Category: Testimonials

Experiences of our guests told simply and directly. Their testimonials can be a very valuable clue for your decision to visit Toro River Lodges. You can find here a useful information, genuine breath of adventure.

Toro River Lodges | Big 5 Safari

Attention to Detail, Conservation minded, Beautiful Scenery, Excellence.

Testimonials

This is truly a sensational destination.

Set on the banks of the Makhutswi River Toro River Lodge manages to blend a rustic “in the bush” feeling with absolute luxury. Excellence.

Achieved by meticulous attention to detail in everything from the framed view from each of the immaculate accommodation units to the way the giant 1000-year-old Jackalberry flows through the lounge.

Toro River Lodges | Big 5 Safari

Our daily schedule

Was typical of a bush get away but this is where typical ended.

Up early for a coffee meant watching the sunrise over the river from a deck that seems to float around giant fig trees with hippo honking no more than a few meters away, the steam from your cup mingling with that of the slowly warming river and fragrant campfire smoke.

Rusks are homemade and wholesome – just one more please was repeated often!

Game drives

Are conducted by people with “that far away look in there eye” assisted by trackers that seem to read a dirt patch like normal people read the newspaper.

Toro River Lodges | Big 5 Safari

Immediately the low tourist density is evident, as is the high game density.

Frequent sightings of the “small stuff” like dainty steenbuck, impala and bushbuck keep us busy between unbelievable close encounters with members of the BIG FIVE.

What is even more impressive though is the lowvely landscape, harsh, quiet and breathtakingly beautiful.

Brunch at Toro

Is an event in its own right.

Taken on the deck with magnificent views of the river elephants seem to show up to drink in the queue with the serving of eggs, bacon, fruit, scones and the ever-present freshly brewed coffee.

Toro River Lodges | Big 5 Safari

Relax

Through the day next to the rim flow pool that makes it feel as if you are swimming with the resident hippo, or on the plush leather couches of the open lounge.

The languid mood lulled by oriels in the trees disturbed only by that oh so African call of the fish eagle, or the polite offer to refill whatever your daytime tipple may be.

Evening drive

With sun-downers in the bush followed by snacks and dinner around the fire, great stories of the day’s adventure, a piping hot shower under the stars and off to bed with listening to the night chorus starring lion, leopard, and hyena ably backed by fiery-necked and Mozambique nightjars.

As you drift off to sleep you may just feel that tomorrow cant get any better – until it does!

Toro is a fantastic place, staffed by passionate and friendly people and run with conservation front of mind.

My family and I had to drag ourselves away after 4 wonderful days and I can not wait to be back.

Toro River Lodges | Big 5 Safari

Grant and Bonnie Cornish-Bowden, daughters Grace 5 years old and Sophie, 3.

June, 2018, Johannesburg, South Africa

Testimonials | Toro River Lodges

Trip to South Africa!

Testimonials

We had an amazing time at Toro River Lodges. The lodge is beautiful with individual large sized bungalows. The staff and owners were extremely hospitable. The safari guides were so knowledgeable and truly committed to showing us as many animals as they could find. They taught us so much. On this reserve, we saw giraffes, elephants, lions, hippos, leopard, crocs to name a few. I highly recommend this Safari in South Africa!

Can’t wait to go back!

Stacy Roskin, USA, Stayed July 2017

Testimonials | Toro River Lodges

Looking for a wonderful bushveld experience to view the Big 5?

Look no further than Toro River Lodges for the experience of a lifetime with a river right in front of the lodges, morning and evening game drives with excellent game rangers in their open safari vehicles, usually ending with sundowners out in the bush. All this with no crowds to spoil your viewing of the wildlife and a chef to prepare your choice of whatever self-catering provisions you bring.
Geoff Philipps
South Africa
Stay: July 2017

An episode out of Planet Earth !!!

Testimonials

The perfect African Safari !! Personal attention way beyond the call of duty !! The bungalows were sumptuous with a great fireplace. The food was typical and delicious, cooked fresh every night over a wood fire in the boma. Every breakfast was spent witnessing big game going by the lodge, including giraffes and elephants. We went on Safari drives or walks twice a day, and I got to see all Big Five. During my first outing, we witnessed a lion kill. My Zulu guide even showed me how to track the abundant wildlife. I made a lot of friends, locals, and neighbors, and acquired a great insight into the life and management of a game preserve in Africa.   Brad and Cindy Philipps are the perfect hosts, as they treat you as a family. I fully and unconditionally recommend Toro River Lodges for an unforgettable African Safari.

Tom Irizarry
Puerto Rico
Stayed at Toro River Lodge:  Aug 2017

Testimonials | Toro River Lodges

Amazing!

My Wife and I had an amazing visit to Toro River Lodges. The accommodation is comfortable and well suited with all the amenities you would need in the bush. The views are amazing and the lodge comfortable and well kitted. The staff were always friendly and made us feel comfortable from the minute we arrived. The game viewing is incredible and the guides were professional and knowledgeable. We will definitely be going back in the very near future!
Bryan Betton
South Africa
Their stay: August 2017
Toro River Lodges | African dream safari

Bush hospitality at its best!

Testimonials

Toro River Lodges | African dream safari

Ashleigh – age 8 stayed at Toro 15-19 July 2017 – Kids on Safari
“Toro is fun, it is interesting, you learn things, it is exciting! I really loved seeing all the animals – especially the elephant and their baby, the buffalo and the lion eating its kill. It’s pretty and the game drives are fun!”

Toro River Lodges | African dream safari

Josh – age 12 stayed at Toro 15-19 July 2017 – Kids on Safari
“Rating 10/10! Toro is fun, safe if you understand the environment, welcoming, beautiful, it makes you feel comfortable and is the best wildlife experience you’ll ever get! The pool is awesome – its cold but refreshing on the very hot days”

Toro River Lodges | African dream safari

Bush hospitality at it’s best! From the moment you cross the bridge into the ‘lapa’ area of Toro River Lodge – you feel the magic of Toro. The décor and ambiance of the Main living areas extend to the private suites – all overlooking the river. The entertainment area lends itself to the lazy enjoyment of fellow guests and the game viewing that’s possible from the lodge itself. Braaing dinner in the outdoor ‘lapa’ area was always the perfect end to the day. The big night skies are amazing! Game drives are a real highlight! Elephant herds (with the tiniest calf we have ever seen still suckling on its mother) right up at the vehicle, lions feasting on a kudu and many sightings of our favorite giraffe were particularly exciting game sightings. Our ranger Andrews was a fountain of knowledge and was so good and patient with our kids. Toro provided an amazing farewell for us when an elephant walked below our suite viewing deck while we were waking up and onto the waterhole in front of where we had our final breakfast. Toro provided some of the most spectacular views and game sightings we have had – highly recommended.
Rosie and Sean Wilkins

South Africa
Their stay: July 2017

Testimonials | Toro River Lodges

AMAZING family safari experience!!!

Testimonials

Our visit to Toro River Lodge was a super special family experience. The rooms were luxurious and private, the communal spaces comfortable and relaxed and the staff extremely knowledgeable about the area, animals, and environment. The whole family thoroughly enjoyed the early morning and sunset game drives as well as relaxing during the day on our private verandas or at the pool or on the main deck overlooking the dam where animals could often be seen coming to drink. Lying in bed at night listening to all the animal calls was such a magical way to end the day… We will definitely be back!!!
Candice and Simon Ward
Daughters Emily and Maddie Ward
South Africa
Their Stay: July 2017