Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hike (15) friendly (13) service (10) great (10) river (9) recommend (9) staff (8) dogs (7) accommodation (7) enjoyed (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Magadi M. 3 months ago on Google New
    It's always a bliss to be here. I love their good service and tranquil. Never a dull moment when I'm here
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Shannon M. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow where do I begin. Outstanding place, dogs super friendly some of the best service ever, friendly and helpful. best food EVER! ESPECIALLY burgers. The accommodation absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful picknik spots. The restaurant was very antique. Lovely photographer kayleen was her name very talented. The guided hike was jaw dropping the guide him self was very knowledgeable and also kept to our pace which was appreciated. The dogs joined us and enjoyed it almost as much as us. Property was well kept ESPECIALLY in winter. Fire place was lit during breakfast. The owner was friendly and welcoming and must add he had great humour. Recommend it to all those who seek the enjoyment of the country side
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Nikki M. 1 year ago on Google
    We had the most amazing day hiking and swimming @ hornbill lodge (Magaliesburg) this morning. We really enjoyed this venue, people and the trail. Guided hikes start from 10am but you are welcome to hike without a guide although the trail is not marked so this would be at your own peril. We opted to go without a guide but thanks to the owner's excellent directions we managed to find our way without any major detours. The 5km is fairly easy and starts by taking you up and along the edges of "Miracle Mountain" where many of the locals come to pray. The trail then winds down the mountain through a shady forest which then leads you along the river. This was one of my favourite parts of the route and it just kept getting better. The trail ends at the most wonderful swimming spot where myself and the dogs had a swim to cool down. Off leash hiking welcome for dogs with good recall. R120 per person includes a delicious burger. Restaurant, accommodation, picnic facilities, swimming pool and spa treatments available on site.
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Deon R. 2 years ago on Google
    It is supposed to be a dog friendly venue, but our dogs were attacked by a mongrel fat old staffy. The owner reluctantly pulled the attack dog away. A beer and a cider was R80, it is very overpriced. The decor and ambiance feels very " hillbilly". This a don't bother venue, you can do much better elsewhere.......
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 megan g. 1 year ago on Google
    After reading the reviews I was excited to visit. It was very disappointing. It is tatty. My plate had a huge chip out if it. It looks nothing like the photos. The food was average. I definitely wouldn't recommend it and I won't be back.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Natasha R. 1 year ago on Google
    Went hiking with my doggos. Owner and staff very accomodating. Ticket price came with a burger but specially made me a salad as I don't eat meat. The hike beautiful and the doggos loved it.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Andrea kleintjie G. 1 year ago on Google
    Beds and pillows are hard but everything else was wonderful the atmosphere is soo relaxing owner's and their pups are so friendly pool was absolutely great it's a lovely place to go relax and get away from all the stress.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Claire B. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the more nasty places I have stayed. It's a very eco motel type of setup with no fridge, questionable bedding and clinical. We claimed a refund due to the advertisement not matching the pictures we stayed in. The owner seems not too worried about the standard and more worried about arguing with reviewers (there are many bad reviews all saying same issues) than actually addressing the issues. It's called customer service, try a course and see how it works.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 Brian B. 2 years ago on Google
    It's OK. Beautiful views. the surroundings are so good the actual food is a let down. Ask for sunny Side up eggs or easy over or soft eggs dont worry they all cooked the same. Nothing to write home about.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Nicolene B. 2 years ago on Google
    I will definitely not recomend this place. Waited 2 hours for our food, which wasnt what we asked for. And they dont have orange juice, or vodka. And we Waited 30 mins for drinks.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Marinda van L. 2 years ago on Google
    Thank you so much to Hornbill. The picnic I booked for my husband's 50'th birthday was superbly done! The food was delicious and more than enough. The setting was beautiful and they were all so friendly and helpful. I would recommend them wholeheartedly!
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Lisa O. 2 months ago on Google New
    The website is amazing as is email and whatsapp response. However when we arrived at reception, a young woman told us there had been a 3 day rave event. This seemed to imply we shouldn't picnic there. We asked what it meant and she said they were still cleaning up, which we accepted. It cost R400 entrance free for a family of 3 adults and 2 kids. No discount for the inconvenience of the cleaning which made the only entertainment (swimming and a disheveled unusable trampoline) inaccessible. She then tried to upsell a hike and hamburger deal at R110 pp where if you have brought your own food (we checked via whatsapp this morning if this is okay and we were told it's fine) you still pay the full price. We found a place to picnic and then left to find coffee elsewhere as we just felt like were invading a private property rather than picnicking at a ppace we paid a premium to visit
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Celeste E. 1 year ago on Google
    We have booked for 2 nights at Hornbill Lodge, and all I can say is what a disappointment. The room smelt and felt dirty. Nothing like the advert. Also states as a 4 star lodge at the entrance of the lodge, but apparently is a 4 star B&B, which is also impossible with aircon not working and no bar fridge. The staff that works at the lodge is not presentable, walking around in track suits and flip flops. Nothing about this was 4 star accommodation. There was a big group of people, 2 rooms away from us that was playing loud music and partying. We went to lay a complaint with Cobie and he was not open with a solution. Said we are the only people to complain and that there is nothing he can do about this. We asked for a refund as this is not worth the money we spent and he refused and said we should sort it out with Daddy’s Deals.He refused to let Daddy's Deals refund us, as we checked in already and left on our own terns (not taking in account with everything that is wrong with this place) Also accused us of lying and called us racist when we complained. (which we are the same race - so doesn't make sense) worst place with the worst management!!
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Antoinette M. 1 year ago on Google
    Honestly, this place needs some serious revamping, the room we were allocated was so bad(old furniture and curtains), i felt like checking out immediately, the carpet was smelling so bad(i think it was recently washed but didn't get enough time to dry properly). We couldn't handle the smell, we were even wearing masks and my chest was affected by the smell, so we decided to call the owner around 9pm, a guy came and he just stood at the door and said 'there is no smell' with a very bad attitude. Fortunately we were moved to another room which was a bit decent and the carpet smell was much better. The outside scenery is beautiful, loved the mountains and the river. The breakfast was mediocre to say the least. I would not recommend this place.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Anca G. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place if you want to be in nature. Their signature designer milkshakes are something I've never experienced anywhere else. I highly recommend this place for friends and family outings.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Sinead R. 3 months ago on Google New
    Beautiful location and really so much untapped potential. We were staying in the area and thought we'd get some breakfast at Hornbill, unfortunately we were met by a very miserable and severely soft spoken young lady. We actually felt quite unwelcome and seem to have been rather an inconvenience to her day. I suppose the fact that we were one of very few tables there on a public holiday should have been sign. The food is expensive for what you get, the service makes you feel like an inconvenience and the overall upkeep of the property is poor. It pains me to write this review but it is so frustrating to see a place with so much potential be so badly run. Some proper hospitality training for front of house staff would go a very long way
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Louise B. 11 months ago on Google
    Would not recommend at all. You pay R120 for a 5km hike, which turned out to be a 2.5km hike. The paths were heavily overgrown and you'd be lucky if you could still wear your clothes after the horrible black jacks stick to it. They advertise cliff jumping, but the water seems dirty. We received very unfriendly service from a young girl who seemed to be wanting to do anything else than be there. You do not feel welcome at all. The place also needs a lot of work.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Mike V. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely shocking. Resembles a scrap yard. Poorly equipped rooms, creaking floors, revolting shower and bed linen smells. The photos on the website are aged to say the least and are poor reflection of the absolute dive we arrived at. Would not recommend or ever return. Complete waste of money.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 vinceno w. 1 year ago on Google
    Booked in @ Hornbill Lodge mid December, awesome getaway... the staff was very friendly, the facilities was clean, both myself and wifey had an awesome time. We took advantage of the discounts that were included in our package through Saddle Creek adventures and spent the afternoon off roading with their quadbikes, fun was had. We came back to a delicious dinner, i remember that steak and prawns, I asked for medium and they delivered. Met the owner in the morning what a friendly family that owns the place, breakfast was just as great as dinner....will definately come back amd recommend the place
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Leanne Husky L. 1 year ago on Google
    Im a regular national and international traveller and hiker. R150 per person to hike is more than double other equally lovely trails in the area. No option to leave the 'free' burger which makes it extremely expensive for anyone with dietary restrictions, or for those traveling on a tight budget. We had already eaten lunch and had dinner plans, and were hoping for a hike with our dogs, but R150 for just a hike is very high. We left and went somewhere more reasonable. Ironically, we very likely would have stayed for a drink after the hike and may have spent far more than R150! The owners response is that they don't do free hikes. Nobody expected a free hike. We'd have been more than happy to pay a reasonable R50 to R100 for a hike and likely would have supported the restaurant for a drink or cake afterwards. R150 for a hike is ridiculous.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 lorato g. 2 years ago on Google
    Resturant in a Valley If they can thoroughly clean their tumbler glasses ,their knife had a bad smell is now the second time. Pls clean your eating utensils. The table we seated at was never dusted nor disinfected. The place is made beautiful by being surrounded by mountains n flowing river.m now relaxed their many dogs called babies
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Tayla S. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a lovely weekend camping , would have given 5 stars but unfortunately there where no bins in the camping grounds so rubbish had to be left laying on the floor in bags which the baboons enjoyed , the showers only had gold water but the owner kindly opened up a chalet for us to have a warm shower , thanks Cobie.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Arthur V. 1 year ago on Google
    Great food and service. Unique ambiance with indoor and outdoor dining available. Can host and cater for functions. Situated in the beautiful Magalies Meander next to the river and the Lover's Rock rock pool. Accomidation and day visiting available. Family and pet friendly with safe parking.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 David D. 2 years ago on Google
    Ordered a schnitzel got a chicken breast with no flavour. Whilst we did get a refund on it no manager came to see us. Place only had teenagers running it
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 Nkhangwele M. 9 months ago on Google
    I went there with my husband last weekend it was fantastic.the staff was rily friendly the breakfast was lovely and the room was not bad.n i loved the eletric blanket as it kept us warm in this cold weather.the view was to die for amazing.i am planing to go back with my kids..

  • 1/5 Willie P. 8 months ago on Google
    My wife and I wanted to visit the restaurant for dinner. We ordered 2 cappuccinos for drinks. We were served instant cappuccinos at R40.00 a cup. When we wanted to order food, we were advised that they only had T-bone steak. We paid for the coffee and walked out.

  • 3/5 Gerrie van Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Venue looks great, even though there was a little bit of work busy at the time. Food and drinks prices were much higher than we could ever have imagined, so we just drank something for about a bill of R120.

  • 1/5 Bewd C. 3 months ago on Google New
    Their thumping music ripping through the Magaliesberg valley disturbs and spoils the visit of hundreds of patrons and residents who paid dearly to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty (away from the noise of the city!). No pre-warning or consideration is made to all the surrounding accommodation to warn their guests from booking. They are contributing to the destruction and degradation of the town value, their properties , and shops by decimating the peace till early hours of the morning (with their short term profit to please a small club scene that cannot support the area for its Peace and tranquility by supporting the disturbance to the surrounding nature) When reporting the disturbance to the local police station, they mention they already asked for permission to make a noise meaning that they are already unpopular with the neighbours - disturbing their right to peace in their accommodation. Shops & venues will lose business because of you and the β€œgetaway gem” Magaliesburg loses the support it desperately needs. Then there will be no town to support even your business. As a result of short sightedness, it’s scared away customers that you need to support the restaurants and shops that your guests actually enjoy or need. I suggest sending a notification to every accommodation destination in a 3km radius advising them not to accept guests on these dates, because of the 24h disturbance in the valley/town. Unfortunately not much can be done about the environmental impact on bird life including Hornbills.

  • 4/5 Eddie H. 3 months ago on Google New
    What a grumpy waiter! Didn't anybody ever tell you not to serve warm beer on a stinking hot day. It is what it is! Cheers you won't see me again. I can't complain about the room as I never stayed over.

  • 2/5 Gerhard M. 5 months ago on Google
    Lovely destination. Just a pity that one cannot enjoy the river due to pollution upstream. We went there for a music festival which was really well organised. The place needs a lot of general maintenance, but I guess Covid took it's toll. At least the facility survived and I am sure when money is available it will improve. Road noise can be very distracting. At least there could be an attempt to clean the swimming pool. I bumped my toe at the bottom.of the steps as I could not see it. I cannot comment on the sleeping facilities.

  • 4/5 Jaap V. 1 year ago on Google
    Their food is delicious and their setting quite peaceful with the river flowing by. I think this business has been in the same family for 3 generations

  • 4/5 Thasigan P. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice getaway in the middle of Magaliesburg. Quite and scenic. Great for covid time where social distancing is required. Restaurant isn't fancy, but staff are welcoming and polite, and food is on par with the setup

  • 4/5 Justin G. 10 months ago on Google
    Me and wife enjoyed our trip to Hornbill Lodge, Cobie and his family was friendly towards us, they made sure we enjoyed it, went out of their way to make the stay more comfortable. The only things is the braaiers need some attention thats all. New braaiers wil already have been a great improvement. The place is a gold mine, so much potential for hornbill to become an amazing all around lodge, I say bring back the place like how the fotos look. And tap into the potential of the surrounding area. Thanks to the team for a lekker weekend.

  • 5/5 Carien R. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful views next to the river and had a had lunch there, great service and good food.

  • 5/5 Jennifer Le R. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent service and scrumptious beautifully made food in a gorgeous tranquil setting, that is perfect for the whole family including your fur babies πŸ•πŸΎ and they have a fun hiking route that is great for all ages.

  • 4/5 Zarine V. 1 year ago on Google
    I enjoyed this place alot, been here a few times. The atmosphere is awesome and it is also mostly outdoors surrounded by trees and a mountain. This place has a pool for birthday parties and you are also allowed to pre-book and have a picnic. Definitely go and enjoy this calming river atmosphere with lovely food.

  • 4/5 Chane L. 1 year ago on Google
    Went for a weekend some time ago. The accommodation is great with friendly staff. The breakfast was an issue both mornings though (confusion about what was available one morning, and mixed wrong orders the next), I'm sure it has been resolved since. I would recommend!

  • 1/5 Pontsho K. 1 year ago on Google
    This is thee most disgusting place I have ever been to. We went there in November 2022 with my friends, we were so disappointed. The towels are dirty. I don't know when last did they clean their carpets, there were spider webs in the bathrooms. We couldn't even swim because their pool was disgusting. There is no security at the gate, people come and go as they please. There were these other visitors who almost got robbed in their room. I will not recommend this place at all.

  • 2/5 Keri-Lee C. 11 months ago on Google
    The hiking trail is unkempt and overgrown with Blackjacks. It would be easy to simply go and maintain it considering the R120 charge pp for the hike. When this concern was addressed to the manager, he did not acknowledge to look into it and just replied with "ok". It is a pity because the area is beautiful. The service was not very friendly, very quiet staff, kind of felt like an intruder when trying to ask questions and order drinks.

  • 4/5 Jared B. 1 year ago on Google
    Really tasty burger, and a lovely setting over the river, with some birds moving around for us to watch. A sign should be placed on the main road, as we drove right past, even when we were looking for it.

  • 3/5 Sydwell T. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a difficult review. My guess is under different circumstances this would be a decent place. I found the food I ordered underwhelming and overpriced. I ordered the super burger but it's a double patty burger and the patties were more like meatballs. Also they had a special for "double brandy and coke" but they had zero stock of brandy nor Whisky. Why was the special still there if you have no stock. The Milkshake was on point though, a bit too much whip cream but that's neither here or there. Would I go back...possibly yes

  • 4/5 Avhashoni M. 1 year ago on Google
    The service was great, they respect and value customers. I enjoyed the hike with Benjamin. A great story teller. Chilled place.


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