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Frequently mentioned in reviews: Maqueda (10) Lodge (9) feel (8) family (8) stay (7) night (6) Kruger (6)
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  • 5/5 Paulin H. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a great stay ay Maqueda Lodge. The room was big, clean and cozy. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, made us feel at home as soon as we arrived. The social area is big and relaxing. The food was delicious and our guide had very good knowledge about the animals in the park. We highly recommend a stay here! We would love to come back!

  • 5/5 Annett 1 year ago on Google
    100% recommendable!!! We had an unforgettable time here. Great surroundings, nice rooms and super tasty food. A true holiday paradise. And not to forget: the best lodge team in the world!

  • 5/5 Caroline B. 1 year ago on Google
    My husband, 2 adult children and myself have just returned from a wonderful week at Maqueda Lodge. Francois, the owner, welcomed us with opened arms and ensured that we were comfortable throughout our stay. Nothing was too much trouble. The lodge was beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The shared spaces were peaceful and relaxing after returning from a full day Safari. The pool was freezing but certainly refreshing on a hot day. The beds were comfortable and the wifi was good. We experienced "load shedding" while in South Africa however it didn't affect our stay or experience. The shower was hot although there was no shampoo or body wash provided. Pump hand soap was available which we used to wash our hair and bodies! Meals were scrumptious. We only had one breakfast at the lodge as we were out on safaris on the other days. It was delicious and a great variety. The upstairs dining area was lovely. Dinner was incredible. We were served a three course meal and every night was a different taste sensation. Lanterns were lit when dinner was served which gave a lovely ambience. When we were out on our early morning safaris, or on the panoramic route, we were treated to a packed breakfast in our own Esky bag. Hot tea and plunger coffee was also served. This was enjoyed at a scenic location, watching animals while we ate. James was our driver and ranger on the 3 full day safaris. He was so knowledgeable and listened to what experience we wanted. He was also very friendly, attentive and lovely. When he wasn't driving us around Kruger, he was serving meals or cleaning. Everyone worked so hard. We booked 2 night safaris but after the first one we cancelled the second one and did another full day with James. The night safari was not through Maqueda Lodge but through Kruger NP. Rather than being in our small 9 seater vehicle, we were on a large 30 seater truck. When it got dark, half a dozen people were given spotlights to shine into the bush. It was very disappointing and we therefore saw very few animals. The driver didn't talk to us throughout the safari and, if they did, they were very hard to hear. I would not recommend doing this night safari. Unfortunately they are the only vehicles/people allowed in the park at night time. The panoramic route was great. The views were amazing. The drive to the first waterfall was over 2 hours. It was then 2 hours driving back to Maqueda Lodge. The following morning we then drove the same way for 1.5 hours to the airport. I would recommend doing this trip either when you first arrive, prior to arriving at Maqueda Lodge, or at the end of your stay before flying out of Nelspruit airport as the area is close to the airport and would avoid travel time. Thank you Maqueda Lodge for such a magical, memorable holiday with my family. You made us feel like we were part of your family. I would, and will be, recommending Maqueda Lodge to everyone considering visiting Kruger National Park.

  • 5/5 Tim P. 2 years ago on Google
    Luxury in the bush near the southern end of the Kruger National Park. You will feel part of the family when you leave this place as the hospitality of the owners and staff are second to none. Look at my photos to get a feel for the individuality of Maqueda and immerse yourself in the sounds of birds and wildlife. Each unit is comfortable and indivudual and any stay here will be a relaxing one. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Jarosław S. 2 years ago on Google
    My family had there a wonderful time. Very, very frindly owners, who run the business with such a "family feel" that you feel like the part of their family. And ... Ranger J who seems to know every single being on this planet (especially cats, the bigest ones 😉) and shares info about them with love & passion. I cannot rank it 10 stars 😕. I will probably give another 5 when we will be there next time. Miss you guys already.

  • 5/5 Beatrice S. 2 years ago on Google
    We came here a little less than a decade ago, so a lot may have changed by now. We have nothing but exceptionally fond memories from this Lodge. From the food (we gained a lot of weight because it was so delicious), to the people who made the trip exceptional and even the people we met there were all incredible. We still remember hearing a lion roar in the middle of the night

  • 5/5 Andrew A. 1 year ago on Google
    Great lodge, incredible staff and had an amazing safari experience with James. Definitely would recommend Maqueda Lodge

  • 5/5 Frank O. 4 years ago on Google
    David is the perfect host. We really enjoyed our stay. One couple of our group was put in a room above the kitchen. They did not like that the bed was too small and the smell of the kitchen made them uncomfortable. The dining area is very nicely done. And the food is good.

  • 1/5 thoz 1 year ago on Google
    Rooms are extremely basic. Good for family on limited budget or backpackers. Would not return

  • 5/5 Sharon B. 10 months ago on Google
    Due to a misunderstanding we arrived at 10pm unexpectedly and still sat down to a 3 course meal which included gluten free for my sister. The staff are absolutely amazing. So welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. Our guide James was knowledgeable and accommodating and also very entertaining. We were made to feel like family. Michael and Tanashe deserve a special as well. Could not recommended this place more and we plan to come back again.

  • 5/5 Nathalie S. 8 months ago on Google
    We had a wonderful experience, first 2019 and 2023. François, James (David in 2019) and their staff is extremely friendly and takes perfect care of the place and the lodge. Food is great and the safaris were amazing!

  • 5/5 Lea Ullmann S. 8 months ago on Google
    What a wonderful place! We just got back and can only recommend Maqueda for anyone looking for an authentic and homely place with great service and really nice rooms. The short drive to get into Kruger make it the perfect home base for spectacular Safari‘s. Thank you to all the team and we miss you already!

  • 5/5 Nikolien M. 8 months ago on Google
    Wonderful hosts that make you feel at home, amazing diners, close to Kruger park, beautiful setting,


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