Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

The animals coming to the drinking hole by the dining room were amazing, and watching lions in the field eyeing their dinner while I ate mine is something I’ll remember forever. I can hardly wait to come back to Kwa Maritane. I spent five delightful nights there. My room was spotless and had great amenities, with tea, coffee, and biscuits topped up every day and a chocolate on the pillow at turndown. The breakfast and dinner buffets had plenty of variety, including for vegetarians. The staff were always pleasant and kind.

This was our fourth stay at Kwa Maritane, so the unpleasant service we got at lunch was a surprise. Our waitress spoke aggressively when she asked for our room number at the entrance and for our orders. Throughout the meal, she made us feel like we were bothering her. We didn’t even feel comfortable asking for more water or coffee. We’ve really appreciated the usual warmth and politeness of South African hospitality, so this stood out. I hope the feedback helps management maintain the standards we’ve enjoyed on previous visits.

Our sunset game drive with Ranger Bonolo was a highlight. Her knowledge and enthusiasm made it unforgettable. The staff around the rest of the resort were excellent too. The restaurant team was warm and efficient, the breakfast and dinner buffets were outstanding, and the bar staff made the evenings especially enjoyable. We spent five nights at Kwa Maritane and loved the setting, amenities, and dining. The self-catering unit was immaculate, comfortable, and well equipped, and the live hide feed on the TV was a fun, unusual touch. My only small complaint about it is that the air-conditioning doesn’t reach every room. Food is on the expensive side, but the quality is excellent. There’s lots to do, including several pools, a water slide, mini golf, giant chess, children’s activities, and a well-stocked but small curio shop. Reception caused a couple of hassles at the start and end of our stay. We arrived expecting self-catering check-in at 14:00, then were told it was 16:00, and it took some insisting to get our food stored. At checkout, they mistakenly billed us for game drives we hadn’t booked, and it took time to fix. Those are things the lodge could improve. Even with the reception issues, I’d gladly return and highly recommend Kwa Maritane to Pilanesberg visitors.

We had two game drives each day, and every guide was knowledgeable and happy to answer our questions. The buffet breakfast was a treat, with plenty to choose from. Eating on the terrace with a view of the park was a highlight. On Saturday night, we were driven to the boma for a special dinner with live marimba type music. The room was comfortable, clean, and lovely, with a veranda opening onto the lush garden. From the moment we arrived, everyone was friendly and helpful. Kwa Maritane offers plenty of entertainment for young and old. We can’t wait to visit again.