Maqueda Lodge

We had a great stay ay Maqueda Lodge. The room was big, clean and cozy. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, made us feel at home as soon as we arrived. The social area is big and relaxing. The food was delicious and our guide had very good knowledge about the animals in the park. We highly recommend a stay here! We would love to come back!

My husband, 2 adult children and myself have just returned from a wonderful week at Maqueda Lodge. Francois, the owner, welcomed us with opened arms and ensured that we were comfortable throughout our stay. Nothing was too much trouble. The lodge was beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The shared spaces were peaceful and relaxing after returning from a full day Safari. The pool was freezing but certainly refreshing on a hot day. The beds were comfortable and the wifi was good. We experienced "load shedding" while in South Africa however it didn't affect our stay or experience. The shower was hot although there was no shampoo or body wash provided. Pump hand soap was available which we used to wash our hair and bodies! Meals were scrumptious. We only had one breakfast at the lodge as we were out on safaris on the other days. It was delicious and a great variety. The upstairs dining area was lovely. Dinner was incredible. We were served a three course meal and every night was a different taste sensation. Lanterns were lit when dinner was served which gave a lovely ambience. When we were out on our early morning safaris, or on the panoramic route, we were treated to a packed breakfast in our own Esky bag. Hot tea and plunger coffee was also served. This was enjoyed at a scenic location, watching animals while we ate. James was our driver and ranger on the 3 full day safaris. He was so knowledgeable and listened to what experience we wanted. He was also very friendly, attentive and lovely. When he wasn't driving us around Kruger, he was serving meals or cleaning. Everyone worked so hard. We booked 2 night safaris but after the first one we cancelled the second one and did another full day with James. The night safari was not through Maqueda Lodge but through Kruger NP. Rather than being in our small 9 seater vehicle, we were on a large 30 seater truck. When it got dark, half a dozen people were given spotlights to shine into the bush. It was very disappointing and we therefore saw very few animals. The driver didn't talk to us throughout the safari and, if they did, they were very hard to hear. I would not recommend doing this night safari. Unfortunately they are the only vehicles/people allowed in the park at night time. The panoramic route was great. The views were amazing. The drive to the first waterfall was over 2 hours. It was then 2 hours driving back to Maqueda Lodge. The following morning we then drove the same way for 1.5 hours to the airport. I would recommend doing this trip either when you first arrive, prior to arriving at Maqueda Lodge, or at the end of your stay before flying out of Nelspruit airport as the area is close to the airport and would avoid travel time. Thank you Maqueda Lodge for such a magical, memorable holiday with my family. You made us feel like we were part of your family. I would, and will be, recommending Maqueda Lodge to everyone considering visiting Kruger National Park.

Rooms are extremely basic. Good for family on limited budget or backpackers. Would not returnRooms: 1/5

100% recommendable!!! We had an unforgettable time here. Great surroundings, nice rooms and super tasty food. A true holiday paradise. And not to forget: the best lodge team in the world!Rooms: 5/5

Luxury in the bush near the southern end of the Kruger National Park. You will feel part of the family when you leave this place as the hospitality of the owners and staff are second to none. Look at my photos to get a feel for the individuality of Maqueda and immerse yourself in the sounds of birds and wildlife. Each unit is comfortable and indivudual and any stay here will be a relaxing one. Highly recommended.

We came here a little less than a decade ago, so a lot may have changed by now. We have nothing but exceptionally fond memories from this Lodge. From the food we gained a lot of weight because it was so delicious, to the people who made the trip exceptional and even the people we met there were all incredible. We still remember hearing a lion roar in the middle of the night

My family had there a wonderful time. Very, very frindly owners, who run the business with such a "family feel" that you feel like the part of their family. And ... Ranger J who seems to know every single being on this planet especially cats, the bigest ones and shares info about them with love & passion. I cannot rank it 10 stars . I will probably give another 5 when we will be there next time. Miss you guys already.

David is the perfect host. We really enjoyed our stay. One couple of our group was put in a room above the kitchen. They did not like that the bed was too small and the smell of the kitchen made them uncomfortable. The dining area is very nicely done. And the food is good.

Wonderful lodge, infinitely friendly, attentive and helpful staff. Very warm, personal welcome by David the Manager and Ruan our guide on the safari through the Kruger NP. We were 11 days as independent travelers traveling with our adult children in South Africa. The Maqueda Lodge was our absolute highlight. We felt at home. Very good food, great self service bar, very nicely decorated and super clean. Many thanks to David and his entire team for the great hospitality!

Beautiful venue ruined by poor quality service. As far as ratings go, the venue we stayed in doesn’t pass as a 1 star. - No WiFi accessible in the main living area - No fridge accessible in the main living area - No soap or hand towels provided to guests on arrival - No linen change in 7 days - No towel change in 7 days - Rooms were poorly designed with non private shower & toilet. - Inadequate storage in the rooms - No TVs In any areas - unsecured parking, with no lights or bays - no emergency procedures explained - no emergency pad in case of emergency - No fire extinguishers visible - No keys provided to guests for rooms - No familiarization protocols - No handles on some of the windows - No handsoap provided in multiple bathrooms and the public bathroom - No Toilet paper in the public toilet - Additional payments required for housekeeping who didn’t change linen or towels The list is a lot longer, but basically if the lodge had looked at any grading system, whether it be for a lodge, villa, guesthouse or self catering establishment, then they would see that they pretty much don’t qualify to be anything. Not even 1 star We also had perpetual power issues which, we weren’t notified about and had to enquire to find out about. While the issue were unrelated to Maqueda lodge, the manager did not once come down to let anyone know or offer candles, lights or any alternative plan. We were left to fend for ourselves After 3 days we asked if we could get some assistance, to which management quickly sent lights down and turned on a generator that had been at our venue all along. We aren’t sure why, but there was a serious issue with preferential treatment towards customers as the venue next to ours had no issues whatsoever. The management at no point came to introduce themselves or explain anything. 90 percent of the group we went with doesn’t even know what the manager looks like. The lodge needs to seriously go back to grading requirements. For the amount we paid, it’s as if we camped in building. Not returning to or recommending this venue to anyone.