Monwana

“5 stars is not enough. I would give 100 stars!”

My best friend and I just returned home from our first ever safari and we stayed at Monwana. It completely exceeded our expectations and I can’t say enough good things about our experience. The rooms and common spaces were immaculate. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. Upon check in you have… more

My best friend and I just returned home from our first ever safari and we stayed at Monwana. It completely exceeded our expectations and I can’t say enough good things about our experience. The rooms and common spaces were immaculate. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. Upon check in you have dedicated staff for the entirety of your stay which really helped you feel like you were home. Our game driver Alex and tracker Lukas were so amazing and made our game drives truly magical. Every other staff member that we interacted with made us feel special and like family. We already want to go back!

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“Simply fanatstic in every way!”

Our safari experience at Monwana Lodge was unique, idyllic, and breathtaking in every way. We were a family of five adults visiting South Africa for the first time and experiencing our first safari. My husband was in poor health and partially confined to a wheelchair. Right from the moment we were… more

Our safari experience at Monwana Lodge was unique, idyllic, and breathtaking in every way. We were a family of five adults visiting South Africa for the first time and experiencing our first safari. My husband was in poor health and partially confined to a wheelchair. Right from the moment we were picked up at the airport in Hoedspruit, we were warmly welcomed and greeted by beaming staff. And this warmth continued throughout all departments and our entire stay. We were welcomed as if we had returned to this wonderful place in the bush countless times before, as if we were family members. The team was simply phenomenal! The game drives with Almero and Nick were so entertaining, exciting, and educational because they possessed an incredible wealth of knowledge that they shared with us. We were lucky enough to see the Big 5 and so much more! We were also deeply impressed by their respect for the animals and nature. There were even picnic and aperitif stops in the middle of nature that will remain unforgettable. The lodge itself is simply beautiful. In the spacious accommodations, every detail has been thought of with great care—I couldn’t imagine how it could be done any better! The cuisine was absolutely wonderful, as was the service team—requests were handled superbly, preferences noted immediately—here too, a huge compliment, and once again, that palpable warmth from the staff!!! Best "place" ever!!! Always again!!!!!

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“Top Luxury in Thornybush Game Reserve”

Monwana is a gem of a property in the Thornybush Game Reserve, in a private concession that is open to Kruger National Park. The lodge itself is stunning, with amazing rooms and amenities, like a gym and spa. The food and drink were excellent, and there were so many individualized touches that ma… more

Monwana is a gem of a property in the Thornybush Game Reserve, in a private concession that is open to Kruger National Park. The lodge itself is stunning, with amazing rooms and amenities, like a gym and spa. The food and drink were excellent, and there were so many individualized touches that made my stay extra special. The game viewing was also amazing, despite the fact that many of the roads and off-roading were inaccessible after the January 2026 flooding. My guide Rian and tracker Bennie, were able to find just the animals I was looking for, and we very easily saw the big 5 within the first 2-3 drives that we did. I cannot recommend Monwana enough if you are looking for exclusive luxury in the greater Kruger Area.

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“A truely exceptional safari@”

I stayed two nights at Monwana Game Lodge with my friend Chad, in the Monwana Residence, and it was exceptional from start to finish. First impressions count and Monwana delivers immediately, the arrival and lodge design are strikingly beautiful, modern, and luxurious, yet it still feels warm and … more

I stayed two nights at Monwana Game Lodge with my friend Chad, in the Monwana Residence, and it was exceptional from start to finish. First impressions count and Monwana delivers immediately, the arrival and lodge design are strikingly beautiful, modern, and luxurious, yet it still feels warm and welcoming, like coming home. The Monwana Residence is a total showstopper and genuinely one of the best safari homes I’ve ever stayed in. It’s ideal for friends, families, or small groups who want to be together while still having real privacy. There are two identical master suites, each with its own splash pool, plus a shared swimming pool and boma. The details are thoughtful and elevated: pillow menu, fully stocked bar, outdoor shower, bathtub with a view, and huge sliding windows that open the room to the bush. Service was outstanding across the board. Everyone was excellent, from reception to the waiters and room team, but a special mention to Yvonne (Food and Beverage Manager) who went above and beyond and made everything feel personal and effortless. Food was a clear 10/10. Every meal was beautifully done and the braai they prepared for us was a highlight. Cocktails were excellent (the Lounging Leopard was my favorite), and the wine collection is one of the most impressive I’ve seen at a lodge, with genuinely special bottles. Game drives were a major highlight. Our guide, Marinus, was exceptional: great storytelling, informative without being heavy, and professional throughout. The tracker was brilliant too, even spotting a chameleon in a tree on an evening drive. We saw so much, but the most memorable moment was a lioness with her cubs. The atmosphere is quiet, romantic, and still family-friendly, with high-end service that never feels stiff. Chad had a spa treatment and came back looking and feeling incredibly relaxed. Honestly, there was nothing to fault. If you’re looking for a mindful, personalized, luxury safari with exceptional guiding, incredible food, and a residence that’s perfect for privacy and comfort, book Monwana.

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