Maninghi Lodge is situated on the banks of the Olifants River in the Northern section of Balule Nature Reserve, which is open to the Kruger National Park. Our lodge has the “The Big 5” within the reserve, and is a bird watcher`s paradise.
Sit back, relax and enjoy viewing animals coming down to drink at the river, whilst from our viewing deck, watching birds feed in our two magnificent sycamore fig trees. Take a guided game drive within Balule Nature Reserve, or opt to experience the wild on foot with a guided bush walk.
Maninghi Lodge accommodates up to 12 guests, although the lodge can be also be booked for smaller groups or couples. The Lodge is fully-furnished, boasting comfortably-appointed bedrooms and lounges, as well as all necessary kitchen appliances and utensils.
With plenty of local attractions in the area, spend the day visiting the Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon, Khamai Reptile Park, Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre and Echo Caves, to name a few. Let Maninghi Lodge be your affordable nature escape away from home.
Accommodation at Maninghi Lodge: At the Lodge, we offer 2 en-suite
River View rooms and 1 en-suite Garden View room, which are tastefully
decorated to suit the surroundings. We can sleep 6guests in our 3 rooms and 2
rooms have space available for a single mattress should you have smaller children.
Alongside our Main Lodge building, we have 2 Safari Tents which overlook the
Olifants River. Our Safari tents are basic & comfortably appointed.
The Tent consists of a double bed, fan, side tables & side lights, a plug
point and a small patio looking onto the Olifants River. Linen and Towels are
provided. Kitchen and Bathroom are communal
Maninghi Lodge Room benefits
include:
·
Unrestricted viewing of the magnificent Olifants
River (30m from the building)
·
Fully furnished bedrooms with mosquito mesh
doors. Nets are available – please request upon booking.
·
Bathroom facilities, with towels and
complimentary amenities
·
Viewing deck, overlooking the river, and the two
sycamore figs
·
Outside thatched lapa area, with a built-in
braai
·
Splash pool
·
Comfortably appointed lounge area
·
Wi-fi access
·
Breakfast, High-Tea & Dinner
2 2 Game Drives Daily
·
Hot beverages
·
Honesty Bar offered at an extra cost
·
Accessible to many nearby exciting activity
destinations.
Additional Information: - The Balule Game Reserve charges a conservation fee per person, and a vehicle fee. - Balule is in a malaria area: please consult with your doctor for precautionary measures.
Attractions:
Game Drives
Nothing completes a day in the
bush like a game drive by one of our highly experienced hosts, who are keen to
help you spot your favourite animal, or can educate you on aspects of bushlore
and animal behaviour, in our open-safari vehicle.
Guided Walks
Guided Walks are the best way to
really experience the Balule Nature Reserve. Learn the medicinal properties of
plants, how to identify mammal spoor, and watch the wildlife from the best seat
in the house: your feet!
Bird Watching
Maninghi enjoys a rich and varied
bird life, thanks in part to its proximity to the Olifants River, as well as to
major parks nearby such as the Kruger National, and is home to 340 unique
species, including “The Big 6”
Kruger National Park
South Africa’s largest and most
famous game reserve is a short distance away from Maninghi Lodge. Put your
spotting skills to the test and see if you can spot the Park’s Big 5 residents!
Kruger is also home to 550 species of bird.
Panoramic Tour
South Africa’s largest and most
famous game reserve is a short distance away from Maninghi Lodge. Put your
spotting skills to the test and see if you can spot the Park’s Big 5 residents!
Kruger is also home to 550 species of bird.
Mariepskop
4x4 Excursion
Mariepskop is the highest peak of
the Northern Drakensberg (4x4 required) and overlooks the Blyde River Canyon
from the Eastern side. With views over the lowveld as well, this truly is a
magical place and a worthwhile visit.
Activities near Hoedspruit
Jessica The Hippo
Situated 15km outside of
Hoedspruit, Jessica the Hippo is a must see for every visitor to the area.
Visitors can enjoy feeding, touching and playing with Jessica, as well as learn
about her story. A very rare chance to get up close and personal with one of
Africa’s most dangerous animals.
Moholoholo Rehabilitation Center
Maninghi Lodge is a short drive
away from the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, which provides care and support
for poisoned, abandoned and injured animals, as well as providing valuable
education to visitors.
Hoedspruit Reptile Center
The Kinyonga Reptile Centre is a
fantastic excursion, particularly for families with kids, who will be endlessly
entertained by the wide variety of the centre’s slithering, hairy and slimy
inhabitants.
Drakensig Golf Club
Drakensig Golf Club is a short
distance away from Maninghi Lodge, situated just outside Hoedspruit Town.
Perfect for groups of people or corporate outings, Drakensig is home to a
unique 9 / 18-hole course, populated by a wide variety of bird life, and wildlife.
Hot Air Ballooning
Hot Air Ballooning over an
untamed African lowveld is quite simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Capture the majesty of the skies and all below it by serenely and noiselessly
floating over wildlife, flanked by the impressive Drakensburg mountain range.
Activities near Phalaborwa
Olifants River Safari
Get a unique, up-close view of
thirsty animals as they make their way to the river’s edge for a drink. River
cruises afford a photography experience not available to most, and also provide
a very relaxed, tranquil experience.
Activities:
Bird Watching - Maninghi enjoys a rich and varied bird life, thanks in part to its proximity to the Olifants River, as well as to major parks nearby such as the Kruger National, and is home to 340 unique species, including "The Big 6" (Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbill, Lappet-faced Vulture, Pels Fishing Owl, Martial Eagle and Saddle-billed Stork). There are two sycamore fig trees near the viewing balcony, which attract many interesting varieties of birds, such as the Trumpeter Hornbill, Purple-crested Turaco and Plum-coloured Starling. Through guided walks or game drives, you'll be able to spot an incredible diversity of bird wildlife. The Lodge also has several excellent birding books and reference guides in its library.
Game Drives - Nothing completes a day in the bush like a game drive by one of our highly experienced hosts, who are keen to help you spot your favourite animal, or can educate you on aspects of bushlore and animal behaviour, in our open-safari vehicle. Balule Nature Reserve is home to The Big 5, and a variety of general game and birds. We also cater for our younger guests, and can tailor game drives to engage their interest with interactive learning. Kids are encouraged to be a part of the experience.
Addition Information: - Full game drive duration: 3 hours - Children's "Bush Bumble" drive: 1 hour - Cost (adults): R 200 - Cost (kids under 12): R 150 - Game Drive is restricted to a maximum of 10 guests at a time
What to bring: - Binoculars - Birding and Wildlife Guides Sunscreen - Hats and Sunglasses - Jackets
Guided Walks - One of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature is by going on a guided walk. Guided Walks are the best way to really experience the Balule Nature Reserve. Learn the medicinal properties of plants, how to identify mammal spoor, and watch the wildlife from the best seat in the house: your feet! The Nature Reserve is home to The Big 5, and has a variety of general game and birds.
Additional Information: - No under 16's permitted, and over 65's must have a medical certificate - Duration: 3 hours - Cost: R250 per person - Maximum 5 people per walk
Stuff to bring: - Comfortable, closed walking shoes (no flip-flops or sandals) - Neutral-coloured, comfortable clothing - Sunglasses and hat - Sunscreen - Insect repellent - Binoculars and camera - Small backpack, with water and any light snacks
Kruger National Park - South Africa's largest and most famous game reserve is a short distance away from Maninghi Lodge. Put your spotting skills to the test in a self-driven safari and see if you can spot the Park's Big 5 residents. Kruger is also home to 550 species of bird. One can select the following tours to the Park. - Self Driven - Self Driven with one of our knowledgeable hosts - Guided Tour you are encouraged to request this when making your booking.
Additional Information: - Full game drive duration: Full Day (5am - 5pm) - Park fees: R66 (SA Citizens), R264 (non-citizens) - Optional Guide Hire (self-drive): R 1,000 (excludes Park fees) - Optional Guided Tour: R 2,500 for 2 people, and R800 per person thereafter (excludes Park fees). Includes a full lunch, snacks and refreshments. - Multi-day Tours and Guide Hire: on request (please book in advance)
What to bring: - Binoculars and cameras - Birding and Wildlife Guides - Sunscreen - Hats and Sunglasses - Jackets - Lunch (if self-driven), and the Park also has several restaurants
More reading: - Kruger National Park - Official Website - Kruger Park Fees & Tariffs - Kruger National Park at Wikipedia
Blyde River Canyon - Maninghi Lodge is near to the famous Blyde River Canyon, which is the third-biggest canyon, and the largest green canyon in the world. Enjoy spectacular and unrivalled scenic landscapes over some of South Africa's most breathtaking countryside. Blyde River Canyon is a must for photographic amateurs and experts alike, and many other activities can be found nearby, including the Echo Caves, Bourke's Luck Potholes and God's Window. Speak to your hosts when booking, and we'll arrange your access for you.
Recommended for: - Families and kids - Corporate Outings - Couples - Birding Enthusiasts (stop at Long Tom Pass to spot the Taita Falcon) - Photographers
Additional Information: - Duration: Full Day excursion - Fees: Echo Caves & Bourke's Luck Potholes both charge entrance fees - please consult their website for up-to-date costs. - Optional Guide Hire (self-drive): R 1,000 (excludes entrance fees) - Optional Guided Tour: R 2,500 for 2 people, and R800 per person thereafter (excludes entrance fees). Includes a full lunch, snacks and refreshments.
Stuff to bring: - Binoculars and cameras - Sunscreen - Hats and Sunglasses - Lunch (if self-driven), and the area has several restaurants
More reading: - Blyde River Canyon at Wikipedia - Echo Caves - Bourke's Luck Potholes
Moholoholo Rehabilitation Center - Maninghi Lodge is a short drive away from the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Center, which provides care and support for poisoned, abandoned and injured animals, as well as providing valuable education to visitors. In addition to your entrance fee supporting a very worthwhile cause, you'll have the rare opportunity to get close and personal with some of the center's residents, including cheetah, lion and leopards, as well as a host of other birds and mammals. Moholoholo provides rehabilitation for affected animals, opting wherever possible to return their "guests" back to the wild, when feasible to do so. The Center is a fantastic excursion for families, as children of all ages are endlessly fascinated with being able to interact with animals so intimately, and learn valuable conservation knowledge in the process. Speak to your hosts when booking, or when at Maninghi Lodge, and we'll arrange the bookings for you.
Additional Information: - Duration: Half-day to full-day excursion - Open Mon - Sat, with the first tour starting at 9:30, and the other at 15:00. Tours are approx. 2 hours long.
Costs: - Under 6 - FREE - 7 to 12 years - R50 - 13 to adult - R110 - Pensioners - R80
What to bring: - Cameras
More reading: - Moholoholo Website
Khamai Reptile Center - Maninghi Lodge is a short drive away from the Khamai Reptile Center, which provides a conservation for endangered reptile and amphibians, as well as educating visitors on the fascinating world of all manners of snakes, frogs, spiders and insects. The Khamai Reptile Center is a fantastic excursion, particularly for families with kids, who will be endlessly entertained by the wide variety of the center's slithering, hairy and slimy inhabitants. The Center also offers daily informational talks, and allows guests to handle various (non-venomous) reptiles. For those looking for unique photo opportunities, the Center offers a Photographic Tour, which allows personal and up-close contact with the reptilian residents for unforgettable photography. Speak to your hosts when booking, or when at Maninghi Lodge, and we'll arrange the bookings for you.
Additional Information: - Duration: Half-day - Interactive Tour (guided tour - booking essential) : R75 p.p - Photographic Tour (booking essential): R500 p.p
Costs (Day Visitors): - Under 4 - FREE - 4 - 12 years: R30 - 12 and above: R60
What to bring: - Cameras - Hats and Sunscreen
More reading: - Khamai Website
Olifants River Safari - Experience a unique way of game viewing ... on a boat! Get a unique, up-close view of thirsty animals as they make their way to the river's edge for a drink (or even a swim). River cruises afford a photography experience not available to most, and also provide a very relaxed, tranquil experience ... or the boat can be booked as a party cruise! The houseboat provides different options, including breakfast, sunset and dinner cruises. Drinks are available on-board. Speak to your hosts when booking, and we'll book your cruise for you.
Recommended for: - Wildlife Enthusiasts - Corporate Outings - Groups of Friends, including Bachelor or Bachelorette Parties - Couples - Birding Enthusiasts - Photographers
Additional Information: - Duration: 3 hour cruise (longer cruises can be booked on request) - Cost: R300 p.p, although sole-use boat hire can be arranged on request - Optional Breakfast Cruise: additional R95 p.p - Optional Snacks Cruise: additional R85 p.p - Optional Dinner Cruise: additional R250 p.p - Transport to and from the pier can be organised - please book with your hosts.
What to bring: - Binoculars and cameras - Birding and Wildlife Guides - Sunscreen - Hats and Sunglasses - Jackets
Drakensig Golf Club - is a short distance away from Maninghi Lodge. Perfect for groups of people or corporate outings, Drakensig is home to a unique 9 / 18-hole course, populated by a wide variety of bird life, and wildlife. Flanked and overlooked by the impressive Drakensberg mountain range, the course is great for golfers looking to get out of the rut of familiar suburban courses. The Club has a Pro shop, as well as carts and caddies for hire. Speak to your hosts when booking, and we'll arrange your access and tour to the Club for you.
Recommended for: - Golfers - Corporate Outings - Groups of Friends - Birding Enthusiasts
Additional Information: - Driving Range available - Rentals available, including caddy hire, carts and clubs - Clubhouse, banqueting, and conferencing facilities available - Transportation to and from the Club can be arranged with Maninghi Lodge - Green Fees: between R40 and R120 - please enquire when booking
What to bring: - Golf Clubs (although rentals are available) - Hats and sunscreen, as well as suitable golfing attire
More reading: - Drakensig Golf Club website
Hot Air Ballooning - over an untamed African lowveld is quite simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Capture the majesty of the skies and all below it by serenely and noiselessly floating over wildlife, flanked by the impressive Drakensburg mountain range. This experience offers an unmatched photography experience! Enjoy fruit juice and sparkling wine when you touch down after your hour's flight. Speak to your hosts when booking, and we'll arrange your Hot Air Balloon experience.
Recommended for: - Couples - Families (kids must be 1.2m or taller, and regrettably no pregnant women) - Groups of Friends - Corporate Outings (use the opportunity to make metaphorical statements about profits being as buoyant as the balloon)
Additional Information: - Duration: Morning excursion (taking off half-an-hour before sunrise), one hour flight. - Able-bodied persons only (must be able to stand unassisted for an hour, and must be able to climb in and out of the basket) - Costs: R 3,250 p.p - Transportation can be provided to and from the departure point: please enquire when making your booking with Maninghi. - Flights are only possible during ideal weather conditions, and booking up-front is essential.
What to bring: - Cameras and Binoculars - Hats and sunglasses - Warm jackets (even if it is a warm morning) - Wedding ring (if you're planning on proposing)
More reading: - Suncatchers Hot Air Safaris
Elephant-backed Safaris - Meet Africa's wildlife whilst atop Africa's largest land mammal. A truly unique and amazing experience, your elephant and its handler will glide you through the bush to spot various general game. Learn truly how amazing and intelligent these gentle giants are. Elephant-backed safaris also make for a vivid photographic experience, and are an instant hit with kids. Speak to your hosts when booking, and we'll arrange your elephant-backed safari.
Recommended for: - Family - Couples - Groups of Friends - Birding and Wildlife Enthusiasts - Photography Enthusiasts
Additional Information: - Duration: Half-day excursion: half-hour elephant interaction, with a one-hour safari - Costs: R 1,800 p.p - Transportation to and from the safari can be arranged with your hosts, on request
What to bring: - Binoculars and Cameras - Hats and sunscreen, and sunglasses - Jackets for colder weather
Adrenaline Activities - Our thrill seeking guests have plenty to choose from: live on the edge by selecting a day of quad-biking, paintball, white river rafting, or many others. Perfect as an all or half day excursion, or even over a few days, these activities will get your heart pumping. Speak to your hosts when booking, and we'll arrange your adrenalin activities bookings for you.
Recommended for: - Family (very small children not recommended) - Couples - Groups of Friends - Corporate Outings (also offered as a team-building exercise, along with a Mini-Olympics)
Additional Information: - Duration: Flexible, according to the activities you want to do. Speak to your hosts to tailor to your requirements - Costs vary according to duration and activity. - Small children, the elderly and the infirm not recommended
What to bring: - Cameras - Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses - Jackets for colder weather - A strong heart
Health and Climate:
Remember to consult your doctor, as the Balule Nature Reserve is a malaria area. Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures ranging from 15 degrees C in the evening to 35 degrees C in the day. Winters are warm to mild, with temperatures between 10 degrees C to 30 degrees C, with isolated cold spells.
Rooms and Units Available:
Maninghi Garden View Room
Our Garden View En-Suite Twin Room is tastefully decorated and is kitted out with a Private Patio, Mosquito Nets, Fans & a Coffee Station.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Maninghi River View Room 1
Our River View En-Suite Queen Room 1 is tastefully decorated and boasts glorious views of the Olifants River.
It is kitted out with a Private Patio, Mosquito Nets, Fans & a Coffee Station.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Maninghi River View Room 2
Our River View En-Suite Queen Room 2 is tastefully decorated and boasts glorious views of the Olifants River.
It is kitted out with a Private Patio, Mosquito Nets, Fans & a Coffee Station.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Maninghi Safari Tent 1
Our River View Room is tastefully decorated and boasts glorious views of the Olifants River. DBB includes Breakfast & Dinner. All Inclusive is Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Local Beverages and 2 Game Drives Daily
Sleeps 2 Adults
Maninghi Safari Tent 2
Our River View Room is tastefully decorated and boasts glorious views of the Olifants River. DBB includes Breakfast & Dinner. All Inclusive is Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Local Beverages and 2 Game Drives Daily
Sleeps 2 Adults
Facilities & Services available:
Babies Children under 12 Elderly Disabled (wheelchair friendly) Honeymoon Couples Pets only by Arrangement Airport Shuttle Service Babysitting Service
Laundry Service Ironing Service Limited Room Service Special Meals on Request Wedding facilities Team Building Self-Braai / Barbecue Bar on the Premises
Dining room Cots available Fireplace on the Premises Garden Library Internet Access Parking (off-street - open) Tourism Information Desk
Wi-Fi English Communal Satellite TV DVD and/or VCR Games Room Hiking / Walking Trails Swimming Pool
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation
& Payment Policy
•
A 50% Deposit payment is required within 14 days of confirming your booking,
unless otherwise stated on your invoice
•
The 50% Balance payment is required 90 days prior to the start of your
arrival, unless otherwise stated on your invoice. In the event of a booking
being made within one month of arrival, the full package fee is payable
within 7 working days.
•
Should Nature Escapes (pty) LTD need to cancel a booking or safari for any
reason, a full refund of the amount paid by you to Nature Escapes (pty) LTD
will be made, however no further liability can be accepted by Nature Escapes
(pty) LTD
•Nature
Escapes (pty) LTD reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure
for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants or logistical
problems such as strikes, wars, acts of God, or any other circumstances which
may make operation of the expedition inadvisable. All expedition payments
received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of
Nature Escapes (pty) LTD’ liability. Nature Escapes (pty) LTD is not
responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the
trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special
clothing, visa or passport fees or other trip related expenses
•
A Cancellation will only be accepted if received in writing. Charges to the
cancellation refund, if applicable, may apply
•
25% Cancellation Fee is applicable if a booking is cancelled once a deposit
has been received
•
50% Cancellation Fee is applicable if a booking is cancelled 61-90 days prior
to the start of your arrival
•
100% Cancellation Fee is applicable if a booking is cancelled 0-60 days prior
to the start of your arrival
Terms and Conditions
Standard
Terms and Conditions
•
All figures stated include 15% VAT
•
A quotation is valid for 7 days; unless otherwise stated on the quote. The
quote may differ after 7 days. No form of accommodation or activity is being
held within this time
•
A provisional reservation will be held for 14 days upon request. The
provisional reservation will be cancelled after 14 days if not confirmed by
you in writing
•
A confirmed reservation is made once a booking form, together with the
deposit amount stated on your invoice, has been received from you – a
confirmation letter will be sent to you
•
Check-in is from 1pm at Parsons Gate. The Gate will not allow you in
before 1pm. All guests must arrive before sunset.
Arrivals after sunset will require an escort to the lodge. Escorts are charged at R500.00.
•
Parsons Gate Fees: R150.00 per adult
and R200.00 per vehicle to be paid in CASH at Balule Nature Reserve, Parsons
Gate. Gate fees are subject to change
without prior notice. The Gate will be open between 6am and 9pm, guests will
not be allowed in or out after 9pm and before 6am.
•
Nature Escapes (pty) LTD is not liable should your mode of transport to the
start of the booking or safari be delayed or cancelled
•
All names and addresses held on the Nature Escapes (pty) LTD mailing list are
held on computer. None of this information will ever be passed to a third
party. If however, you object to your details being stored, please inform us
and we will remove them
•
Nature Escapes (pty) LTD reserves the right to increase the price of the
booking / safari if cost increases arise due to changes in transport costs,
changes in taxes, customs or other fees or changes in the exchange rate.
• Nature Escapes (pty) LTD reserves the right to change a
program’s dates, itinerary, or accommodations as conditions warrant. We
reserve the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions, lodge
availability, political conditions, world-wide pandemic, and other factors
beyond our control without consulting the participants. It is understood that
such decisions will be made in the best interests of all participants and
with regards to the safety of all staff. Participants have no right to any refund
or other considerations in the event of these inevitable itinerary changes.
If an expedition must be delayed, or the itinerary changed due to bad
weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention,
sickness, world-wide pandemic or other contingency for which Nature Escapes
(pty) LTD or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays or changes
is not included.
•
To take part in one of our activities you must be covered by adequate travel
insurance for the duration of your travels and for all activities undertaken.
The insurance should cover cancelation and curtailment, medical and emergency
expense (including repatriation), personal accident, injury and death. In
addition you should be insured against loss / damage to baggage, camera
equipment, personal possessions and flight delays and cancellations. Your
insurance broker details and policy number must be given to Nature Escapes
(pty) LTD before you depart your homeland for the start of your travels.
•
It is advised that all travellers purchase trip cancellation and interruption
insurance as protection against an emergency which may force you to cancel or
leave from an expedition while it is in progress
•
Nature Escapes (pty) LTD not liable for any incorrect details, dates, wording
and accommodation sent on the quote. It is the clients responsibility to make
sure all details are correct and brought to Nature Escapes (pty) LTD
attention in writing
•
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct certificates,
visas, permits, travel tickets and any other travel paper before travelling.
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Children Policy
We accept Children of all ages
Accommodation Type: Game Lodge, Private Game Lodge and Self-Catering
