Bonamanzi Game Reserve

Bonamanzi Game Reserve, a private South African Big 4 game reserve, safari lodge and natural heritage site, is also one of the largest private wildlife and birding parks in Zululand. With over 4000 hectares of pristine African bush to explore, each day is different - whether on a game viewing safari, sighting rare African birds, tracking elephants or joining in with the Zulu dancers around the campfire.

Bonamanzi is not only about wild Africa, it's also about out-of-this-world African safari lodge accommodation, and with a variety of options to choose from, guests are spoiled for choice. Guests have a choice between fully catered accommodation, self-catering chalets, tented accommodation or our stunning tree house. Whichever accommodation option you prefer you are assured of the ultimate in service and luxury.

The Lalapanzi catered camp has 38 en-suite rooms with a pool, a restaurant, a pub and a viewing lounge. The four-bed tree house consists of four self-catering units, one double and one twin room, a shower and a kitchenette. The two-bed tree house consists of six self-catering units, one double and one twin room, a shower and a kitchenette. The game lodge is self-catering with two twin rooms, three double-bedded rooms, a shower, a bath and a pool. The tree lodge is self-catering and has two twin-bed rooms, one double room, a shower, a bath, and a pool. The Dinizulu luxury camp is catered for and has three double chalets with showers, a bath, a pool, a private dining area, an entertainment area, a personal cook and a ranger.

Guests can fly into Durban for the Bonamanzi private game reserve and safari lodge experience. Local Zulu guides will introduce you to African game both big and small and some of the most endangered and rare bird species in South Africa. Bonamanzi is a Zulu name which means: Look! Water! Take advantage of water-based activities like a bird cruise down the Hluhluwe River and see flamingo, pelican, hippos and crocodiles at the adjoining World Heritage site of Lake St. Lucia. If you want to link your Zululand experience to a visit to the Big Five game viewing areas of the Kruger Park and Swaziland, plan to visit Bonamanzi en route to Durban and the Cape. Bonamanzi is an hour and a halfs drive from the Golela border post with Swaziland.

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Reviews

"A wonderful escape"

08 August 2022

"Our first visit in over 10 years. Wonderful bird life amid the peace and quiet. Self driving is a great addition and we made full use of it. Restaurant doesnt appear to function midweek but we had plenty of food so no big deal. Its a pity the boat trip wasnt going ahead perhaps next time."
"The Tree house, was private and so peacefull, I loved it!"

19 November 2018

"I would like to see a bench, a dustbin and some hooks for clothing in the bedroom with the double bed, otherwise it was great!"
"Hlangana Campsite"

18 October 2018

"This is a bush experience right up there with the best of them which we have experienced on our travels...unfenced campsite with elephants around our camp on our first night smashing trees....had a wonderful 2 nights.Cant recommend it highly enough."
"Beautiful and relaxing with a wonderful pond"

24 September 2018

"We went there from Johannesburgh to stay for three nights. The place is very well kept. You can see animals wandering around. We booked a tree house and could observe birds from the terrace. We had a braii at the restaurant organized for heritage day, along with a local dance. It was very nice with a big fire in the middle! Thank you for the welcoming atmosphere there. Well be back soon"
"quite and restfull"

04 May 2018

"update the Soloman's trail on your map."
"camping"

31 October 2016

"Very nice camping site and game reserve. Just annoying to have so many ticks on the camping area. We fond ticks everywhere on our equipment."
"Lovely"

31 October 2016

"Really enjoyed the camping.<br/>Nice to be able to wander around.<br/>LOTS of Nyala"
"Great Staff & Accommodation"

26 May 2014

"We loved it there, it had been years since we have been there. So it was wonderful to see all the changes, including the now modern tree houses. The walks were lovely as was the pleasure of walking amoungst the game, the huge crocs were as sight to see. Loved it so much, the only complaint is that we stayed on a Saturday night and the music from some nearby night club spoilt the feeling of being away from it all."
"Lovely"

19 November 2012

"Had a lovely relaxing stay at Bonamanzi. Accommodation was clean, although the wooden "flintstones' tables a bit wobbly and chairs very uncomfortable to sit in. A bit over-priced."
"Great stay"

27 March 2012

"Great stay and wonderful setting. Spectacular viewing deck over the dam. The young game ranger, Emmanuel, is great with birding and he made our trip down the river very rewarding. 10/10 to Emmanuel and the rest of the staff who went out of their way to make our stay great."
"Enjoyed"

28 December 2011

"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Bonamanzi and the accommodation and facilities were great. We stayed in Lalapanzi, but next time would book one of the tree houses and self cater. The food was a bit disappointing - sometimes not properly cooked and often cold. The bird guide, Emmanuel, was excellent."
"Helpful and efficient"

22 October 2011

"We spent two nights at Bonamanzi. The staff were helpful and efficient, especially the front desk ladies and restaurant staff. The food had good variety and was tasty. The spa services were poor and shorter than the allocated paid-for time. The rangers were informative and the game drives were great, despite hardly seeing any wildlife. The lodge rooms were clean and with beautiful views and buck walking around the gardens."
"Highly Recommended"

30 July 2009

"The Bonamanzi Game Park is a superb place to stay while visiting Hluhluwe. The park is very comfortable and is filled with animals. A night drive in the park was far more fruitful than many that we have taken in Hluhluwe. Our guide, Joy, was extremely knowledgeable and effective. The dining facilities are excellent and the staff extremely friendly. We will definitely return!"
"Highly Recommended "

30 July 2009

"The Bonamanzi Game Park is a superb place to stay while visiting Hluhluwe. The park is very comfortable and is filled with animals. A night drive in the park was far more fruitful than many that we have taken inHluhluwe. Our guide, Joy, was extremely knowledgeable and effective. The dining facilities are excellent and the staff extremely friendly. We will definitely return!"
"Bonamanzi Game Park"

13 July 2009

"Very relaxing."
"Bonamanzi Game Park"

13 July 2009

"Very relaxing."
"Highly recommended"

01 April 2008

"We spent three nights in self-cateringTree House. Located inside a private game park, so you have wildlife just at your door step (just antelopes, gnous and warthogs). Kitchen and bathroom-shower on ground floor, rooms and living on first floor. Great base to visit the area with Hluhluwe Game reserve, St-Lucia, Dumazulu all within less than an hour drive. They offer game drives and other activities but there was not enough people for some of them. Do not expect luxury accommodation with the tree house, but everything met our expectations. Very clean and well equipped (with A/C, fans, full-equipped kitchen; no TV, radio or phone, but we were fine with that)."
"Highly recommended"

01 April 2008

"We spent three nights in self-cateringTree House. Located inside a private game park, so you have wildlife just at your door step (just antelopes, gnous and warthogs). Kitchen and bathroom-shower on ground floor, rooms and living on first floor. Great base to visit the area with Hluhluwe Game reserve, St-Lucia, Dumazulu all within less than an hour drive. They offer game drives and other activities but there was not enough people for some of them. Do not expect luxury accommodation with the tree house, but everything met our expectations. Very clean and well equipped (with A/C, fans, full-equipped kitchen; no TV, radio or phone, but we were fine with that)."