Amanda Vacation Rentals

"From the moment we arrived we were greeted with warm hospitality. Everyone was extremely warm and welcoming. The lodge was huge, beautifully decorated, whomever curated their guest’s experience deserves a standing ovation. The food was delicious, the game drive was fun and exciting. We highly recommend as the service and experience exceeded our expectations. "

"This is a little piece of paradise. Under Neville’s management nothing ever felt “out of control” or ever too much. Their hospitality, the service and concern for guests is what makes this place unique. The animals make it special. Sindiso our guide made sure that every drive was filled with as much sightings and information as possible. He is very knowledgeable not only on the animals but on the birds and trees as well. Walking out of your room seeing the giraffes, lounging in the pool or on the patio with the zebra’s grazing close by and the hippos in the pond. You certainly don’t go hungry either, Sibosiso the cook made sure we were always well fed and you could see and feel the love he put into his cooking. Sibosiso the server was always there with something refreshing to drink. The cleaning staff made sure our room was always picture perfect and clean. The gardeners were always cleaning up and making sure the grounds were perfect, and I mean artist perfect. From beginning to end everyone at Elandela made our stay extremely memorable and we will definitely be back. I can not recommend this place strongly enough, these are the memories and friends you will never forget. Thank you for making my husband’s first safari special."

"The host was spectacular and the staff kind and helpful. Loved the Safari decor in the great hall. The rooms were really nice, good mini fridge, great tub and separate shower. The breakfast was delicious! Location was great- and secured entry onto the estate. Great place to walk about and see wild warthogs, kudu, steenbok and monkeys. It was a perfect spot to be to drive to all the animal places (endangered species center, Jessica the hippo, the elephant sanctuary/orphanage and the wildlife rehab center). Highly recommend! "

"Exceptionally clean and staff very friendly and helpful. Beautiful hotel and surrounding grounds very well kept. Loved and very much enjoyed my stay."

"This place is absolutely stunning and much larger than I expected it to be. There are 3 large viewing decks so seeing animals at all hours of the day is easy. The staff are so friendly and surprised the guests with a dance and song after a boma dinner. Food also was amazing. "

"The rooms are lovely and a decent size, however Khiwane is set up and feels more like an apartment block than a hotel. The cupboard is very small and is only made for one person, the hanging rod is very low and you can’t hang dresses properly. Although it says they offer breakfast at their restaurant and on doing online check-in you’re asked to choose time for dinner, Khiwane does not have a restaurant. They work with another restaurant, Arugula in the area where you walk to for breakfast. Minimum wait for breakfast is about 40 minutes so don’t go if you’re in a hurry to get elsewhere. You will have to find another restaurant in the area for dinner as if Arugula is open their kitchen closes at 19:30 and it’s not really set up for dinner, in any case. Also, Khiwane is in a built up area with lots of other businesses around, the pictures and statements of mountain views makes you think that you are in a place with a lot of property around it away from the city but in fact you are right off main road with the sounds of traffic coming clearly into the room. Our room also had an issue with the sliding door to the garden as it wouldn’t open so trying to get some fresh air into the room proved difficult, we had to open the door that leads outside but then could hear everyone walking past and dragging their suitcases in the corridor. Lastly, there was a constant pong in the bathroom, I think there is something wrong with the drainage system."

"Amazing staff and the food was terrific!"

"Super welcoming, friendly and safe. Very attentive to details. "

"The lodge is perfect for a stay in Hoedspruit; with an easy drive to Kruger Park. The wildlife come to within meters of the garden which makes for exciting and interesting viewing from your patio. The hosts Sue and Deon will do everything they can to make your stay wonderful. Would definitely recommend. "