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Blyde River Wilderness Lodge

Property class: 3
Nature lovers find serenity at this wilderness lodge with three outdoor pools, while nearby Jessica the Hippo offers a unique wildlife encounter

Choose dates to view prices

Blyde River Wilderness Lodge provides a peaceful retreat where travelers can connect to free in-room WiFi or gather around the lobby fireplace. The property's three outdoor pools offer refreshing breaks after visiting the area's famous resident hippo, Jessica.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
  • Breakfast available
The current price is AU$213
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Luxury Room

A bedroom with a bed, a desk, a chair, and a view of the outdoors.

Luxury Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Luxury Twin Room

A bed with a canopy, two bedside lamps, and a decorative wall piece.

Luxury Twin Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Small Rondavel

A well-appointed bedroom with a stone wall, a bed with floral pillows, a nightstand with a lamp, and a wooden bench with towels.

Small Rondavel

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Cottage (Kingfisher)

A stone building with a thatched roof, surrounded by greenery and trees.

Cottage (Kingfisher)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Family Cottage, 2 Bedrooms (Owl House)

A stone building with a thatched roof labeled "Cul House," surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and trees.

Family Cottage, 2 Bedrooms (Owl House)

  • Garden view
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Kimba House

A stone house with a wooden door and windows, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and trees.

Kimba House

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Cottage (Peacock)

A hotel room with two single beds, a wall-mounted bicycle decoration, a painting, and a nightstand with a lamp.

Cottage (Peacock)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi
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About the area

Located in Hoedspruit, Blyde River Wilderness Lodge is in a rural area and on a river. Boabab Tree at Leydsdorp is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Three Rondavels and Bourkes' Luck Potholes. Don't miss out on a visit to Jessica the Hippo. Discover the area's wildlife on a nearby safari, or try your luck with game drives and game viewing. Visit our Hoedspruit travel guide
View more Lodges in Hoedspruit
Map
Off R527, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS)
    54 min drive

Restaurants

  • Fig & Bean
  • Mugg & Bean
    20 min drive
  • Silver Wings Spur Steak Ranch
  • The Hoedpsruit Café
    19 min drive
  • Thirsty Giraffe

About this property

Blyde River Wilderness Lodge

  • Lodge near Jessica the Hippo
  • A terrace, a garden and laundry facilities are just a few of the amenities provided at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge. In addition to a fireplace in reception and a bar, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi, with a speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices).
  • Other perks include:
    • 3 outdoor pools, along with sunloungers
    • Free self-parking
    • Buffet breakfast (surcharge), a front desk safe and charcoal grills
    • A vegetable garden, meeting rooms and tour/ticket information
  • Room features
  • All rooms are individually furnished, and have comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, in addition to thoughtful touches such as free WiFi and separate sitting areas.
  • More conveniences in all rooms include:
    • Cots/infant beds and free extra beds
    • Free toiletries and hairdryers
    • Private gardens, separate sitting areas and LED light bulbs

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  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 10 reviews
The price is AU$214
includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Height restrictions apply for on-site parking
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: ZAR 190 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Hiking/biking trails

Family friendly

  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Cot (surcharge)
  • Free rollaway/extra bed
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • On a river
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Spa

  • In-room massages

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally sourced food prioritised
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Some LED lighting used

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Cot (surcharge)
  • Free rollaway/extra bed
  • Memory foam mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Room service

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 6 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee: ZAR 250.00 for check-in between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Free rollaway/extra beds!
Cots (infant beds) are available for ZAR 360.0 per night

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately ZAR 190 per person
  • Late check-in fee: ZAR 250.00 for check-in between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: ZAR 360.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Parking height restrictions apply

Frequently asked questions

Does Blyde River Wilderness Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has 3 outdoor pools.

How much does it cost to stay at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge?

As of 14 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge on 14 Sept 2026 start from AU$213, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Blyde River Wilderness Lodge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 6 PM. Late check-in is available from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a fee of ZAR 250.00.

What time is check-out at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Blyde River Wilderness Lodge located?

Situated on a river, this lodge is 11.4 mi (18.4 km) from Jessica the Hippo.

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Reviews

Blyde River Wilderness Lodge Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.0

Cleanliness

8.4

Location

8.8

Staff & service

8.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stefan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge was simply unforgettable – a place where breathtaking nature, warm hospitality, and complete relaxation come together perfectly. From the very moment we arrived, we were welcomed by herds of hippos in the river right in front of the lodge. It was a magical experience and the perfect start to our stay. The beautiful gardens were filled with ostriches and other wildlife, making us feel truly immersed in the African wilderness. The lodge itself is absolutely stunning. Our room was spotless, beautifully decorated, and offered everything we could have wished for. Dinner was outstanding – beautifully prepared and full of flavor. We were especially impressed by how thoughtfully the kitchen accommodated our daughter’s gluten-free diet. Every meal was carefully adapted, allowing her to enjoy the dining experience without any worries. The entire staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuinely dedicated to making every guest feel at home. A small tip for future visitors: Follow the lodge’s excellent driving directions carefully and make sure to arrive during daylight hours. This will ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Blyde River Wilderness Lodge is a true hidden gem and one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed. If you are looking for an authentic African experience combined with exceptional service, this is the place to be. Highly recommended – a well-deserved 5-star experience, and we can’t wait to return!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Leonard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful staff, exceptional remote location on Blyde River, excellent food! Beautiful grounds, swimming pool and comfortable room. Perfect spot for a base to explore Canyon and area after Kruger.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Liked: Amenities
Les piscines n'étaient pas fonctionelles
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Kristian

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Rigtig godt udgangspunkt

Deres måde med at man skulle bestille morgenmad og aftensmad til bestemt tidspunkt og uden at vide hvad det bestod af var ikke ok. Aftensmad og deres drikkevarer+ div var alt for høj i forhold til kvalitet og andre steder. Ellers er skønt sted
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Die Unterkunft ist in einer sehr schöne Lage an einem Fluss. Das Abendessen war hervorragend.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Man hat dort absolute Ruhe. Hierfür muss man aber 10km schotterpiste fahren.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cadre magique et animaux en liberté dans le parc. Le calme et la gentillesse. Parfait
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Unterkunft mit speziellem Flair

Wir hatten eine ganze Gartenlodge und man fühlt sich wie in einem botanischen Garten. Das die Zufahrt schwierig ist, wie von anderen Gästen bemängelt, kann ich -trotz kleinem Polo- nicht bestätigen. Die Zufahrt ist so wie die Straßen im Kruger-NP. Was nicht so toll war, war der trübe Pool und das für SA-Verhältnisse zu teure Menü. Da würde ich eigenen Braai empfehlen. Das Frühstück war gut, wenn auch die Damen dort ihren ganz eigenen Rhythmus und Charme haben. Fazit: Wir haben die Zeit dort genossen und können es empfehlen.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Sabine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Schöne Lodge, aber sehr abgelegen

Sehr schöne Lodge, aber sehr abgelegen. Guter Service, Hatten nur Frühstück, das war aber gut!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Emelie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic food and service!

Fantastic stay! Cabin was very cosy and comfortable. Great service and the food was absolutely fantastic! 7 km gravel drive but so worth is, we saw monkeys, zebras and wildebeest on our way there. Relaxing!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017
Verified review

6/10 Okay

David

Gloomy and under managed. Extras extortionate.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Tip Top - trotz abenteuerliche Anfahrt !

Nettes Team, tolle Zimmer !
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2017
Verified review

8/10 Good

Ralf

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Tolle Anlage sehr weit abgelegen.

Eine wundervolle Anlage, direkt an einem Fluss gelegen, super ausgestattet, tolle Athmosphäre. Tiere laufen zum Teil frei herum. Von einem kleinen Wildpark mit Giraffen und Zebras umgeben. Sehr lange Anfahrt über eine 6 km Wellblechpiste. Abendessen recht teuer, nicht sehr gut. WLAN kostenpflichtig, Küche spärlich ausgestattet.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing

Wow, one off the most beautifull place I add a chance to go in Africa. The food is very good, the land where the house are is amazing. It's possible to see zebra, crocodile, hippopotamis, girafe etc. To go there you need to pass in a beautifull plantation.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gilles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Séjour de 2 nuits, les chambres sont superbes, très bien décorées avec goût, ainsi que le restaurant. Le PDJ est copieux et il y a tout ce qu'on attend d'un PDJ.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Manne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort

Der Name WildernessLodge passt!

Essen sehr gut, Personal sehr aufmerksam und freundlich, Haus sehr klein, kein Schrank, Waschraum/Toiletten entsprachen nicht europ. Maßstäben, sehr lange Zufahrt über Rüttelpiste
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jacolene

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Road to the Hotel not car friendly 4x4s only

Stay was fine- happy with the place-however- the road to the hotel is terrible for cars. Breakfast wasn't included and way too expensive considering how long it takes to get to town to buy supplies.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location, an amazing experience to get there

There's nothing around and that's good. You need to drive down back roads for twenty minutes or so before you go through a series of security gates which help keep the animals in/out. If you come through late in the evening after the sun goes down you can see an amazing dark sky. The staff is very friendly, room was comfortable but be careful ordering the dinner...it ended up costing us more than our room :)
Verified review

8/10 Good

Sabine

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort

Extérieurs super mais intérieur à revoir

C'est vrai que le lieu est magique tant les piscines et notamment la rockpool que le restaurant et sa terrasse juste idyllique.le lodge était très beau de l'extérieur mais quelle déception à l'intérieur.deco peu soignée, pseudo cuisine avec frigo mais ni four ni plaque, salon peu accueillant et douche petite et bouchée.restaurant bon mais rapport qualité prix je trouve le tout un peu élevé.mais bon je n'oublie pas les extérieur juste fabuleux !!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Leon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Leon

Breakaway needed after great work year satisfy with lodge will recomened
Verified review

8/10 Good

Sue

Into the wilderness

The road to the lodge is poor, but the lodge is in a lovely setting when you finally arrive .
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Renier

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Blyde River Wilderness Lodge

Nice place to relax. Wonderful dinners.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Blyde Wilderness Lodge is a lovely little place hidden away on the edge of a river. It takes 15 mins off the main road over gravel tracks to get to the site. Once in the site, we saw zebras and giraffes coming in but didn't see any animals in the river (hippos or crocodiles). We had some accommodation that had recently been added and, although the website says all accommodation faces the river, ours had a view of the wildlife reserve. However, the rooms were nicely furnished and clean and we had a little kitchenette with a sink and fridge. The food, both breakfast and dinner, was good value and nicely-presented. The only disturbance we had was the last afternoon when we were sitting having a drink outside of our accommodation and watching the impalas. Some guests arrived that day who seemed to be the owners or friends of the owners (they were later showing off a drone in the bar and told us they had been filming the place). They brought 2 big dogs with them and let them roam around the nature reserve off their leads. I'm terrified of dogs, so this was quite unsettling, but some of the animals were clearly disturbed by this as well. To top it off, one of the dogs defecated in front of us and outside our accommodation, but the owners didn't even bother to clean it up! This rather marred our view of the place after such a good experience.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Russell

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Very Isolated

It's a 20 min drive on dirt road from the paved road and a full hour drive from Hoedspruit, which is much farther away than on the web site.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Sehr schöner Aufenthalt auf Game Reserve Niveau. Giraffen, Zebras, Krokodile und Nilpferde sowie Impalas Pfauen und Pferde vor Ort.