Hoyo Hoyo is a unique luxury lodge located on the banks of the Mluwati River which is located within the Mluwati Concession area in the central Kruger National Park.
The lodge is situated 35 km South East of the Orpen Gate and borders the Manyeleti and Sabi Sand Reserves to the West.
We spent a lovely day in this unique setting. On arrival we were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the lodge was, with large trees giving shade round the lodge grounds and the call of the many birds that greeted us.
Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge is an appealing traditional Tsonga style lodge, which is so different from the normal thatched lodges we have seen.
Ronald and Ju Ju warmly greeted us on arrival then showed us around. As you enter the lodge through a large wooden door way, you are greeted by a cosy lounge on the right and dining room on the left where delicious meals are served; both are open fronted to give you an unobstructed view of the riverbed and bush.
In front of the lounge is the open boma that offers a good view of the elevated waterhole on the opposite bank. We had a wonderful braai in the boma on our first night, a tribal dance was done by the staff before the meal was served, which was a great experience.
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal of lamb chops, boerewors and pap with a gorgeous oxtail stew followed by poached pear in red wine sauce.
The next day, lunch was served in the dining room and comprised a lovely cold buffet of meatballs, fish, salads, fruit smoothies and cheese cake.
After dinner you can sit round the boma fire, retreat to the lounge or the privacy of your suite - the evening atmosphere around the boma is very relaxed.
The swimming pool overlooks the riverbed and is situated next to the dining room, with guest toilets just next to the pool area.
From the main area, it’s just a short walk along a gravel pathway to your suite. There are six traditional huts, three on each side of the main area.
The six, beautifully furnished in true Tsonga style, thatched hut/suites each have king sized bed, en-suite stone bathrooms, lovely outdoor shower, Tea/coffee station and private deck. All the suites have a view of the Mluwati riverbed and savannah beyond.
Bird watching is a lot of fun in this area but you should also keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Leopard that may come walking down the riverbed or any other of the big-five animals that may pop in to the waterhole for a drink by day or at night.
It is only safe to walk round the lodge during the day, but at night you need an escort to your suite, which is done by one of the staff members as the lodge is not fenced.
The waterhole in front of the camp attracts all types of animals and as we arrived for dinner two rhinos were just leaving the waterhole and later on that night an elephant came to drink...
Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge does morning and afternoon Safari Game Drives in 4 x 4 vehicles and also guided safari walks by prior arrangement.
Hoyo Hoyo has two sister safari lodges just a few kilometers from each other in the Mluwati Concession; Hamiltons Tented Camp and Imbali Safari Lodge but Hoyo Hoyo was our favorite!
The combination of the bush, traditional cuisine, the warmth of the staff members and the unusual accommodation together with the opportunity to see the lifestyle and culture of the people, ensure an unforgettable safari experience.
We enjoyed it all, thank you Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge!
For more information on Hoyo Hoyo or to make your reservation, please click here.
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