Surrender to the call of the wild, experience the enchanting African bush veld at Idwala, a family run lodge in the malaria free Eastern Cape. Perched on a dramatic ridge overlooking a lush green valley, Idwala is sanctuary to a multitude of free-roaming game species and prolific birdlife. Its also adjacent to a renowned Big Five Game Reserve with no fences between the properties and full traversing rights over the entire 6500ha, so you can experience natures breath-taking sights and sounds during your stay with us.
With courteous, personalized service and refined comfort, Idwala offers discerning guests an unforgettable African bush experience which will touch your soul. Idwala can accommodate up to eight people in four free-standing chalets. Each individually decorated, secluded room has an en-suite bathroom and private veranda offering sweeping views the rooms have been named after the Big Five, and the dcor combines slate, natural wood and local natural materials, to give an authentic African setting for the perfect, tranquil holiday.
Its an ideal and intimate venue for groups, friends and honeymooners. From the moment you first arrive in your room youll realize that everything possible has been done to make your stay as special and spectacular as possible. Your African adventure waits. Regretfully no children under 12 years.
Idwala Game Lodge
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"Beautiful location"
30 Mar 2013
By Marita, South Africa
"The staff of Idwala are very friendly and approachable! The food is very good and feshly prepared! The lodge is built in a valley and had stunning views! The decor is non-pretenscious yet luxurious. We went on for game drives and saw lions three times, cheetah once, white rhino once and elephant twice; not even to talk about all the beautiful buck and many birds!!
We celebrated our wedding anniversarry on the 2nd night and the lodge arranged a private dinner for us and when we arrived at our room it was romantically decorated with flowers and sparkling wine! They also gave me a bunch of proteas as gift (which they farm themselves) :-)"
"Great souvenir"
13 Aug 2011
By prengere, France
"We came from France and we heard about Idwala being a nice lodge. We were not deceived. The site is great, the service was perfect, the staff had a great sense of hospitality and professionalism! Worth the voyage!"
"Idwala Game Lodge"
29 Nov 2010
By Sarah, United Kingdom
"Perfect end to our first visit to South Africa. From the moment you arrive you are throughly spoilt, the setting is awe inspiring. The staff are so friendly and the food amazing. I would definitely go back. The rangers were brilliant and so knowledgeable. Worth every penny."
"Loved it!!"
31 Mar 2009
By Linzi, South Africa
"Absolutely the highlight of our travels to SA.
We were the only guests there for the evening and got very Spoiled by the staff- who could not have done anything more to have made our stay any more amazing! Just wish we could have stayed longer.
Our Ranger and Game drives were out of this world, seeing the ellusive teeny lion cubs was a huuuuge plus. Loved it!
The Chef is super! Delicious fresh home made food with a lot of attention to detail."
"Simply Awesome"
01 Sep 2008
By Grant, South Africa
"Everything, from the time that we arrived, until the time that we left was amazing!Really, the staff especially our ranger [Darryl] were fantastic, and went out of their way to make sure that we were happy.The intimacy of the lodge [and the fact that it only accommodates 8] makes it a really personal, enjoyable stay.If you are in doubt, take this review and just do it - book right now - you will not be sorry."
"Absolutely fantastic time"
17 Aug 2008
By Steven, United States of America
"Frank, the ranger, is the best!We stayed in a much more expensive game lodge after Idwala but really enjoyed Idwala much more.The food was excellent, the staff very warm and friendly and those game drives were absolutely one of the top highlights of our trip to South Africa. Could not be happier!"
"Recommended"
28 Jul 2008
By Patrick, South Africa
"The best holiday. Definitely recommend at least 2 nights."
"What a phenomenal place! "
24 Jun 2008
By Mary, United States of America
" Idwalla was one of the highlights of our 4 week trip to South Africa.The Lodge was like a movie set and the staff was so accommodating and gracious.What a wonderful experience!"
"Idwala was the highlight of our trip..."
13 Jun 2008
By michelle, South Africa
"What a great place to get away from it all. I dont think in all our travels have we ever felt so pampered and well looked.A huge big thank you to Frank our game ranger who went out of his way to provide us with some very memorable game drives. Also to Martina our hostess who was so welcoming and friendly and made sure that we never went without anything. The attention to detail she supervised was outstanding from the little stone holding the toilet roll neatly, the little thought for the day and chocolate on our pillows, to the hot chocolate waiting for us as we stepped of the landrover after a chilly game drive. These are but a few mentioned.Also a big thank you go to all the other wonderful staff who bustled around us making sure that we also never went without.We will be back hopefully in 2010... hopefully with our family.THANK YOU IDWALA FOR MAKING THIS SUCH A MEMORABLE HOLIDAY"
"Spoilt Rotten"
14 Dec 2007
By Nuala, Ireland
"My hubby and I had a wonderful 3 days and night in Adwala Lodge.We were spoilt rotten, the staff were fantasic.Yuri was the perfect host and we really enjoyed his company. The food was amazing, we had yummy breakfasts, high teas and dinners every day.We were very lucky to have Mark as our Game Ranger, we found him passionate about what he does, so informative and we had some amazing experiences on the drives with him, especially with the lions!I would recommend Idwala especially to couples, when we returned to our room on the last evening, they had champagne in an ice box and petals shaped in a love heart, which was a lovely touch.We also had some interesting chats with Alida, she is such a lovely lady. "
