Umfolozi Big Five Game Reserve by Mantis

Myself and my now fiance stayed at Biyela, we were recieved with happy faces and a very warm welcome to the lodge. We stayed for 3 nights and wish we could have spent more time. The food was out of this world and the chefs have the flavors all figured out. We had the most amazing drives with Victor as our guide and learnt so much about the bush that has been incorporated and existing in the umfolozi. Sighting from the river were incredible and it definitely is a whole new sort of experience being in there. The room was spectacular, our own plunge pool with full views of the river that the lodge over looks and a deck that allows for one to enjoy the African sun during the day. On this trip I had planned to purpose to my girlfriend at the time, now fiance. The staff and managers at the lodge made it such a breeze and besides my trembling hands it was beautiful. We arrived to a full dinner served in the room where rose petals has been sprinkled all over with magnificent candles spread across the room. It was a day to remember for sure. The gentleman and ladies that were part of the service were spectacular, always so attentive and willing to do anything to help. Service was of a white glove standard and attention to the smallest of details was never over looked. This is a definate for anyone wanting a 5 star african safari experience in a place with so much heritage and culture. This is a must see.

I am having a hard time putting my experience at the lodge into words. It was an experience that I will never forget, from the moment me and my boyfriend (now fiance) arrived to the moment we left we were treated like royalty. We stayed at the lodge for 3 nights and 4 days (oct 14 through oct 17, 2019). During which time we went on amazing, breathtaking game drives with Vic, who I cannot say enough wonderful things about. Vic went above and beyond for our drives, explaining the culture of Africa and the nature so thoroughly. He has so much knowledge and more importantly passion for the wildlife and nature of Africa. He managed to get us to see some spectacular animals and I now have a deeper understanding and love for Africa and its nature. He really made the drives so enjoyable and answered all my questions, which were quite a few, we had some amazing conversations. Besides the wonderfulness of our drives we were served the best food I have ever tasted. The steak we had the first night was perfection, I have never had anything like it, not even at the best steakhouses in the states, I was beyond impressed. And oh, the breakfast, and lunch, wow wow wow. The service at the lodge is spectacular. The waitresses and bar waiter we had with us during our stay were so attentive and really went the extra mile to make us feel like we were the most important people in the world. When I tell you that my drink was always refreshed, tasted exactly the same, and was absolutely delicious, I'm not joking. I had the exact same amount of ice cubes in ever drink, and whenever I finished I had the nicest, friendliest, gentlemen asking me if I wanted a fresh one. He really was amazing, I cant believe I've misplaced his name because he did such an amazing job. All the staff there are so wonderful and I cant say enough nice things about each and every one of them. They were so special and I can see how much passion they have and how happy they are to be part of such an amazing project. Now, the accommodation, wow... I'm hoping I can add pictures later on but wow. When I opened our suite door I was floored. The suites look like rooms out of the most luxurious movies. The whole experience was unbelievable. I honestly did not think the staff, management team, and guide could go any more above and beyond, then they did. My boyfriend asked me to marry him in my favorite spot during a game drive where our driver was so amazing to capture the moment and pour us a celebratory drink. Then we got back to the lodge where our dinner had been prepared in our room, when I opened our suite door I almost started crying. There was candle light and rose petals everywhere. There was a bubble bath drawn and we were able to enjoy a three course meal (which you get to experience ever dinner) in our room alone surrounded by candle light and rose petals. I was blown away by the effort that was made for us. I can honestly say I wouldnt want to get engaged anywhere else. If you had any hesitation about going in the beginning of this review I hope I was able to remove it. This is an experience that will stay with you forever, it has with me. Thank you to the uMfolozi big 5 game reserve family. Thank you thank you thank you.

such a magical place to be. indulge with nature and learn so much about the bush from the smallest flowers to the great big five. Wisemen, Wesley and his team are absolutely outstanding and serviced minded! 5star in all ways- we will be back!!