Save
Share
Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit 1380 South Africa
E-mail hotel
Hotel direct offer!Up to 20% Discount - for 5n Special Safari Deal from $250pp/pn all incl.
Expedia.com
Hotels.com
Travelocity
View all 11 deals
Prices above are provided by partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and do not include all taxes and fees. Please see our partners for full details.
Full view
View all photos (1,524)1,524
Room & Suite (288)
Videos (1)
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
#4 of 147 in Hoedspruit
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.9
Value
4.9
Travelers' Choice
The Vuyani Safari Lodge is located in the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve which is more than 36,000 acres in size and part of the Greater Kruger National Park area. At the foot of the Drakensberg mountain range, Vuyani Safari Lodge is one of South Africa's premier safari lodges, in the country's most famous area for African wildlife. The Vuyani Safari Lodge is one of only 2 licensed lodges on this reserve, and with only 10 suites, it offers one of the most exclusive safari experiences in South Africa. The reserve offers a unique opportunity to observe all of Africa's large game such as the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, hippo and crocodile as well as some of the very rarest species, amongst others the wild dog, the brown hyena, the ground hornbill, cheetahs and several other highly endangered animals. Almost 400 various species of birds have been counted. Some of the rarest European migratory birds visit the reserve in the European winter months.
Read more
Property amenities
Paid private parking on-site
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Entertainment staff
Free airport transportation
24-hour security
Mosquito net
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Free shuttle or taxi services
Airport transportation
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
Show more
Room features
Air conditioning
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Walk-in shower
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Show more
Room types
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Park View
Hidden Gem
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Zulu
Hotel links
Special Offer:Up to 20% Discount - for 5n Special Safari Deal from $250pp/pn all incl.
Location
Full view
Contact
Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit 1380 South Africa
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Hoedspruit rental cars
752Reviews93Q+A100Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 702
- 33
- 14
- 1
- 2
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
More
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
I returned from Vuyani this morning and wow what a place. From the minute I arrived to the moment I left the service was exceptional. Janni and Aggi are superb. Great fun but so knowledgeable. Give Janni a challenge and he'll jump to it. Where that leopard 🐆 appeared from on my final day who knows 😁 The rooms are lovely, staff lovely and just a lovely feel about the place. There is a great silence about the place. Not sure where the comment on road noise and building works comes from because all you can hear are birds and a peaceful silence and odd giraffe 🦒 taking a stroll past the hotel. I will definitely be back.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
+1
Property's Favorite Review
My boyfriend and I visited Vuyani for the first time about 4 years ago. It was our first private game reserve, since we had only done self drive before that. We enjoyed it so much that we had always said we would return, as ultimately, we feel it is great value for money. When returning to a place you always hope it's as good as the last time, but can't help but be apprehensive especially since we now have a lot more experience of other lodges and were also taking family with us for the first time being my brother and sister-in-law. BUT! Vuyani didn't disappoint! Ultimately, the thing that makes Vuyani so special is its people! All the staff from the front of house, to the waiters, the cleaners, as well as the drivers/trackers are super friendly, chatty and welcoming and did everything they could to make our stay as special as possible. I literally don't know where to start - we had such an amazing time! And my brother and sister-in-law loved it and am pleased to report have totally picked up the safari bug! The food was incredible - Duncan, the chef can cook a mean omelette that's for sure, and the sweet potato wraps served one lunchtime, have even gone down in my meat loving boyfriends book as one of the nicest wraps he's had of all time! The pulled pork buns and chicken goujons made lunchtimes hard to resist even though we were still full up from breakfast. Dinner menus were limited to 2 starters and 3 mains to choose from that changed every day, but perfectly ample to accommodate everyone and if there wasn't an option you liked they would go out of their way to see what they could create for you. They even made my brother and I a birthday cake and set up our dinner table on the lookout point of the lodge to help us celebrate our special days. My brother is also a huge boxing fan and there was an 'important' fight (so I'm told!), whilst we were out there. The lodge accommodated letting us plug our firestick into the TV in the main lodge, so we didn't miss it and we were served drinks as we watched it! (Thank you Wish!) The rooms are comfortable and spotlessly clean with a sizable complimentary mini bar stocked with soft drinks, beers, wines, gin etc. all restocked daily! Outdoor shower with good pressure and hot water and an indoor roll-top bath for the soakers amongst us... I have to give it to the housekeeping... they do an amazing job of keeping everything running in the background - tidying your room while your on your morning drive so you return to the fairies having been, but also ensuring no creepy crawlies make it inside... we went at the end of Summer (Feb), which is when spiders are most prevalent but we didn't even see a fly in our room, let alone something bigger or hairier. Massive thank you to Wish for our early morning wake up calls (5am) and escorting us around at night! Am still yelling 'Reeeeeeea-dyyyyy' at the top of my lungs every morning when I get up! Our game viewing was spectacular - saw the big 5 on day 1. From a group of male lions fighting to 2 lionesses and their cubs, to a cheetah and its kill... it was full on! But the game drives were made super special by our driver Jannie and tracker Aggi! What a pair these 2 guys are! Super knowledgeable and informative, with fab chemistry and teamwork! Aggi has been with the lodge for about 20 years so knows the reserve inside out and as a team with Jannie, both their wisdom and sense of adventure meant we got to see every precious moment as close as possible where both the animals and guests were respected, off-roading where possible with Aggi courteously moving and reattaching any spider webs and their owners to other branches before we went deeper into the bush. We also opted for the African bush picnic, where they dropped us off at a watering hole overlooking some hippos with blankets, cushions, a delicious lunch and a radio - a truly spectacular view and feeling! Highly recommend it! The other trip they organised for us, was a visit to an elephant sanctuary, which included interaction with a huge 50 year old + bull elephant! We loved it! We can't say enough about this place and it's staff... Lani, Justine, Robyn, Kelly, Flack, Duncan, Clive, Wish, Jannie, Aggi and other names which ashamedly escape my memory... a massive thank you! We've already booked to come back again with more family at the end of this year! See you soon! xx…
Read more
Date of stay: February 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
Helpful
Response from Robyn du Plessis, Guest Services / Front Office at Vuyani Safari Lodge
Responded Mar 17, 2022
Dear Maria, WOW your photos are absolutely gorgeous :) Thank you so much for your second five star review on Vuyani Safari Lodge. It was an absolute pleasure hosting you and your family :) We are so glad your brother and sister in law have also picked up the Safari bug. Your compliments go a far way and the team will be so pleased to hear how much you all enjoyed your stay :) You are most definitely part of the Vuyani family and we cannot wait to host you again :) See you soon Warmest Regards, Robyn
Read more
We had a great few days at Vuyani until half the camp came down with serve food poisoning. The camp is also less remote than others I have stayed so expect road noise and building works. However, we did see all of the big 5 within 3 days, and the rooms were nice.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
+1
I struggle to write this review, as it would require the skill of a poet to describe the beauty and graciousness of Vuyani. Let me begin by saying that I spent years researching and planning this once in a lifetime trip, especially since we were delayed by the pandemic. I created spreadsheets comparing all of the lodges in the area, and found that Vuyani offered everything we were looking for, at the best prices. Justine, Stephanie, and Robyn were al very helpful in setting up the booking, and answered all of my anxious emails with helpful information and suggestions. We were greeted at Hoedspruit airport by welcoming staff, and driven the short 20 minutes to the lodge, excitedly pointing out our first sightings of giraffe, impala, and nyala along the dirt road. On arrival we were treated like royalty by Vlack, who is in charge of the lodge , with a cook drink and a warm wet towel, and escorted to the luscious suites. My husband and I had the presidential suite, and our adult children each had honeymoon suites. All the rooms were spacious, immaculate, and extremely comfortable. We each had our own deck, with either a hot tub or plunge pool, and were visited by wildlife, including a giraffe one day! We had our first game drive after freshening up, and met our guide, Jannie, and our tracker, Aggie. I have tears in my eyes thinking of them, as we became close over the next five days. Jannie is hilarious, and a wealth of knowledge, courageous and charming. We all fell in love with Aggie. He talks to the animals, even scolding a lioness who was giving the side eye to my diminutive adult daughter. With the skill of our dynamic guides, we not only saw the big five, we saw the MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant, leopard, plus cheetah and wild dog), which I understand is extremely rare. We were able to spot the wild dogs on the Kruger Park excursion, which I highly recommend, as it is a completely different experience than the daily game drives. Mother's Day was spent in Kruger Park, where Jannie, Aggie and the staff cooked us outdoor brunch, on gas braais, and we all agreed it was the best food ever. We also did the Blyde Canyon excursion, which was relaxing and beautiful, spotting hippos and crocodiles. Our children went on the tours of Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, hot air ballooning, and horseback riding, and came back with rave reviews. Every meal was spectacular, starting with a breakfast of yogurt and fruit, thick slices of bacon, fluffy pancakes, and huge omelettes cooked to order. The dinners were memorable, as we gathered with the other guests to share our stories of the day. We were given three options for dinner, often with a local game selection, and I am still dreaming of the carbonara pasta and stuffed chicken breast with mashed potato. They were so accommodating, as we have a vegan and vegetarian in our group, and these special meals were extraordinary. The chef was kind enough to share a couple of our our favorite recipes, and can't wait to try the pear and cauliflower soup. Vlock took exquisite care of us, along with Divine, Russell, and of course the ever patient Lloyd. We will fondly miss our early "Mooorning" wake up calls. We left the lodge with great sadness, but a lifetime of memories. I will never forget it. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to our dear friends at Vuyani.…
Read more
Date of stay: May 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: The presidential suite is large and very comfortable, as were the honeymoon chalets, all having a...
See more room tips
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
I had previously stayed at Vuyani Safari Lodge in 2019 and enjoyed the experience so much I decided to book a stay at the Vuyani River Lodge. I took my daughter with me who had never been on a safari. What an awesome experience, we loved it. Up close and sometimes very personal with the wild animals, it was brilliant. The guides and trackers are highly experienced and we even had an astronomy lesson from Stuart who showed us Orion and how to find a true South in the dark using the Southern Cross. Chef Onias and his Team serve the best food and drink and are very helpful with all your needs, including any food allergies or dislikes, i.e. garlic and yoghurt. Originally they called the lodges tents but don't be fooled by the usual canvas tent expectations, the accommodation is nothing like you would experience in the UK, the rooms have air conditioning units that chill or heat the room, bathroom supplies are provided and can be purchased to take home, flannels, towels and bathrobes are also provided. The outside shower is an experience with nature. I highly recommend Vuyani River Lodge, my daughter and I are going to return for another holiday as soon as we can. A big thank you to Kelly and the Teams for a wonderful holiday, it was being like one of the extended family and a brilliant experience.…
Read more
Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Good view of the bush, bathroom supplies provided, all facilities are very clean.
See more room tips
Helpful
Response from Robyn du Plessis, Guest Services / Front Office at Vuyani Safari Lodge
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Lynn, Many thanks for your fabulous review of Vuyani River Lodge, it really is such a hidden gem. We are so glad you were able to bring your Daughter along for the wonderful experience :) I will pass your special thanks onto the team :) They really do their very best to attend to every request and will be thrilled to know they managed to do so. We hope to see you again very soon Kindest Regards, Robyn
Read more
+1
My wife and found this place luckily in our long exhausting search for an anniversary trip. From the pick up to the moment we left, we felt as if the staff were a second family we didn't know we had. If your not ready for 4:30am wake up calls with a beautifully sung "MORNING" followed up 20 minutes later with the same melody of "READY" for a morning game drive, get ready. The morning drives were our favorite slow and easy wake up as you ride with the game driver and spotter. We lucked out at the time and had the ride to ourselves. The rooms were perfectly groomed for peace and communication in a time to relax and reflect. We will be going again soon and potentially a third time once our children are of age to tag along on the drives. We saw so many animals everyday. The food was simply amazing both in taste and presentation, I almost felt guilty eating as it looked like art on a plate.…
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Bring plenty of photo space on your selected camera device.
See more room tips
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Robyn du Plessis, Guest Services / Front Office at Vuyani Safari Lodge
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear Chad, Thank you so much for your five star review of Vuyani Safari Lodge, we are thrilled you enjoyed your special trip :) I will pass on your message to all the staff and compliments to the Chef - they will all be very pleased to hear you had such a wonderful time :) We hope to host you in the near future :) Kind Regards, Robyn
Read more
The Vuyani Lodge Resort was everything we expected and more. From the minute we arrived everyone made us feel like royalty. The front of house team greeted you warmly whether you had just arrived or simply returned from a game drive. Lets start there…….Each day you one of the security team wakes you at 04.45 and allows about 30 minutes for you to get ready for the morning game drive. When it is dark you have to be escorted everywhere, after all you are in the bush, so at 05.15 you are picked up and taken to have some tea/coffee before leaving. It can be a little chilly in the mornings when the vehicle is moving so think it through. Out for about 3 hours including a coffee stop in the bush you get to see the sun come up and the animals more active than when it starts to get hot. Back for breakfast then you can do what you like……….. until lunch at 13.30 except walk outside the resort of course. Then the evening game drive at 16.00. Comfortable clothing makes sense and no bright colours. This was our favourite as it’s nice and warm. Being up close to that many wild animals is an experience you’ll never forget. Our guide Jerry and tracker Stevan were special and we learnt much about the animals and plants. Usually back for dinner around 19.00 for dinner at 20.00. You should have time to get ready for dinner but it won’t be more than 45 minutes. The room was spacious and clean and very private. A patio and plunge pool served two purposes. Firstly we enjoyed cooling down in it but also experienced Impala and Nyala drinking from it. There’s a small swimming pool by the main lodge but be aware beyond that there’s not much else to do unless you pay to go on trips to for example animal rescue centres or a boat trip in Blyde River Canyon……which is highly recommended. The food is excellent and varied and the Vuyani team work hard to make your stay special……………….We weren’t disappointed.…
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Very peaceful. Private lodges.
See more room tips
Helpful
Response from Robyn du Plessis, Guest Services / Front Office at Vuyani Safari Lodge
Responded Mar 17, 2022
Dear Simon, Many thanks for your 5 star review :) We are so pleased you loved every minute of your stay :) Jerry and Stevan are such a special duo and so entertaining :) We are glad you participated in the extra activities they really are a fantastic experience too :) I will pass on your thanks to the team- they will all be very pleased :) We hope to have you back with us in the near future :) Kind Regards, Robyn
Read more
+1
Let me first start by telling you that a safari holiday was never on my radar until my mother-in-law proposed the idea for a family trip after they had been once already in 2020. I arrived at Vuyani with no expectations or idea of what the holiday was going to be like, and I was absolutely blown away from the moment we arrived. Room - We stayed in the presidential suite, and the room was stunning. The bed was super comfy, the bathroom was really big with a waterfall shower and a HUGE jacuzzi style bath, and the maids cleaned the room at least 3 times a day. We had 2 issues with our room throughout the trip, the fire alarm kept beeping and then the air conditioner died on us. Both issues were fixed within 15 minutes of reporting them, and the staff were very helpful. Game drives - Vuyani shines during game drives!!We went out on our first game drive at 1600 on Sunday with our tracker, Chris, and guide, Uyai, and what a drive it was. Within 20 minutes, we had already seen plenty of wildlife, and then Uyai received a radio call and informed us he had a treat in store for us. A 10 minute drive to another area of the reserve and we were sitting 5 meters from a Cheetah with a fresh kill. I could go on for hours, but the game drives are well worth getting up for at 0500 every day. You’ll get a nice strong coffee and some great biscuits, and then, come the evening drive, you have a choice of drinks with lots of snacks to accompany the sunset in the bush. Uyai and Chris are an incredible team and will teach you everything about the animals, African culture, and even field craft lessons in the bush (we washed our hands with a leaf that makes soap!!). Food and Drink - Every meal at Vuyani was delicious. Breakfast is cooked by Mama Rose and she puts on a lovely continental style buffet with a cooked breakfast option if you prefer that. We even requested porridge pap and she accommodated. She also covers the lunches and we had so many tasty treats, but the best lunch by far was the Bobotie (Google it). Oneas cooks dinner most evenings and he doesn’t disappoint, if you want safari meat, he won’t disappoint. We had wildebeest and Kudu. Dinner varies in its location, some nights it’ll be in the main restaurant, and others you'll get to experience traditional South African Braai, so you’ll never be bored or go hungry. Overall, I’d like to say what an incredible holiday this was and I will be returning to Vuyani. If you're sitting on the fence about booking this like I was, don’t, get the trip booked, you’ll experience a holiday like no other! Special mentions go out to Chriswald, Conclive, Uyai, Chris, Wish, Comfort, Mia, Paul, Flak, and Kelly. If I have miss spelled any names I’m sorry!!…
Read more
Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Traveled
Helpful
Response from Robyn du Plessis, Guest Services / Front Office at Vuyani Safari Lodge
Responded Mar 1, 2022
Dear Harry, Many thanks for your 5 star review on Vuyani Safari Lodge. Thank you so much for all the compliments, I will pass them onto the team :) You really encapsulated the Vuyani experience so well :) WOW, what an amazing sighting of the Cheetah kill, you are so lucky! Absolutely loved seeing your photos- they are stunning. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and cannot wait to host you again :) Kind Regards, Robyn
Read more
+1
My sister and I stayed 4 nights at Vuyani Safari Lodge in Feb 2022. Our guide was Jannie and Aggi.. What a team they are. Super knowledgeable.. Fun... Interesting... And very focused on finding the best sightings. We saw everything. From the smallest . Dung Beetles... To the largest. Elephants and Rhino.. To the fascinating... Leopard.. To the awesome... Lions.. We loved everything about Vuyani. The staff.. The chef.. The management team that booked our stay. All are exceptional and we'll be back for sure. Thank you all for making our safari so memorable.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Traveled
Helpful
Response from Robyn du Plessis, Guest Services / Front Office at Vuyani Safari Lodge
Responded Mar 1, 2022
Dear Angela, Thank you so much for your wonderful five star review on Vuyani Safari Lodge. We are absolutely blown away with your kind words :) We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay and our team kept you entertained :) We look forward to having you back with us soon :) Kind Regards, Robyn
Read more
+1
Vuyani is an amazing place! The rooms are lovely and spacious - the honeymoon suite had an outside shower, terrace sunbeds and plunge pool - although we couldn't pull ourselves away from the main pool and that view - wow!!! The game drives were fantastic - we saw everything we wanted and by day 2 had seen elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes and the elusive leopard!! Some drives you see less than others but you always see a good mix of animals, and they are always interesting and relaxing. Our driver Jerry and spotter Steve were a great team and they were so good at finding the animals. All the staff were amazing and couldn't do enough for us all. The food was fantastic - so much choice and so plentiful - you will not go hungry!!! They catered so well for me as a vegan - making vegan options of everything so I had my own separate things for breakfast, lunch & dinner - vegan milk & yoghurt, vegan fritters/wraps/pie/salads/evening meals and desserts etc, very much appreciated!! We had all our drives and meals with the other guests at the resort and it was a great community feel. Couldn't fault this place at all and whilst it seems expensive at first the value for money is great as you get everything included - food drinks alcohol drives etc. We stayed for 4 nights and it was a perfect amount of time for us.…
Read more
Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Traveled
Room Tip: I'd recommend taking long trousers & warm jackets & long sleeved tops as even when it's really...
See more room tips
Helpful
Response from Robyn du Plessis, Guest Services / Front Office at Vuyani Safari Lodge
Responded Feb 17, 2022
Dear Emma, Many thanks for your amazing review on Vuyani Safari Lodge. We are so pleased you had such a wonderful time and were able to enjoy the facilities we offer. WOW, a Leopard- what a sighting. Jerry and Stephen are absolute gems as are all the Vuyani Staff. I am so glad we were able to cater to your specifications and you enjoyed the meals :) I will pass on your special thanks to the staff - they will be thrilled to know they gave you the best experience possible :) I love how you refer to the "community "feel- that is exactly what Vuyani is all about :) You are now part of the Vuyani family and we really hope to have you back with us very soon :) Kind Regards, Robyn
Read more
PRICE RANGE
$358 - $627 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
vuyani safari hotel hoedspruit
LOCATION
South AfricaLimpopo ProvinceHoedspruit
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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.
Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Vuyani Safari Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Vuyani Safari Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (3.3 miles) and Nyani Cultural Village (3.9 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Vuyani Safari Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Vuyani Safari Lodge?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a mosquito net, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Vuyani Safari Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Vuyani Safari Lodge?
Yes, paid private parking on-site and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Vuyani Safari Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Vuyani Safari Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Vuyani Safari Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Vuyani Safari Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu.
Does Vuyani Safari Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.