We have stayed at a number of the top SA lodges and at lodges owned by friends but TY is definitely the best lodge that we have stayed in as a total package and we are already recommending it to our friends. The thought that has gone into then
food, rooms, layout including pool and BOMA is extensive with the result that our four night stay was an absolute delight.
The game is not as extensive as in the Kruger ( which is only an hour away and day trips can be organised) but we saw some
incredible sightings of a python kill of an impala and three youngish lion cubs playing. We shall be staying at TY in 2013. John H

There is little that I can add to the previous reviews except to say that we stayed here for longer than most people do and still had a fabulous experience. The raves about Nicole's cooking, Steve's ability to find the wildlife and the rest of the staff are all true.

This was our first trip to South Africa and were treated with some spectacular game sightings during our stay. I know that most people stay within the Kruger park and there it is a different scene. We did take a day and go into Kruger and that was nice but I felt that the quality of the sightings that we had in the Balule were much better. And if you can have such quality sightings combined with great dining and a casual atmosphere at a small lodge what's not to like?

Steve and Nicole have carved out a unique niche with Toro Yaka and have set the bar awfully high. I look forward to the next time we stay there as we will most certainly be back.

Nicole's loving attention to details and Steve's articulated knowledge make for a winning combination. That and the fact that they surround themselves with wonderfully capable and attentive staff (from The Tracker to The Cook) make the experience at Toro Yaka memorable and complete. I went 3 years ago with a group of friends ... and ... after all this time there are images and moments that are still vivid in my head. Toro Yaka is a place where you can get inspired (Nicole and Steve's passion for what they do is contagious) ... you can truly unwind and relax ... and, you can create wonderful memories. It goes beyond hospitatlity ... you feel taken care of and cared for! Toro Yaka is cozy ... low key .... perfect.

From the moment that i booked Toro Yaka and had contact with Nicole, i felt that this lodge was the place i was looking forward to visit during our 3 weeks vacation i S.A.
After passing through the gate at the highway you drive about 15 min and suddenly the sign Toro Yaka turns up - and right there in front of the beautifull house was Steve, Benedict from the staff and Stacy - the new ranger at Toro Yaka waiting for us. We were invited to the living room and while filling out some papeers, and nice cold ice tea and a hot towel was brought to us, and we have only been there for 5 min. Our room or should is say our little lodge in the lodge with excellent view over the bush and the newly established waterhole was right next to the wonderful pool - and waht a room. Other reviews in here have explained how great they are, but let me add one more thing- the outdoor shower. Fantastic.
A huge bed - long enough for vikings form the north - love build in bathroom in the rough style - and towels - do you make them yourself Nicole? - have not seen towels so thick ans soft anywhere in the world -
All the meals are proffessional preparred and let me say with a gentle touch that just made them so much more delicat and "homey" than any other meals i ever have tasted.
Our gane drive - twice in the day with Steve, Satcy and Victor - was amazing. I mean Steve knows so much about the nature, trhe animals - everything - that why we lobe this palce. WE did not only get here to see the animals, but to learn and to bring back some knowledge. And we did.
Let me finish with a few words about the staff - Victor, Benedict, Deborah - if i forget someone please excuse me. They are so kind and just want to help you and make sure you got the best time of your life while you are here. I miss you guys.
The day we left - Nicole packed a lunch box as we were leaving very early - so kind of her. We drove through Kruger - to the south -and let me say - if´you want to see animals and have a bush life experience, skip Kruger and stay at Toro Yaka. You will not find it better around the planet.
I almost forgot : Every night when we went to bed - the light has been switched on, our shoes was taken inside, the mosquitonet ( did no see any ) was folded out and there was a fresh decanet with water at each side. And : A little story was placed on the bed together with a little chocolate. Excellent. I want to go back.