UKUTULA Lodge & Game Reserve image

UKUTULA Lodge & Game Reserve

Hotel

Upscale safari lodge offering thatched cottages with kitchens, plus an outdoor pool & a restaurant. People often mention lions, animals, experience, amazing, Ukutula, cubs, staff, good, conservation, walk,


Address

The Farm Klipkop 411 JQ District, Brits, 0250, South Africa

Website

ukutula.com

Contact

+27 12 254 4780

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (297 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: lions (39) animals (18) experience (16) amazing (12) Ukutula (11) cubs (10) staff (10) good (9) conservation (8) walk (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Grecia C. 1 year ago on Google
    DO NOT SUPPORT animal tourism. This is not ethical- think about it! You’re paying money to a company that is breeding lions and raising them in captivity. The cubs are taken away from their mom so YOU can play with them?! This is inhumane and their way of selling is as a wildlife conservation is a fraud. Please research yourself why walking with lions and playing with cubs isn’t good for the animals. Do not take what they say at face value! I understand it’s very tempting to have the opportunity to pet or play with a cub or walk with a lion “looks cool” and “it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity” but these wild animals deserve to be free. They will never be able to be free after being born in captivity- NEVER. It’s all done so we can take pictures and they can make money. DO NOT CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THIS PLEASE.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Em C. 1 year ago on Google
    I went a few years ago when I didn’t realize what was actually going on. I did however note the sheer volume of lions they were breeding and did some research. Once a lion has interacted with humans it cannot be released into the wild. So what purpose do the adults serve? They are sold into canned hunting and do not get released. So this place is under the guise of being a conservation area but it’s truly just a breeding ground for canned hunting which is absolutely horrific.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 zum z. 5 months ago on Google
    "Canned hunting lodge in SA. These lions are bred to be hunted. But first, as babies the hunting lodge charges unsuspecting, ignorant "volunteers" to interact with them. The volunteers are mostly unaware of the cubs fate, when it's an adult. To be shot by a hunter who pays to shoot it as a trophy, in a small enclosure, with no escape. Canned hunting." I found this comment left by one of your former customers. Is that true?
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Nthabeleng K. 8 months ago on Google
    The place itself is scenic and has some activities. The rooms as well are quite decent. However there were a few things that had me perturbed. Firstly our booking payment wasn’t confirmed prior to check in, we were called after we checked out and had to drive back all the way to get it sorted. Also there aren’t many food choices… so I would advise anyone coming here to bring their own food-my own preference. If you do decide to have breakfast here just know that it is not a buffet. And just a heads up…there’s a gravel road leading up to the lodge… also after entering the gate you will still drive quite a distance to get to reception.. as is expected because it’s a large veld with animals
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danny C. 1 year ago on Google
    I could not recommend Ukutula more highly. The staff were so kind and were helpful in all areas. The braai area was very relaxing and great for large groups as well. The rooms were nice, cozy and well maintained with a little kitchen if you want to cook but you can also go to the restaurant. The lion walking was out of this world. Being from Australia we don't have big animals so seeing them up close and so personal was amazing. We were blown away and 110% would definitely do again. Seeing the tigers, leopards, cheetahs and other animals was amazing as well. The are extremely well looked after and the conservation work they are doing there is next level. I definitely recommend Ukutula Lodge & Game Reserve!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Indrajit G. 4 years ago on Google
    If I could give this more than five stars I would happily do so! I don't think I can even describe enough how much I love Ukutula. Of course, I loved it mainly because of the amazing lions - animals which I have always had a soft spot for! I enjoyed daily interacting with the cubs as well as seeing the big lions interacting with one another. Being able to take the young lions into the bush and watch them stalk there prey was just unbelievably awesome. Aside of the lions, I also loved the accommodation. New bedsheets were given on a daily basis and the rooms were always clean when I went back at the end of an exciting day. The food as well was amazing. There have been allegations that the farm is involved in canned hunting. Having volunteered there twice, I can honestly say that I have seen NO evidence of this - both times I went I saw most of the same lions and when I asked the owners what became of the lions no longer there, they were completely certain where the lions had gone! I have recently booked my third trip to Ukutula for summer 2019 - I look forward to it for sure!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert R. 5 months ago on Google
    Walking with the lions is an experience not to be missed. We didn’t stay at the lodge but the area and facilities looked amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 masterviolinist k. 4 months ago on Google
    I walked with lions, played with cubs, baby servals, a baby fox, petted cheetahs... It was a phenomenal experience. Jill, Blessing, and the rest of the staff were amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jimmy C. 11 months ago on Google
    To walk with the lions, caress a cheetah and lion cubs was an experience you can never forget. Learning about the conservation efforts needed to protect the lions was so informative. An amazing experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Michaela Z. 1 year ago on Google
    We would not recommend you to visit the Ukutula lodge, because it had a weird vibe and did not persuade us that it serves good purpose. Me and my boyfriend visited the place in November 2022 and stayed for two nights. We booked our stay based on the great reviews and rating on Google, TripAdvisor and Booking. While believing the place is a sort of wildlife rescue station we booked the afternoon programme - playing with cubs, walking with lions...at first glance it seems nothing is wrong about such activities. But if you think further, you realize there is nothing good about this wildlife interaction. I started to feel inconvenient seeing quite small cages in comparison to the overall size of the lodge and when realizing they encourage the lion breeding (therefore there are always small lions to play with) and that they take away the cubs from the big cat mothers. I decided to google a bit if this is considered ethical and found many disturbing articles mentioning Ukutula. We feel guilty that we might have contributed to wrong activities and wish we would know the controversy before. The food, service and accommodation were very nice, however, this does not outweigh the compunction.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jerry C. 1 year ago on Google
    I wasn’t convinced. Walking with lions just doesn’t seem ethical, along with all the other caged animals. Is this place really just a Lion breeding factory for canned hunting? They will never admit it but if there’s anything I do know is that humans should not be interacting with wildlife like they do at this establishment. There’s something off about this place. In response to your message below, I have in fact been to your facility. I guess because I reside in the US it means I’m unable to get on a plane and fly to Johannesburg. As a matter of fact I was there on December 12, 2021. Check your records.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lucky M. 2 years ago on Google
    If you want to see and learn about Lions, cheetar and Hyena, this is a great place for you. I have never seen lion so close. They really take a good care of these animals. We enjoyed the tour so much. What I enjoyed most was interacting will young lions and a cheetah.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wade H. 2 years ago on Google
    Hands down one of the greatest days of my life. Went with my girlfriend and just spent the day there. The staff where out standing and the guides top class. They had so much respect for myself and my partner and best friend. They took there time with my lady as she was terrified. My hats go off to all of you. I would like to especially thank Tumi at the lodge. She was nothing less than remarkable. She has a huge future ahead of her. So friendly so helpful. So understanding. The best costumer service I have ever gotten. I truly can not wait to go back. And hope it will be soon. I highly recommend this establishment. And if you go there ask for Tumi. And George and his team to be your guides. I'll see you again guys. Stay blessed.

  • 4/5 Kerrylynn W. 1 year ago on Google
    What a lovely day out...A Walk with Lions.....well worth the 1.5 hours drive from Johannesburg..the staff were on point...the Walk was surreal...We took the full day package and the food was incredible. Also lots to learn about the wild animals...Try it, you won't be disappointed.

  • 5/5 Dennis C. 7 months ago on Google
    Located in the North west province,just after Brits town,2hrs 3mins drive from Johannesburg and less than an hour drive from haartbeesport Dam,they have several wild animals and a large number of lions and most cats.

  • 5/5 MG L. 4 months ago on Google
    Ukutula is a dream come true… if you want to get up close to lions, this is the place. The reserve is a research center (first in the world to achieve artificial insemination of lions) where male liions are purposefully made accustomed to humans (to enable safer research). This is why “tourists” can get close up. The controversies surrounding this place are a misunderstanding of their mission. I can recommend the experience wholeheartedly.

  • 5/5 Sully S. 4 years ago on Google
    AMAZING must play with baby lions if your staying over night AMAZING bucket list item

  • 4/5 Hinata I. 7 months ago on Google
    This is a private reserve in SouthAfrica. You can experience special time! Especially, I recommend walking tour with lions. It costs R860 per adult for an hour. I felt a bit short, but it was unforgettable experience.

  • 5/5 Aleczander M. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent stay at Ukutula. Very comfortable! You get to listen to the Lions roaring throughout the night. Staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended. You can see that the animals are well looked after and comfortable.

  • 5/5 Brooke J. 4 months ago on Google
    A one-of-a-kind place to visit for a truly wonderful experience. My family stayed for 2 nights. There are so many things to do! Walking with the lions - an unforgettable experience and photo ops, the Predator Walk, learn about the conservation project (unique to Ukutula) that is helping lions throughout Africa. You'll also get to see tigers and hyenas. You may even get the opportunity to pet a cheetah. Wow! I was pleased to learn about the education program they have for under privileged children. Teaching the next generation about how to care for wildlife and why it matters. The grounds are well kept. The chalets are beautifully decorated with all the amenities you may need. There are several swimming pools on-site to help beat the heat. Nice braai reas as well. There is also a lovely restaurant on site with delicious meals. All of the staff is knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. You will feel safe and in good hands. The owners take pride in the work they do and it shows.

  • 4/5 Stephans M. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a good experience to walk with the lion's,food were nice,good place for family.I really enjoyed myself there,service was great,every staff member there was helpful, smiling and willing to assist.Thank you everyone at Ukuthula Lodge I will visit again soon

  • 5/5 Nicholas M. 11 months ago on Google
    i came to support a friend who wanted to walk with lions. she loved the walk. and i enjoyed the grounds.

  • 1/5 Connor Grant I. 10 months ago on Google
    Worst place ever!!!!! Went on a school camp and got treated so badly by the facilitator Lee. Rooms have bats spiders and scorpions. The pool is filled with mould. The food was meh. Truly don’t go waste your time there!

  • 3/5 Dean P. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice staff - especially in the restaurant. The rangers were informative and we enjoyed their talks. The rooms were a bit basic and the wi fi was substandard in the rooms. Unfortunately they kept getting what we had already paid for wrong.

  • 5/5 Robyn E. 11 months ago on Google
    The tour begins with a talk about the work being done for conservation of the lions and this is important work as the species is endangered in the wild. Obviously this is a bone of contention about whether these types of reserves are good for the lions and other animals. My take on it that with human encroachment into the wild areas, all animals need a few different strategies to prevent the loss of species… and conservation parks like Ukutula have an important part to play in education and understanding. That said the activity of walking with the lions is a heart stopping, exhilarating experience and you definitely feel you are taking your life out of your control. Fortunately the guides are exceptional and are there to protect you and curate the experience. It is however risky because they are wild animals. But what an honour to walk with these majestic creatures. Can’t thank the guides enough. They are masters. The petting with the cheetahs and baby lions is special. There is room for parks such as this to educate and make us fall in love with these animals and therefore fight for their futures. Of course you always hope that the humans attending the sessions are humble enough to listen to the instructions for everyone’s safety… you hope they can forget about the selfies and desire for a response from a big cat, to simply be on alert and enjoy the animals… One of the most memorable experiences of our lives.

  • 5/5 Daddy M. 4 years ago on Google
    This has to be one of the most memorable experiences we've had. The cottage we stayed in was clean and beautiful. The food was scrumptious. We had the steak with vegetables, it was beautifully presented and the staff were friendly. Playing with the lion cubs was an experience we will never forget. The tour guide was very informative and knowledgeable. Will definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Paul C. 1 year ago on Google
    Professionally run, the animals are in beautiful condition. The walk with lions is not the circus spectacle I was afraid of encountering, but actually a respectful mesmerising experience. Lovely staff and great food.

  • 5/5 Alissa M. 1 year ago on Google
    This was the most incredible vacation spot ever!!! The service we received was incredible, the food was really really good! The lodging was awesome!! I can't say enough about the awesome conservation work they are doing and the experience we had walking with the lions and petting the cheetahs was the coolest thing I have ever done! It was safe, fun and very well run!

  • 5/5 sriramagirianagha 1 year ago on Google
    I and my brother were here for interacting with animals.We had a perfect interaction with lions,Walking with lions is amazing,Cheetah interaction was awesome and touching lion cubs was fantastic.

  • 5/5 Cheylene M. 1 year ago on Google
    Always a great, peaceful time at Ukutula. We loved the service from all the friendly staff - absolutely accommodating. The rooms are nice, a little out dated (stove, tv) but nobody goes there to watch tv. The lions roaring all night are an amazing experience and their programs are always fun.

  • 5/5 Ryan W. 1 year ago on Google
    We booked a bush walk with the lions and honestly was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Felt safe with the guides there and the lions were very well behaved. If we come back to South Africa I think a stay here would be an amazing!

  • 1/5 Sett The G. 1 year ago on Google
    I went to the camp there and the cabins were dirty there was stains on the bed and on the floor we ate cereal and milk but the milk was chunky. that’s it for me

  • 5/5 Julia Tshibanda S. 1 year ago on Google
    20 out of 10… We had such an amazing time with the lions and learning about them. Will definitely recommend going there to have an adventure


Call +27 12 254 4780 Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Hotels nearby

Last updated:
()