We recently had the pleasure of visiting Buhala Lodge, a privately owned safari retreat nestled directly on the southern bank of the Crocodile River. During our time at the lodge, we were warmly welcomed by the family-run team and shown all of their eighteen luxury accommodations, giving us firsthand insights into the elegant designs and the exciting new developments on the horizon.

A Warm Lowveld Welcome

Upon arrival, the intimate atmosphere of this family-run lodge was immediately apparent. The hospitality is warm, genuine, and unhurried—a perfect reflection of the bushveld lifestyle. We spent time on the outdoor veranda, which offers uninterrupted views directly across the Crocodile River into the Kruger National Park. Watching a family of elephants gather near the river while enjoying a refreshing drink set the tone for a truly memorable visit.

Behind the Scenes: The Rooms & What's to Come

We were given a comprehensive tour of the room types, allowing us to appreciate the individually decorated finishes:

Classic Rooms: Located in the tranquil, mature gardens, these en-suite double rooms feel peaceful and secluded. The option for contemporary open-plan layouts or private bathroom enclosures is a thoughtful touch.
Kruger Park River & Balcony Rooms: These rooms stand out for their incredible natural light. Standing on one of the private balconies, you are mere meters from Kruger, looking straight into the wild reserve.
Elephant Suites: These newly renovated suites are located apart from the main lodge, offering the ultimate level of privacy. Each suite has an expansive timber deck, a private plunge pool, and an outdoor shower.

During our tour, the team shared exciting insights into what is next to come for Buhala Lodge, showing their commitment to maintaining their high standards of eco-friendly luxury and personal guest care.

Exceptional Dining & Golf Privileges

The culinary experience at Buhala was a major highlight. We enjoyed outstanding food prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Lunch on the veranda was a relaxed affair, giving us a great time watching the animals pass by while enjoying the dishes.

Another unique feature of Buhala Lodge is its partnership with the exclusive Leopard Creek Golf Club. The lodge is one of the few properties that can arrange guest access to this world-famous course, normally closed to the public. For anyone wanting to combine a high-end safari with a round of golf on a championship course, this is an unmatched opportunity.

Exploring the Surroundings

Buhala Lodge is perfectly positioned for exploring the southern region of Mpumalanga. In addition to privately guided game drives directly into the Kruger National Park, we spent time getting to know the surroundings. The lodge provides easy access to spectacular regional sights, including the historic Barberton Geo Trail and the breathtaking Panorama Route, as well as local attractions like Elephant Whispers in Hazyview.

Conclusion

Our visit left us thoroughly impressed. Buhala Lodge successfully combines the wild, raw beauty of the Kruger frontier with refined, classic hospitality. The quality of the food, the attentiveness of the family-run service, and the sheer magic of watching wildlife from the deck make this a highly recommended escape on the southern border of Kruger.