Caracal Lodge
Houtboschoek Mpumalanga
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Why people book this hotel
“The staff were friendly and helpful”
“We stayed at Bushbuck lodge and were thrilled from the moment we arrived where w…”
“Craig's hospitality, the quietness, the stars, the sounds of the birds, Moose”
“With the necessary amenities to make the stay comfortable”
“We left there feeling and looking younger and we even got time to chill by the p…”
“Going off the grid, swimming in the waterfall exceeded expectations”
“The location is private and includes braai and fire area”
“Totally off grid and private, great location”
“The room was clean and comfortable”
“Staff came daily to clean the space, the host is awesome and was very helpful wi…”
Overview
Nestled in the valley of Houtboshoek and surrounded by grassy hills, Caracal Lodge is located a 45-minute drive from Nelspruit. The units at Caracal Lodge combine elegance with a rustic bush-style atmosphere. Each has a seating area and patio, kitchen facilities and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy garden and mountain views. Some of the units have their own private plunge pool. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling, fishing and hiking. The lodge is home to free roaming giraffe and other small game can be spotted in the area. There is also a cave situated in a gorge next to a waterfall and staff can organise mountain drives in a 4x4 vehicle. The lodge is 50 km from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Traveller reviews
Karen
family_with_children
April 8, 2026
“Comfortable, clean and just overall beautiful. Highly recommended for a get away.”
Beautiful farm. Accommodation lovely. Owner very accommodating.
Nick
couple
April 7, 2026
“Easter Weekend Away”
We stayed at the Fig Tree Lodge. The room was clean and comfortable. The staff were friendly and helpful. The Lodge is off grid but has a gas fridge, stove and geyser. The location is private and includes braai and fire area. We were treated to amazing views, went on hikes and visits to the waterfall during our stay. Was a great experience being on the farm with all the animals.
Mia
couple
February 2, 2026
“Paradise!”
If you are looking for the best place to stay then look no further! Caracal lodge is a pure treasure and the wonderful reviews and gorgeous photos don't even do it justice, words just cannot describe it's glory! We stayed at Bushbuck lodge and were thrilled from the moment we arrived where we were greeted by friendly dogs and the wonderful owner Craig, giraffe, pigs, goats, buck, cattle, zebra, ostriches and geese until the last moment where we were met with hundreds of butterflies making the sad departure spectacular. The host Craig is accommodating, fun and an all round amazing human being and his passion shows through his stories and actions. His consideration showed from the moment we arrived and he asked us our preference with the animals and once we gave the "We love animals go ahead" we were temporarily adopted by 3 of his gorgeous loving doggies that acted as our guides and protectors for the rest of our stay. The place is so beautiful you wouldn't even want to leave but if you do, Kaapsehoop is 23 minutes in 1 direction and Sudwala Caves, Dinosaur museum (with live crocodiles), a zip line, butterfly effect eco estat are 23 minutes the opposite direction and a bit further are the wonderful elephants of Hazyview. We spent our nights with a fire going, tales of the place from Craig, a night visit to the private waterfall which is a first for me. The property is on a ley line, has a gorgeous private waterfall, caves, hiking trails, stone circles and so much to explore and take in. With the spectacular backdrops which include majestic giraffe and the symphony of nature, birds galore we didn't turn the TV or music on once! We left there feeling and looking younger and we even got time to chill by the pool lounge with doggies and relax. Caracal lodge, I am coming back soon, all my loved ones need to experience you!
Lerato
couple
January 19, 2026
“Lovely stay, enjoyed it”
Totally off grid and private, great location
Jessica Lyon
family_with_children
January 4, 2026
“Wonderful holiday experience”
The surroundings and area is so green and beautiful. If you love nature this is the ideal place for that. Very peaceful and you most definitely feel like you on a holiday. They have the best house keeping service and the hosts are very welcoming.
Marsha
family_with_children
December 29, 2025
“Exceptional beauty and comfortable stay.”
It was off the grid, with stunning views and had all comforts of home. The lodge also has beautiful animals to view and friendly pet dogs and a pet pig.
Cassim
family_with_children
December 19, 2025
“Pleasant stay”
The host and surrounding were lovely. The dogs and animals too.
Alan
couple
September 28, 2025
Craig's hospitality, the quietness, the stars, the sounds of the birds, Moose ... and the very special arrival of the baby bush pig, of course 😉
Norman
couple
September 2, 2025
Craig was brilliant and helpful!
Guest
couple
June 16, 2025
“Lovely stay, enjoyed it”
Totally off grid and private, great location
Marcel
extended_group
May 9, 2025
“Our host (Craig) was fantastic and catered to our every need. We will most definitely be back.”
Everything. The view of giraffes being fed every afternoon was very special. Also, Moose (the dog) provided much entertainment.
Slungile
couple
May 6, 2025
“Craig was an awesome host, highly recommend the cottages for privacy.”
Country getaway, very peaceful surrounded by nature, you see Giraffe everyday and other bucks and farm animals- it was awesome.
Alexander
family_with_children
April 28, 2025
Deep dive in nature
Ricky
couple
April 24, 2025
“Would go back anytime.”
Self catering, feeling of independence and really home away from home.
Kobus
couple
March 5, 2025
Secluded, private and in nature. With the necessary amenities to make the stay comfortable.
Swart
couple
January 31, 2025
“Absolutely incredible and way too short of a stay”
Going off the grid, swimming in the waterfall exceeded expectations!
June
couple
January 21, 2025
“Definitely a repeatable experience”
The hospitality was out of this world as were the wild animals roaming freely, the beautiful pool and clubhouse and very cozy and unique cottage. The hiking and waterfall was very enjoyable. Lovely and close to Kaapsehoop which is a must to visit too.
Melissa
family_with_children
January 9, 2025
“A slice of heaven and farm living”
The property feels like a dream with beautiful trees and surrounds. The garden and pool area is a family time paradise with the games area having kept us all busy. A little piece of heaven. Staff came daily to clean the space, the host is awesome and was very helpful with any questions. The chalet is beautifully decorated and homely. Everything you need is here. We can’t wait to be back.
Jerome
family_with_children
January 8, 2025
Relaxing, with breathtaking scenery and the sounds of the surrounding wildlife. The accommodation was spacious, immaculately clean, and thoughtfully designed to make you feel connected to nature while still enjoying modern comforts. Craig and Donald, the incredible hosts who made our stay truly special. Their attentiveness, warmth, and knowledge of the area added a personal touch that elevated the experience. From their recommendations for activities and their fascinating stories, Craig and Donald went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Highly recommend for nature lovers, families, or couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Rea
extended_group
January 6, 2025
The environment was amazing, views were to die for.
Facilities
Activities
Fishing, Billiards, Table tennis, Darts, Canoeing, Hiking, Cycling, Walking tours
Cleanliness & disinfecting
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays, Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning, Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Food & Drink
Breakfast options, Bar
Food & drink safety
Physical distancing in dining areas, Food can be delivered to guest accommodation, All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized, Breakfast takeaway containers, Delivered food is securely covered
General
Pets allowed, Family rooms, Non-smoking throughout
Outdoors
Sun terrace, Outdoor pool, BBQ facilities, Garden, Terrace
Parking
Parking, Free parking, Parking on site, Private parking
Physical distancing
Contactless check-in/check-out, Cashless payment available, Physical distancing rules followed, Screens or physical barriers placed between staff and guests in appropriate areas
Pool and wellness
Swimming pool, Swimming Pool
Safety & security
Fire extinguishers
Safety features
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed, Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, Process in place to check health of guests, First aid kit available, Access to health care professionals, Thermometers for guests provided by property, Face masks for guests available
Services
Laundry, Daily housekeeping
Hotel Policies
Price Watch
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