Vuyani River Lodge

This was our second time at Vuyani River Lodge, and the best safari experience so far. We stayed in the "sister" Vuyani Safari Lodge a couple of years ago, which was a perfect 10 as well, but this time the River Lodge atmosphere and the animal sightings raised the whole experience to another level. It all added up - from the company of other tourists who felt like family, to the staff and incredible dinners. I have written a full review in my blog (you can find the link in my bio), in case you want to see more photos and find out about other things to do in the area. Hats down, Vuyani team! ＜3

5 rays and nights in which you could not assume anything when it came to close encounters with animals during each of the two game drives a day. In each encounter there was thin ice separating life and death. The trackers (thank you Chris!!) and the drivers (thank you Thomas!!) enabled us to do the terrestrial equivalent of swimming with sharks. We were eyeball to eyeball on several occasions with animals such as Lions, Rhinos, and others, who could if they wanted, brush us and our vehicle aside. The facilities of Vuyani River Lodge provided high levels of safety and luxury as the staff worked tirelessly to make us all feel at home. All our needs were provided for in the inclusive rates. We did not need anything else, and if we wanted additional trips, visits and experiences, these were seamlessly organised on our behalf into the programme for the week. We ate, slept and breathed Africa. The other guest who were there with us were amazing, showing not just tolerance for the environment we were sharing with each other, the staff and the animals, but a level of respect that lead to an increasing level of understanding of what Vuyani River Lodge, and its staff are achieving on behalf of the living world in their location. Thank you all. You have made such lasting and valuable memories and impressions.

If you’re dreaming of a safari experience where every detail is thought of and every moment feels like a treasure, Vuyani River Lodge is the place to go. Celebrating a 30th birthday here, we couldn’t have felt more special or more at home, thanks to the wonderful team that truly treats you like family. From the moment we arrived, the staff’s warmth and humor set the tone for a perfect stay. Clive and Cyril deserve a special mention; not only did they look after us with such genuine care, but they were also always up for a friendly game of pool—a highlight of our evenings! They, along with the entire team, went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable, entertained, and well taken care of. The food at Vuyani was nothing short of exceptional. Every meal felt like a special occasion, with generous portions and daily variety that kept us eagerly anticipating the next. The chef personally introduced each dish, which added such a wonderful touch. Though I wouldn’t call myself a dessert person, I couldn’t resist their incredible creations—the best desserts I’ve ever had! And of course, the wine was superb, with attentive staff who made sure our glasses were always full. Each evening, we were treated to sunset game drives with gin and tonics in hand and snacks at the ready—a highlight of every day. Watching the sun dip below the mountain ridge as we embarked on our evening adventure was simply magical. The lodge’s tented accommodations were also far more than we imagined, feeling more like a spacious house, with a lovely touch of having the beds turned down each night. Housekeeping kept everything pristine, creating an oasis to return to after our day’s excitement. But the real heart of Vuyani lies in the safari drives. Jarrod and Direct are exceptional guides—experts at tracking and spotting wildlife, and their passion for what they do is palpable. Jarrod’s knowledge was endless, and he shared fascinating insights and stories throughout our stay, along with incredible footage of the wildlife. Thanks to him and Direct, every game drive was a new adventure, each with unforgettable sightings that will stay in our memories forever. Vuyani River Lodge is more than just a safari destination; it’s a place where the service, setting, and people come together to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thank you to everyone who made our trip so remarkable—we can’t wait to return!