Paradise River Lodge

I absolutely loved my stay at the lodge. Max arranged and guided me on an unforgettable tour Kruger and Blythe Canyon using the Lodge as the base camp for the first night and last night. The lodge is very comfortable, in a very beautiful and unique location, and the food and accommodation were perfect. I am trying to currently trying to figure another way to get back there. The Tour Max provided including the lodge experience was custom to my needs either and can’t wait to share this experience with the rest of my family.

My family and I wished to escape the chaos of London and see the nature and rural beauty of the Kruger National Park and surrounding area. Paradise River Lodge provided the perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding area. The owner, Max, was the perfect host and would often join us around the communal dining area for a drink and a chat. The lodge has several rooms, we had the two original rooms next to the Oilifants river. The beds were comfortable and the rooms accessorised in rustic furniture to enhance the ambiance of a thatched hunting lodge. All in very good taste. The ensuite bathroom was spacious and equally well equipped and decorated. Personally, I loved falling asleep with the sound of the river just outside. Max provided an excellent breakfast every day with everything possible. Freshly brewed coffee, fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt, granola, fried eggs and bacon and toast. For the evening, Max would provide a braai (BBQ) with boerewurst (sausage), steak, burgers and even ostrich. Accompanied by salads and pastas. In all cases, Max let the food speak for itself. The quality was excellent and succulent and didn't require hiding under superfluous sauces (unlike British food where you have to try and inject flavour into mass produced rubbish). Max also makes fantastic chocolate brownies and chocolate mouse. The lodge also runs an 'honesty bar' for drinks. The beers, wines and soft drinks were priced fairly and there was obviously a slight mark up in price to cover the cost of supplying the drinks but compared to London prices, very good value. The lodge is located inside the Ndlovumzi nature reserve and you are free to wander around as there is nothing too dangerous within the grounds. Watch out for the Vervet monkeys who like to steal food items. Max is also a very knowledgeable and accredited guide and took us on a drive around the reserve and to a picnic spot. Its amazing how Max could spot animals and birds among the bushes and trees. He definitely has a trained eye. There is WiFi so you can keep in touch with your world but I'm glad to say, NO televisions in the rooms. This encouraged socialising, drinking and discussions among your fellow guests which is an excellent way to digest and file away your days activities. The lodge is a good base for the obvious Kruger National Park but also Blyde River Canyon, Pridelands Game Reserve, Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Jessica The Hippo. Hoedspruit town is just down the road with some excellent eateries and shops. Summing up ... Perfect location, perfect hosts, perfect facilities, perfect food and drink. Paradise River Lodge - Perfect description!! Thank you Max - a truly wonderful adventure.

The service I got was amazing, but it won't stop me from reviewing the disappointment that I encountered during our stay. The food was horrible, when I read the reviews before booking I saw a lot of people praising the food, we were unlucky as we were told the usual chef wasn't there. The location is serene. The greenery and the sound of the river will totally take you to cloud 9. Sleeping and waking up to the sound of the river was just amazing. The lodge is in a nature reserve, and there is a payment one makes before entering the reserve. This must be mentioned on Booking.com There was an honest bar, which was a great idea if you don't have enough drinks.

An absolutely perfect place. The accommodation, service and attitude and kindness of the owners are of a very high standard. If you want to see Pel's Fishing Owl, this place comes highly recommended. Max can also arrange birding trips for sought-after species such as the Half-collared Kingfisher or the African Finfoot. My only regret is that we could only stay 1 night...

Only one word for this lodge... Amazing!!! What a great location. Beautiful view on the Olifants-river, wonderfull and clean bedrooms with outdoor showers and excellent host. We stayed two nigths and with Max as a guide we managed to get birds like; African finfoot, mountain wagtial, half-collared kingfisher, scaly-throated honeyguide, red-capped robin chat, African pygmy kingfisher, crowned eagle, Verreaux's eagle, Pell's fishing owl, taita falcon, narina trogon, osprey and a lot more! The breakfast and diner we had from Max was simply amazing. For breakfast he had coffee and tea and amazing sandwiches with egg. For diner we had a lovely potjie-kos and the next evening we had an amazing braai. We can't wait to come back to this location!

This is an absolute hidden gem next to the river. At arrival I was welcomed by Max, who is truly a well of knowledge about the animals in the area. As I was mainly here for birds, Max took me to places to see many birds (among others: Pel's Fishing Owl, Crowned Eagle, African Finfoot...). The rooms are wonderful with very comfortable beds and attention to detail. Besides being a professional guide Max is even a great cook, and provided me with some great dinners. Very recommended!

Max and his team are warm, welcoming and passionate! Paradise River Lodge is a hidden gem, an oasis in the African Bushveld! A must visit!!!!!

We only spent one night at Paradise River Lodge and were welcomed by Max the owner. He took us on a drive through the reserve, and we enjoyed his knowledge (he is a certified ranger). The lodge is very remote and private, which brings the opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet of the nature and river. The rooms are large, and have everything you need. If you don’t like after dark driving we recommend to ask Max to light up the braai for dinner and afterwards the open fire near the river. We wish Max and his partner all the best in making their African dream come true!!!