aha Bongani Mountain Lodge Reviews, Deals & Photos 2024

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Comfortable hotel with 2 outdoor pools and full-service spa

Choose dates to view prices

Dates

July 2024

August 2024

2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Chalet | Pillow-top beds, minibar, in-room safe, individually furnished

Separate bathtub and shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, dressing gowns

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

9.0

Wonderful

Popular amenities

Breakfast included

All-inclusive

Pool

Spa

Bar

Gym

Explore the area

Off N4, MTHETHOMUSHA GAME RESERVE., Kaapmuiden, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, 1295

Malelane Gate48 min drive
Ilanga Mall56 min drive
Nelspruit (MQP-Kruger Mpumalanga Intl.)69 min drive
Numbi Gate81 min drive

Room options

Standard Room

Highlights

Furnished patio

Separate sitting area

Individually furnished

Connecting rooms available

Ceiling fan

Pillow-top bed

Sofa bed - double

Blackout curtains

4 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed OR 2 Single Beds

Classic Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio

Separate dining area

Separate sitting area

Individually furnished

Fireplace

Connecting rooms available

Blackout curtains

Pillow-top bed

10 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Chalet

Highlights

Furnished patio

Separate sitting area

Individually furnished

Connecting rooms available

Blackout curtains

Pillow-top bed

Ceiling fan

Hairdryer

3 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Similar properties

Pool

Spa

Parking included

Free WiFi

About the area

Mbombela

Located in Mbombela, aha Bongani Mountain Lodge is in a regional park. Leopard Creek Country Club and Nelspruit Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Inkwazi Shopping Centre and Nelspruit Market. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing.

Visit our Mbombela travel guide

What's nearby

Malelane Gate - 48 min drive
Ilanga Mall - 56 min drive
Nelspruit Private Nature Reserve - 57 min drive
Riverside Mall - 59 min drive
Numbi Gate - 81 min drive

Getting around

Nelspruit (MQP-Kruger Mpumalanga Intl.) - 69 min drive

Restaurants

‪KFC - ‬24 min drive
‪Galito's - ‬36 min drive
‪Juicy Lucy - ‬25 min drive
‪Debonairs Pizza - ‬24 min drive

About this property

aha Bongani Mountain Lodge

Family-friendly hotel in a regional park

You can look forward to free English breakfast, an airport shuttle and a poolside bar at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge. Treat yourself to a manicure/pedicure, a massage or aromatherapy at the on-site spa. The on-site restaurant, Bongani, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities such as ecotours. Guests can also expect to find a free daily manager's reception, a rooftop terrace and a garden.

You'll also enjoy perks such as:

2 outdoor pools and a children's pool, with sunloungers and pool umbrellas
Free self-parking
A round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge), a gift shop and multilingual staff
1 meeting room, a porter/bellboy and a front desk safe

Room features

All rooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and separate sitting areas, as well as perks such as safes and dressing gowns.

Other conveniences in all rooms include:

Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
Bathrooms with separate baths/showers and free toiletries
Separate sitting areas, ceiling fans and daily housekeeping

All-inclusive details

All-inclusive room rates at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge are available. These rates are higher because they include on-site food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).

Languages

Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu

Property amenities

Parking and transport

24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)
Area shuttle (surcharge)
Free secured, covered self parking on site
Free RV/bus/lorry parking on site
Limited on-site parking

Food and drink

Free English breakfast available daily 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
A bar/lounge
A poolside bar
A restaurant
Coffee and tea in common areas
Couples/private dining
Free daily manager's reception

Restaurants on site

Bongani

Things to do

2 outdoor pools
24-hour pool access
Children's pool
Ecotours
Full-service spa
Gym

Conveniences

Gift shop/newsstand
Guidebooks
Laundry facilities
Safe at front desk

Guest services

Concierge services
Daily housekeeping
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Multilingual staff
Porter/bellhop
Proposal/romance packages
Turndown service
Wedding services

Business services

Business centre
Conference centre (323 square foot of space)
Meeting room

Outdoors

Barbecue grill
Garden
In a regional park
Picnic area
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Rooftop terrace

Full-service spa

Aromatherapy
Body scrubs
Body wraps
Deep-tissue massages
Facials
Hot stone massages
Manicures/pedicures
Spa open daily
Swedish massages

Accessibility

No lift

Built in 1981
Designated smoking areas
Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bedsheets provided
Blackout drapes
Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

Dressing gowns
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Partially-open bathroom
Separate bathtub and shower
Slippers
Towels

Food and drink

Champagne service
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
Limited room service
Minibar
Tea bags/instant coffee

Ceiling fan
Connecting rooms available
Individual furnishings
Laptop workspace
Phone
Safe
Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 3 PM

Early check-in subject to availability

Late check-in subject to availability

Late check-in fee: ZAR 350 for check-in between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM

Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Late check-out subject to availability

Late check-out fee: ZAR 350

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation

Transfers from the Welcome Center takes place at noon, 1 PM, and 3 PM. If planning to arrive outside any of these times, guests will incur an extra charge of ZAR 350 (per vehicle, per way). Guests are advised to contact the property in advance and coordinate their arrival around these times.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

Destination fee: ZAR 170 per person, per night.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 500 per person (one-way)
Late check-in fee: ZAR 350 for check-in between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Late check-out fee: ZAR 350 (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash

Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed

Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

24-hour pool access

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation

Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation

No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Bongani

Bongani Lodge

Bongani Mountain

Bongani Mountain Kruger National Park

Bongani Mountain Lodge Kruger National Park

aha Bongani Mountain Lodge Hotel

aha Bongani Mountain Lodge Kruger National Park

aha Bongani Mountain Lodge Hotel Kruger National Park

Frequently asked questions

Does aha Bongani Mountain Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has 2 outdoor pools and a children's pool. Pool access is available 24 hours a day.

Is aha Bongani Mountain Lodge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge?

Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 3 PM. Late check-in is available from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a fee of ZAR 350.

What time is check-out at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge?

Checkout is at 10 AM. Late checkout is available for ZAR 350 (subject to availability).

Does aha Bongani Mountain Lodge provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of ZAR 500 per person applies.

Are there all-inclusive benefits at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge?

Some rate plans available at this hotel are all-inclusive.

Where is aha Bongani Mountain Lodge located?

This family-friendly Mbombela hotel is located in a regional park, 16.3 mi (26.2 km) from Nukain Mabuza's Stone Garden, and within 32 mi (52 km) of Inkwazi Shopping Centre and Nelspruit Market. Promenade Shopping Centre and Nelspruit Crossing Mall are also within 32 miles (52 km).

aha Bongani Mountain Lodge Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8/10 Good

Megan

Travelled with family

6 Jan 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Back to Bongani

We first stayed at Bongani Mountain Lodge 15 years ago and returned when we saw it on special over new year. Not much has changed in 15 years. We had a nice time - the food was good and our ranger and tracker were pleasant and informative. I would not rate this lodge as luxury. The room, with a queen size bed, had seen better days and with the thatch roof and poor choice of tiles it always seemed a bit grubby. The game viewing is not great. There are not many animals to be seen and as much as the ranger provided interesting info about what we did see - if you are after real Big 5 game viewing this is not the place for you. The food appealed to South African tastes and there was a good choice. If anything the compressed times because of lockdown meant that we were fed a little bit too much over a shorter space of time. I don't think I would rush back to Bongani and would have been seriously disappointed if we had paid full price. It was nice but not amazing.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Nicole, Johannesburg

Travelled with partner

31 Dec 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

It is clearly advertised on Expedia that it is in Kruger Park - it is not inside the park, but in a game reserve next to it - so slightly misleading as I was under the impression that it was INSIDE Kruger! Also, if you follow Google Maps it gets you horribly lost - after reading a ton of reviews the day before the trip, we realised we had to contact the lodge directly for written directions or we should call them when we get to the point (or when you get lost). It’s not in the nicest locations so getting lost is quite unsettling. It should also be recommended to arrive with a vehicle that has good ground clearance as the gravel road is quite bad in places. However, after arriving at the Welcome Centre to park your car and take a 30 minute drive up to the lodge - it was wonderful. All staff (namely Pascal) were so friendly and accommodating and immediately felt relaxed. The head Chef was great and willing to accommodate any request thrown at him. The game rangers were AMAZING! We had Wonderboy and Sandile. We then had Jabu and Thokozani - who were so knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour - there was no question left unanswered and looked forward to the drives with them. The food was great and the accommodation was lovely (could start replacing the bed linen as it is ripped and got holes), but overall clean and comfortable.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

mosibudi rebecca

17 Nov 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

19 Oct 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great experience

Great experience and fantastic accommodation. The highlight of the trip was the hospitality and friendliness of all the staff.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

BillyCraigens, New Jersey USA

Travelled with partner

25 Dec 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Clean and spacious.Cleaned twice daily.Best bed I’ve slept in👍

Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Laleh

23 Dec 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Quick safari holiday

Great experience and amazing staff! Food was delicious and game drives were amazing

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Cindy

22 Dec 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best staff EVER!!!

The staff,the food and game drives were fantastic!!! I do believe that the chalets could be upgraded a bit. I felt that the drive to the welcome center was not a nice drive and better signs needs to be set up and warning of the cattles and bad roads needs to be stipulated. The staff are wonderful each and every one of them!!@

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

6 Feb 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

It was an adventure and all the staff were very enthusiastic, we had s very pleasant stay in a wonderful environment

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

6 Feb 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner

16 Jan 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

This lodge was awesome. Great accommodations and great staff. Highly recommended.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner

21 Dec 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Our stay at Aha Bongani could not have been better: all meals were included, food was excellent, game drives by experience drivers, very personalized service, excellent amenities and accomodations, etc. The staff was outstanding, accomodating all our requests and much more. The lodge is a bit isolated in the mountains, but easy to reach by the shuttles provided by the hotel. It is also close to Malelane Gate of Kruger Park. Frankly, this is an extremely good value for the price paid, I would return anytime.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Paul, England

25 Nov 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful experience, only marred by there manager having to ask me for more money, as your agent put that the two rooms I booked were single occupancy both my name which I did notice but thought was printing error. As I ask especially for one twin and one double for four people,and surely there would of been a single occupancy surcharge. I would be interested on your thoughts Paul Davies

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Kristi, Chicago, IL

3 Jan 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Mountain Lodge Safari

My husband and I visited the lodge with our two children over the holidays and we had an excellent experience. They were very accommodating for the children as well. Lovely mountain lodge with friendly staff and good food. Rooms were comfortable and well appointed with private decks. Impalas and monkeys would roam around the property during the day. We went on three safaris during our trip and saw a ton of animals; zebra, giraffe, rhinos, Impalas, Cape Buffalo, and a herd of elephants. Lots of birds and lizards as well. The pool and sun deck were very relaxing with amazing views of the mountains and valley below. Beware, the lodge is not easy to get to. We followed Google Maps to get to the lodge and it brought us on a treacherous route. We ended up having to turn around and go back to the beginning of town where we saw a sign pointing to the lodge. Be prepared with directions before you go and follow the sign for the lodge. You will first enter the reserve and then proceed to the welcome center where you will park and leave your car. A guide will then escort you up the mountain to the lodge in an Land Cruiser, a mini safari in itself. Once you get there you’ll realize it was worth the extra effort. Enjoy!

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

15 Apr 2017

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Room comfort

I'm With The Elephants

Totally misrepresented by Hotels.com I booked many rooms more than half bore no resemblance to description on net, for a start no plunge pool half were duplex style dark smelly and shared postage stamp balcony. The others were stand alone as booked with bath were OK I paid exactly the same money for two different so called villas. My friends with the terrible villas were in tears so a few were moved the next day as they were fully booked the first night these were the lucky ones the others just had to wallow in the sub standard accommodation. Game very few and far between. We were told that a herd of elephants broke down the fence and went to Kruger I'm with the elephants.

10/10 Excellent

Haren, new jersey

12 Jan 2017

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very nice hotel near Kruger and there own safari

Excellent But expedites representative gave us wrong information about Kruger safari and airport pick up charges

8/10 Good

Luc

5 Jan 2017

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice hotel and nice staff

Hotel is perfect but we were disappointed with games drives, we didn't saw much animals, no elephant, no lion, no leopard, 1 Girafe, much buffalo, a few rhino and a lot of impala... Jabu out diver was really cool

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

3 Aug 2016

No cats or wild dogs seen on our drives. Wonderful scenery and excellent driver.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

2 Sep 2015

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Deluxe Glamping in the Bush. Great hospitality.

Nice family safari in the bush. The approach from the highway to the main gate is a bit daunting as you drive through a village of shacks. This did not give us confidence we had chosen the right place to stay and almost turned around. We are so glad we did not turn around and went all the way to the lodge. It is 1 hour all the way to the lodge from the highway, so plan your timing accordingly. Lodge was decent. Wildlife roamed the property and we co-mingled with the nyalas and monkeys. Fourene was the most amazing guide! Saw elephants, white rhinos, giraffes and much more!

8/10 Good

Mario, Mozambique

20 Jan 2015

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stunning African experience

Beautiful place with very friendly staff. Excellent for relaxing and be in contact with nature

10/10 Excellent

Pablo, Sydney, AU

11 Jan 2015

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

All what had been promised and more

Bongani is located in its own reserve, between mountains, lakes and a few creeks, where animals roam freely and the sounds of different creatures make every minute a postcard moment. The hotel staff were very helpful and friendly at all times, caring for our every need. The food was delicious, very fresh and abundant, and our safari guide Noel made sure every ride was fun, interesting and always different (not an easy task after 4 nights and 2 safari-rides each day). I would definitely recommend Bongani to anyone who's interested in living an unforgettable experience in the South African wild side.

10/10 Excellent

Tone, USA

4 Jun 2014

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Bongani Mountan Lodge was an awesome experience!!!

Overall I highly recomend this hotel/lodge. It's located in the Bongani region, it actually sits on a mountain and it's a lodge so the name says it all. Directions were straight forward and easy. The drive was bumpy but hey, it's Africa. The staff was super helpful and friendly, the driver met us at the Welcome Center (on time). We saw animals on the way to the lodge which was cool. Once at the lodge the host took us on a tour and gave us drinks to cool down. The cottage was self-standing and away from other rooms (all were like this) and overlooking the valley. We could see animals roaming from our front porch. The food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) was very good and well cooked. I like the fact that there was no IT in the room, no TV, no Radio, No Internet, just a big 'ole tub and nature looking back at us. The indoor/outdoor shower was very cool. I am going back and would encourage you to go as well, you won't regret it!

8/10 Good

Nicolas, Shanghai, China

29 Sep 2013

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice lodge in unique mountainous landscape.

Nice lodge to spot giraffe, buffaloes, rhinos and elephants very close but don't expect to see lions or cats around here.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

27 Dec 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner

4 Sep 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Lugar lindissimo!Bungalows muito confortaveis.Piscinas com vista maravilhosa. Muita comida ,nem sempre saborosa.Muitos elefantes impalas e girafas.Poucos leoes.Obrigado Rose,Omega,Wonder e mama Afrika

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

27 Aug 2019

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

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aha Bongani Mountain Lodge

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for aha Bongani Mountain Lodge

Wonderful

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room

Highlights

View all photos for Classic Suite

Classic Suite

Highlights

View all photos for Chalet

Chalet

Highlights

Similar properties

Kambaku River Lodge

About the area

Mbombela

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

About this property

aha Bongani Mountain Lodge

All-inclusive details

Languages

Property amenities

Parking and transport

Food and drink

Restaurants on site

Things to do

Conveniences

Guest services

Business services

Outdoors

Full-service spa

Accessibility

More

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bathroom

Food and drink

More

Policies

Check-in

Check-out

Special check-in instructions

Access methods

Pets

Children and extra beds

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Optional extras

You need to know

We should mention

Property is also known as

Frequently asked questions

aha Bongani Mountain Lodge Reviews

Reviews

Wonderful

9.2/10

9.4/10

9.6/10

8.8/10

Reviews

8/10 Good

Megan

Back to Bongani

Megan

10/10 Excellent

Nicole, Johannesburg

Nicole

10/10 Excellent

mosibudi rebecca

mosibudi rebecca

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller