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Waterbuck Game Lodge

Property class: 4
Enjoy the safari at this 4-star Thornybush Game Reserve lodge

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Photo gallery for Waterbuck Game Lodge

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

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
  • Place, Blyde River Canyon
  • Place, Selati Nature Reserve
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Place, Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
    ‪51 min drive‬
  • Airport, Hoedspruit (HDS)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Suite

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

About the neighborhood

Thornybush Game Reserve

On river.At this Thornybush Game Reserve lodge, you'll be within 6 miles (10 km) of Selati Nature Reserve and 9 miles (15 km) of Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Nyani Cultural Village is within 12 miles (20 km) and Mafunyani Cultural Village is within 20 miles (32 km).
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What's nearby

  • Selati Nature Reserve - 19 min drive - 3.5 miles
  • Timbavati Private Nature Reserve - 42 min drive - 10.9 miles
  • Nyani Cultural Village - 46 min drive - 12.8 miles
  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate - 51 min drive - 26.7 miles
  • Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre - 56 min drive - 31.9 miles

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

Enjoy the safari at this 4-star Thornybush Game Reserve lodge
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

An outdoor pool, a library, and a terrace are also featured at Waterbuck Game Lodge. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Thornybush Game Reserve lodge is smoke free.

  • 4 guestrooms or units
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Supervised kid's activities (free)
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front-desk safe
  • Wedding services available
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
  • Swim-up bar
Waterbuck Game Lodge offers 4 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and bathrobes. Rooms open to patios. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the in-room coffee/tea makers and minibars. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, 18 reviews
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Property amenities

Family friendly

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

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

Accessibility

  • No elevator

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

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Waterbuck Game Lodge

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Resort fee: ZAR 330 per person, per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, and cash. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Per property policy, children under 6 years old are not permitted on game drives.

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

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

How close is Waterbuck Game Lodge to the airport?

Waterbuck Game Lodge is 13.6 mi (33-min drive) away from the Hoedspruit (HDS) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Waterbuck Game Lodge have an airport shuttle?

Waterbuck Game Lodge offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, on request, for a charge.

Does Waterbuck Game Lodge offer free breakfast?

Waterbuck Game Lodge offers free buffet breakfast every day from 10 AM to 11:30 AM.

Is there a casino at Waterbuck Game Lodge?

No, there is no casino at this lodge.

What time is check-in at Waterbuck Game Lodge?

Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: 5 PM. A fee applies for early check-in.

Is there free parking at Waterbuck Game Lodge?

This lodge offers free self parking.

Does Waterbuck Game Lodge have a pool?

Waterbuck Game Lodge features an outdoor pool.

Does Waterbuck Game Lodge have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Waterbuck Game Lodge have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this lodge.

How close is Waterbuck Game Lodge to downtown Thornybush Game Reserve?

Waterbuck Game Lodge is 3.4 mi away from Thornybush Game Reserve.

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.