Blyde River Wilderness Lodge

Blyde River Canyon Wilderness Lodge sits on the bank of the Blyde River along the Panoramic Route, about an hour's drive from Kruger National Park's Orpen Gate. The lodge holds ten rooms across several room types — queen and twin luxury rooms, two rondavels, two self-catering cottages, and Kimba House, a private self-catering house with its own rock pool and braai area, set about one hundred and fifty metres from the main lodge. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and reverse-cycle air conditioning; the riverside rooms look directly onto the water, where hippos and crocodiles are regularly visible.

Breakfast is included. In the evenings, the kitchen serves a three-course set dinner, with options for vegetarians, vegans, and guests with dietary requirements including gluten-free and lactose-free. On cooler nights, a wood-fire boma is available. Two pools sit in the garden, shaded by jackalberry and fig trees, where nyala graze on the lawn.

The property is on a private game reserve. Guided and self-guided bush walks give access to giraffe, zebra, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, bushbuck, waterbuck, impala, and several smaller antelope species. The riparian vegetation along the river makes the lodge a useful base for birdwatchers. Off-site, the surrounding area offers game drives, canoeing, horse riding, hot air ballooning, and elephant encounters, all bookable separately. An airport shuttle is available on request.