Tuningi Safari Lodge

This place is magical. Everything about it from the amazing staff, beautiful decor and just calming feeling once you stepped inside made us know we’d chosen the best place for our honeymoon. Nothing was ever too much trouble. The kindness and generosity of the staff made everything perfect. Thanks to all the wonderful staff, Shaddy, Future, Patrick, Chante, Frans, Heidi and Keo who looked after us (and everyone back of house who we didn’t meet) and of course our wonderful, patient, determined and knowledgeable driver Marcel. He is a true gentleman and got us to see lions, black rhinos and a cheetah as well as a range of others. We cannot thank everyone enough and hope to return someday.

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

Absolutely first class safari lodge - both the lodge itself and the game drives. The refurb of the main building had been finished the day before we arrived and was immaculate. Gavin’s tracking was excellent out in the reserve. Food and drink were excellent.

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!

Recently stayed at this stunning lodge for 2 nights with my sister. Highly recommend. The water hole and the hide is just amazing especially being so close to the animals. Game drives were excellent, highlight for me seeing the cheetah with her three adult males. Outdoor shower is fabulous and the food is sensational. My sister and I both celebrated birthdays and on our last evening we were both presented with a birthday cake. Staff are amazing, nothing is to much trouble. Enjoyed having a relaxing massage in our room in between game drives.

This was our first safari experience, and what an experience. ! Having booked for 7 nights, we casually discovered from other guests this is generally not the norm, as people tend to stay 2 to 3 nights and then move onto to a different lodge. However, as the week went on we realised for us, this was totally the right thing to do. We felt completely immersed in the experience. Heidi & Gavin welcome you into their characterful lodge with warmth. The Tunigi team are a wonderful, kind and talented bunch (if you are lucky enough to be there for the Boma Night, you will hear ! ) Thank you Future, Patrick (great Pina Colada’s ) Bucks and the rest of the great team. We enjoyed both sunrise and sunset drives. No drive is the same, expect the unexpected, enjoy the scenery as much as the stunning wildlife. The setting, the colours, the changeable weather was all to be drunk in, savoured and enjoyed. The sightings were breathtaking, and emotional. Through the determination of Gavin we managed to see the Magnificent Seven ! The watering hole and the hide at the lodge are a joy to behold. Sit with a GnT and watch the wildlife go about their day !! We believe the lodge is due to be refurbished in spring 24, hoping its loses none of its comfortable charm. Thank you to all At Tuningi