Nightjar Retreat - 4 Bedroom Bush Villa | Terrace/patio
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Reviews of Nyaru Game Lodge

3 out of 5
Nyaru Game Lodge
Brandwag, Brandwag, Western Cape

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 46 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 46 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 46 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 46 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 46 reviews" "

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

ROD, Ryde

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great game lodge for young kids
We had a lovely stay at Nyaru. The staff were really attentive and friendly and even though we were the only guests on the first night, we didn't feel isolated. The game drive was excellent and the kids loved getting so close to the animals. A lovely place to explore.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sally, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nyrau Game Lodge offers a realistic wild life feel
We found our 3 night stay at this small game lodge to be relaxing, in quiet surroundings with friendly, helpful staff. The abundant bird life around camp and our interaction with the resident meerkat were especially enjoyable. The swimming pool was great during our stay. Our room had a true African decor and was very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Worth every penny!
Love it , love it , love it!!! Staff are fantastic , food was excellent , animals where awesome.

2/10 Terrible

BADER SALEH O

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Dirty room and wifi not free
Dirty an very old things WiFi not free... You must pay for data from them more than 30mp !! It is Dangerous as one man was attacked from the Animals ... I killed Some Spiders also in my room!! The room was very cold at night The price was not fair

10/10 Excellent

Claudia, Québec

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
a very pleasent surprise!
Well for starters, there was a girafe present for the tour of the lodge! Honestly this lodge was the highlight of our two week trip. The safari was great the room was big and clean (every thing look new).We had a giraffe sleep next to our room (how amazing I that). There was a Meercat who greeted us at our doorstep! It felt like the lion king movie haha! Oh yeah they have two bush pigs hanging around that are also very nice! I highly RECOMMEND this place, the staff was great and the food (we had supper and breakfast) was great. Our dinner was taken right next to a pond where the animals come and drink. By far the best supper (scenery & food) of my vacation!

10/10 Excellent

Emma, Cork, Ireland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Superb, value 'Safari Lite' for Families
Fantastic place for a family with kids, a 'safari lite' if you like. They have a tame giraffe, a hilarious pair of warthogs, enough wildlife for a good quad bike safari and an early morning nature walk, both of which we did. They have small swimming pools, good food and the staff are all very friendly and helpful. We had a wonderful couple of days at Nyaru, and also went into Mossel Bay a couple of times to eat which was excellent too. This is NOT a Big Five Safari, but once you have the right expectations, you will love this quirky but professionally run, family Safari Lodge.

8/10 Good

Lindsay, SA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Game lodge with a surprise
From the moment you enter the reserve you will be surprised by "Ayanda" the tame 2yr old giraffe who is always roaming around the accommodation and definately not camera shy. "Rafiki" the cute meerkat was also always close by with the two warthogs not too far behind. The rooms are pleasant and the staff was very friendly and engaging. Would definitely recommend this lodge for a one or two night stay and although they do not have the big five, having such a close encounter with a giraffe is a memorable experience.

6/10 Okay

Not Provided, De wet from Steelpoort

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Nyaru Lodge
Very good location, comfortable room, good facilities but food cab improve.

10/10 Excellent

Kerry, Auckland, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Four Star! (Officially rated three)
Thank you for making our South Africa visit that much more special! We arrived and were not only greeted by friendly staff but wild (friendly) animals too! It was fantastic - my New Zealand partner was wowed! The room was clean, fresh and just what we expected from a game lodge plus more! Quite frankly, we were surprised this hidden gem was only rated a 3 star. We normally only stay in five star accomodation and we were impressed by the lodge - we'd rate it a four! We have no complaints what so ever! The staff were accomodating when we turned up with an additional guest. The food was authentic but still enjoyable for foreigners (I'm South African but my partner is from New Zealand). The resident meerkat was more than friendly and such a great little addition to our stay! The quad bike safari was amazing! We were able to get close but safely up to the wild life - our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. And the quad bikes were a lot of fun too! We couldn't recommend this lodge more!! Exceptional! Thank you!

10/10 Excellent

Not Provided, York uk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect
Great place, very welcoming, went on a quad bike safari with Malcom... Great, well worth a visit.

10/10 Excellent

monica, Kuils River

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
good
we enjoyed our stay very must - just a pity our TV in our room did not work being the rugby world cup it was a bit of a slept- very friendly staff and food was excellent will definitely go again.

10/10 Excellent

Andrea, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing retreat
We stayed at Nyaru game lodge for one night during our trip (honeymoon) in South Africa. The staff were friendly, the food was good, the rooms were the best part! They were so cozy. The guide was very knowledgeable and took us for a tour on 4x4's which we were able to see giraffes, zebras, impalas and other animals. The owners are a friendly young couple! We'd recommend this lodge to others who like a quiet, peaceful getaway.

8/10 Good

edouard, Miami

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Great hut!
Great stay Exactly what i was looking for

8/10 Good

ruth, manchester

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Learning about the animals
We were pleased by our lovely room and the range of activeties we could take part in.our guide Christian was very knowledgeable and gave us full value on our safari. We were the only guests on the first night and after eating the staff disappeared.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relax in friendly luxury
Could not do enough for us in a fantastic setting. Luxury chalets surrounding central restaurant / bar area. Went out of season but even so was surprised at colour of the pool water - this was only thing could fault. Signed off main road (garmin satnav tries taking you roads that do not exist) although final location is right.

10/10 Excellent

Nick and Jo, Scotland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Family Game Lodge
We stayed for two nights in July 2014, and had a great day in the reserve. We enjoyed a morning game drive, seeing a wide range of animals, and got even closer to them during our afternoon quad bike safari. Christiaan was an excellent guide, explaining about the plants, birds and animals on the reserve - very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Our boys (16 and 9) loved the quad bikes, shame it was just too windy for me to try the horseback safari, but it's a good excuse to come back another time. The family chalet was cosy and comfortable, food was plentiful, and our hosts did a great job of looking after us despite an unexpected power cut. Thanks too to Christiaan for the tip about visiting the Valley of Desolation at Graaff Reinet - well worth a visit.

8/10 Good

Dana, Cape Town, South Africa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Off season, but still a very pleasant stay
The Nyaru Game lodge was a pleasant experience. Christian, the staff who took us on the game drive was very knowledgeable and responsive during the game drive and in general during our stay. Due it being off season, they were out of stock of a few things we requested during our stay, but they were eager to ensure our needs were met and offer other suggestions.

10/10 Excellent

lmj, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great game lodge on the Garden Route
The Quad bike safari was great fun and Josephet is very knowledgable.

10/10 Excellent

RossB, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent family run Lodge
I would recommend this as a very good option to stay a night or 2 when travelling the Garden Route. It is only minutes inland from Mossel Bay and well worth the effort . The Hosts are very friendly and go out of their way to be helpful. The Lodge is quite rustic and authentic and reflects the bush setting. We found the Game Drive interesting with sightings of Giraffe,Rhino, Zebra, Wilderbeast, Warthog and various Buck. We thought it was excellent value and will be recommending it as a place to enjoy to our friends.

10/10 Excellent

Jo, london

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely lodge with incredibly friendly staff
When we first showed up we were greeted by very friendly staff and offered a drink and a choice of rooms. The rooms fit in amazingly well with the settings with your own outside seating area and a very cozy lodge to relax in. We then went for lunch where the staff asked us our plans and if there was anything they could help us with and even booked my Cage diving experience for me whilst I had lunch. The surrounding landscape is a perfect setting to relax on the patio and take a few minutes for yourself whilst watching some wildlife. The game drive was a great experience with the guide stopping and giving us many facts as we went alone. No where else I have ever stayed has a rhino as a guard dog as we first saw the rhino as we drove up to the lodge on our second day there. It was fantastic to get back to nature and chill out in the evening on your patio, you even have your own fire place or bbq !

10/10 Excellent

ron, colchester england

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A lovely experience
Been to lots of places in Africa of varying degrees of quality and this place is at the top end.Lovely people who are great company,good facilities,good food. stay here and you will not be disappointed .

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A relaxing and welcoming african experience.
Although small the Nyaru provided a real taste of africa in a relaxing and welcoming environment. The food and service were od a very good standard and we really enjoyed our 2 night stay. We were also privilaged to get really close to the resident wildlife, especially the white rhino. The accomodation was very comfortable and there was a lovely porch area to the chalet with its own bbq and fire. A lovely place to sit in the evening. The owners and staff were very friendly and helpful and we felt they really wanted us to have a good experience. The lodge is within easy travel distance from Mosel Bay and Outsthorn.

10/10 Excellent

Kath

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bargain Safari Experience
We arrived here on a rainy day and were welcomed by Ruan who offered us a larger cabin to make us more comfortable. Loads of space to relax and a great private verandah where we enjoyed a bottle of wine or 2. The setting is amazing and during dinner at the main lodge we were called over to the terrace to view the giraffes grazing nearby. The quad bike safari was great fun and we got pretty close to giraffes and a rhino. To be honest, just seeing the scenery is worth the trip. We also did the 4x4 safari the next morning and again, really enjoyed it. Donovan knows his stuff. The whole experience was really good value for money and is a perfect stop off from the Garden Route.

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Warm & Friendly
Great spot with v comfortable facilities. Friendly and Corteous team running lodge.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nyaru Game Reserve
Very warm welcome and a wonderful experience. Great food, fantastic rooms and the game drive was lots of fun. We saw lots of animals and the surroundings were beautiful. This was a fantastic place to stay and the staff were extremely helpful (thanks for the jump start!). We would highly recommend Nyaru as a place to stay.

8/10 Good

abrar

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
جيده جدا
المكان رائع والطاقم ودود، المحميه رائعه ، الا ان مستوى النظافه لم يعجبني، خصوصا ان بعض الغرف كانت ذات رائحه كريهه، بيوت العناكب في كل مكان ممايدل ان الاهتمام بالتنظيف سيء، التنظيف اليومي يشمل الارضيات وغسيل سطحي للحمامات
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Würde es nicht nochmals buchen
So lieb das Schweinchen Babsi auch ist - es störte uns beim Sundowner-Picknick (es war richtig lästig und fraß die Hälfte der Sachen, sodass wir es leider nicht genießen konnten) und beim Baden am Pool (es pinkelte direkt neben uns). Wir haben auch den Wäscheservice genutzt, nur dass sie die gesamte Wäsche zusammen gewaschen haben, wir das in der Gruppe auseinandersuchen mussten und sogar 3 Höschen entdeckten die nicht uns gehörten. Wir hatten eine Hotelempfehlung von Freunden bekommen die 3 Jahre zuvor dort genächtigt hatten. Als wir denen erzählten, dass es nun eine Babsi gab und beim Essen nur eine kleine Menükarte waren sie überrascht. Das Essen war auch nie warm. Bei der Ankunft wurde uns gleich erzählt, dass sie viele Schlangen gesichtet hatten, da die Häuschen etwas undicht schienen - war mir persönlich beim Schlafen nicht wohl zumute. Das Personal buchte uns eine Aktiviät in Plettenberg, dass funktionierte voll gut und das war auch voll nett. Aber ich denke, dass das Hotel schon mal besser bewirtschaftet wurde und irgendetwas hier vollkommen schief läuft! Leider :-(

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Kleine sympathische lodge
Angenehme Atmosphäre, freundliches Personal, Tiere direkt vor dem Haus

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Toller Aufenthalt. Wir konnten sehr viele Tiere erleben.

6/10 Okay

Matthias, M

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Licht und Schatten
Nun, der Empfang im Nyaru war nicht so, wie man es sonst in SA erwartet. Unfreundlich und schnell, schnell. Überhaupt hat das Personal wohl noch ein paar Schulungen nötig, wie man mit Gästen verfahren sollte. Unabhängig davon war es toll - die Zimmer waren schick und die Quad Tour war das Highlight.

6/10 Okay

Claes-g, Stockholm

Bush life
Somewhat to casual.

10/10 Excellent

Antje

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Kleine Verbesserungen nötig
Aufenthalt war sehr angenehm mit 'Hausgiraffe' Das Personal könnte etwas freundlicher sein. Die Betten in den Chalets könnten breiter sein , für 2 Erwachsene sehr schmal.

10/10 Excellent

Wiebe, Bernheze

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Onzettend leuke lodge op klein wild park
Heerlijk genoten van de leuke cottages op het park. De tamme giraffe en everzwijnen maken het meteen gezellig. We zijn in de ochtend met de quad op "safari" geweest. Het park is niet zo groot dus in 2 uur heb je ook alles gezien, mooie is dat je heel dichtbij komt en schitterende foto's kan maken van de natuur en de dieren. Eten was goed. Toch zou ik hier niet meerdere dagen willen zitten, daarvoor is het park te klein en te weinig in de omgeving te doen.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Tier hautnah erleben
Vom ersten bis zum letzten Moment hatten wir Tiere um uns herum. Perfektionisten werden sich in dem Hotel nicht wohl fühlen, aber die familiäre Atmosphäre und die Erfahrung Tiere hautnah zu erleben war einzigartig.

10/10 Excellent

jean francois, St François Longchamp

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ne pas passer a coté.....
Sans aucun doute le coup de cœur du voyage...Un peu perdu dans les collines au dessus de Mossel Bay au bout d'une route en terre.. Comité d’accueil "Un girafon"a l'entrée et Pumba & Timon qui vivent dans le Lodge sur un canapé réservé !!!! Des petits chalets 4 personnes très cosy et une salle de restaurant magique ouverte sur la savane. Excellent repas du soir. Et puis la randonnée en Quad dans la petite réserve avec notre guide très sympa Seul regret la piscine pas utilisable car très sale dommage....

4/10 Poor

guido, Dorsten

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Naja.....muss man nicht buchen...
Nette freundliche Mitarbeiter..besonders Christiaan mit dem ich eine Quadtour gemacht hatte. Doch leider ist da alles in die Jahre gekommen, und das Abendessen und Frühstück..muss man nicht wirklich haben...Dann besser abends nach Mosselbay fahren und in Kai4 was leckeres futtern.

8/10 Good

SONGI KO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Hier wird Safari geboten
Diese wunderschöne authentische lodge befindet inmitten einer riesen safari Anlage. Es werden quad sowie 4x4 safari touren und sogar auf Bestellung eine Helikopter Tour geboten. Das Personal ist noch sehr jung aber sehr professionell, aufmerksam und hoch motiviert. Wir haben die 4x4 safari Tour unternommen und sind mit einem offenen range rover defender 2h durch die wunderschöne Landschaft gefahren und haben viele Tiere sehen können. Absolut empfehlenswert !!
Lodge
HAUPTHAUS

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

8/10 Good

Edith, Mömbris, Bayern

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Tolle und günstige Lodge für Safari-Einsteiger
Die Lodgebesitzer sind sehr nett und hilfsbereit. Wir haben am Morgen eine tolle Safari gemacht und haben Nashorn, Wasserböcke, Impalas, Kudus, Gnus, Zebras und Giraffen gesehen. Wir sind ganz nah an das Nashorn und auch an die Giraffen heran gekommen, was sehr beeindruckend war. Am Abend gab es ein leckeres Drei-Gänge-Menu zu einem günstigen Preis (165 Rand). Die Lodge ist für Ruhesuchende und für Safari-Einsteiger zu empfehlen. Wir haben uns dort sehr sicher gefühlt. Das Areal ist sehr groß. Die vorhandenen Zäune haben uns nicht gestört. Beim Abendessen haben wir nochmals das Nashorn gesehen, das sich in sicherer Entfernung befand.

10/10 Excellent

Raimund, Hengelo, Nederland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice overnight stay with safari
Nice game reserve, with excellent small safari's. We were offered a larger challet because it was free for the night. Nice beds, clean room and friendly staf. Would stay here again.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabian, das Nashorn ist auch anwesend
Sehr sympathische privatgeführte Lodge für Naturfreunde mit gutem Essen und (da nicht zu großem Reserve) hoher Chance Tiere zu sehen. Es gibt vor allem Büffel, Giraffen und ein sympathisches junges 5j. Nashorn (Fabian), leider keine Wildaktzen.

10/10 Excellent

joao, rio de janeiro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
maravilhoso
É um lugar especial. O staff desse lodge é muito amigavel. Sao pessoas competentes que fazem o possível para que voce se sinta bem. Os games drives são ótimos. O lugar é lindo e os quartos muito confortaveis. A comida é excelente.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort