Rafiki's Kruger Eden Retreat image

Rafiki's Kruger Eden Retreat

Holiday home

πŸ‘πŸ‘ Waking up amongst wild animals is truly divine. Unlike similar accommodations in the area, Rafiki's Resthouse does not have a fence between their 'garden' and the wild. This means that Kudu, Giraffe and everything else from Disney's The Lion King can walk up to your balcony! Or you can grab your su... People often mention Kruger, animals, Gerda, Betty, house,


Address

4450 Buffel St, Marloth Park, 1321, South Africa

Contact

+32 478 54 65 32

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (29 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Kruger (11) animals (9) Gerda (8) Betty (7) house (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Paavo S. 2 years ago on Google
    Waking up amongst wild animals is truly divine. Unlike similar accommodations in the area, Rafiki's Resthouse does not have a fence between their 'garden' and the wild. This means that Kudu, Giraffe and everything else from Disney's The Lion King can walk up to your balcony! Or you can grab your sunscreen and sandals and go look for them yourself, straight from your doorstep. Luckily there are no elephants or big cats in the reserve, so can safely walk around. The internet is fast, in case you need to pause your serene adventure with a dose of reality. Betty is an amazing cook and was on standby all day in case we needed anything. Gerda was super helpful answering all our questions before and during our stay, she has a huge wealth of knowledge on the area and is happy to make recommendations. Absolutely would recommend Rafiki's Resthouse. This is a life experience you will not easily forget.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Nancy L. 2 years ago on Google β€’ 40 reviews
    I had a great time @ the Rafiki house. Loved the garden and the animals that came by for some food. My room (birdlover)was big,clean and had it's own bathroom with a shower and Bath.The Pool is a bit small but good enough for our group. Bettyβ™‘(the housekeeper) is very friendly and you can ask her (almost)everything. We had a good and friendly contact with the owners of Rafiki's Arno and Gerda (thanks for your trust).The house is nearby Gate 2,15 minutes from crocodile bridge. I hope to come back very soon!
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 David N. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 12 reviews
    My favorite place to stay in the world! I came to the Kruger area to see wildlife. Rafikis has wildlife encounters that are better than Kruger. From the back porch we saw kudu, waterbuck, gnu, mongoose, warthogs, and baboons. Some we actually hand-fed. In addition, the place itself is comfortable, clean, and has a small but refreshing pool.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Tsz Hong L. 5 years ago on Google β€’ 4 reviews
    The Rafiki’s Resthouse is large, comfortable and well equipped. Anything else needed can easily be purchased from the local stores within the park complex (5 min drive). The accommodation was clean and very homely, a great base for Kruger park explorers, which is a short drive away. Lots of helpful advice from Gerda who is also extremely nice and understanding, so no worries about nightmare experiences with owners. You WILL DEFINITELY see all types of animals whilst dinning/chilling on the porch area next to the dipping pool throughout the day. The feeling of having an afternoon coffee, chilling and having nature come and constantly say hi……. just amazing! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a nice relaxed, nature filled and chilled experience. Bringing back some memories right now….. I want to go back!!! :D ......P.S the BBQ area is amazing! would highly recommend having one, and ask Gerda for some special spices for the meats (*cheeky smile*), would give 6* if i could.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Tiia I. 3 years ago on Google
    Betty and Gerda are true superhosts. The crystal-clear swimming pool is deep enough to cool off at any time of the day. The house is private and peaceful, and animals come to visit it. Everything is sparkling-clean. The house is the perfect place to relax, especially nice during these COVID-times. For those who want to visit Kruger, the house is very close to the gate. 200
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Gerda S. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 353 reviews
    The regular visits of the animals, Betty's welcoming smile, the rock pool, the viewing decks, the closeness to the exit of Marloth and entrance to Kruger, the sounds from the river, the privacy,... Go for it, you will not regret.

  • 5/5 Sean M. 3 years ago on Google β€’ 7 reviews
    What a gem! We have just come back from a week long stay at Rafiki’s resthouse. Right from the get go we had a fantastic experience. Gerda is an excellent and attentive host and was more than happy to answer my initial queries by email very efficiently. Betty is also based on site and gave us a warm welcome and looked after us very well for the week we stayed. Rafiki’s is a wonderful place for bush lovers. Immersed in a very treed part of Marloth close to the gate and in walking distance from the crocodile river where one can go for lovely nature walks overlooking the river and Kruger with fantastic birding! The facilities are excellent, with a fully equipped kitchen, good WiFi and a dip pool to keep cool on hot days. There is also a wonderful outdoor braai and fire pit to soak in the evening bush sounds with friends. The location is perfect, with a short 12 minute drive from the crocodile bridge gate to the Kruger. We will definitely be back! Thanks for a lovely stay.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Mary Kay B. 6 years ago on Google β€’ 9 reviews
    We had a hard time leaving the zebras that came to our deck every day (wildebeest, warthogs, vervets, bushbaby, bushbacks too). Don't think twice about booking - it is a guaranteed "you'll love it". We did, however, leave daily because Crocodile Gate into Kruger National Park was a mere 15 minutes away. Between the two of these Edens we had everything one would get AND MORE compared to expensive safaris. Kruger offers professional safaris for just $50/person if desired (take the Bush Walk - more than once!). We will return - and not fast enough.

  • 5/5 Gee S. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 3 reviews
    My favorite place to be!!!!! The veranda is where you want to be to watch the wild animals come to visit within 15 feet of where you are sitting. Zebras, impala, bushbucks, kudus, and more and at night bush babies can be seen eating the banana slices left for them. Rafakis is very well located and 15 minutes from the Crocodile River entrance to Kruger National Park . The house backs up to Kruger National Park separated by a fence and the Crocodile River. In the afternoon, one can walk to the fence and watch elephants and hippos getting drinks and bathing. Gerda and Arnold, the hosts, along with Betty, the housekeeper, will answer any questions and be able to advise the best restaurants or a place to buy groceries. We couldn't have had a better vacation or better safaris thanks to Gerda for seeing to our needs. A magical place not to be missed.

  • 5/5 Claudia N. 2 years ago on Google β€’ 1 review
    The best place to be. Good service Betty can prepare meals if you want and the owners Will do anything for you. This is the 4 th time and I come back for sure. Many animals in the garden to see. The best place. πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Gerhard B. 3 years ago on Google β€’ 1 review
    We had a great weekend at Rafiki's. Very nice to have Betty around to keep things tidy. We enjoyed viewing animals from the veranda. Remember to buy some game pellets and lucerne from thd local shop!

  • 5/5 candice m. 6 years ago on Google β€’ 2 reviews
    Wonderful experience, animals are being fed as we speak. Never thought we'd experience an impala eat of our hands. Viewed the crocodile river which is not far off.


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