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Emdoneni Lodge

3.5 star property
Guests at Emdoneni Lodge enjoy countryside tranquility with an outdoor pool, restaurant dining, and family-friendly amenities in a natural setting

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Photo gallery for Emdoneni Lodge

Lounge - Emdoneni Lodge (Hluhluwe)
Interior - Emdoneni Lodge (Hluhluwe)
Exterior detail - Emdoneni Lodge (Hluhluwe)
Lobby - Emdoneni Lodge (Hluhluwe)
Family Room, 2 Bedrooms | Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe, blackout drapes - Emdoneni Lodge (Hluhluwe)
Emdoneni Lodge offers a peaceful countryside retreat for families. Enjoy daily manager's receptions and meals at the restaurant or coffee shop. Relax by the outdoor pool with sun loungers and umbrellas, while kids play in the playground. The garden provides extra space to unwind.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Luxury Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

Luxury Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds | Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Luxury Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

  • Garden view
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Room, 2 Bedrooms

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms | Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe, blackout drapes

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms

  • Garden view
  • 25 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Bed

Family Cottage, 2 Bedrooms, Garden View

  • Garden view
  • 70 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Deluxe Suite

  • Garden view
  • 50 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Hluhluwe, Emdoneni Lodge is in a rural area. Cape Vidal is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve and iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Discover the area's wildlife on a nearby safari, or try your luck with game drives and game viewing. Visit our Hluhluwe travel guide
View more Lodges in Hluhluwe
Map
District Road 123, Bushlands, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, 3960

What's nearby

  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park
    iSimangaliso Wetland Park
    24 min drive - 13.3 miles
  • Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre
    20 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve
    7 min drive - 3.2 miles
  • Mtubatuba Go Karting
    35 min drive - 25.0 miles
  • Monzi Golf Club
    61 min drive - 40.6 miles

Getting around

  • King Shaka Intl. Airport (DUR)
    156 min drive

Restaurants

  • Steers
    5 min drive
  • Lalapansi Restaurant
    19 min drive
  • Steers
    16 min drive
  • Mugg & Bean On-The-Move
    5 min drive
  • Wimpy
    18 min drive

About this property

Emdoneni Lodge

Family-friendly lodge in a rural location
You can look forward to a free daily manager's reception, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe at Emdoneni Lodge. The on-site restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as a garden and a playground.
Additional perks include:
  • An outdoor pool along with sun loungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self parking
  • A safari, express check-out, and babysitting (surcharge)
  • A front-desk safe, smoke-free premises, and barbecue grills
Room features
All 50 rooms boast comforts such as premium bedding and furnished patios, in addition to thoughtful touches like air conditioning and safes.
Other amenities include:
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding and Tempur-Pedic beds
  • Showers, free toiletries, and hair dryers
  • Electric kettles, ceiling fans, and daily housekeeping

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Free daily manager's reception
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Ecotours
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Safari
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 floor
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1993
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding
  • Tempur-Pedic mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee: ZAR 500.00 for check-in between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after noon 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
Cribs (infant beds) are available for ZAR 400.0 per day

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Cash Breakage deposit: ZAR 500.00 per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Late check-in fee: ZAR 500.00 for check-in between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: ZAR 400.0 per day

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Property is also known as

Emdoneni Animal Care Rehab Centre
Emdoneni Animal Care Rehab Centre Hluhluwe
Emdoneni Lodge Animal Care & Rehab Centre
Emdoneni Lodge Animal Care & Rehab Centre Hluhluwe
Emdoneni Lodge Cheetah Project Hluhluwe
Emdoneni Lodge Cheetah Project
Emdoneni Cheetah Project Hluhluwe
Emdoneni Cheetah Project
Emdoneni Lodge with Animal Care Rehab Centre
Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project
Emdoneni Lodge Lodge
Emdoneni Lodge Hluhluwe
Emdoneni Lodge Lodge Hluhluwe
Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project Spa

Frequently asked questions

Does Emdoneni Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Emdoneni Lodge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Emdoneni Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM. Late check-in is available from 8:00 PM– 10:00 PM for a fee of ZAR 500.00.

What time is check-out at Emdoneni Lodge?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Where is Emdoneni Lodge located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly lodge is 3.1 mi (5 km) from Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve and 11.2 mi (18 km) from iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Mtubatuba Go Karting is 20.6 mi (33.1 km) away.

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Reviews

Emdoneni Lodge Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.8

Cleanliness

7.8

Location

8.6

Staff & service

8.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Gwyneth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The lodge is lovely with very attentive staff. The cat sanctuary is a must visit and trips to Hluhluwe was easy to organise. It is an easy drive to St Lucia and to Bayete to see the elephant education demonstration which is a must-do. Be aware that there is very little around there so likely you will need to eat dinner at the lodge. The foods is quite plain with not much choice. Also be aware that the rooms have no TVs. I would recommend the Lodge for its position and the attentive staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Leon

Liked: Staff & service
?
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen

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

Weekend getaway at Emdoneni Lodge

5 Star service excellence. The staff are all extremely helpful and only happy to assist. The rooms are clean and fully air conditioned which is much needed. The food is exquisite and well done to the chef. Wonderful experience to be up close and personal with the cheetahs and the various cat family.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Verified

6/10 Okay

Arnaud

Liked: Cleanliness

Alright but not exceptional

THe rooms are ok -they could use a refurbishment but are fine. Beds not great. Lights are horrible. The food is really the main issue -tasteless buffet food. Breakfast is alright I guess but dinner to be avoided. The cheetah project is great though, so I would recommend doing it even if not staying.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness
It was an okay stay. Nothing extra ordinary. Good for bush lovers. Not for individuals that love modern lifestyle.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wim

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

nice place in the middle of nature

arranged a business trip for one night and game drive in the morning, everyone was very excited about the whole program, the accommodation and the service.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018
Verified

4/10 Poor

Lyn

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

False advertising of facilities

we could not touch the cheetahs as shown in their promo video. the other animals were scarce---4 cats , 1 caracol, 2 servals all behind bars---we went into the pen with the cats and could not touch. we are not allowed to see the bay cheetahs. Iffit is better for the cheetahs I am for it----JUST DO NOT ADVERTISE THAT TOUCHING IS ALLOWED.- IT WAS DISAPPOINTING and fraudulent! too much money for not enough. food was OK and staff was nice---just not what was advertised.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017
Verified

8/10 Good

D

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

Great Playing with the Cheetahs

A well managed establishment that pays attention to detail.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

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

Ingrid the host & the staff were simply wonderful

Rustic , comfortable & peaceful in the middle of nature.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
The rooms were very well serviced and the locations is excellent for accessing that eastern coastline, Sodwana Bay, Richards Bay and St Lucia are all within an hours drive. The food is ok, it's all buffet style so some of it is dry/cold/stale. The WiFi was abysmally unreliable, it took about 30 mins to to purchase a birthday card online. The concierge/reception service was absolutely terrible. During check in she told us we could speak to her later on about tourist attractions in the area so we did "What are some of the best things to do in the area?", and the answer we got was "yes". So we probed a little deeper, "can we go whale watching?", answer "yes". "well where can we go whale watching?", "at the sea". It was painful, she took a long time to answer any question, only ever gave one word answers, and hardly looked up whilst talking.
Verified

8/10 Good

Henrik

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

Interesting cat project, great food!

The rooms are very chic in design. The beds are comfortable. However, the aircondition was not good enough to make the room cold enough. There are trees right over the cabin and nuts drop on the roof all the time, and since it is a metal roof, there is very large sound every time a nut drops and we woke from it some times. We had breakfast and dinner two nights and the food is really amazing! One night there was a great buffet and the other night a la carte where I ate a perfectly made steak, don't eat anywhere else! Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, sereals etc. They have good wines for a good price. A minus that of the three desert wines that they had by glass in the menu, the two best ones weren't available. Come here for the cat experience, great service and totally amazing food! The pool looks a bit dirty so wouldn't jump in. The cheetah experience is very interesting, and you are aloud to pet cheetahs and also meet some other cats.
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Special Place - should be higher than 3 stars

Fantastic stay. We wish we has booked more than one night. We have stayed in '4 star' guesthouse son our trip that were not as good as Emdoneni. The food and drink was very good and excellent value. The staff were all very friendly and professional and it was no problem for them to organise a very special private tour of the cat project.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

first class lodge and staff

We stayed for 4 nights ,my lady and I had one room -double - and my the other room was occupied by her sister. Both rooms were the same and were first class. The pool area was good,the breakfast and dinner was first class.The lodge offers game drives and again these were first class.It was my lady's birthday and the staff made a cake and came out singing-wonderful.There is the cat conservancy next door which again is first class. The only down side was the Wifi. Tip drive down the road to the fuel stop and they have good and free wifi.I would stay at this lodge again and would recommend.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Outstanding place to stay. Loved the Cheetah experience. Great to touch beautiful cats.
Verified

8/10 Good

herbert

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort

there is a lot do to improve quality !!

Ingrid! She was the friendliest, kindest and most helpful highlight of our stay. And the cats. And the really good food. And the pool. The lodge is frequented by bus tours with all the downsides of large travel groups. So the lodge is not really as exclusive as you might expect from the price you pay.  The chalets are close to each other, with a lack of privacy. They are old and not too comfy. Plastic stools on the tiny concrete porch. No international plugs in the room. Internet very unstable. Highway close and a bit noisy. Some of the staff could definitely be friendlier.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna

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

A once in a life time experience

Fantastic and a great experience
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leslie

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

Great stay at a Cheetah Sanctuary

I truly enjoyed my stay at Emdoneni Lodge. Upon arrival, Rebecca was most welcoming, and I immediately enjoyed the afternoon cat feeding session. Gerry was most informative about the serval, caracal, wild cats, and cheetah, and I loved seeing them so close, and being able to actually touch the cheetah. There were zebra walking the grounds, and it was a very relaxing location. Amanda, the manager, is wonderful, and extended my booking when I missed my first night after getting woefully lost. She adores the cats, and she was most helpful in every way, including when I needed a pharmacy in the area. She also arranged for me to visit the Bayete Elephant Sanctuary nearby, and find my way to my next stop. Also--the butternut squash soup was the best I ever had. Best of all, the next day,Gerry took me for a private visit with the 2 cheetah: Raine and Summer, and I was thrilled to have so much one-on-one time with them. It was a highlight of my trip.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samia

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

Uitstekend

Zeer correct en behulpzaam personeel. Veel geleerd over de 'katten' en knuffelen met de luipaarden was uiteraard onvergetelijk.
Verified

8/10 Good

Stefan

Liked: Staff & service

Schon einmal einen Geparden gestreichelt?

Die Anlage ist sauber und die Angestellten sind sehr nett. Das Highlight sind die aufgezogenen Geparden, die man im Rahmen einer Tour streicheln kann. Ist schon ein lustiges Gefühl ein so große Raubkatze in einem weitläufigen Gehege zu streicheln.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eleanor

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

Wildlife wonderland

Wonderful experience here, being taken to see the animals in rehabilitation and stroking the cheetah. Extremely professional guide, giving much information on the animals. The bedroom was small but beautifully clean and maintained. You could see zebras and antelope wandering around from the windows, and listen to the birds. The main part of the lodge, eating and lounge areas were great. Very relaxing, the food was excellent and the staff extremely attentive. Well done to the manageress who looked after us so well to make us feel welcome there. We spent the day walking the trails in there and seeing the wild animals, and the beautiful birds around.
Verified

8/10 Good

Sarah

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

Comfortable room and great staff!!

We very much enjoyed our stay at this hotel. The chalet rooms were roomy and clean. The food and staff at this hotel are wonderful. The lodge is about a 40 minute drive from Saint Lucia and they have game drives leaving from the lodge. We also enjoyed the cat rehab tour that was free if you stay at the lodge. They even let you take picture with 2 of their Cheetah's. Fun!!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

A Benzon

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

all in all: 10 out of 10!!!!!

it was a lovely birthday present from my wife!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

8/10 Good

Muriel Danilo

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frederick

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