The location, setup and food is amazing. The game drives and getting in touch with nature in the bush right on Durbans door step is just something else. Our hosts really went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and catered for my family full on. Our guide Praisewell was absolutely knowledgeable and experienced on the game drives and ensured that we saw the big 5. Lungelo at reservations was extremely helpful on my bookings and meal requests followed by Lihle and Mlungi who made our stay more like a home away from home.

The fact that we had to leave.

Rondavel room was comfortable, clean, and nicely-designed. Main lodge was lovely with excellent food and a lovely pool. Game drives with thoughtful and expert guides afforded excellent wildlife viewing, including most of big 5, birds, dams, landscapes, and stunning bush sunsets. Stargazing at the site another unexpected bonus.

Only minor complaint is that open-shower design leads to inevitable low-level flooding onto the floor outside the shower, which is mildly inconvenient but more so for cleaning staff than for me.

It was our second visit to Bayala. What a perfect spot for a Christmas getaway. The staff are so friendly and make such an effort with the guests. It is not a stiff environment and lovely family getaway spot. Roxy was a fantastic guide. We had some incredible game viewing. The rooms are always so impeccably clean.

Nothing!

Bayala is a beautiful natural gem wrapped in lush vegetation and teeming with amazing birdlife and wildlife.The gamedrives were simply exciting with interesting sightings in every spot of the game park.Walter is a brilliant guide and always goes the extra mile to find guests great sightings.We were thrilled to see elephants,lions,cheetahs,rhinos,buffalo,giraffe,zebra , antelopes,hyena cub and spectacular birds.We had a warm reception and care by hosts Mary and Ben.The meals were absolutely delicious and of a high standard.So pleased with them catering for our vegetarian diet.We also enjoyed relaxing spa treatments by Lihle.We enjoyed a peaceful retreat with the welcome sounds of the bush.

No help with luggage to rooms. A minibar will be helpful with the soaring temperatures.

This is not the fanciest resort, but the game drives are amongst the best in the world. A fellow tourist commented “better than Serengeti”. We loved our time, would absolutely go again.

I would like a fridge in the room, but mostly it was great

We loved the setting of the camp. Facilities were great - comfortable, well appointed, tasteful furnishings, very good meals, friendly staff, Our guide was exceptional - great knowledge, sharp eyes, informative and very friendly. He is an asset to the operation. He really tried hard to get us a leopard sighting. Unfortunately it was not to be. He got us into very good photographic positions for 4 of the Big 5 plus cheetah.

If I had to be super critical I would have liked to have seen more "ordinary" (herbivore) species.

Staff was very friendly and helpful. Bheki was an amazing guide on the game drives and Bongi took care of us for meals and they did were outstanding.

The staff and I must single out Olivia that made my solo trip something to remember. Thank you and may you have a great future in your profession. Nico

The safari drives and game rangers were exceptional! We had Abel and he showed us and taught us so many things!

The staff were not very adaptive when we had requests.

Loved the game viewing and the lodge is super

Great dinners but found the lunches a bit disappointing (a simple toasted sandwich should at least have the cheese melted).