Awarded Natural Heritage Site status in 1995, Bonamanzi Game Reserve is a highly recommended safari destination. Expect luxury accommodation, excellent hospitality and amazing game viewing experiences.
Bordered by the spectacular Lake St. Lucia Isimangaliso Wetlands and the magnificent Hluhluwe River, Bonamanzi loosely translated means ‘Look, Water’ in Zulu.
It is home to four of the Big Five and you will find this 4000-ha reserve teaming with game. Because of the absence of lions, Bonamanzi provides a safe and interactive bush experience in which you can do walks or drive, with or without the company of a trained field guide.
This is good news as the reserve is also recognised as one of the best birding destinations in Southern Africa. Remember, it’s the African bush so caution needs to be taken on these trails.
If you still want to see lions, within a short 30-minute drive of Bonamanzi is the Hluhluwe/Imfolozi ‘Big Five’ Reserve. They do offer game drives to the park.
The area enjoys a wonderful climate all year long with splendid summers and warm winters. Come, relax and enjoy three peaceful eco-systems – coastal grassland, tropical forest, and woodland.
Bonamanzi Game Reserve accommodation
The accommodation at Bonamanzi ranges from comfortable 3-star combo’s to luxury chalets. Choose between the Lalapanzi Camp;Dinizulu Camp; Game Lodge; Tree Lodge; Tree Houses ; Camping; Nyala Lodge andBundu Rustic Camp.
Note that the Tree Houses and Tree Lodge are self-catering options and ideal for families and groups or individuals, who prefer to have the authentic bush camping experience.
The Lalapanzi Camp has 38 en-suite rooms with a pool, a restaurant, a pub and a viewing lounge. Built on stilts, the self-catering Tree Lodge consists of three bedrooms connected by a boardwalk. It can accommodate a group or family of six.
Also built on stilts are rustic two-sleeper and four-sleeper self-catering tree houses. The four-sleeper units are on two levels – the bottom level has a small, fully-equipped kitchen while the upper level has a small lounge area, one twin room and one double room, a basin and toilet as well as a deck.
The Dinizulu luxury camp accommodates six people in three double chalets with showers, a bath, a pool, a private dining area, and an entertainment area. The camp is very private.
Meanwhile, the self-catering Game Lodge can accommodate 10 people in five en-suite bedrooms. Three of the bedrooms are in the main Lodge.
At Nyala Lodge are nine air-conditioned twin bedrooms that can sleep 18 people. Three of the outer rooms are en-suite and the other six internal rooms share two showers and two toilet facilities.
The comfy Bundu Rustic Camp has 12 units with a separate two-bedroom cottage. In total the camp can accommodate 28 guests and has everything needed for a comfortable stay.
Bonamanzi also has a camping area for those that always to experience nature at its best.
Amenities at all the accommodation options include large beds, cutlery and crockery, reverse osmosis water, air-conditioning, towels, linen, a stove with oven, fridge, microwave, toaster and kettles.
Facilities at Bonamanzi
You will find that Bonamanzi Game Reserve will cater for your every need, whether it is business in the wild at their Conference and Events facilities or the Wedding of your dreams in the bush.
Activities at Bonamanzi Game Reserve
At Bonamanzi, it’s all about immersing yourself in the wild. They provide interactive bush experiences that include informative guided walks, game drives, boat cruises down the Hluhluwe River, bird safaris as well as unguided walks that you can take on their marked trails.
Or you can choose to elect to relax around a swimming pool after enjoying meals from the Lalapanzi restaurant.
Reviews from previous Bonamanzi Private Game Reserve guests
“Great cottages, lovely people and a really relaxed yet slick set up. Scenery is stunning and there is an abundance of space and wild animals to enjoy. Would highly recommend it,” wrote Lottie Taffy on their Facebook page.
Nathi Mahlangu added; “I felt so peaceful there especially in the morning, the fresh air it was as if l was close to the sea. The service received from the staff was excellent. The food tasted so delicious. I will go back anytime.”
“I loved every minute of our 5 night stay. We celebrated my son and daughter in-law getting married at Bonamanzi. The staff, atmosphere and accommodation was awesome. I would recommend that if you are in that area do yourself a favour and go and experience the love and attention that they so openly give to their guests,” said Leigh Elvia Matthews.
To find out more about Bonamanzi Game Reserve, call 083 634 0895 / 081 339 4181 or email info@bonamanzi.co.za. Visit them at the 324 Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe, or online at bonamanzi.co.za. You can do your bookings online HERE. Here is their location on Google Maps.
