Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

Blyde River Wilderness Lodge

3.0 star property
Riverfront lodge with 3 outdoor pools and a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Blyde River Wilderness Lodge

3 outdoor pools, sun loungers
Outdoor dining
Exterior
Family Cottage, 2 Bedrooms (Owl House) | Living area
Small Rondavel | Exterior
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

  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Pool
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Luxury Room

Luxury Room | Memory foam beds, in-room safe, individually decorated

Luxury Room

Highlights

Yard
Furnished balcony
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Ceiling fan
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Luxury Twin Room

Luxury Twin Room | Memory foam beds, in-room safe, individually decorated

Luxury Twin Room

Highlights

Yard
Furnished balcony
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Ceiling fan
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Small Rondavel

Small Rondavel | Memory foam beds, in-room safe, individually decorated

Small Rondavel

Highlights

Yard
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Ceiling fan
Memory foam bed
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Cottage (Kingfisher)

Cottage (Kingfisher) | Memory foam beds, in-room safe, individually decorated

Cottage (Kingfisher)

Highlights

Yard
Furnished patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

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

Family Cottage, 2 Bedrooms (Owl House) | Memory foam beds, in-room safe, individually decorated

Family Cottage, 2 Bedrooms (Owl House)

Highlights

Yard
Furnished patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Kimba House

Kimba House | Memory foam beds, in-room safe, individually decorated

Kimba House

Highlights

Yard
Furnished patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Cottage (Peacock)

Cottage (Peacock) | Memory foam beds, in-room safe, individually decorated

Cottage (Peacock)

Highlights

Yard
Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Ceiling fan
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Map
Off R527, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

  • Silver Wings Spur Steak Ranch
  • Fig & Bean
  • ‪The Hoedpsruit Café - ‬19 min drive
  • Hat & Creek
  • Sleepers Restaurant

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 the lobby and a bar, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi, with speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices).
Other perks include:
  • 3 outdoor pools along with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge), tour/ticket assistance, and a front-desk safe
  • Charcoal grills, a vegetable garden, and meeting rooms
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and boast comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, in addition to thoughtful touches like free WiFi and separate sitting areas.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Cribs/infant beds and free extra beds
  • Free toiletries and hair dryers
  • Private yards, separate sitting areas, and LED light bulbs

Similar properties

Terrace/patio

Leopard's Lair Bush Lodge

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 9 reviews
Leopard's Lair Bush Lodge

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 transportation

  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • Free self parking on site

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
  • Crib (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 elevator

More

  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Crib (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
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • 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 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 available

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

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

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: 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
This property uses solar energy
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, 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
Parking height restrictions apply

Property is also known as

Blyde River Wilderness
Blyde River Wilderness Hoedspruit
Blyde River Wilderness Lodge
Blyde River Wilderness Lodge Hoedspruit
Blyde Wilderness Lodge
Blyde River Wilderness
Blyde River Wilderness Lodge Lodge
Blyde River Wilderness Lodge Hoedspruit
Blyde River Wilderness Lodge Lodge Hoedspruit

Frequently asked questions

Does Blyde River Wilderness Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has 3 outdoor pools.

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– 8:00 PM for a fee of ZAR 250.00.

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

Check-out 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.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Blyde River Wilderness Lodge Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.0

Cleanliness

8.4

Location

8.8

Staff & service

8.6

Eco-friendliness

8.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Eric

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

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Fred

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Donovan

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Oliver

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018

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

6/10 Okay

David

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Tip Top - trotz abenteuerliche Anfahrt !

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

6/10 Okay

Abdullah

Liked: Room comfort

8/10 Good

Ralf, Jülich

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.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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.

10/10 Excellent

Gilles, metz( france)

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.

8/10 Good

Manne, Bayern

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

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.

8/10 Good

Joachim

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

10/10 Excellent

Ryan, USA

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 :)

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 !!

  • † More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 – 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia ®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.