Tala Private Game Reserve
Tala Private Game Reserve
Tala Private Game Reserve
3.5
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Nearly 3,000 hectares of pristine natural plains and grasslands, this Kwazulu-Natal reserve has abundant bird species as well as big game.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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3.5
350 reviews
Excellent
88
Very good
146
Average
60
Poor
24
Terrible
32
Kelly
1 contribution
Feb 2020
We went to Tala Game reserve for a Sunday lunch. We are local people from the area. We were charged R360 just to enter the reserve to go and eat at the restaurant where we spent well over R1000 at the restaurant!!! it was dirty, floors dusty, toilet was broken wasn't even attached to the floor properly. We were given a light lunch menu where we were told over the phone that they will have an a la carte menu. We asked the waitress about this and she said its only for dinner time, but she spoke to the chef and he said he would cook for us from the a la carte menu.The food was okay but how terribly run down this place is since we last visited. Poor management and staff complaining to us about the poor management of the whole place is a disgrace to hear. We will not be returning.
Written February 24, 2020
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.
Hi Kelly.
I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your visit with us!
I do however feel that some of your anger is due to a misconception of what Tala is and that the free entry for lunch no longer applies as it once did.
We are not only a restaurant but an entire game reserve. with many different lodges, activities and experiences to be had.
I must apologize for the wrong menu being show, what you heard over the phone is actually correct Sunday lunch at Paperbark is full a la carte. This for guest not wanting to join us for the full buffet on offer at Aloe restaurant. I will most certainly address this going forward.
When speaking to a member of your party he said that the food was fantastic?
again I apologize for your poor experience.
I ask that if you do return, please make the most of your day and enjoy more of what we have to offer. We may surprise you.
Written February 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cole
Durban, South Africa35 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
When you book, a picture of a room overlooking a dam is what is being shown. What they fail to share is that there is only 1 of those...the rest over look bush (which is fine it's still beautiful)
We arrived at our room, which was pitch dark. The aircon tripped the electricity every time we switched it on. The basin leaked water onto the floor wetting the carpet. The enclosed toilet smelt like poo because there is no vent or windows 🤢 couldn't pick up the wifi, the number that was in the book for the maintenance manager rang but no one answers. Water pressure is poor. Outside private deck chairs are broken. Both the deck and chairs needs an upgrade and a varnish. The main lodge pool was filthy, it was nothing like what we saw in the picture advertised. Overall, we are very disappointed with what we saw. Nothing seems to be working. We were suppose to stay 2 nights, but we left the next morning.
We arrived at our room, which was pitch dark. The aircon tripped the electricity every time we switched it on. The basin leaked water onto the floor wetting the carpet. The enclosed toilet smelt like poo because there is no vent or windows 🤢 couldn't pick up the wifi, the number that was in the book for the maintenance manager rang but no one answers. Water pressure is poor. Outside private deck chairs are broken. Both the deck and chairs needs an upgrade and a varnish. The main lodge pool was filthy, it was nothing like what we saw in the picture advertised. Overall, we are very disappointed with what we saw. Nothing seems to be working. We were suppose to stay 2 nights, but we left the next morning.
Written February 16, 2020
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.
Chantal d
Amanzimtoti, South Africa3 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
We visited Tala yesterday as a family. The intention was to have a braai at the rock pool and to view some game. I previously worked at the reserve and wanted to show my daughter the beauty it has to offer.
Unforunately it was not very pleasant for as when we got to the rock pool it was grass green??? Why could the person at the gate or even the lady at Reception not have told us that this was the case before we entered or even went all the way down there? How can you expect your guests to swim in water like that? It is a huge health risk. Nobody at the pool were swimming.
We proceeded back to reception to request a refund. Nosipho approached "Jannie" who remained in an office and never even came out to speak to us?
You have such a beautiful reserve but it is very clear as per Triadvisor comments that there is lack of good management.
Even the toilet doors at reception is dirty and grotty...chipped tiles everywhere.
It just is not up to the high standards as per your competitor down the road. This is highly unfortunate.
Unforunately it was not very pleasant for as when we got to the rock pool it was grass green??? Why could the person at the gate or even the lady at Reception not have told us that this was the case before we entered or even went all the way down there? How can you expect your guests to swim in water like that? It is a huge health risk. Nobody at the pool were swimming.
We proceeded back to reception to request a refund. Nosipho approached "Jannie" who remained in an office and never even came out to speak to us?
You have such a beautiful reserve but it is very clear as per Triadvisor comments that there is lack of good management.
Even the toilet doors at reception is dirty and grotty...chipped tiles everywhere.
It just is not up to the high standards as per your competitor down the road. This is highly unfortunate.
Written March 16, 2020
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.
gozzienz
Tauranga, New Zealand53 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
It's great to have a game reserve to visit without travelling for hours out of Durban. It's not cheap though. We saw plenty of rhino, giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, wildebeest and ostrich. Obviously no predators. The restaurant is a little run down and apart from one schnitzel which wasn't fully cooked, everyone's meal was delicious.
Written January 10, 2020
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.
arelgee
Durban, South Africa10 contributions
Feb 2020
We booked a weekend at the presidential suite at Leadwood manor.
On arrival, no water and no warning from reception that there was a problem. No air-conditioning as advertised. Only a fan that sounded like an aircraft taking off. Then the power went down leaving us sweating in 34 degrees celsius.
Tried the indoor shower which flooded our entire bathroom, necessitating us to lay all towels and bathmats on the floor to soak up the water. We were told by reception to "phone us if there is a problem". Perfect ! If there was a phone.
Food and staff terrible
On arrival, no water and no warning from reception that there was a problem. No air-conditioning as advertised. Only a fan that sounded like an aircraft taking off. Then the power went down leaving us sweating in 34 degrees celsius.
Tried the indoor shower which flooded our entire bathroom, necessitating us to lay all towels and bathmats on the floor to soak up the water. We were told by reception to "phone us if there is a problem". Perfect ! If there was a phone.
Food and staff terrible
Written February 17, 2020
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.
andyh67186334
Coalville, UK10,862 contributions
Jan 2020
I visited Tala as part of a private tour from Durban. I had lunch in the restaurant there and the food and service was very good. There are no cats, elephants or buffalo at this reserve, and depending on the time of day/year one visits, you may not see any animals at all. You need to stay at a private lodge on a 5 day safari to have more of a chance to see wildlife.
Because I was travelling in a 2x2 instead of a 4x4, access to the giraffe couldn't be achieved. The black rhino were also at a distance and private vehicles are not allowed to go off road.
Because I was travelling in a 2x2 instead of a 4x4, access to the giraffe couldn't be achieved. The black rhino were also at a distance and private vehicles are not allowed to go off road.
Written January 25, 2020
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.
Jane10net
Durban, South Africa43 contributions
Mar 2022
Very disappointed in Tala Private Game Reserve, we decided on a day trip on 21 March due to the public holiday and the predicted pleasant weather.
Firstly, they are creating a new entrance gate, there is a sign that tells you which dirt road to go down to get to the temporary gate - however, there is no sign and barely any formality to this temporary gate, two guards sitting in a wendy hut with a credit card machine. When we asked if this was the gate to Tala we were only asked "day visit?"
Secondly, the roads around the reserve are terrible. If you do not have an SUV, high-clearance, 4x2 or 4x4 you are incredibly limited in what to do and where to go. Aside from craters in the road, there were also multiple massive (6ft long) puddles in the road. In addition to terrible roads, there are minimal sign posts detailing where you are heading and the printed map is very small.
The swimming pool area was lovely, however, the toilets need some attention.
The small amount of animals that were seen was okay, but I definitely expected more from their size and the fact that they are private.
Firstly, they are creating a new entrance gate, there is a sign that tells you which dirt road to go down to get to the temporary gate - however, there is no sign and barely any formality to this temporary gate, two guards sitting in a wendy hut with a credit card machine. When we asked if this was the gate to Tala we were only asked "day visit?"
Secondly, the roads around the reserve are terrible. If you do not have an SUV, high-clearance, 4x2 or 4x4 you are incredibly limited in what to do and where to go. Aside from craters in the road, there were also multiple massive (6ft long) puddles in the road. In addition to terrible roads, there are minimal sign posts detailing where you are heading and the printed map is very small.
The swimming pool area was lovely, however, the toilets need some attention.
The small amount of animals that were seen was okay, but I definitely expected more from their size and the fact that they are private.
Written March 24, 2022
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.
Vishal D
4 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
I went to Tala for a one night stay. My trip was going great until I found a rat/mouse in my room at night when going to sleep. At 1am I contacted the emergency number as reception is not available 24 hours. I was told that “ it’s 1am not much can be done, after all I am on a holiday in the bush”. I didn’t sleep at all that night. I left in the morning and informed reception about my incident. The receptionist was extremely shocked and assured me that I would be contacted by management the next morning. It’s now more than a week later and I still haven’t received a call even after emailing them a letter. Very poor management and customer service. I wouldn’t recommend staying there.
Written September 7, 2020
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.
caroline
Berwick upon Tweed, UK9 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Great game drive along very bumpy tracks in a 4wheel 4tonne vehicle, sadly no rhino. This has to booked separately as not included in room price.
Overall there is a lack of attention to details & web site is misleading.
New entrance but no one at gate to meet us, met by chance along road with keys & a map to get ourselves to our room. It was completely different from the rooms advertised, large with en suite, bare floors, leaking bath, & bedside light not working. Restaurant a car ride away, looked gorgeous but so disappointing. Poorly lit, menu limited- no shrimp, venison, lamb shank, fish, rosé wine. Terrible service, & average food- mine was cold & not the vegetable stir fry I ordered. Fish requested to be grilled was deep fried in batter. Disinterested staff
Breakfast not much better, although nearer room. Although it was included in the room price, we were told coffee would be extra! Staff were most interested in helping themselves than attending to guests.
Nice gift/curio shop.
Overall there is a lack of attention to details & web site is misleading.
New entrance but no one at gate to meet us, met by chance along road with keys & a map to get ourselves to our room. It was completely different from the rooms advertised, large with en suite, bare floors, leaking bath, & bedside light not working. Restaurant a car ride away, looked gorgeous but so disappointing. Poorly lit, menu limited- no shrimp, venison, lamb shank, fish, rosé wine. Terrible service, & average food- mine was cold & not the vegetable stir fry I ordered. Fish requested to be grilled was deep fried in batter. Disinterested staff
Breakfast not much better, although nearer room. Although it was included in the room price, we were told coffee would be extra! Staff were most interested in helping themselves than attending to guests.
Nice gift/curio shop.
Written October 27, 2022
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.
Megan Geerts
6 contributions
Sep 2021
DISGUSTING. I was attending Tala Game Reserve for Wedding. The wedding itself was beautiful except for seeing staff members running off vomiting in the bush. The food was taken away so quickly after the guests had eaten so going back for seconds was a no go. The accommodation was absolutely terrible. First of all the wedding guests were allowed to check in at 13:00pm. We only got to check in at 14:30pm because the room wasn't ready. We kept checking with reception about when the room would be ready and they kept giving us a different time every time we went to them, this left us with 30 minutes to get ready for the wedding. Secondly, there was only 1 roll of toilet paper in the room. Thirdly, the toilet was leaking everywhere and fourthly, the extra blankets where just thrown in the cupboard. There was also such bad attitude from the staff that just argued with us. When raising all of these concerns, all we got was a "sorry". Unacceptable for a R1600.00 accommodation. Will never go back.
Written September 28, 2021
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.
Compass03604616621
Durban, South Africa
Can you uber to Tala private game reserve?
Written May 10, 2023
I traveled from the cruise port in a bus. I believe the drive was over one hour. Seems like an expensive Uber, but you did not ask from where.
Written May 12, 2023
Greg A
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Hi the entrance costs are R70 Per adult and R50 per child. There is an additional fee for a vehicle of R80
Written July 5, 2019
Hi
Which lodge is the luxury lodge?
Written November 13, 2018
Greg A
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Hi Ranjeetha
Our Leadwood chalets is the most luxurious accommodation we have at Tala.
We look forward to your booking.
Written November 15, 2018
Hi firstly how are the roads and what are the costs if the game drives.
Thanks Saras
Written February 22, 2018
Greg A
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Hi Saras
Most of the roads are in decent condition and can be passed with a regular sedan but certain areas require a 4x4, these roads are marked.
Our game drives are R310 per person R195 for kids up till 12
no kids below 5
We look forward to your visit!
Written February 23, 2018
There are a number of poor reviews about Tala of recent vintage, followed by promises from Tala regarding improvements and renovations intending to be done. Can anyone confirm whether any of this has been done in the past few weeks in October/November 2017?
Written November 20, 2017
Greg A
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Hi Richard
There is a massive refurb plan currently underway some of which is complete and some still underway, please contact us for further information, (031)781 8000
I look forward to hearing from you.
Written November 21, 2017
I am hoping to self drive. What are your opening times in Sunday's and Monday's?
Written October 7, 2017
Greg A
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Good day!
our gates are open from 06,00 right through the week!
we look forward to having you!
Written October 9, 2017
How much is a single room for a couple from the arrival day 03-01-2017 and leave on 05-01-2017?
Written November 7, 2016
Greg A
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Hello, we have different rates for different lodges at Tala, from R1295 per room per night to R2750 per room per night. Email us on the address on our website.
Thanks
Written November 9, 2016
There are currently no camping facilities at Tala, however there are A frame cottages at the Rock Pools that are very rustic and allow for self catering. Other self catering options include the fisherman cottages and the Rondavels (these are totally off the grid). Give the lodge a call and they can provide you with rates for these options
Written November 3, 2016
tamrynh7
Cape Town Central, South Africa
Hi. Can one get to Tala Game reserve using public transport from Durban Airport?
Written September 26, 2016
Hello, Tala recommends Shaka Tours for transport from the Airport through to Tala. Any queries in this regard can be sent to 031 368 6588.
Written November 14, 2016
As I understand it is Zar 70 per person and Zar 80 per vehicle - entance fee, then you can do a self drive?
Do they provide a Map at the gate?
I have booked for lunch at Zar 220 per person - need more info spending this kind of money when we have all just encounted the ZAR devaluation of 25%
Would appreciate more information.
Written January 8, 2016
If I were you Id avoid anything related to Pietermaritzburg these days. Its run down and filthy
Written October 23, 2016
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