R516 Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, 0480 Bela-Bela, South Africa
#25 of 33 hotels in Bela-Bela
Guests' ChoiceBased on 338 hotel reviews
7.7Cleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.8
Location
9.0
Facilities
8.0
Staff
8.0
Value for money
7.9
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End of dialog contentReviewed: March 25, 2023
Vundla
South AfricaEvery chalet should have their own braai stand, like last time i was there. BBQ facility is slightly far from the chalet. And there should be information about the slots of seeing lions, that it's only Wednesdays and Sundays mornings. Other than that I'm pretty much satisfied.
The location is extremely good, no gravel road. The pools were very clean and in good condition. Enjoyed the sunset game drive. When the door handle broke cause it was faulty why we got there, the landlord got it fixed and i liked that she was attentive.
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: March 13, 2023
Carika
South AfricaWhat a beautiful tranquility place. We enjoyed the surroundings and the bush field around us! Had a lot of encounters with the warthogs foraging for grass and some came close to inspecting us! Value for money! The place was clean and well equipped!
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: March 9, 2023
Mahlako
South AfricaRefer to my answer above please.
The serenity and the kitchen were awesome. We self - carted for everything, we only went out for drinks just to see the area. Our shower was small and showering with my partner was difficult and our bathroom door was also not convenient. But overall, it is a nice place.
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: March 9, 2023
Lionel
South AfricaIT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE TO RECEIVE ADEQUATE TOILET TISSUE AND SOAP EVEN AFTER REQUESTING SAME FROM OWNER ,WHO SUGGESTED THAT WE PURCHASE SAME FROM THE SHOP ON THE SITE.
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: February 27, 2023
Catharina
South AfricaPlace is small but everything we needed, the only downside is there is little privacy between chalets. It was not nice to sit next to our neighbours when we want to have a barbeque. We had to speak softly otherwise everyone both sides can hear every word.
Great weekend, good location close to restaurant. Perfect for weekend stay.
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: February 23, 2023
Charné
South AfricaIt wasn’t properly clean. There were hair in the bathroom from previous guest and could see that the shower/bathroom isn’t cleaned. Dishes wasn’t properly cleaned and the stove were dirty. When the house cleaning lady came, I asked her to please clean it nicely and she told me but it was clean but it wasn’t. We came in late the Friday night and we didn’t use the stove so the Saturday morning when we wanted to make breakfast we saw it and the dishes. Further, very nice accommodations. It was a lovely stay. Don’t have any other complaints.
the animals walking in front of the chalet and the privacy
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: January 4, 2023
Obi
South AfricaThe chalets could do with a bit more thorough cleaning. There were a lot of spider webs
I loved the friendly staff. Especially the game driver we had by the name of Ettienne. Really passionate about his job
Stayed in December 2022
Reviewed: December 5, 2022
Jeanine
South AfricaOur unit didn’t have a utility knife, and cutting tomato with a bread knife or a steak knife didn’t work.
The food at the restaurant was generous in quantity and priced so well that we had breakfast there every dat.
Stayed in December 2022
Reviewed: November 2, 2022
Sandra
South AfricaThe two sleeper units were rather small. Windows needed to be cleaned and cobwebs wipes from inside window sills. The shower drain was blocked and smelly. Water would fill the shower floor. Our cleaner for our unit was loud and rude when speaking to me. She was careless and rough with the dishes breaking a glass.
The warthogs and mongoose were entertaining to watch. The location of the unit was in walking distance to the amenities. Wild buck roamed close to the units, I would definitely return to stay longer.
Stayed in September 2022
Reviewed: October 19, 2022
Ashley
South Africait was clean and well equipped
Stayed in October 2022
Reviewed: September 25, 2022
Tumi
South AfricaThe accommodation -* It was ncah!! # It was clean # we had all the utencils we needed. # everything was as expected. Above everything else - SS (the owner of the lodge) -Thanks for your patience. We called you SEVERAL times cause we forgot our directions and you PATIENTLY assisted without complaint.
Only booked the accommodation without B/fast.
Stayed in September 2022
Reviewed: September 15, 2025
Thandi
South AfricaLiked everything
The pictures on the website/booking.com are not doing this place justice. Please relook into this and get a photographer. the place exceed our expectations. it is really beautiful. We booked Malalingwe close by Unit 257, we had our own private outdoor fireplace, we had a breakfast on Sunday by the dam, such a beautiful car picnic with the damn view. The place is family friendly as well. I will definitely come back.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: September 7, 2025
Kirsty-lee
South AfricaThis was the most horrendous experience. The front door of the unit did not lock. The bathroom curtain was full of blood and the toilet and rest of the unit was filthy. We could not even walk from the shower to the bed without shoes as the floor was so dirty. Not to mention the fact that the actual unit was in a shocking state of disrepair with broken blinds in the kitchen and all the cupboards have water damage. I have tried to contact the owner since we arrived on Friday and there has been no response to my WhatsApp or phone call as well as when I asked the main reception to phone her there has been no answer.
Stayed in September 2025
Reviewed: July 26, 2025
Bonginkosi
South AfricaNothing
Location and friendliness of staff
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: July 6, 2025
Monja
South AfricaIt was our second visit The bedding was very dirty Yellow marks on the duvet. The blankets in the coubourt was dirty. The kitchen The microwave was dirty. All the kitchen essentials In the coubourt was dirty. I washed everything before use. The Shower was blocked
It was our second visit The bedding was very dirty Yellow marks on the duvet. The blankets in the coubourt was dirty. The kitchen The microwave was dirty. All the kitchen essentials In the coubourt was dirty. I washed everything before use. The Shower was blocked
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: June 27, 2025
Alan
South AfricaRoom spacious, clean decent bathroom, private boma a plus.
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: June 10, 2025
Godfrey
South AfricaEverything is clean and get around the place was a breeze due to the maps and staff
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: June 8, 2025
Jacques
South AfricaI expect not just 2 big towels, but hand/hair towels as well! Also, no soap in the bath room is really unsatisfactory.
The Boma with the private braai area next to a little stream was pleasant.
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: May 25, 2025
Dudumashe
South AfricaNone
Ambiance and overall experience: 5/5 (you loved everything about the lodge!) Communication: 5/5 I was informed about the lack of network early, and I appreciated that.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: May 12, 2025
Marilize
South AfricaNo warm water
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: May 11, 2025
Daniel
South AfricaIt was not clean. It was filthy. Bugs were everywhere. Not enough utensils. The beds were filthy and uncomfortable.
Nice game reservation, accommodation wasn’t up to standard.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: May 11, 2025
Tshegofatso
South AfricaWe hated the fact that we just had two nights! We definitely want to come back
We loved everything about the place. The activities, the restaurants, bars and the whole setup of the place was excellent 👌
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: April 12, 2025
Du
South AfricaNothing... all was just perfect
The views the facilities....day spa game drive restaurants
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: April 10, 2025
Mariette
South AfricaProblems with electricity in unit untill Saturday 2 o'clock and also no hot water.
Animals that visited the unit
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: March 20, 2025
Antonie
South AfricaThis review is hidden because it doesn't meet our guidelines.
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