On our way out to the lodge from Port Elizabeth we were asked by our independent driver how we found Idwala Lodge. We replied "good old Trip Advisor". He said, "you have been very well advised. I take many people to all the reserves around here, including Shamwari and the Idwala visitors always seem the happiest". He couldn't have been more right. From the moment we arrived we were treated like royalty. The drives were truly sensational and Gerhard our Ranger was an absolute star. Morgan the lodge Manager couldn't do enough for us and the rest of the staff were awesome. I cannot say enough words or use enough adjectives to tell you how fantastic it is, suffice to say that I had to be arm wrestled into writing this review because I didn't want to share this little gem with anyone else. This place is an absolute must !!!!! I will definitely be back. LOVE YOU IDWALA.

we booked 4 nights at the lodge. our rhino room was very quiet and clean. the only negative point regarding the room is to less lights.
the food was excellent and they were very flexible if you dont like something. two game drives a day in an open jeep.in this game reserve they have the big 5 and we saw four of them. our ranger organized very exciting drives. maximun guests at the lodge are 8 people. very private and very nice. during the day you have to stay at the lodge and enjoy it. you can not go for a walk ( big 5 around) and you leave the car at the reception which is 15 min away by the jeep. all meals and drinks are included. the staff was very friendly and helpful. 4nights are a bit too long. two would be too short. enjoy the lodge

We stayed at Idwala on the 6th Feb for two nights and agree wholeheartedly with the other positive comments. The attention to detail is outstanding though the plunge pool needs some work and the sunbathing area needs a bit more thought to bring it up to the same standard as the rest of the place but this did not change my opinion of the place, LOVED IT.
It was a nice surprise to be whisked off in a jeep from reception and driven into the bush where the lodges are very discretely located ( we passed other lodges which were located just off the main road ). There are only four lodges so it has a small and personal feel about it. They have a very proffesional team of staff who are helpful, imformative and very friendly.The rooms were beautiful, roomy and comforable with a great view.
Morgan the chef / manager made us some top quality meals, I will be looking for his recipies on their website.

Gerhard, our brilliant ranger, managed to find Lions (just made a kill and were tucking in), Rhinos, Giraffe, hippos,buffalo, zebra, monkeys, warthogs, impalla etc etc but my favourite were the elephants. The heard slowly passed the jeep one by one, bulls and babies, one little one was chasing a butterfly, so cute..
We also appreciated the maximum of two vehicles per sighting rule that they had on the reserve.

We will never forget Idwala. a real gem and a definite recommendation. Thank you all..

We went to idwala on our honeymoon and from the cocktails on arrival to the hot water bottle in bed every night it was perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!! The staff are brillant and couldnt do enough for you (including taking us all the way back to reception to watch the rubgy. Morgans cooking was exceptional as was the different african decor of the table every night. The small details is what makes Idwala 5*. The game drives were cold but very very exciting. True untouched wildlife, we even seen a pride of lions eating their kill. We would recommend this to absolutely anyone. Your days consist of early morning game drive, followed by a cooked breakfast then some lounging by the pool. after which you have afternoon tea then your night time game drive. 100% we will be back.