lodge, wildlife was right there by the pool. We watched elephants, zebras, giraffes, and more from the water, an unforgettable part of the stay. Divya's meals were just as memorable, full of flavor and beautifully served. They exceeded our expectations every time. The unfenced wilderness, warm hospitality, and close-up animal encounters made this a wonderful bush experience.

We've returned to Mbizi Bush Lodge for a second stay, and once again it felt like coming back to family. We first arrived as strangers, but Divya and Bjorn make everyone feel at home. Divya's smile, Bjorn's bear hug, and the excitement of their two gorgeous little boys made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The lodge reflects the beauty of Sth Africa. Each hut uses local materials and decor, with bright colours, handcrafted furnishings, and traditional African Art. The pool room, where meals are served, has open windows and decking so you can take in the bush and wildlife while sharing time with visitors from around the world. Divya's meals were amazing, each one better than the last, with dishes from around the world that felt like Michelin Star cooking. She also made sure everyone's dietary needs were met. Nothing seemed too much trouble. Bjorn is a master at finding even stubborn wildlife, and he stays in contact over his two way radio about sightings so each drive can be magical. Some of the moments we'll carry with us: drinking hot coffee on the banks of the Olifants River as morning mist rose and naughty hippopotamus misbehaved; rounding a corner to find a pride of Lions sunning themselves less than 3 metres from our Jeep; and spotting 4 of the big 5 on our first night out. We also watched a mamma Elephant trying to corral her mischievous baby calf as the herd kept watch, and Oscar, the world's friendliest Giraffe, visited me every day. For me and my Granddaughter, these are dreamlike memories she'll keep long after I'm gone. The stay brings a new surprise each day and moments that stay etched in my mind. If you love animals and want to experience rare untouched nature, I can't think of a more magical place than Mbizi Bush Lodge.