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5.0
#11 of 71 lodges in Hoedspruit
Location
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Recently voted as the Best 4 Star Game Lodge in South Africa, Phelwana is perfectly situated in the Hoedspruit area, Limpopo Province of South Africa. We are located a mere 40 Km from the World Renowned Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate, Phelwana is the perfect destination for guests wanting to relax in the South African Bushveld. A 46 Sleeper Luxury Game Lodge, that offers guests a variety of accommodation options. Enjoy a ‘’glamping experience’’ in one of our 6 perfectly appointed luxury tents located on the Phelwana Dam each with unique views and features. For Families or Couples, our bush villas offer privacy and space. All of our units have private swimming pools for guest's leisurely enjoyment. For the more adventurous traveler, upgrade your accommodation for a once in a lifetime experience and spend a night on the Phelwana Sky Deck, perched, overlooking the Phelwana Dam. Listen to the hippos frolicking & a symphony of bushveld noises with the stars as your evening’s entertainment. Enjoy a variety of activities such as bird watching, game drives and bushwalks in this leisurely environment or arrange day trips to the surrounding area to see what South Africa has to offer.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
197 Guernsey Rd Klaserie, Hoedspruit, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
We stayed 3 days with our family in the luxury tents of the Phelwana lodge. The place is magic. Especially waking about to the sounds and view to the hippos in the lake was an extraordinary experience. We enjoyed the walking safaris in the morning and Jeep safaris in the evening and as well the 1-day trip to the Kruger Park is absolutely recommendable. There are just a few details that could be improved: 1. as the overall price level is quiet high we were surprised to be charged for small things as just water on the excursions. This gives a thrifty impression. 2. The overall service was very friendly and very good. In the restaurant it was sometimes almost too much. The waiters were around us all the time and as soon as we finished a dish or drink plates and glasses were immediately removed. Would be good to have a bit more laid-back service. Beside that everything was perfect!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Rooms
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DeVilliers3, Owner at Phelwana Game Lodge
Responded 18 Feb 2020
Dear StephanieIll, We are so pleased that you enjoyed your ''Glamping'' experience in our Luxury Tents and that you had a magical experience and thank you for taking the time to review your stay with us. Thank you for your suggestions, we always appreciate feedback so that we can constantly improve! Warmest Regards and happy and safe travels further! Pierre and the Phelwana Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The employees were very helpful and friendly. We stayed in one of the luxury tents at the dam. The tent is beautiful which includes all amenities needed. We had most of the days hippos nearby in the dam which was fun to watch. The tent has a private small pool, perfect to cool down during the hot afternoons . The food served for breakfast, lunch and dinner is excellent; was all included in the price. The change the dinner location some evenings , which makes it more interesting. They also make you a breakfast package if you go on an early game drive. Besides the hippos there are zebras, giraffes, buffalo and other animals. The reserve is fenced off , so no lions or elephants. However one morning we saw a leopard on our drive out of the reserve, they sometime visit the reserve (via tree over the fence). They do a complimentary brush walk and game drive in their reserve each day, it’s nice to do this, however since it’s not that big and with limited animals, I would only recommend this to do once, go to other reserves or Kruger to see more. I would highly recommend this place. However keep in mind that it’s nearly a 1 hour drive to the nearest entrance of Kruger NP
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First, we like the people. Before we even arrived, the staff was already very helpfull. I had to get a letter of accomodation for my SA visa application & Jana responsed very swiftly. When we arrived Roelof great us & helped us book a game drive in Manyeleti Reserve. He was very helpfull. Secondly, we enjoy the experience. It was my first time going Safari in South Africa, not for my husband. He said, you may find luxury tent like the one in Phelwana but you may not experience the same hospitality we had there. We stayed in Kingfisher & saw sooo many animals in front of our room (day & night). Lastly, we love the food! Bow down to the chef, food is very very tasty. Jeffrey always great us & help us too. Thank you Phelwana for making my first Safari trip amazing. If you like some privacy & sleeping very close to the animals, I recommend luxury tent with pool in front of the hippo dam
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
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Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DeVilliers3, Owner at Phelwana Game Lodge
Responded 18 Feb 2020
Dear Diannapriscylia, Thank you so much for thanking the time to review your stay at Phelwana Game Lodge. We are so thrilled that you enjoyed your first Safari experience and that Phelwana Game Lodge was able to make those memories with you! I will pass on your lovely review to the rest of my team and we hope to see you again on your next visit to South Africa! Warmest Regards and Happy and Safe Travels further! Pierre and The Phelwana Team
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This small private reserve doesn't offer the Big 5 which made it perfect for us, as it offered an opportunity of relaxing, walking and simply enjoying the well cared for bush. Our luxury tent was exactly that. Very tastefully and simply done offering a view over water with hippos close by. Meals were generous and tasty with a reasonable vegetarian offering. Covid protocols were well adhered to. We had some very good and personal conversations with the staff who all seemed happy and grateful to still have their jobs despite the consequences of Covid. Clearly the owners care not only for their land but also the people on it.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jeanine De Villiers, Marketing at Phelwana Game Lodge
Responded 16 Oct 2021
Dear marlize_meyer, Thank you for your review and your kind words. We are so thrilled that you enjoyed your stay at Phelwana. It has been a challenging time for everyone, however we are proud that we have been able to keep our Phelwana Team employed and doing what they do best, host and look after our guests! We are thrilled that you enjoyed everything Phelwana has to offer and we hope you return in the near future! Warmest Regards and Keep Safe! Pierre de Villiers and the Phelwana Team
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The property has lot to offer for its guests. To start with is the staff, they go out all the way to make sure the stay is comfortable. As a family we had dietary requirements which was met to our satisfaction. The chefs are always ready to prepare something that is not in the menu to meet the guest's requirements. The property also offers in-house game rides and bush walks, our guide Ms. Flora was very knowledgeable and friendly, she made sure our children (ages 14 and 11) were well engaged in the activities. The front office staff Ms. Nikita, Karla and Mr. Jordan were very helpful in arranging all our external activities including the safaris to Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route to Blyde Canyon. The restaurant staff Mr. Jeffery and Ms. Gale made sure all our requests were promptly met and went the extra mile to keep us comfortable. Overall an awesome experience as a family. It's a pity that Trip Advisor gives only five stars but this property needs more.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Rooms
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phelwana gave our family a fantastic villa to stay in the wild. The private swimming pool and the animals in the property made it a wholesome wildlife experience. Bush walks were complimented with awesome food at the restaurant and the hospitality was the very best. We had a great time.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DeVilliers3, Owner at Phelwana Game Lodge
Responded 18 Feb 2020
Dear bibhuduttaj, Thank you for taking the time to review your stay at our Lodge and we are so pleased that you enjoyed everything that Phelwana has to offer and that you had a great time! Warmest Regards Pierre and the Phelwana Team
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You know when you park your car that you have just arrived at a the most magical Africa destination the greater Kruger has to offer!
An overflow of friendly management and staff welcomes you and eagerly hand you your first welcoming drink. The food, the service, the units, the tents are everything , and I dare say more, than whats promised. They deserve each star awarded to them by the grading council!
The activities offered , safari game drive and bush walk, completes a picture filled with magical experiences only Africa can and will offer.
Well done, Reinhardt and team!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amazing Few Days being treated like a king.... I enjoyed the being in nature..hearing the hippos at night and in the morning right infront of my luxury tent in the dam. Loved the guided walks in the morning and afternoon. The one thing that stood out for me was how the lodge went out of their way to make my break comfortable, from staff to management, even though I was the only guest. The breakfast, lunch and 3 course dinner meal for one guest was out of this world. I really do feel that you absolutely get value for your money.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Book the luxury tents...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jeanine De Villiers, Marketing at Phelwana Game Lodge
Responded 16 Oct 2021
Dear Willem V, Thank you for taking the time to review us. There is something quite special about hearing all the bushveld sounds at night which are amplified when sleeping in our Luxury Tents. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time with us. Thank you for your compliments, we will definitely relay them to our team. Warmest Regards Pierre de Villiers and the Phelwana Team
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This was our family’s first trip to South Africa. The staff and facilities at Phelwana were outstanding and consistently went over and beyond in helping us plan side trips to Kruger National Park and the Panorama. The food was first rate and the chef was very helpful and interactive in accommodating a family member’s food allergy. The rooms/villas were spacious, clean and well maintained. We would not hesitate to recommend the Phelwana and will stay there on our next visit.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jeanine De Villiers, Marketing at Phelwana Game Lodge
Responded 8 Apr 2023
Dear Jason, It was our absolute pleasure assisting you with the additional day trips to the surrounding attractions, they are not to be missed when travelling to this area! We are always happy to assist and to be as accommodating as possible especially when guests have certain food allergies. Thank you for your review and kind words. We look forward to your next stay and welcoming you and your family back to Phelwana! Warm regards, Nikita Torr (PGL Mangement)
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Our stay at Phelwana was excellent. We stayed in one of the tents which was fabulous, our plunge pool on the terrace gave us great views and we really enjoyed watching the hippos. One evening we were walking up the path to the restaurant and encountered a giraffe walking towards us, he very slowly turned and walked the other way. The monkeys playing around our tent gave us endless amusement. Our guide Joe was excellent, his walks in the morning and drives in the evening were so interesting, the evening drives were perfectly finished off with sundowners and snacks at hippo dam. The food was superb, from a wonderful array at breakfast to imaginative and delicious evening meals. We highly recommend a stay at Phelwana, we can't wait to return.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good day,
Thank you for your interest and inquiry.
We do arrange Kruger park safaris in an open vehicle for a full day trip. You are welcome to email us directly for more information.
Kind regards
The Phelwana Team
Mbombela, South Africa43 contributions2 helpful votes
Kruger is the best place for game drives... so you can book drives in different areas this will increase your chances of seeing the big 5 so you can have 3 full days doing game drives in different areas in Kruger. I would advice another night in the Kruger Park itself a camp close to Malelane gate they have lions that side🙂
Cape Town Central, South Africa2 contributions1 helpful vote
Dear Mike,
Thank you for your query. Phelwana does not have all of the Big 5, however we do have Buffalo, Leopard, Hippo and a variety of plains animals (Giraffe, Zebra, Warthog, Wildebeest etc) on the property. We can easily arrange Big 5 Game Drives for you on a nearby reserve. Please email our reservations (see our website for details) and we will gladly arrange Big 5 game drives or any other activities you might be interested in. Our central reservations will email you a month prior to your arrival to inquire about any activities you might be interested in booking, however feel free to drop us an email all the same. Kindest Regards Jeanine
There are more places to choose from in the Hoedspruit area.
PRICE RANGE
HK$2,182 - HK$2,540 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkHoedspruit
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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