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Waterbuck Game Lodge

Property class: 4

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Photo gallery for Waterbuck Game Lodge

Front of property - evening/night
Suite | Minibar, in-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior detail
Outdoor pool, sun loungers
Lounge

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

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Thornybush Game Reserve, Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, 1380

Room options

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Suite | Minibar, in-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 204 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Thornybush Game Reserve

Waterbuck Game Lodge places you 3.1 mi (4.9 km) from Selati Nature Reserve and 7.9 mi (12.8 km) from Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. This 4-star lodge has 4 rooms and welcomes guests with free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.
View more Lodges in Thornybush Game ReserveOpens in a new window

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Bush Pub & Inn - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Kapama Southern Camp Restaurant - ‬40 min drive
  • ‪Boma - ‬37 min drive

About this property

Waterbuck Game Lodge

Guests of Waterbuck Game Lodge enjoy features like an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a library. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle for a fee (available 24 hours). Friendly staff can provide a safe deposit box at the front desk, and also offer advice about sightseeing. Additional amenities include a terrace, laundry facilities, and a garden.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers, free toiletries, slippers, and bathrobes. Patios, minibars, and coffee makers are other standard amenities.
Guests can experience the thrill of a safari, and take advantage of an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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The price is $971
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • A swim-up bar

Things to do

  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Safari

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Free supervised activities for children
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

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

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: 5 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
There is no front desk at this property
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 5 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests should notify this property in advance of their anticipated arrival time.

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Resort fee: ZAR 330 per person, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
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
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 1 PM—-5 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Waterbuck Game Lodge All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Waterbuck Game Lodge All Inclusive
Waterbuck Game Hoedspruit
Waterbuck Game Lodge Hoedspruit
Waterbuck Game Lodge Lodge
Waterbuck Game Lodge Bushbuckridge
Waterbuck Game Lodge Lodge Bushbuckridge

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available on site at Waterbuck Game Lodge?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the lodge.

Does Waterbuck Game Lodge have a casino?

No, Waterbuck Game Lodge doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Waterbuck Game Lodge?

No, this lodge doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Waterbuck Game Lodge?

This riverfront lodge offers plenty of amenities for couples including a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a swim-up bar.

Are there hot tubs at Waterbuck Game Lodge?

No, this lodge doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Waterbuck Game Lodge have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Waterbuck Game Lodge serves free buffet breakfast each morning from its restaurant.

Will Waterbuck Game Lodge allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Waterbuck Game Lodge.

Are there connecting rooms at Waterbuck Game Lodge?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this lodge.

Where is the closest airport to Waterbuck Game Lodge?

The closest major airport to Waterbuck Game Lodge is Hoedspruit (HDS), which is 13.6 mi away (33 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Waterbuck Game Lodge?

Yes, every guestroom at Waterbuck Game Lodge comes with a patio and some offer courtyard views.

Does Waterbuck Game Lodge have a wedding venue on site?

Take advantage of the wedding venue at Waterbuck Game Lodge if you plan to say "I do" during your trip.

Waterbuck Game Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place! Great service. Good food. The ranger and game drives were a blast. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

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

Home in the bush

Waterbuck Lodge is a small, intimate lodge with only four rooms. Our room was beautifully appointed. The bedroom is sizeable, with a very large comfortable bed. There is plenty of storage space (both hanging and shelving), a dressing table and an armchair. There is a small safe in the wardrobe to keep your valuables secure. A ‘drinks station’ with a kettle, tea and coffee is provided, almond with yummy home made biscuits and rusks. There is also a fridge to store your choice of drinks in the room. The bathroom has both indoor and outdoor showers, a fabulous deep double ended bath and a ‘loo with a view’. The food was excellent. Breakfast, served after game drive, consisted of a buffet of cereal, fruit, yoghurt ,cold meats and cheeses. A hot portion was then cooked to order, usually consisting of your choice of eggs, bacon, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms. Afternoon tea was served at 3:30, just before the afternoon game drive, and usually included a couple of savoury and salad choices and a sweet selection. Evening meals were varied and tasty three course affairs. In ten days we never had the same menu twice. The game drives utilise both ranger and tracker on the vehicle, and Marnus and Solly are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The lovely staff are not always visible at the lodge during the day. They have an ‘honesty bar’ system, where you mark down drinks you have had in a ledger. If you want ‘Butler service’ go elsewhere - otherwise, come here!
Giant, comfortable beds
The view from the room
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Annette

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

Excellent service and value for money

The general staff and cook were excellent. He guide and tracker very knowledgeable and made our trip amazing

10/10 Excellent

Ross and Alicia, Midland, Ontario

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

Unforgettable

We saw everything we came to Africa to see in three days. Our first game drive yielded three different groups of elephants, a pride of lazy lionesses sleeping off a meal, giraffes, a Cape Buffalo, impalas, a spectacular male kudu and others. By the middle of the second day we had seen each of the Big Five except the leopard. That's when Hannes, out ranger, and Lodrick our tracker decided it was time to focus. We spent three drives following the tracks of a large male who always managed to keep his head down just as we went by. That night Lodrick spotted something and sure enough there he was. It was a terrific thrill to follow him, he finally decided to cross the road and we got some great shots of one of the most elusive and beautiful beasts in the world. And the food was divine, too!

10/10 Excellent

ashley , canada

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

Amazing lodge!

We loved our time at Waterbuck! They have a max of 8 ppl so your experience is very personalized. Loderick and Franco made the trip as they were great fracker and guide. We are way too much but it was delicious! Look forward to coming back.

10/10 Excellent

Olivar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria

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

Empfehlenswerte, familiäre Lodge

Tolle Lage, schöne Bungalows, Pool mit Liegen und feines Essen. Ganz hervorragend sind die Gsme Drives. Wir haben sehr viel gesehen und viele interessante Infos erhalten. Wir haben den Aufenthalt in der familiären Lodge sehr genossen und können sie nur weiter empfehlen. Danke der ganzen Crew.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Silvia Kariya

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Experiência legal !

O lodge é muito confortável e bonito ! Achei que por estar no meio da savana teria problemas com insetos , mas não ! São muito cuidadosos com a limpeza e não vimos insetos nas dependências e isso realmente agradou muito ! A alimentação surpreendeu , tudo maravilhoso e farto ! Os games foram razoáveis ! A reserva é muito grande e os animais ficam bem espalhados ! Andamos bastante tempo sem avistar nada ! Mas a natureza é imprevisível , obviamente ! Senti falta de um adaptador no quarto ! Um lodge tão caro e temos que carregar nossos aparelhos na recepção ! Alegaram que os hóspedes acabam levando os adaptadores ! Mas por esse preço da diária não daria contar com essa possível perda ?
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ótimo. Funcionários solicitos. Consegui ver os big Five.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

DIVANIR

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

Serviço de altíssimo nível. Inesquecível.

Ficamos muito satisfeitos com a estrutura do hotel, os games drives que fizemos e principalmente com o staff do hotel que em nenhum momento mediu esforços para nos agradar. Recomendamos fortemente esse hotel. Hannes and Waterbuck team, congrats for your excellent job. Thank you very much.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Safaris bien menés avec un Ranger et un tracker compétents et gentils. Excellente land cruiser, neuve et confortable, très bien adaptée. Cuisine excellente.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Gemütliche Safari Lodge

Wir waren 4 Tage in dieser Lodge und wurden von dem Waterbuck Game Lodge Team perfekt umsorgt.

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