Rafiki Bush Lodge
708 Tamboti Street, Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
View on map and nearby hotels
Why people book this hotel
“The host and her staff did an excellent job”
“Maria and Reinhardt were outstanding hosts, constantly providing excellent recom…”
“Breakfast and dinner were delicious, the chef was excellent and very attentive”
“The dinner and breakfast are fantastic—beautifully served and of excellent quali…”
“Location is easily accessible, very beautiful and clean”
“Location is perfect”
“Maria and her staff were amazing They made show we had everything we needed The…”
“The place is clean, the staff is very friendly, the food prepared by Lungisani i…”
“Additionally, it is about an hour from Kruger National Park and close to the Hoe…”
“Our great host, Maria, really made our stay comfortable and she was very attenti…”
Overview
Situated in Hoedspruit, within 22 km of Kinyonga Reptile Centre and 47 km of Lissataba Private Game Reserve, Rafiki Bush Lodge provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and a garden, and free WiFi. Among the various facilities are a terrace, a shared lounge, as well as a bar. The property is 24 km from Jessica the Hippo and 49 km from Blyderivierpoort Dam. The units at the hotel come with a seating area. Rafiki Bush Lodge offers some rooms with mountain views, and each room includes a patio. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at Rafiki Bush Lodge. Speaking Afrikaans, English and Spanish, staff at the reception can help you plan your stay. Leading Edge Flight School is 7 km away and the nearest airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, 19 km from the property.
Traveller reviews
Nhlakanipho
couple
February 20, 2026
The owners are staying there with their toddler
Tshepiso
couple
February 16, 2026
“Exceptional, I'll definitely come back”
Breakfast and dinner were delicious, the chef was excellent and very attentive. The place is very relaxing, peaceful and privacy is maintained. The host and her staff did an excellent job. We got everything we needed. Location is easily accessible, very beautiful and clean. The special request was fulfilled as requested, a bottle of champagne and chocolates. A home away from home.
Roni Djeison
couple
January 19, 2026
“We had an incredible experience at Rafiki”
We had an incredible experience at Rafiki! Right upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Maria, who showed us all the facilities and gave us great local tips. The dinner and breakfast are fantastic—beautifully served and of excellent quality. Chef Lungsani prepared everything perfectly every night, always being mindful of our dietary restrictions. Maria and Reinhardt were outstanding hosts, constantly providing excellent recommendations for things to do around Hoedspruit. Rafiki is located within a private reserve where you can spot various animals like giraffes and birds. Additionally, it is about an hour from Kruger National Park and close to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre; both are well worth the visit. We highly recommend Rafiki Lodge and are deeply grateful for the care shown by Maria, Reinhardt, and Lungsani.
Laura
couple
January 19, 2026
We had a fantastic time at this lodge. All the Staff were extremely attentive and made us feel very welcome .We recommend taking the game drive they offer, they are well organised and add so much to the experience. The food was delicious! we really enjoyed our stay; the place is paceful, relaxing and offers a lot of privacy. we would definitelz come back!
Guest
couple
December 24, 2025
“We had an incredible experience at Rafiki”
We had an incredible experience at Rafiki! Right upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Maria, who showed us all the facilities and gave us great local tips. The dinner and breakfast are fantastic—beautifully served and of excellent quality. Chef Lungsani prepared everything perfectly every night, always being mindful of our dietary restrictions. Maria and Reinhardt were outstanding hosts, constantly providing excellent recommendations for things to do around Hoedspruit. Rafiki is located within a private reserve where you can spot various animals like giraffes and birds. Additionally, it is about an hour from Kruger National Park and close to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre; both are well worth the visit. We highly recommend Rafiki Lodge and are deeply grateful for the care shown by Maria, Reinhardt, and Lungsani.
Reneilwe
couple
December 18, 2025
“We had an awesome experience and the game drive was exceptional thanks to Charl the guide.”
Food overall was fantastic and the chef was as super friendly. Maria and family thank you for being a great host. Location is perfect.
Melba
extended_group
December 18, 2025
“It was a home away from home but more beautiful experiences”
Maria and her staff were amazing They made show we had everything we needed The game drive ,massage,food top notch The place is very clean
Guest
couple
November 10, 2025
We had a fantastic time at this lodge. All the Staff were extremely attentive and made us feel very welcome .We recommend taking the game drive they offer, they are well organised and add so much to the experience. The food was delicious! we really enjoyed our stay; the place is paceful, relaxing and offers a lot of privacy. we would definitelz come back!
victor
solo_traveller
November 5, 2025
The owner and their staff were very attentive and caring. I was sick unfortunately during my stay and they looked after me like if I was a member of their family. I totally recommend this place.
Andrea
extended_group
October 31, 2025
“Food and hospitality were amazing!”
Yes!! So much!
Nomalungelo
couple
March 28, 2025
“Good but can improve for the amount”
Nice breakfast but I wish it was a buffet. With a lot of options rather than dishing up what you have prepared on the plate.
Matthew
couple
March 23, 2025
“There’s many lodges in Hoedspruit, the Rafiki Bush Lodge is definitely something you do not want to miss out on.”
The food is absolutely amazing, the location is great & the attention to detail is incredible. Reinhardt & Maria are extremely welcoming hosts. The game drives offered is something you will remember for a lifetime. Thank you very much to the Rafiki Bush Lodge, we hope to visit again really soon! If you’re looking for a peaceful stay, close to the Kruger, this is the place to be.
Valry
couple
February 6, 2025
The stuff was welcoming and accommodative
Katlego
couple
January 16, 2025
The staff members were all friendly, we felt at home. The chef did an exceptional work, we loved his food The tour guide Mr Lovers was really friendly and knowledgeable, best game drive ever
Shihungasi
family_with_children
December 23, 2024
“Amazing”
Everything
Expee
couple
December 1, 2024
The experience was amazing. It's a really good place to relax ,nice and quite
Sindiswa
solo_traveller
October 8, 2024
“My stay at Rafiki was very wholesome, peaceful, and relaxing.”
The outside shower was absolutely amazing. The place is clean, the staff is very friendly, the food prepared by Lungisani is delicious, and the ambience is breathtaking.
Mpho Vincent
couple
September 30, 2024
Friendly stuff and Good people. Good food
Mphahle
family_with_children
September 19, 2024
“Excellent”
Outdoor shower
Chandre Stander
couple
September 16, 2024
“Rafiki Bush Lodge: a real treat”
Our great host, Maria, really made our stay comfortable and she was very attentive and she was so friendly. Her cooking skills superb. The outside shower was an absolute treat!
Facilities
Activities
Fishing, Games room, Massage, Hiking, Cycling, Horse riding, Game drives, Walking tours, Bike tours, Themed dinner nights, Happy hour, Tour or class about local culture
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, Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Entertainment and family services
Board games/puzzles, Indoor play area
Food & Drink
Kid meals, Kid-friendly buffet, Wine/champagne, Fruits, Snack bar, Special diet menus (on request), Bar, Coffee house on site, Breakfast options
Food & drink safety
All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized, Physical distancing in dining areas
General
WiFi available in all areas, Safety deposit box, Non-smoking throughout, Air conditioning, Designated smoking area
Internet
WiFi, Internet services, Free WiFi
Outdoors
Outdoor furniture, Picnic area, Outdoor fireplace, Garden, Terrace, Outdoor pool, Sun terrace, Outdoor pool (all year)
Parking
Parking, Free parking, Parking on site, Private parking, Accessible parking
Physical distancing
Cashless payment available, Physical distancing rules followed
Pool and wellness
Swimming Pool, Sun loungers or beach chairs, Sun umbrellas, Pool with view, Pool/beach towels, Pool bar, Shallow end, Swimming pool
Safety & security
Fire extinguishers
Safety features
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, Process in place to check health of guests, First aid kit available, Face masks for guests available
Services
Shuttle service, Express check-in/check-out, Valet parking, Packed lunches, Airport shuttle, Ironing service, Laundry, Dry cleaning, Concierge service, Private check-in/check-out, Shuttle service (additional charge), Trouser press, Airport shuttle (additional charge), Shared lounge/TV area, Daily housekeeping, Luggage storage, Tour desk
Transport
Airport pick up, Airport drop off
Superior Family Room
The spacious family room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 4 beds.
Double Room
Guests will have a special experience as the double room offers a pool with a view. The double room provides air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double Room
This double room features a pool with a view. The spacious double room features air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Twin Room
This twin room offers a pool with a view. The twin room provides air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower.
Hotel Policies
Price Watch
Email me price updates for Hotel Rafiki Bush Lodge
Each day we'll check prices and send you an email for your selected dates at Rafiki Bush Lodge.
If you don't have specific dates but would like to check prices for say next weekend or say next month we can check the price too.




