Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
3.5
#8 of 10 inns in Hoedspruit
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Shikwari Nature Reserve Offers 6 lovely Suites tuck in the natural bush & connected to the main area by pathways; where there is a lounge with satellite chanel, a shady veranda & pool with amazing views. Offering either B&B or Halfboard The lodge is licenced. Enjoy the wildlife especially the Zebra & Giraffe. Trips may be arranged with a guide or self drive to Kruger Park & the Panorama Route. We suggest a 2 or more night trip to fully enjoy the surrounding area.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
R36 J G Strydom Tunnel Road Valley of Olifants, Hoedspruit, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Sue and her small team made our trip very favourable! From the communication leading up to the trip and the experience itself, it was lovely! Attention to detail was a big plus. The room was clean and made up everyday, which was appreciated. Breakfast and dinner were included, and I liked the options of both English and continental breakfasts. The location is about 35kms from the nearest town, not too bad. The outside shower was a treat! The kids enjoyed the pool. My best memory was Sue personally making my son a birthday cake on the Sunday of his birthday!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sue Lawrie, Other at Shikwari Nature Reserve
Responded 25 Jun 2021
Thankyou for your valued review.We are so happy you enjoyed your stay and hope the you will visit again in the near future.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The place is all good when u need to relax with Nature but the room and common tv and kitchen had spider webs all over and not clean love the idea of outdoor shower but they must make an alternative for rainy and thunderstorm weather. They must give guest remote for the gate because when u get in or out u need to buzz the reception always what if we want to go out n come back round about 2am we have to wake them up to open the gate for us. The host was very nice
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sue Lawrie, Other at Shikwari Nature Reserve
Responded 8 Dec 2021
Thank you for your review 1.At the budget Pangolin Camp no TV or WiFi is offered.Yhat is why it is budget. There is Premium DSTV & WiFi at our luxury lodge,as was explained to you and offered for your use at our main lounge. This is on all info on all websites and not hidden. 2 Remotes will never be given to guests, this is for our security & your. We do not run a 24hr reception due to the nature of our business.Most guests are going to bed early to go on game drive into Kruger an other amazing sightseeing options. Nature reserves are for Nature lovers not for those looking for a party. 3.Spiders & web are a fact of living in the bush and a much as we chase the away they will be back. As you can see a stay at a Nature Reserve is Very different to staying in a hotel in town. There is no entertainment in the area, no clubs & most restaurants close by 10:30.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eager to experience the tranquility of the bushveld and the luxury of a 4 star lodge over Easter, my wife and I arrived at Shikwari and were warmly welcomed by Sue and Ann who showed us to our room. Although the room did not seem to have all the trimmings of other 4 star lodges we have stayed at, such as a television, hair dryer and phone for room service, we were not perturbed, since the bushveld experience was what we were aiming for anyway. It soon became apparent the 'family run lodge' was just what it said. Sue and Ann were the reception, barman, cook and in charge of all interaction with the guests.
Despite having been requested to fill in a form containing our personal details and 'food preferences', Sue and Ann insisted on serving us pork, despite our indication that we do not eat pork, for health reasons. We drew their attention to this fact and on only a single occasion over the five day period was a steak provided in place of pork. Meat during all breakfasts included only bacon and a selection of cold ham, with no alternate for us. Whether this was done out of ignorance or intention is unclear, but is certainly not what one would expect from an alleged 4 star luxury lodge at R2 400 per night. Also none of the meals served could be classified as a fine dining experience.
Another disconcerting fact was that Sue treated the children of the other guests with a 'children are seen and not heard' attitude, despite the children in question being some of the most well behaved and polite children we have met in a long time. I believe children are also guests and unless they are an obvious irritation to others, they too have the right to enjoy the bushveld. Despite being billed as a luxury game lodge, there were no game drives available and we were referred to another lodge for a game drive at R600 per person.
Was the Easter Weekend a total loss? Definitely not! The beauty and serenity of the bushveld combined with the wonderful company of the other guests and their adorable children saved the day. Would we return or recommend Shikwari to others? Definitely not! I cannot but help relate our experience as reminiscent of the Fawlty Towers sitcom series starring John Cleese.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2014
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shikwari, Owner at Shikwari Nature Reserve
Responded 24 Apr 2014
Dear Guest, We are sorry that your experience was not all you would have wished for. I would like you to know that we receive a dispensation for not having TV's in the suites as long as we had one in the guest lounge. This in line with the grading council. Phones are not possible here as there is not telephone line, we run only on cell phones, hairdryers are available on request as stated in the Room Information folder. Yes we are a family lodge and unfortunately our barman contracted malaria and we were unable to find a replacement as such a short time for a long weekend. Pork was only served on one night and you were given steak the other nights were Chicken, Fish and lamb a good spread of different meats. We like to give variety for guests as we only offer Table de Hote. We offer good wholesome food and most guests really enjoy it. Your reference to the children is totally untrue they were a model of good behavour and I made special attention to them with Easter eggs and seeing they had a meal they like when we served fish. As to the mention of no game drives on the property that is totally untrue. Game drives are available for R150.00pp morning or afternoon. This is stated on our website and in the Room Information folder. Pehaps our communication was not clear? For this we also appologise and hope you will give us the opportunity to show that we do care about our guest and do welcome constructive criticism Regards Sue Lawrie, owner.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What a great place. Great souls. A place to let down all and feel selfless. Both be and my fiance were reminded and agreed that we are all just animals.
Thank you Sue (Its amazing how food taste different when you put in a little of your love)
Thank you Anne (Hospitality with more artistic TLC custom to client)
Thanks to the caring stuff (Quick respons, patience and on point hygiene)
Thanks to Sue's husband (how did he get all those wild animals to like him?)
God bless You
Read more
Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sue Lawrie, Other at Shikwari Nature Reserve
Responded 15 Jun 2021
The much for your valued review. It so appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Be safe & keep well.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Booked for my husband and I for a weekend away for 2 night paid R4200 . Checked in at the lodge at 15h05 to my disappointment the place was not what I expected it was filthy and smelly the pool very murky was not happy due to the conditions nothing seemed to off the standard advertised....asked for refund and the owner Sue refused her daughter Anne said shes struggling to pay her Bill's nd can forget about refund. False advertising,bad treatment was offered an upgrade with an extra fee refused as the standard and conditions were not satisfactory.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sue Lawrie, Other at Shikwari Nature Reserve
Responded 21 Mar 2021
HI, I am totally not OK with your review. We have very good reviews and have been in business for 11 yrs and we have never scammed anyone. 1. When you complained the room was dirty I had my manager come and check the room, she asked you what was wrong, you couldn't tell her. Then you admitted that you had asthma and could use the pillow we offered you a brand new pillow, you refused. If you had let me know BEFORE arrival I would have suggested you bring you own special pillow. I also had my husband check the room there was no smell and dirt. You continued to swear at Ann and we have witnesses to prove it and photo of the room when you left. 2. Ann was not speaking about the lodge, she was saying that in general she & everyone is struggling that is not the reason for the forfeit of the payment. I was also shocked when you phoned and said I was because "a privileged white person that wanted all the money" I said you were being racist you know nothing about who I am and where I come from. Running a lodge is hard work. I would never think of doing that in reverse!! Our guests , especially in these time are really special. 3.The pool was slightly murky with products that clean the pool and not harmful to anyone and photos have been taken for proof, it was definitely not dirty as it had be vacuumed the day before. 4. We offered you a fee upgrade and surprisingly your refused our offer, I don't why anybody would do that, you wouldn't even look. 5. When one starts a company one has to have rules. One of the rule is our terms and conditions as shown below THE FOLLOWING BOOKING & CANCELLATION RULE APPLY: • Bookings made 8 or more days before arrival require a 50% deposit • Bookings made 7 or less days before arrival require a 100% deposit • Must be paid within 3 days or the booking will be cancelled automatically • There is a 24hr cooling period with no cost to guest.. • The guest can cancel free of charge 8 eight days before arrival. • Guest cancelling 7 or less day will be charged the 50% deposit. • The guest must pay the balance of the total price at the lodge • A No Show will be charged the 50% Deposit. • The guest will forfeit 100% of the booking early departure. • The ONLY exception is medical proof of a Covid- 19 infections. • We encourage guest to postpone rather than cancel at the same rate. Strangely enough we have very happy guest in the SAME room today I am sorry you feel this way but we did try to help and you refused it.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
As the owner used to be very prompt in corresponding with me via mail before our stay,I gave her a chance to react to my concerns before this review - but no feedback received. We feel we need a partial refund.Completely overpriced and skimpy dinner (which was billed more than I was also originally quoted for, and also the reason why I did not pay our small drinks bill as yet), did not cater for any of our special dietry needs which they confirmed they will do on two occasions before our stay, rooms fairly clean but with MANY faults that we had to report ( blocked water pipes, not enough towels, bedlamps broken, aircon not working,etc). Overall not a great experience considering the rediculous price we paid for this “budget” but substandard accomodation. Would not recommend. Regret the fact that we paid the full amount in advance.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sue Lawrie, Other at Shikwari Nature Reserve
Responded 14 Nov 2022
This Guest booked through Booking.com. Booking.com have already said that there would be no refund. The rate was the normal Booking.com rate. 1 The meal was done by my chef in accordance with normal upmarket restaurants for normal portions. It was a 2 course dinner. The rate did go up while this guest decided if they wanted dinner. With regard to the child's "diet" it was an oversight on my part. We did offer to do some pasta etc for her, but the mom said don't bother! The child actually ate the food that had been place in front of her with no problem. There were no other dietary needs. 2. With regard to the bedside light, is was just unplugged and fixed before they returned to their room as I advised her. The water in the shower was blocked by lime which is a problem in our area but was also fixed while they were out and they were advised. Unfortunately the aircon did break probably due to trying to have it on 16deg C this causes it to freeze up and blows the gauge. I tried to get our tech in be they were not answering. and as I explained; we would not get a technician on a weekend in this area. I did apoligise profusely. There was also a ceiling fan in the room and it was hot that night. This is not advertised in our rooms. 3. When something is missing in a room, I personally don't go into another guests room and take towels. A simple call would have been enough to bring extra towels that my housekeeper had not place in the rooms. She has been disciplined about this oversight. 4. I told Booking.com com to say that she didn't need to pay the bar bill. Which was R246. 5. I might also add I stopped answering this guest once I had replied and after the same message was sent 4 times. It felt like harassment and because it had been sorted through Booking.com I didn't feel I should keep answering.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My friends and I were booked at this establishment for NYE. The staff is extremely friendly however there are several things the game reserve needs to improve on especially given that they are a 4 star establishment.
1. The managing ‘directors’ who happen to also handle the admin are old. Our bill was 6,4K and on 2 occasions swiped the wrong amounts with the first one being (R64,80c). Similar mistake the second time around I then offered to help her. Imagine if I wasn’t Christian! 2. The premises are dirty (sorry, had to put it like it is). The floors by the pool and dinning area look like they haven’t been mopped in days. The mirror and the basins by the outside bathrooms near the pool unclean. The towel basket by the mirror outside was not Even emptied for the duration of our stay. Is there anyone ensuring the outside showers are also clean? The rooms were however clean. 3. Pool is dirty and slimy. 4. Breakfast is beyond basic! There’s a great need of improvement here.
It’s almost as though the premises aren’t being maintained.
Please look into how you can make the lodge great again.
Highlights:
Friendly staff Animals roaming around
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shikwari, Manager at Shikwari Nature Reserve
Responded 17 Jan 2020
Thank you Kensani for your review. I suggest that you don't go around calling people old, I am definitely NOT Old but I was in great pain with a sprained ankle. it is rude and uncalled for and anybody can make a mistake. I don't think anybody mops around a pool and the veranda was cleaned that morning.. The pool wasn't dirty and not sure why you thought is slimy. It wasn't green! Breakfast consisted of a choice of 3 cereals, choice of 2 yogurts, cold meats, cheeses and fresh fruit. They you had the option of also having 2 rashers of bacon, mushroom, tomato and 2 eggs to order. Is this basis?? I can't believe behind the lovely smiling face you were actually thinking of writing this. And you say you are Christian!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had such a lekker weekend. Staff and owners are super friendly and very welcoming. Dinners were delicious and we definitely did not go hungry. The suite was neat and clean and very spacious. We did not get a chance to swim but the other kids there had a blast. It;s so relaxing we even had a zebra come look what was for dinner. It was awesome. It was hot but our room had a fan and aircon so it was very comfortable. The best part was the outside shower.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sue Lawrie, Owner at Shikwari Nature Reserve
Responded 27 Oct 2020
HI, So glad you enjoyed your stay. Hope to see you again in the the near future.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at the self catering Pangolin Bush Camp for 2 nights (2 Adults 2 Kids) in 1 rondavel which was fine as the kids did not want to say on their own. When we arrived their beds had not been made so Annie had to arrange for it (2 mattresses on the floor, again the kids did not mind) I think we were disappointed as I did not quite understand that communal really meant communal when i booked. I though it meant additional to the rondavels. You litereally share the bathroom, shower and toilet which was not the end of the world. What made this experience bad for us was the fact that there are 4 rondavels but only 2 fridges, we were lucky that there were only 2 other families staying there and the 1 family did not need a fridge. The kettel does not work properly, the oven needs to be replaced, the microwave is in the lounge and the cord is too short reach an electrical socket so we did not use it, there is 1 big circular cement slab to braai on but only 1 braai stand so you have to wait your turn to braai unless you pack your own braai stand. There is not enough cutlery and crockery to accommodate 4 rondavels so you need to eat in shifts. There is no hot water to wash the dishes or maybe there was but I could not figure out the trick to get hot water. There is some electrical earth leakage so the power keeps tripping the plugs. On our last night the plugs tripped and we woke up as we were getting hot as this affected our ceiling fan. My husband had to get up to to check that the plug failure did not affect our fridge as we still had good in it and did not want it to spoil. The plugs tripping did not affect our fridge but it did affect the fridge in the kitchen. The self catering camp is close to the main road so you hear traffic all day and all night... not quite the bushel experience. There is also little to no cell phone signal at the camp so it made it difficult for us to book our daily tours. The pool was clean and the kids swam both days. Our host Annie was helpful and friendly. I write this post not bad mouth the Lodge but to make potential guest fully aware of what they are paying for. We however will not be returning to the Lodge. We will definitely be returning to the area as there is lots to see and do.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2014Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shikwari, Manager at Shikwari Nature Reserve
Responded 30 Mar 2016
Dear Guest, our Pangolin Bush Camp is getting upgraded as I type this message, each rondavel will have its own outdoor shower and toilet. We have fridges in each rondavel with coffee and tea station soon after the building is finished, we are still open for business but stop building when guests are around, the kitchen and boma stay communal, i do recommend this camp is best for group bookings of 8 guests. we do offer dinner and breakfast at the main lodge. We hope we can welcome you back. Kindest Regards Ann
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Upon my arrival was informed that i had no booking and the owner who happened to be also the receptionist was rude, i felt racially discriminated.i wouldn’t recommend the place to anyone due to the service that Sue provided
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2019
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shikwari, Owner at Shikwari Nature Reserve
Responded 11 Nov 2019
I have already explained that while I was away on a personal trip; a staff member cancelled your booking after receiving a notice from Booking..com. I didn't notice this so when you arrive it was a surprise and I wasn't rude. I can't believe that you are say our service was terrible. We personally showed you to your room, you had good meal and you actually thanked us for it. I think it totally unfair. And where was the discrimination?, YouR money is as good as anybodies. We DON'T DISCRIMINATE ALL ARE WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Hoedspruit area.
PRICE RANGE
$111 - $218 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Shikwari Game Reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkHoedspruit
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
