Reviews
Map
Sleeping areas
{ $store.general.updateOpenTray('establishment-rates', 'Rates and availability for 250\u0020Tlou\u0020Lodge', 0, false, 90, false, true, {"establishment_location":"Mabalingwe Nature Reserve","tab_names":{"overview":{"en":"Overview","af":"Oorsig"},"rooms":{"en":"Rooms","af":"Kamers"},"map":{"en":"Map","af":"Kaart"},"rates":{"en":"Rates","af":"Tariewe"},"reviews":{"en":"Reviews","af":"Resensies"},"enquiry":{"en":"Book","af":"Bespreek"},"post-enquiry":{"en":"Successful Enquiry","af":"Suksesvolle Navraag"},"permanently-delisted":{"en":"","af":""},"temporary-delisted":{"en":"","af":""}},"tab_links":{"overview":"\/accommodation\/250-tlou-lodge\/","rooms":"\/accommodation\/250-tlou-lodge?tab=rooms","map":"\/accommodation\/250-tlou-lodge?tab=location","rates":"\/accommodation\/250-tlou-lodge?tab=rates","reviews":"\/accommodation\/250-tlou-lodge?tab=reviews","enquiry":"\/accommodation\/250-tlou-lodge\/book","post-enquiry":"\/accommodation\/250-tlou-lodge\/success","permanently-delisted":"\/accommodation\/250-tlou-lodge\/","temporary-delisted":"\/accommodation\/250-tlou-lodge\/"},"robots":"noindex","cancellation_policy":{"type":"strict","details":[{"period":"1 month","percentage":"50","minimum":false},{"period":"2 weeks","percentage":"25","minimum":false},{"period":"2 weeks","percentage":"0","minimum":true}],"name":"Strict"},"rates_grid_json":"{\"units\":\"[{\\\"id\\\":196328,\\\"room_name\\\":\\\"250 Tlou Lodge\\\",\\\"exact\\\":false}]\",\"room\":1,\"adult\":2,\"child\":0,\"child_ages\":[],\"start_day\":\"07\",\"start_month\":10,\"start_year\":\"2024\",\"element_hack\":\"grid\"}","has_reaction":false,"include_pensioner_specials":false,"bookings_at_establishment":false,"is_favourited_establishment":false,"address":"Off the R516, Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, Bela Bela, 0480, Limpopo","selected_special":null,"static_map_url":"https:\/\/maps.locationiq.com\/v3\/staticmap?key=pk.fd2e632d800e3cb7cf76826d11411c41&size=730x470&zoom=14&format=png¢er=-24.822492,28.061524&marker=icon:small-black-cutout|-24.822492,28.061524","overall_review":{"average_value_score":"4.2","average_service_score":"4.1","average_cleanliness_score":"4.0","average_location_score":"4.7","average_safety_score":"4.6"}}); }, 800);">
Rates
250 Tlou Lodge
250 Tlou Lodge
250 Tlou Lodge
-
The lodge can accommodate up to 6 guests and comprises 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. Each bedroom contains 2 single beds and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and a shower. The unit has just been revamped with a new swimming pool and a boma.
The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering with a fridge-freezer, stove and oven, microwave, and cutlery and crockery. The living area features a TV with full DStv. The house also has a private boma with a bush view, where a variety of animals come to visit regularly.
The unit offers internet access to guests can work and communicate while on holiday.
The Mabalingwe Nature Reserve offers a number of on-site facilities including a games room with pool table, table tennis, several swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, mini-golf, a restaurant and bar, coffee shop, a convenience shop and curio shop, and a liquor store.
The lodge can accommodate up to 6 guests and comprises 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. Each bedroom contains 2 single beds and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and a shower. The unit has just been revamped with a new swimming pool and a boma.
The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering with a fridge-freezer, stove and oven, microwave, and cutlery and crockery. The living area features a TV with full DStv. The house also has a private boma with a bush view, where a variety of animals come to visit regularly.
The unit offers internet access to guests can work and communicate while on holiday.
The Mabalingwe Nature Reserve offers a number of on-site facilities including a games room with pool table, table tennis, several swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, mini-golf, a restaurant and bar, coffee shop, a convenience shop and curio shop, and a liquor store.
Features
Reviews (74)
74 guests' feedbackJust gorgeous! We loved everything about the unit, especially the private pool and boma. Our friendly hostess went out of her way to make our stay as memorable as possible. We will definitely be back.
We had a relaxing and peaceful stay in beautiful surroundings, where we enjoyed viewing a variety of animals.
We really enjoyed our stay, perfect location and everything about the house is amazing. Definitely coming back.
The lodge is nice and has a private pool and all the utensils you need in the unit. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, especially when they want to relax. However, can the owner add quad bikes so we can enjoy more?
Nice getaway spot.
We had a nice stay. It's just a worry to pay a large 'breakage' deposit. There are many of the unit's items not on site that are on the 'inventory' list. Cups are chipped, outside cushions broken. I advise people to take their own sleeping pads. All the pillows on beds are not of good quality. There is only 1 good pan to cook with, making it difficult to make breakfast for four people. Pool is very, very, very cold. Overall, maintenance is needed with a few things, but can be overlooked if you know what to expect.
Yes, we had a great stay - thank you. TV remote did not have batteries in it. Refrigerator doesn't get very cold.
Great stay. Just had trouble with the check-in.
Received the code only when I had to phone the owner when I was at the gate. On arrival, the beds were covered by an additional duvet inner. I also only received a mail regarding the stay a day before we were to arrive and received a request to pay R2000 breakage fees that I replied on clarity and was glad that I did not pay it. On arrival cutlery, glasses, and plates were missing. The door did not lock; the swimming pool and spotlight were not working. Some toilets you need to lift the handle otherwise the water will flow the whole time. I sent a whole list of things not in order to the owner. During the next few days, we received more glasses and plates, swimming pool and door were fixed. Enjoyed the stay despite all the issues. Close to the main centre.
Accommodation was neat and well equipped, except for having no means to light a fire, but otherwise great. Cleaning staff were friendly but also seemed to access the property at unfamiliar times when we were not aware. Otherwise will book again. Noise complaints were made against fellow visitors who thought the place is a party venue. This should be stopped to keep the reserve a place of peace.
It was really great fun and good value for money. Will definitely book again.
Perfect location, stunning pool, clean unit with a well-equipped kitchen. We enjoyed the use of the air conditioning and WiFi facilities. We had absolutely fantastic wildlife visits. However, there were several maintenance issues that need to be fixed. We were advised that the owner had already been aware of some of them. The outside lights were not working, the front door lock is broken (the key turns and it looks locked, but the door can still open, compromising our security). A private item of clothing went missing from a bedroom (we searched everywhere for it but it was not located), the toilet kept running unless the lever was pushed back up manually, and the TV remote was not working. Furthermore, the bathroom locks should have keys available - the door can be locked from the inside but there is no way to unlock it from the other side, which was problematic as my 3-year-old accidentally locked herself in the bathroom and it took us 30 minutes before we were able to get her out. I would recommend this unit, but I do hope that the owner addresses the maintenance issues as it tainted what would have been an absolutely fantastic unit and stay.
It would have been appreciated if there were 2 gas bottles and a one plate gas stove as well as load shedding lights. No outside lights were working. Unit was not clean.
Mabalingwe will always be a favourite of ours.
We had a wonderful time. The unit was neat and clean. With the current situation with load shedding, it may be helpful to have re-chargeable globes in the rooms. Two re-chargeable lights were not enough. Other than that, was a great stay and will return.
Neat place, private and spacious for all the children who could come along. Will definitely use it again in the future.
Absolutely stunning venue with the feel of nature on your doorstep.
The lodge is very well located and offers a lot. The owner and contact person were both very helpful and friendly with all communications. It might be a good idea to add another fridge or freezer to better cater for such a large group of people and to pay more attention to the simple maintenance and cleanliness of the lodge. But it was delicious and everyone enjoyed it.
Would suggest that the stoep get a better canopy and maybe a built-in braai, because you can't use the stoep or braai area at all when it's raining.
Could maybe improve the grill a bit, very shaky but it works. The lady who cleaned was so cute.
We always book this house. The animals come straight to your doorstep. Private small pool. Great boma. Aircon in all the rooms. Had a great time. Would like an "undercover stoep" for rainy days. But we always enjoy Mabalingwe.
The property looks much better in person than in the photos. Pool is clean and new. Rooms and bathrooms have enough space and the air conditioners work nicely on a hot day. Full DStv and well located. Shop and tennis court etc. is walking distance. Not much (almost none) traffic, the property is near the end of the road. Very quiet and private. Only downside: there is no barbecue under roof and it rained the first night. We will definitely visit again soon.
Would definitely recommend and will definitely visit again.
Animals were with us, the shop was very close, everything was very nice.
Place needs a revamp. Needs a revamp in terms of torn seat covers, torn blinds, new bed mattress and duvet inner and pillows. Needs new patio furniture.
Peace of mind in nature.
The place is well located but not well looked after. The kitchen does not have enough plugs, and accessories in the kitchen need a lot of attention. The internet didn't work either.
Firstly Nick, Nicky and staff are great, so no complaints there. On arrival there were a few issues which were sorted out. First impression is one of dismay that people can actually rent out something like this. 1. Upstairs had no curtain on one side, the rail was there, other side the curtains were soiled, shower head had to be replaced, toilet repaired with a stick and some mud. 2. Outlet pipe from upstairs has collapsed and there was sewerage all over the place. 3. All toilets did not flush properly. 4. When repairs were carried out to the sewerage problem on the Saturday we had a electrical fault. 5. Walls are grubby, scuffed and full of holes. 6. Furniture is worn down to the inner sponge. 7. Room curtain downstairs torn. And, and, and. This property should be removed from the website.
The fridge was not working and we had an iced birthday cake that required lots of coldness. We reported it. Unfortunately, the caretaker said there was nothing she could do. We lost the cake because they only came the following day around 12:00/13:00 and at that time the birthday cake was gone, the damage was already done. We lost a R3500 cake. And it was my birthday. The last thing is that the restrooms were poorly cleaned.
See stars.
The unit is well located in the nature reserve, very neat and clean. We really enjoyed the place and would definitely like to go back again.
Lovely location, home away from home, we will definitely book again.
We travelled with teenagers and the unit was absolutely perfect. Lots of game and elephants right on our doorstep. Mabalingwe never disappoints.
There is a single loose staircase that needs fixing and an asset would be a coffee maker. Other than that we have no other suggestions, it was delicious and we really enjoyed it.
Location is perfect, so much to do and see. Wonderful experience.
The accommodation was very neat and has everything you need. The boma and swimming pool are definitely a very nice asset and the animals are around people. Definitely value for money and would definitely recommend this accommodation again. The bonus was the elephants that were right by our cottage one night.
We really enjoyed our time here so much, we wanted to turn the weekend into a week! Neat, well furnished and full of peace!
It's our second visit to 250 Tlou Lodge and it was once again a fantastic experience to be so close to the wildlife. The accommodation and comfort were excellent.
Als was neat and clean, except for the first night the water was a bit dirty when I poured bath water. The next evening it was still brown, but not as bad. Animals very cute except for one warthog that stormed and bumped my little girl. Furthermore, everything was neat and clean. Will go again.
We were very pleased with the house and amenities. The house is spacious and well furnished. The addition of air conditioners in all three rooms as well as the living area is a huge bonus. The swimming pool and boma are fun areas for the whole family. I would recommend the house anytime.
Tlou's house is well furnished and nicely private located close to all the activities. We were also lucky to see the herd of elephants walking by late one afternoon.
Very nice, the animals around the camp make it special. The unit needs some renovation.
It was very quiet and peaceful and gave us the opportunity to rest well. A warthog family (mother, father and cubs) visited us every day. We saw several goats that came to graze right near the house. Due to cloudy and rainy weather most of the time the swimming pool was not used that much.
Upstairs toilet leaking, kitchen ceiling leaking, fridge doesn't get cold, bulbs in bedside lamps not working, no hot water on first night, unit very dirty and dusty on arrival.
250 Tlou Lodge is in a beautiful location, however, the furniture needs to be replaced. Sofa was very dirty (old spills spots). The cleaning team came and only removed the garbage bag. The lodge was not cleaned. Housekeeping around the lodge needs to be taken care of (old geyser and cleaning items dumped on the other side of the lodge). The other bathroom was very smelly (sewage issues I presume).
Accommodation was very neat and aircons in every room is a big bonus. We enjoyed the weekend so much that we decided to make it an annual institution.
Great experience indeed. Waking up to nature was amazing.
All we thought about was a small freezer that might help because all our ice and meat couldn't fit in the fridge. And the shower head in the room where the double bed is doesn't work that great. But everything else was amazing. Thank you very much! We really enjoyed the weekend!
We had such a super stay and the accommodation was excellent with all the creature comforts. Cannot rate the place and location highly enough. We had daily visitors: warthogs, monkeys and buck. It was such a delight for the kids to see animals so close. Will definitely be returning there. Loved it!
We were very lucky to find the elephants there. They came to eat with us. We just noticed that the toilet or something was leaking through the floor of the double storey into the kitchen in front of the fridge.
It was a wonderful weekend with friends in Mabalingwe. The wild animals come to visit every morning and this unit is very nicely furnished. We didn't have hot water at the weekend but we arranged to stay a few hours longer which was great. Would recommend the unit anytime.
I just think people can be informed that the lions and predators are in camps and are only fed on Wednesdays and Sundays. 7AM in the morning. And you have to book. It was very disappointing.
Perfect place, if only they can sort out the water, most of the time it was black/brown and sometimes no water. House may also get more fans or air conditioners. If you leave windows open, monkeys come into the house. Except for monkeys, water and heat, it's the perfect place.
While we were swimming, a herd of elephants walked by. This was not expected at all and was a lovely surprise.
Very nice elephants and rhinoceros seen at the cottage.
We really enjoyed our stay at 250 Tlou Lodge. You have a front view to wildlife roaming around. The place needs a spring cleaning and the lady who came to clean for us did the bare minimum and was not the friendliest. We asked for a pair of sheets for one of the beds since my mom had a fever for two of the nights that we were there and we were told they were none. For the amount of money that you pay you would expect at least to get a clean pair of extra sheets. Overall, our stay was enjoyable and would definitely stay there again and recommend it.
The house is really nicely furnished and we lacked nothing. The pool is a huge bonus. The bedding and curtains need some attention. Close to other houses, but the open area behind the boma feels like your own piece of woodland - quite a few animals have come to visit.
The house is beautifully clean. The pool is very cute, everything was very neat. Many animals came to visit which was wonderful. There are, however, a few things that bothered us. The first night the tap water was pitch black, we didn't even want to bathe in it. The DStv did not work on the second night. There are no barrels or dishcloths and the utensils are poor. The knives and forks do not fit together. There is no pan. There is also little braai equipment. No cleaning agents to clean. Other than that, everything was very nice and clean. We had a good time.
Constant drone of the air conditioner 24 hours a day. From the unit next door was a bit of a nuisance. There was no escaping the noise. The kitchen units and equipment could do with a good clean glasses and plates etc. were dirty, as well the loose carpets. The front door lock is not adequate and it doesn't lock easily, needs to be replaced. We had no hot water, had to call Nick who arranged a repair at 19:00. Nick was amazing. 10/10 for him. He assisted with the lock and the lack of hot water.
Although the cleaners were still busy upon our arrival, the unit was very definitely not clean, such as the showers, they need a very thorough cleaning. The kitchen cupboards are so rotten that we didn't even want to put our food in them, didn't want to risk picking up any diseases because of it. The unit's interior needs urgent renovation. We also had to call to get the key for the unit as no one informed us that a combination was required. I had to call the owner for the combination and he would send me a message with further information which I am still waiting for. The building is in good condition but everything inside leaves a lot to be desired, so to pay R3000 per night for such a unit is outrageous, we will definitely go to Mabalingwe again but will very, very definitely not book again at 250 Tlou Lodge does not. Sorry, 250 Tlou Lodge really cannot recommend us to anyone.
Buffaloes, baboons and warthogs are fed close to home and they come within 3 m of us and no fence. Toilets leak, showers dirty and steps very dangerous with third step falling out when you use it. Game drives very nice.
We really enjoyed the weekend. The tennis courts and cafe are within walking distance of the house. The house's veranda area unfortunately looks out onto the other house, but the boma area is in the woods. There were so many animals. We even had a herd of elephants moving around the house. In the future, I would just take a lantern or a light for the boma area along. No other complaints.
We really enjoyed our stay. The addition of the pool was fantastic during the hot December. We loved the animals that visited the lodge throughout the day. The cutlery and crockery could do with an upgrade. We can definitely recommend this unit!
Everything was very neat and we enjoyed our time there. We'll definitely go again, and highly recommend it to anyone.
Very nice and comfortable, well equipped.
It was the second time we've stayed at 250 Thlou Lodge and we were pleasantly surprised by the improvements to the boma area and splash pool. Generally, there is maintenance that should be done in the house. The 1 stair is broken and it is a fall risk. We experienced good service and had a great time. The place has everything you need for a comfortable weekend getaway. Will definitely go again! The elephants also walked around the house and it was an experience.
150 Tlou's location in Mabalingwe is perfect. It's within walking distance of the shop and mini-golf course and also far enough so that the places don't disturb you. Hot water in the showers is a huge problem. The flow is uneven which in the summer won't be the end of the world, but in the winter it's unpleasant. The kitchen cabinets are old and restoration would be a good idea.
Had a lovely weekend. Needs a bit of maintenance. Kitchen cupboards not closing, leak near toilet. Cockroaches in kitchen. Crockery chipped. TLC needed in certain areas but otherwise very comfortable.
On arrival we saw that one of the bed sheets had not been changed. Large ant infestation in the chalet. Bath water is blackish and does not improve as the water runs. Toaster did not work. Fireplace/barbecue is old and in need of attention. It's hard to stand bent over and braai all the time. Too few facilities and space for the amount of people on holiday.
We had a lovely stay at this location but the below points needs to be addressed before the next guests are scheduled at this lodge. Several light bulbs are not working in the house and we could not find any additional light bulbs in the cupboards. We were unable to use the upstairs bathroom for instance due to this issue and we had to switch out bulbs in the evening from one room to the next to be able to use the space. There is an issue with exposed wires at the back of the house ─ this is a major safety issue. It might be due to point 2 but the geyser was not working properly. We were only able to fill one bath with about a tenth of water before the hot water was finished. We were forced to boil water in the kettle to fill a basin to wash as there was only enough water for 1 of the 6 of us at a time to batch/shower. The house is lovely and in a great location but the above points do need urgent attention.
We really enjoyed the weekend with friends. Close to the swimming pool and the children simply rode their bikes to the entertainment/relaxation area. A nice/unusual surprise was the fact that the elephants cut short our visit around the campfire on 2 nights because they came to drink water from the unit's swimming pool next door and thought the trees behind our boma very juicy. Would definitely love to book another weekend.
Kitchen cupboards are rotten. There are no proper knives. DStv outage. The path to the house is full of weeds and thorns. The plants planted by the porch are dangerous for small children. It grows all the way to the porch and we often had to check that our children didn't get hurt. There are many ants in the house. The outside light keeps flashing and you can't turn it off. The upstairs room's fan is not working properly.
The other bathroom stinks.
Map
Room arrangements
More photos
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Calendar
Tap any rate to see more detailed pricing.
Price Includes
Breakage Deposit
A refundable breakage deposit of R2000 is payable directly to the property.Check-in/check-out details
House rules
No smoking permitted.No pets permitted.
The breakage deposit will be refunded in full if there is nothing damaged and the key is not lost.
The lodge can accommodate up to 6 guests and comprises 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. Each bedroom contains 2 single beds and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and a shower. The unit has just been revamped with a new swimming pool and a boma.
The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering with a fridge-freezer, stove and oven, microwave, and cutlery and crockery. The living area features a TV with full DStv. The house also has a private boma with a bush view, where a variety of animals come to visit regularly.
The unit offers internet access to guests can work and communicate while on holiday.
The Mabalingwe Nature Reserve offers a number of on-site facilities including a games room with pool table, table tennis, several swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, mini-golf, a restaurant and bar, coffee shop, a convenience shop and curio shop, and a liquor store.