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Maninghi Lodge is a family-friendly glamping safari on the banks of the Olifants River in Balule Nature Reserve, within the Greater Kruger region. This lodge offers a secluded, intimate experience in the heart of the African bush, providing the perfect base for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Maninghi Lodge offers various accommodation options, blending comfort with an authentic bush experience
Guests can stay in the Main Lodge, which features spacious rooms with river views, or in the more adventurous Safari Tents, which provide a closer connection to nature. Each option is designed with relaxation in mind, allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding wilderness while still benefiting from modern amenities. Meals are fully catered, offering a taste of South African cuisine.
Balule Nature Reserve is in the subtropical Lowveld, surrounded by diverse flora, including species like Leadwood, Marula and Mopane trees. Located directly on the banks of the Olifants River, the lodge is in a prime spot for wildlife sightings, with animals like hippos and crocodiles often seen nearby. As part of the unfenced Greater Kruger area, the reserve allows for free movement of wildlife, offering guests an uncrowded, exclusive safari experience.
Guests at Maninghi Lodge can enjoy a variety of activities, from thrilling game drives to serene guided bush walks. The lodge also offers bird-watching opportunities and excursions to nearby attractions like the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. For a unique adventure, guests can embark on a hot air balloon ride or take a peaceful Olifants River safari.
V. Parker
Stayed at: Maninghi Lodge
Rooms are excellent and comfortable. The hosts, Paul and Vicky, are extremely knowledgeable regarding everything to do with nature. Game drives and guided walks are a must.
J. Wagner
Stayed at: Maninghi Lodge
Maninghi is the perfect place to connect with nature - without fences and other restrictions! The location was a highlight for us, with opportunities to see wildlife coming to have a drink and swim at the river in front of our room.
16 Parsons, Balule Nature Reserve, 1390
Balule Nature Reserve is a fiveandahalf hour drive from Johannesburg.
Directions from Johannesburg to Maninghi Lodge:
Take the N12 to eMalahleni, continue straight onto the N12 east towards eMalahleni (Witbank)
Continue on the N4, passing eMalahleni and Middelburg.
Take the R33 towards Belfast and Dullstroom.
Turn left onto Vermooten Street.
Turn right onto Voortrekker Street torwards Dullstroom, Lydenburg.
Continue straight for 86.5 km, at the Tjunction turn left into Lydenburg.
After 2.3km turn left onto Voortrekker Road, after 800m turn right onto De Clercq Street.
Continue straight for 102km through Long Toms pass and the JD strydom tunnel.
At the bottom of the pass turn left onto the R36 torwards Tzaneen and Phalaborwa.
After 10km turn right onto the R530 torwards Phalaborwa.
Continue for 25km and turn left at the TJunction. Continue straight until you see Viva petrol station on your right.
Exactly 2.6km turn right at the Balule Parsons gate sign.
Carry on the gravel road to Balule Nature Reserve gate.
Once through the gate, continue untill you get to the electrical gate, go through and turn right.
Then follow the sign boards to number 10 we are 16 to Maninghi Lodge or 12 to River Chalets.