Karongwe Portfolio - Becks Safari Lodge

We booked an Africa trip through Platinum Holidays, and the Karongwe Portfolio is one of the properties that they book. That's how we ended up at Becks. We loved it! LOCATION: The Reserve is very large. We were there 4 days and mights for a total of 7 game drives and every drive saw new territory that we had not seen before. We flew into Hoedspruit and departed from Nelspruit (this was due to traveling on to Zambia) which was a three hour drive from Becks. ANIMALS: We saw the Big 5 multiple times (except buffalo, only once). On one game drive, a group of lions walked right along and in front of the vehicle! We saw two different rhino cow/calf pairs, and at least three different leopards. Additional mammals included hippos, zebras, wildebeest, babboons, vervet monkeys, mongoose, jackals, warthogs, all antelope except eland, wild dogs, hyena, and cheetahs. There is also abundant birdlife, and our guide and tracker, Jack and Raimondo were both very well studied in bird id and willing to stop for birds. LODGE: The Lodge and most of the villas overlook a riverbed and grassy plain. At breakfast and lunch we would bring binoculars and bird watch. The other two or three villas overlook a watering hole, and some young men from Spain saw a lion at the watering hole while we were there. The lodge is very well cared for and the villa we stayed in, #5 was extremely comfortable and had a wonderful view of from the deck. FOOD: Breakfast is stunning. The crescent rolls were phenomenal. They also had fresh fruits and cheeses and a menu to order from. The lunches and the dinners were also outstanding. Because game drives are the main event and the first drive is at 0530, that drives the meal schedule. Breakfast after morning game drive, lunch at 1300, and dinner after evening game drive 1930 or so. Two of the dinners were grilled meats and South African dishes. And for vegans, they always have options that sounded great although we did not try any.

Becks Safari Lodge is amazing. Johan and his wife, Adelina, are such gracious hosts. They have created the ideal resort to enjoy seeing the Big Five in the ultimate comfort. The rooms and their views are spectacular. The food and spa are both five stars. All of the staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. Our game drive guide, Matthew, and our tracker, Forget, were truly special. Not only for their incredible abilities, but also for their kindness. We have been to many places all over the world and Becks is one of a very few that we really can’t wait to visit again. When you get misty eyed when saying goodbye you know it’s a very special place.

We visited Beck's from 24-26 Jan to celebrate my son and myself's birthdays as well as our wedding anniversary.We recieved excellent service from the staff and were spoiled on the anniversary days. We saw 4 out of the big. The bush was very dense after the rains but our trackers went out of their way to find the animals.

Great value, food and service was superb, rooms were well appointed and very comfortable with great views of the wildlife.

Overall had an incredible experience. All staff members are generous, kind, attentive, and caring! Telemundo and Jack are great and we loved how they led the game tours! We were lucky to have the best tracker and tour guide we could not say more great things about all the staff at becks! Worth the price. The rooms are large and the cleaning staff is so kind. The bartender organized a gin tasting for me that was amazing. So attentive and overall once in a lifetime experience!

The staff at the lodge were absolutely outstanding—helpful, friendly, and always going above and beyond to ensure our comfort and cater to every need. From the night "escorters," Thomas and Ben, to the knowledgeable guides and trackers, Jack, Raymondo, and Ezekial, every interaction was exceptional. Johan and his wife are an incredible duo, seamlessly managing every aspect of the lodge with professionalism and warmth. The chefs, kitchen staff, and waitstaff delivered an exceptional dining experience, serving 5-star quality meals that truly elevated our stay. The reception staff were always friendly and ensured a smooth check-in and check-out process, making our arrival and departure effortless. There are also many other staff members who contribute to the overall luxury and comfort of the lodge, whose names we unfortunately did not take, but their efforts are clearly noticeable. The premises are impeccably maintained, and the cleanliness of the rooms is truly commendable, adding to the overall exceptional experience.