We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Shibula Lodge & Bush Spa

4.5 of 5
Site 26 Welgevonden Game Reserve, Vaalwater 530, South Africa
Hotel amenities
Shibula Lodge & Bush Spa
Which Vaalwater hotels are on sale?
Enter dates 1 night 2 nights
See hotels
Write a Review

25 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    18
    2
    3
    1
    1
Date Rating
Cape Town Central, South Africa
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 January 2013

We stayed at Shibula for 2 nights during our honeymoon. The staff and management is very friendly and provide good service - no complaints here. The game viewing is also great. The only downpoint is that it is not really exclusive - there are many, many other vehicles around - but then again the plus side of this is you... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by marthelee for Vaalwater
Shibula L, Owner at Shibula Lodge & Bush Spa, responded to this review
10 April 2013

Good day We appreciate both your positive and negative comments of Shibula Lodge & Spa. The Lodge has recently come under new ownership and the management has begun a programme of refurbishments and upgrade to the facilities, which we trust will enhance our guests' experience at Shibula. Please accept our apologies and hope to welcome you back to Shibula again... More

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 January 2013 via mobile

The lodge is clean and homely, but for the supposed 5 star rating this lodge could do with upgrade. We had a really nice 3 nights however. The boma dinner was a highlight. Game drives were well run. Our guide Jason was friendly and competent. Laurie and his wife were great hosts. I must praise the staff for their wonderful... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Shibula L, Owner at Shibula Lodge & Bush Spa, responded to this review
9 April 2013

Dear Simon Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback regarding you stay at Shibula Lodge & Spa. We would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused and any expectations not being met. We are delighted that your contact with Shibula staff was memorable and we will certainly convey your sentiments along to them. You may be interested... More

Johannesburg, South Africa
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 November 2012

We recently visited two game lodges and spent 3 nights at each. We chose Shibula for the 2nd stay as it is advertised as a 5* lodge, has a spa, Big Five and thought this would be a perfect place to celebrate my husband’s birthday during our stay. The location is good; and took 3hours to drive from Johannesburg. We... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 5
Shibula L, Manager at Shibula Lodge & Bush Spa, responded to this review
10 April 2013

Good day Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback regarding our Lodge. As management we are certainly disappointed that your stay was not all that it should have been. I would like to apologize on behalf of Shibula and its team for your stay. Kindly note the Lodge has recently come under new ownership and the management... More

Johannesburg, South Africa
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 September 2012

Our first visit, but definately not our last. Warm welcoming staff and caring descerning game rangers made our trip very special. The lack of cellphone reception was a bonus and allowed for a full wind down during our stay. Sean our game ranger excelled in knowledge and quirky sense of humour, the variation in game and birdlife was exceptional. While... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
12 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 September 2012

We chose Shibula for the convenience factor-- it's an easy 2.5 hours from Pretoria. The lodge definitely lived up to its reviews. It was a beautful retreat deep inside Welgevonden reserve. The rooms are nice-- we had a seperate sitting area, mini bar, beautful four poster bed, and a very large victorian style bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
San Francisco Bay Area
Top Contributor
96 reviews 96 reviews
27 hotel reviews
Reviews in 49 cities Reviews in 49 cities
38 helpful votes 38 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 July 2012

Just completed a vacation in Africa, which included 3 nights at Shibula. I had visited here in 2010 and had decided to include it again on this trip. I was not disappointed, and in fact was very pleased again with all aspects of our experience. My daughters and I had the family suite, which includes two bedrooms, living room and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
centurion
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 June 2012

Wonderful 2nd visit. Beautiful clean and comfortable accommodation. Delicious food...wonderful staff. ..very good spa facilities. Game ranger Sello wonderful. We saw very good game: lion, cheetah, elephants, buck,rhino and many more. Hope to return soon.

Was this review helpful? Yes
The Hague, The Netherlands
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
13 hotel reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 2012

During the first part of our holiday in South Africa we went on safari in Madikwe, Pilanesberg, Welgevonden and Addo. Welgevonden Game Reserve is the least known of these reserves and we were very curious about what the experience would be like. After a very relaxing (self) drive from Pilanesberg we arrived in Shibula were we met our ranger, Shaun.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 February 2012

In january we stayed with 17 KLM crewmembers plus family in Shibula lodge. We were welcomed by the entire staff with a welcome song. Then we were taken to our rooms, which are so cozy! Well decorated, comfortable beds you never want to leave..... except to go on safari early in the morning!!! You feel at home instantly. The lounge... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 February 2012 via mobile

What can I say? Wonderful friendly & attentive staff, delicious wide selection of food, huge amount of Wildlife, beautiful relaxing day spa with amazing treatments and a stunning peaceful location! This was my 3rd visit to South Africa and my 3rd time on safari, and I can say without reservation I obtained the best wildlife photos I've taken yet, and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ant's Hill & Ant's Nest
Great value on a similar hotel
Vaalwater, Waterberg
5 of 5 stars 79 Reviews
Check Rates
Still looking for a hotel?
Also consider these accommodations in or near Vaalwater
Nedile Lodge 5.0 of 5 stars 32 reviews Ant's Hill & Ant's Nest 5.0 of 5 stars 79 reviews Marataba Safari Company 5.0 of 5 stars 58 reviews Clifftop Lodge 4.0 of 5 stars 63 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1836485?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d565516?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1064159?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d948614?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 1 hotels in Vaalwater, ranked by popularity

Been to Shibula Lodge & Bush Spa? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Shibula Lodge & Bush Spa

Address: Site 26 Welgevonden Game Reserve, Vaalwater 530, South Africa
Region: South Africa > Limpopo Province > Waterberg > Vaalwater
Amenities:
Suites Swimming Pool
Hotel Style:
Ranked #8 of 24 Speciality lodging in Vaalwater
Hotel Class:4.5 star (4.5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Shibula Lodge & Spa offers the discerning visitor a luxurious taste of wild Africa. Situated in the malaria free Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, Limpopo Province, a mere 2.5 hours' self-drive from Johannesburg. Look forward to an encounter with an lion on the hunt, a cheetah on the plains, a rhino calf with its mother or a herd of elephant during a game drive with experienced rangers.Return to the luxury of peace, experience nature in the comfort of each of Shibula's eight luxurious en-suite rooms. Equipped with telephone, air-conditioning, full bathroom, tea/coffee facilities, own patio and an outside shower. The Suite option of outside jacuzzi,private pool or inside spa bath caters for your preferential choice.Sooth the stresses of daily life with the sophisticated pampering of our Bush Spa, feast on fresh delights and experience Africa in all its untamed magnificence with our starlit boma dinners.Our superbly decorated main lodge boasts a reading corner and an elegant lounge and dining area. A sprawling deck with magnificent views leads one to the swimming pool overlooking the surrounding bush.Daily guided safaris on an open safari vehicle in the 36 000ha Reserve, afford guests the opportunity to get up-close and personal with some of Africa's untamed and most majestic creatures, as well as the magnificent plant life which abounds in this region of the country. The reserve is well stocked with lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, rhino, elephant, zebra, giraffe and many other mammals, birds and trees. ... more   less 

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Shibula Lodge & Bush Spa, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing