Welcome ToMaqueda Lodge

  Wonderful stay at Maqueda Lodge - 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... read more 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.

  Maqueda - Totally Tops! - Ambience: Alive! Food, Wines, Variety and Quantity: Fabulous! Staff - Sensational! Manager: Marvellous! Rangers - especially Ruen and Lucky - couldn't ask for better. Ruen... read more was an expert guide for all safaris and Panorama tour. Gavin was terrific in guiding us all around Swaziland too.

  Staying 4 nights at Maqueda Lodge was the best decision of our whole trip! It was such a nice experience. The staff is super friendly, the rooms are very pretty... read more and the location is amazing - welcome to the Bush! Also we really liked the food and enjoyed 2 amazing day trip Safaris with the ranger James. Although the weather wasn't quite on our side, we saw so many beautiful animals and learned so much. Thank you Maqueda Team for making our stay unforgettable! All the Best, Christina & Oskar

  I had a short stay at this lodge. Upon arrival I was met with a wonderful greeting and shown to a very comfortable and clean room. I found all the... read more staff super helpful, and helped me plan excursions with good advice and local knowledge. The food was excellent. I can thoroughly recommend a stay at Maqueda. You will not be disappointed...

  The accommodations and staff far exceeded our expectations and were better than we could have imagined. We couldn’t have asked for a better first trip to Kruger. Thanks so much... read more for making this such a memorable trip!!

  My friend and I loved Maqueda and the staff. We were made very welcome; the staff where great and very engaging, warm and friendly. I would recommend this place to... read more anyone and would definitely be back at some point in the near future. I gave a slight lower grade for sleep only because it was hot and humid and hard to sleep when the power was load shedding and we couldn't have fan on.

  Our stay at Maqueda Lodge over the weekend of 24-27 September was a very pleasant and memorable experience. Maqueda Lodge is a Top Class lodge with Beautiful finishes nestled... read more in beautiful bushveld surrounding is the perfect getaway for family and friends.

  The four of us, my husband and parents, were so lucky - we were the only guests at Maqueda Lodge for three days. So we got to enjoy all the... read more attention of Michael and James and their fantastic cooking. The whole lodge is beautifully designed, especially the covered sitting and dining area, but the big difference from other beautiful accommodation was the people. On top, James and Michael provided us with all kinds of information, e.g. about the little five of Africa, and fetched a rhinoceros beetle from the garden as concrete visual material. Thank you and stay well!

  A home away from home in beautiful Kruger - My wife and I stayed here for four nights. It was not long enough and if we had known how wonderful our stay would be we would have extended. ... read more Right from the pickup at the Airport by Lucky who entertained us all the way to the lodge to the warm welcome by David we knew we were in for a great stay. The lodge is like a big welcoming home and the team there went out of their way to ensure we felt part of the family. Our tour guides, especially James, were engaging and made sure our time in the park was adventure filled. They made sure we got to see all that the park has to offer and we have so many wonderful photos to take back to Australia with us. We will definitely visit the lodge again but next time it will be for a week.

Thank you David, James, Lucky and the team for making our stay with you special. Thank you to Patricia for the wonderful food. I don’t know how they did it but 44 guests were served Kudu cooked to their individual liking. I asked for mine to be served blu and that’s exactly what I got.

Can’t wait until we return.

See you next time, Suzanne and Craig

  A beautiful lodge hidden in the bush of Marloth Park near Kruger.

Very friendly people, hospitality always on number one, very fine dining and a very enthusiastic game drive... read more with ranger James and Markus.

David and friends, thank you for a wonderful experience in south-Africa!

Love,

Erik & Patty