Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa by Dream Resorts

When I travel in KwaZulu Natal I travel with purpose and on a preplanned itinerary that is put together months in advance. Locations and routes need planning to maximise my time and ensure that I get the most from my journey. I also do the same when planning for and with others. Yes, this can prove to be tiring, but it is also hugely rewarding. It enables me to be able to relay firsthand knowledge to help fellow travellers get the very most from their holidays. I am at Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa wondering what to do with myself as I was staying a little longer than I normally would. Ryan, the lodge manager, had simply said to me, relax and enjoy yourself, that’s what our guests do. So here I am, best described as lake and leisurely, sitting on my balcony looking down at Lake Jozini, reading The Conspiracy Tourist by Dom Jolly. So, this is what people do on their holidays. I should mention that my room, leading to my balcony was perfect. Spacious and large in size, with ample storage for a lengthy stay with couch, table, additional seating and king size four poster bed. The tea and coffee station came complete with a drink’s fridge. The ensuite bathroom was also a good size with both bathtub and shower. All this with a great view of Lake Jozini. To get in the holiday mode here at the lodge does not take much thinking about. I had been given a full tour by assistant manager Gugu so knew where to find everything. I was tempted by the Mangwanani African Spa and the treatments on offer, and I regret not indulging myself, but my stomach told me to check out the lunch menu. I need to take more interest in my body and not just my stomach. I did opt though for a healthy lunch, Greek salad, an excellent choice on a very hot afternoon taken on the restaurant veranda looking down onto the lake below. Every meal here felt like an event. Breakfast and dinner were feasts with huge choices put together by chef Sabelo and his dedicated team. In the mornings I started with healthy options including locally sourced fresh fruit salad before moving on to the cooked options. It’s not often you get three choices of sausages plus meatballs along with crispy bacon, zhuzhed up baked beans and a near menu of egg variations. Dinners were buffet and braai, (barbecue), affairs. Chef Sabelo talked me through the buffet options on the braai night and it took him nearly two minutes. Home made breads, freshly prepared salads and dressings, mealiepap, (a local speciality), rice, potatoes, sheba or chakalaka, a local spicy vegetable sauce dish, plus other choices of vegetables. Then comes the meat, chicken, boerewors and pork chops. On other nights the buffet included traditional roasts with all the trimmings, stews and curries. As a curry fan I have to mention and recommend the excellent curries. I also have to admit that I could not face the dessert selection. What I can say is that you will not go hungry here and there is something for everyone. It never gets cold up here aro

We stayed at the Villa. It was lovely, spacious with a beautiful view of the dam. The staff were always friendly, we has some minor items that we needed assistance with, and maintenance was also efficient to resolve and always done with a smile. Breakfast was lovely, and the kids enjoyed the activities planned by the lodge. We will definitely visit again.

Impossible to sleep. The rooms are poorly darkened and the electricity generator seems to be on the roof and makes a deafening noise. The staff at the front desk makes no effort to solve a problem or think with us. Apart from that, the restaurant terrace has insanely beautiful views to both and the staff there is friendly,