Our Handpicked Lodge Escapes

Experience Curated Stays the Best with Our Lodge Recommendations

Escape the ordinary with E Coaches' trusted lodge recommendations. We've sought out the most captivating and highly-praised destinations, ensuring your stay is nothing short of spectacular. Find your perfect retreat today.
Mpumalanga Lodges & Accommodation

Mpumalanga Lodges & Accommodation

City / Town Lodge / Sleeping Place (Examples) Pick up or Transfer Description / Type
Mbombela (Nelspruit)
  • Nelspruit Lodge
  • The Cycad Lodge & Chalets
  • Matumi Golf Lodge
  • Road Lodge Mbombela
  • Many offer airport shuttles (KMIA).
  • Tour operators can arrange pick-ups for excursions.
  • Confirm with specific lodge.
  • For VIP transport, airport/general pickups, group & tour bus services: e-coaches 013 751 3039 / bookings@ecoaches.co.za
  • Hotels
  • Guesthouses & B&Bs
  • Lodges & Chalets
  • Budget-friendly options
Hazyview
  • Sabi River Sun Resort
  • Hippo Hollow Country Estate
  • Perry's Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel
  • ANEW Resort Hazyview Kruger Park
  • Hazyview Cabanas
  • Many lodges offer transfers from KMIA or for Kruger safaris.
  • Essential to pre-book.
  • Some located very close to Kruger gates.
  • For VIP transport, airport/general pickups, group & tour bus services: e-coaches 013 751 3039 / bookings@ecoaches.co.za
  • Resorts & Hotels
  • Boutique Hotels
  • Country Estates & Lodges
  • Self-catering Cabanas
Graskop
  • Graskop Hotel
  • Panorama Boutique Guesthouse
  • The Royal Hotel Graskop
  • Zur Alten Mine
  • Panorama Chalets & Rest Camp
  • Some guesthouses may offer limited local pick-ups.
  • Tour companies covering Panorama Route often include Graskop.
  • Best to have own transport or pre-arranged tours.
  • For VIP transport, airport/general pickups, group & tour bus services: e-coaches 013 751 3039 / bookings@ecoaches.co.za
  • Hotels (some historic)
  • Guesthouses & B&Bs
  • Self-catering Chalets
  • Rest Camps
Sabie
  • Merry Pebbles Resort
  • Sabie River Camp
  • Jock-Sabie Lodge
  • The Woodsman Bed and Breakfast
  • Two Falls View
  • Generally, self-drive is common.
  • Some establishments might arrange local transfers if pre-booked.
  • Tour operators on Panorama Route will cover Sabie.
  • For VIP transport, airport/general pickups, group & tour bus services: e-coaches 013 751 3039 / bookings@ecoaches.co.za
  • Resorts (family-friendly)
  • Camping & Caravan Parks
  • Lodges & Guesthouses
  • B&Bs
Pilgrim's Rest
  • Royal Hotel
  • Mount Sheba, A Forever Lodge (nearby)
  • Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge (nearby)
  • Various historic guesthouses within the town
  • Limited; best to arrive via self-drive or as part of an organized tour.
  • Accommodation within the historic town is walkable.
  • For VIP transport, airport/general pickups, group & tour bus services: e-coaches 013 751 3039 / bookings@ecoaches.co.za (check routes)
  • Historic Hotels
  • Guesthouses (period style)
  • Mountain Lodges (in surrounding areas)
White River
  • Oliver's Restaurant & Lodge
  • Country Boutique Hotel
  • Destiny Country Lodge (offers KMIA shuttle)
  • Thokozani Lodge
  • SleepOver KMIA (near airport)
  • Many lodges offer KMIA airport transfers due to proximity.
  • Good base for self-drive to Kruger/Panorama.
  • Pre-booking transfers is advisable.
  • For VIP transport, airport/general pickups, group & tour bus services: e-coaches 013 751 3039 / bookings@ecoaches.co.za
  • Boutique Hotels & Lodges
  • Country Guesthouses
  • Options near the airport
Barberton
  • Barberton Guesthouse
  • Fountain Baths Guest Cottages
  • Bushwhacked Barberton
  • 28 On Andrew Bed & Breakfast
  • Less common for lodges to offer extensive transfer services.
  • Local taxi services available.
  • Self-drive is recommended for exploring the region.
  • For VIP transport, airport/general pickups, group & tour bus services: e-coaches 013 751 3039 / bookings@ecoaches.co.za (check routes)
  • Guesthouses (some historic)
  • B&Bs
  • Self-catering cottages
Malelane
  • Pestana Kruger Lodge
  • Rio Vista Lodge
  • Kruger View Chalets
  • Hamilton Parks Country Lodge
  • Lukimbi Safari Lodge (luxury, in a private concession bordering Kruger)
  • Many lodges offer transfers to/from Malelane Gate or KMIA.
  • Essential for accessing private lodges.
  • Confirm with lodge when booking.
  • For VIP transport, airport/general pickups, group & tour bus services: e-coaches 013 751 3039 / bookings@ecoaches.co.za
  • Safari Lodges (various budgets)
  • Hotels & Guesthouses
  • Self-catering Chalets
  • Luxury Lodges (often all-inclusive with game drives)
Komatipoort
  • Trees Too Guest Lodge
  • Crocodile Bridge Safari Lodge (very close to gate)
  • Elephant Walk Retreat (near Crocodile Bridge Gate)
  • Komatipoort Guesthouse
  • Some lodges near Crocodile Bridge Gate may offer transfers or assist with arrangements.
  • Convenient for self-drive entry to Kruger.
  • Transfers to/from KMIA can be arranged with tour operators.
  • For VIP transport, airport/general pickups, group & tour bus services: e-coaches 013 751 3039 / bookings@ecoaches.co.za
  • Guesthouses & Lodges
  • Safari-focused accommodation
  • Self-catering options
Mpumalanga Attractions

Major Cities & Attractions in Mpumalanga

City / Town Pick up or Transfer Options Main Attractions
Mbombela (Nelspruit)
  • Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) nearby with car rentals & shuttles.
  • Local tour operators for Kruger Park and Panorama Route tours.
  • Taxi services and ride-hailing apps available.
  • Lowveld National Botanical Garden
  • Sudwala Caves (oldest known caves)
  • Jane Goodall Institute's Chimp Eden
  • Mbombela Stadium
  • i'langa Mall & Riverside Mall for shopping
  • Emnotweni Casino
  • Gateway to southern Kruger National Park (Malelane & Numbi Gates)
  • Easy access to the Panorama Route
Hazyview
  • Many lodges offer transfers.
  • Tour operators for Kruger safaris and Panorama Route trips.
  • Car rentals available.
  • Closest town to Phabeni and Paul Kruger Gates of Kruger National Park
  • Elephant Whispers (interaction with elephants)
  • Shangana Cultural Village
  • Perry's Bridge Reptile Park
  • Skyway Trails (aerial cable trails, ziplining)
  • Hot Air Ballooning
  • River rafting and tubing on the Sabie River
  • Gateway to the Panorama Route
Graskop
  • Local taxi services.
  • Pre-booked tours for Panorama Route exploration.
  • Often included as a stop on guided Panorama Route tours.
  • Graskop Gorge Lift & Big Swing
  • God's Window (panoramic views)
  • The Pinnacle Rock
  • Lisbon Falls & Berlin Falls
  • Bourke's Luck Potholes (nearby)
  • Wonder View
  • Central hub for the Panorama Route
  • Pilgrim's Rest (historic town nearby)
Sabie
  • Local transport options.
  • Part of many Panorama Route tours.
  • Self-drive is common.
  • Sabie Falls
  • Mac Mac Falls & Pools
  • Lone Creek Falls (often cited as most beautiful)
  • Bridal Veil Falls
  • Forest Falls
  • Komatiland Forestry Museum
  • Long Tom Pass (historic mountain pass with scenic views)
  • Hiking, mountain biking, and trout fishing
Pilgrim's Rest
  • Accessible via self-drive or as part of guided Panorama Route tours.
  • Limited public transport directly to the historic town.
  • Entire town is a National Monument (living museum of the gold rush era)
  • Alanglade House Museum
  • Diggings Museum & Gold Panning
  • Historic Royal Hotel
  • Old print shop, cemetery, and various period shops
  • Scenic drives in the surrounding area
White River
  • Close proximity to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA).
  • Car rentals and local taxi services.
  • Some lodges may offer shuttle services.
  • Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre (boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants)
  • White River History and Motor Museum
  • Rottcher Wineries (specializing in orange wine)
  • Lowveld National Botanical Garden (short drive)
  • Close to Kruger National Park and Panorama Route access points
  • Golf courses
Barberton
  • Local transport options.
  • Guided tours for geological and heritage sites.
  • Self-drive recommended for exploring the Makhonjwa Mountains.
  • Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage Site - some of the oldest rock formations on Earth)
  • Barberton Museum (multiple historic buildings)
  • Stopforth House Museum
  • Gold Rush history and heritage routes
  • Lone Tree Hill
  • Hiking trails (e.g., Queen Rose Trail)
  • Adventure activities like paragliding and mountain biking
Malelane
  • Car rentals available.
  • Many lodges offer transfers to/from Kruger's Malelane Gate.
  • Direct road access to Malelane Gate.
  • Direct access to Kruger National Park via Malelane Gate
  • Ideal base for exploring the southern section of Kruger Park
  • Leopard Creek Country Club (private, world-renowned golf course bordering Kruger)
  • Agricultural area (sugarcane farms)
Komatipoort
  • Car rentals.
  • Gateway town for Kruger's Crocodile Bridge Gate.
  • Border post to Mozambique.
  • Access to Kruger National Park via Crocodile Bridge Gate
  • Kambaku Golf Club
  • Proximity to the Lebombo Mountains
  • Tiger fishing in the Komati River
  • Border town atmosphere, gateway to Mozambique

Mlima Balule - Balule Game Reserve

Balule Game Reserve, PWG2+53, 1380, South Africa (General Reserve Area)

Reserve Overview & What They Offer

Balule Game Reserve is an expansive private reserve spanning 40,000 hectares, offering an authentic African bush experience. It features diverse woodland habitats, a variety of lodging options, and exceptional opportunities to see the "Big 5" animals in their natural environment.

Activities within the reserve include fishing, and thrilling day and night game drives guided by experienced rangers. Balule Game Reserve is considered good for children, making it a suitable destination for family safaris.

Accessibility: The reserve and its associated lodges generally provide wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, though it's advisable to confirm specific accessibility needs with your chosen lodge within Balule.

Guest Experiences & Reviews

The reserve holds a guest rating of 4.2 out of 5. It is widely considered a very good place for game viewing, with visitors often praising the quality of wildlife sightings and the well-maintained condition of the reserve.

"A good place for game viewing. It is well looked after." - A Visitor to Balule

Transport Services

For your convenience, pick-up and transfer services to access lodges within Balule Game Reserve, such as Mlima Balule, are always provided by EC Coaches. To arrange your transport, please contact them directly:

Please specify your destination lodge within Balule Game Reserve when booking your transport.

Mlima Balule - Balule Game Reserve

Balule Game Reserve, PWG2+53, 1380, South Africa (General Reserve Area)

Reserve Overview & What They Offer

Balule Game Reserve is an expansive private reserve spanning 40,000 hectares, offering an authentic African bush experience. It features diverse woodland habitats, a variety of lodging options, and exceptional opportunities to see the "Big 5" animals in their natural environment.

Activities within the reserve include fishing, and thrilling day and night game drives guided by experienced rangers. Balule Game Reserve is considered good for children, making it a suitable destination for family safaris.

Accessibility: The reserve and its associated lodges generally provide wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, though it's advisable to confirm specific accessibility needs with your chosen lodge within Balule.

Guest Experiences & Reviews

The reserve holds a guest rating of 4.2 out of 5. It is widely considered a very good place for game viewing, with visitors often praising the quality of wildlife sightings and the well-maintained condition of the reserve.

"A good place for game viewing. It is well looked after." - A Visitor to Balule

Transport Services

For your convenience, pick-up and transfer services to access lodges within Balule Game Reserve, such as Mlima Balule, are always provided by EC Coaches. To arrange your transport, please contact them directly:

Please specify your destination lodge within Balule Game Reserve when booking your transport.