A magical bush escape – memories that will last a lifetime I recently arranged a weekend getaway for five couples to celebrate a good friend’s 50th, and Tidmalo Lodge exceeded every expectation. From the moment my wife and I arrived, we fell in love with the place. Tucked away in the heart of the Magaliesburg bushveld, it felt like we had completely escaped city life — exactly what we all needed. The setting is peaceful, with roaming antelope adding to the magic of the bush. The facilities are spotless, well-maintained, and feel secure without being intrusive. Each couple had their own private room, creating a wonderful sense of sanctuary and space. With no TVs in the rooms, and only one tucked away in the central lapa (which we barely noticed), it was the ideal opportunity to properly unplug and reconnect — with nature, and with each other. The highlights? Too many to list, but here are a few: The boma braai and dinner under the stars – a spectacular evening made even more special by being served a traditional South African braai, with incredible food and a beautiful dinner setting arranged centrally around the bonfire. Morning coffee by the pool, watching the sun rise over the hills. Game walks, spontaneous chats, belly laughs, and — as a good old South African Afrikaans saying goes — just some proper “kêer-ing” together. James was a standout host — attentive, friendly, and clearly passionate about making guests feel at home. His hospitality was a big part of what made the weekend so special. Every single one of us agreed: the food was fantastic, the setting was breathtaking, and the whole experience was just what we’d hoped for — and more. Thank you, James, for giving us a weekend we’ll never forget. We’re already talking about when we’ll be back.

Boipelo, Tshifundo, chef Muzi, Thapelo and the manager made our stay so special. I came with my family and everything was on point. This place is extremely beautiful, you get to experience nature and the calmness gives you the peace of mind to de-stress away from the city life. The food is 5 star, beautifully presented and tastes good. You also get to enjoy the facility without the need to go outside. The attention to detail from staff was an extra bonus. I will be coming back for sure. The boma evening was the highlight. Tidimalo is definitely a piece of heaven.

No back up during load shedding.

Dinner and breakfast was good, atmpsohere the best, a bit rocky road to get there especithe last kilometee of the gravel but everything else exceptional. Dinner at the boma was very special

Although dinner is included in the booking fee, you pay for drinks which was not mentioned prior. Host is very good though so im sure it was just a mistake of communication

Nice place to unwind and loved the bird singing in the morning. The outdoor shower, wow, nice. The food was nice. Thank you for making an extra bed for our son.

The gravel road is a bit stretchy and wasn't good. Ramaphosa, the load shedding really tried to spoil the mood. An introduction of some activities would benefit the lodge as it is a bit outside of what's happening in the area. Maybe having television in the rooms might help. The pool wasn't clean on the first morning of our stay.

Loved the braai in the kraal, however they may have under catered for all the guests. Honesty bar. Loved loved loved my massage on the stoep of our cabin under the starlight in nature.

We stayed the night of the rugby world cup final and there was a power failure as our SA anthem started and we missed New Zelands hakka. But that was just unfortnate. The lodge got the power up within minutes.

The place is beautiful, tranquil and well taken care of, the pool is clean, the garden is neat and beautiful. The rooms are what you see on the website, clean, neat and it’s s safe. They provide you with what you would need, the staff was friendly, helpful and George was amazing. The meals delicious, well prepared and fulfilling. We had an incredible time with my partner, it was great being in a place that takes away the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just be in a place to reconnect with each other and the peacefulness on nature.

I would recommend driving a SUV and not a low suspension car as you do drive on gravel road few kms.

The staff members are very friendly and helpful. They managed to interact with my kid when they got a chance to. They made sure to make our stay comfortable and pleasant. The lodge it's self is very beautiful

The rooms could do with a bit more cleaning. Clean the shower glass and mop the floors, don't just make the bed only and straighten the rugs

Food was excellent, great, friendly Chef. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Drinks were never empty and they were on hand all the time. Helpful with luggage to and from the car. James was an engaging host. Place was spotless and gardens well maintained. Very relaxing weekend.

The lodge is beautiful, and the pictures don't do it justice. We had a comfortable stay, the food was a amazing. The room was very clean. We loved sitting at the Boma after dinner.

Upon arrival, we had to look for someone to help us check in. When I made the booking, I requested a private room and asked that the stay be made special as it was our Anniversary. But this wasn't done even though room 1 & 2 were empty, so I was very disappointed.

The room is neat and very spacious, giving you a real Lodge feel. The staff are very friendly and very professional. It was just an hour away from Johannesburg, but the lodge feels like you are really remote. Highly recommend if you are looking for a break away to just relax and take in the nature around you.

I really cannot complain about anything. If I were to make a suggestion, it would be to include a small bar fridge in the room to keep water and drinks cold. Other than that everything was great!