Tuningi Safari Lodge

We stayed three nights at Tuningi game reserve; We were picked up by Marcel from the small reserve airport; Marcel drove us to the game reserve and our safari started - Marcel pointed out animals on our way - truly amazing. We were then greeted by Heidi who gave us a wonderful greeting and tour We picked our lunch option; up to our suite for a tour with Heidi, quick change and back for the best lunch ever - the attention to detail was amazing Then our first drive; over the next four days Marcel became our friend, guide, teacher and instilled enthusiasm in everyone in the truck. Marcel loved our numerous questions and his answers were detailed and thorough. Cannot talk highly enough about Marcel Animals - we saw the Big 5 and all thanks to Gavin for spotting the leopard in the tree with his catch Food - food can make or break a holiday - the food at Tuningi reserve was exquisite; attention to detail for every meal. Service was friendly and always with a smile and a hello. Need to mention the breakfast muffins - need the recipe they were delicious Cannot rate Tuningi game reserve highly enough- great team who all worked together to make our experience very special; thank you and special shout out to Marcel

A very disappointing stay overall. The standard of the food was poor (very salty). The service was generally chaotic and disorganised with the staff not really aware on how things should be done - I do not think that the operation was managed in a professional manner, an example being that at 10:00 on the last day we came back to the rooms (still not fully packed) to find that the cleaners were sorting the room out whilst we were still at the property. The game drives were not executed in a way that all guests were able to benefit equally. The gym was too small like non existent and no spa available. For a 5 star resort I was expecting better standards.

I actually don’t know where to start with this review. There are so many amazing things to say about Tuningi that I need to decide what I should write first. So let’s start with the first impressions on arrival. With a delayed arrival, due to a stressful journey (nothing to do with the reserve or lodge) we were met by Gavin at the airstrip and he drove us to the lodge. With the sight of zebra and other game on the way our stresses were already abating but then arriving at the lodge any residual stress was soon seen off. A lovely friendly welcome and lunch ready for us (with a glass of wine for me) and we immediately felt relaxed and excited for our days ahead. The lodge itself is stunning. Recently refurbished it has kept the essence of a game lodge but with those luxurious touches we all crave. Heidi, Gavin’s wife, has been in charge and has done a brilliant job. Our room was also one of the newly refurbished ones and far exceeded our expectations. We are lucky enough to have stayed at many beautiful 5 star hotels and this was one of my favourite rooms ever. I videoed a walk through to wind up our gown up children.. So the reason for going… the wildlife! Well we lucked out and Gavin was our driver. We had amazing drives seeing everything from leopards, to cheetahs, lions, lion cubs and the hard to pin down wild dogs. Gavin was also great company and we enjoyed catching up over what we had seen during the day at the lodge bar in the evening. Then one final thing to mention and that’s the food! WOW, the food is incredible. Not something I was expecting and wouldn’t have worried about as wasn’t there for a culinary experience but the chef was very talented. There is so much more I could add (all positive) but these comments will hopefully persuade anyone on the fence to book Tuningi. We will definitely go back. Thank you Gavin & Heidi. Top job xx

Tuningi is a very special place and it was a privilege for our family to visit and be so well looked after. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel special and the lodge and staff are a total credit to making this a safari lodge to make the very best memories. The food is fantastic, the hospitality genuine, the morning hot chocolates with home made muffins and the sun downers and snacks right through to blankets and hot water bottles - they have thought of every little touch. The game drives are always filled with brilliant animals and beautiful sights and lots of learning from the caring and knowledgable guides in Marcel & Gavin. We can’t praise this place highly enough - visit if you ever get the opportunity!

62 . Bucket list. Always wanted to do a safari.I asked the travel agent which was the best park and lodge and this is where we ended up. I went with zero expectations and had the best experience of my life. From the moment we walked in we were met by the most amazing host, Sasha, and it felt like home. Her part, Andrew, is probably the best ranger and guide in the park. Actually, not probably, definitely! He knows everything about every animal, plant etc. He’s also one of the nicest people I’ve met. On the last day, whilst all the other rangers are elsewhere he found the lions!

This a welcoming place with great food, amazing staff, awesome hosts and a dedicated ranger. There are early morning game drives and sunset drives. Absolutely fabulous and always successful! We have enjoyed the game spotting and warm hospitality! Would go back tomorrow if we could!!