Raptor Retreat Game Lodge

At Raptor Retreat Game Lodge, you can enjoy the feeling of being comfortably insignificant as you look out at the misguided paths of trees and the lives inhabiting them. The warm scent of wild lavender and sunshine, lifting your senses, raising your awareness of the wild breathing around you. An escape from the ever-moving cities to a place where time stands still and the thrill of the untamed nature looking you in the eyes, making you feel the true beauty of being alive and acknowledging that these animals share a heartbeat just like yours.

Raptors Retreat is an owner-managed game lodge, offering luxurious accommodation and excellent service. The lodge is situated on the Parsons Nature Reserve in the Mopani region, approximately 40 km north of Hoedspruit and only a 4 km game drive away from the banks of the Olifants River. Balule Parsons Nature Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, and this unspoilt corner of South Africa is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, mountainous scenery, indigenous forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse cultures.

At the heart of Raptor Retreat is the Main Lodge, where guests can gather to either dine or catch up on their adventures. Relax with a drink on the deck or slump into one of the voluptuous leather couches. The Main Lodge features a huge deck that looks out over an open plain where herds come to graze or drink at the waterhole and predators wait for an opportunity. The large lounge area features comfortable seating, a fireplace, full DStv and a modest library of DVDs and books for those rainy days. Hearty meals are served three times a day in the dining area, or on the deck where you will experience good old-fashioned home cooking. Meals can also be taken under the stars in the boma which features a built-in table, seating and a fire-pit, as well as traditional braai facilities.

With the possibility of having the Big 5 on your doorstep and an abundance of birdlife, we offer early morning or late afternoon informative game drives with an experienced field guide, promising you much more than just a game-viewing experience. Take in the breathtaking views of the Olifants River Valley whilst sipping on a refreshment and savouring the local snacks. For the more energetic, professionally guided bush and bird walks, as well as nature enlightenment of all the fauna and flora in the area, are offered daily. Led by specialist field guides, safety is of the utmost importance. We also offer accompanied day trips into the Kruger Park, or you can explore the Big 5 in your own vehicle at your own pace. Overnight trips into the Kruger Park are available by prior arrangement.

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Reviews

"Most amazing experience ever!"

31 August 2022

"Staying At Raptor Retreat was the most sensational trip we have ever had. The lodge is beautiful, comfortable, clean, and serene with a wonderful friendly atmosphere. It was an exceptional stay, and we would go back in a heartbeat.Sharmaine and Keith have invested their hearts and souls into their property, and we felt it in every way.Sharmaine was available with prompt responses to my many emails before arrival, and even before booking, and was always very pleasant and helpful, providing full service with a congenial staff, giving a family-like feeling. The service is outstanding.The game drives with Keith were not only thrilling, they've given us memories forever. Keith's passion for wildlife, ecology, and conservation is only surpassed by his vast knowledge of such. We find ourselves quoting him daily!We (myself, my husband, and 2 adult sons) stayed in the Hippo lodge which is spacious, well equipped, private, beautiful, and very comfortable. When we weren't on a game drive, we relaxed on our deck observing all the plentiful wildlife (including groups of elephant and zebra) that passed close by on their way to the waterhole in front of us, and many even came close to our deck to visit. We had daily visits from impala, kudu, warthogs, monkeys, hornbills and other birds, to name a few.On every single game drive we saw some of the Big 5 (including leopard and lots of lions), not to mention many, many others, like wild dogs, giraffe, zebras, waterbuck, and babies. Each day brought new wonders and experiences, and although we stayed 6 nights, we could have easily stayed another week.Thank you Sharmaine and Keith for the trip of a lifetime! We hope to see you again."
"Impeccable!!!"

20 October 2018

"Great hosts!!We experienced attention to detail in every respect!Raptor is a star in the Balule Game Reserve!We will defenately visit again!"
"Great lodging and warm hospitality."

07 May 2017

"Amazing game viewing together with luxury and hospitality you won't forget.... or bring you back in no time :-)"
"awesome place, awesome hosts"

28 September 2016

"this was one of our highlights on our honeymoon round trip. very private and special place. from the pool and the terrace in our room we could watch animals and relax. the food is awesome. we can recommend the guided drives, we learned a lot about the bush and animals living there."
"Wonderful stay during our Honeymoon"

06 September 2014

"It was awesome, a perfect getaway from real life. Superb rooms, friendly hosts, great game drives and delicious food. During our stay a we saw a lot of animals and learnt many interesting facts about the bush. Highlight was when some elephants had a swim at the waterhole and one elephant even came to drink out of our pool just 2m from where we were laying."
"dream come true"

18 August 2014

"Sharmaine and Keith had a dream. They realized it and everybody can enjoy it at Raptor Retreat. Hospitality, beautiful accommodation and stunning bush. You can see elephants drinking at the dam from your bedroom or bath. Enjoy a game drive with lots of animals and information about them and then end the day with a delicious meal."
"Raptor"

05 January 2014

"Fantastic place and a wonderful experience. Staff were first class."
"A wonderful stay"

02 August 2013

"We really enjoyed our stay at Raptor Retreat Game Lodge. Shermaine's cooking is delicious and Keith's game drives very exciting! We felt at home in this place. We definitely look forward to pay them a visit again!"