A family-friendly stay in Nkomazi awaits you at this holiday home. You'll be steps from Marlothi Conservancy and 4.2 km (2.6 mi) from Bushveld Atlantis Water Park. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen, a private pool and a washing machine. .Home features free WiFi, 3 bathrooms and a balcony. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A living room, a TV and a coffee/tea maker are also available. Housekeeping is available on request. .Enjoy the water park and outdoor swimming pool as well as access to a playground. Added amenities include laundry facilities, concierge services and a garden. .With a stay at this Nkomazi holiday home, you'll be 16.4 km (10.2 mi) from Kruger National Park.
Bushveld Atlantis Water Park - 8 min drive - 4.1 km
Marloth Park Adventures Go-Karts - 20 min drive - 11.5 km
Crocodile Bridge Gate - 33 min drive - 20.1 km
Lebombo Border Control - 36 min drive - 33.0 km
Getting around
Skukuza (SZK) - 156 min drive
Restaurants
Watergat - 8 min drive
Parkview Restaurant
Bush Pub - 8 min drive
Ngwenya Restaurant - 16 min drive
Tambarina - 15 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax!
We have been searching long to find this house where we can enjoy the bush in a natural setting and in a house style in agreement with its environment. There is solar energy with back up and a borehole if needed, so no worries about electricity cuts and water shortage! Stop the rat race, the daily worries, and come and enjoy wildlife at our place. Very close to Kruger Park entrance, you can hop over to Kruger for a few hours to see predators and the big five as our place only has the visit of non predator wild animals. Walk through our back yard to the river and spot the animals in Kruger. Hear the elephants trump and stroll to the river to watch their interactions. Put some bird seed and observe all the various tropical birds coming close to you to eat or take a fresh bath in the sun. Have a refreshing swim in your private pool after a safari day. Talk about your fantastic experiences around the BBQ-fire in the evening and have some more thrills by listening to the night sounds : do we hear hippo fighting ... was this a leopard calling ...or is it a lion roaring .... could that be a hyena laughing? You can prepare your own dinner but you can also ask our housekeeper to prepare it for you. She will cater to your needs. Her traditional African potjie, prepared on a slow wooden fire, is one of our guests' favourites. Of course, you can also go out to eat in one of the close by very moderately priced restaurants. At Rafiki's you find the much desired factors all together in one place : bush charm, good location (near river and also near Kruger Crocodile Bridge entry Gate); privacy (no neighbours prying on you); large private garden; private swimming pool; splash pool; full daily cleaning to keep out unwanted insects and other crawlers; burglar safe anti-mosquito windows in every room for fresh air; possibility to cook for you. Last but not least the frequent visits of many different animals who love the shaded garden and private space. Also free limitless and fast Wifi in the bush! Rafiki's Resthouse is a spacious bush house with 4 bedrooms (all with air conditioning, all also have ceiling fans) and 3 bathrooms, a living room on the ground floor (with AC), a video room on the first floor, a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. All rooms have at least one window that is mosquito and baboon proof when left open. This is exceptional in Marloth Park but fresh air is essential in that climate. There is outdoor sleeping possibility in the safari tent on the upper deck. Enjoy the bush at night from a safe place. The beauty of the place are the viewing decks (downstairs and upstairs) from where the animals can be observed. In South Africa, one lives outside: the house has two large covered terraces, a cocktail pool, a swimming pool, a barbecue area and last but not least a large garden with impressive trees. Rafiki's Resthouse is situated in a nature reserve, bordering the famous Kruger National Park. Antelopes, including kudus, impalas and bushbucks, monkeys, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and so much more can be daily observed in the garden, at close quarters. Birds are abundant. At night, bushbabies, genet and other night animals can be seen while you are sipping at a glass of wine or are having dinner on your private terrace. 'Rafiki' means friend and you are welcomed in this home as friends. Surrounded by trees, the house and garden are a haven of peace, only to be disturbed by animals and birds. If you like privacy and animals close by, this home is ideal. Luxury in the bush. A longer stay is recommended to enhance game sightings and complete relaxation. Greater game such as the big five can be spotted at the river. From your terrace, you can hear the elephants trumpeting, the hippos laughing and the lion roaring. The fence of the National Park is only 100m away, a 2 min walk through the garden, and from there you have a beautiful view of the Crocodile River and the animals of Kruger that visit the river. Elephant, rhino, buffalo, hyena and various antelopes are often seen, and, with luck, even lions and leopard. Walk along the river and you will always be rewarded. Many birds can be observed in the garden. This garden is not fenced as the beauty of the place is the closeness to these animals who are wild but not aggressive. Restaurants, shops and leisure activities (elephant interaction) are close by. The nearest entrance to Kruger National Park can be reached in 12 minutes.
Rafiki's is ideal for a longer stay as you and the animals will get used to each other and you will look forward to the greeting of the no longer frightened bushbuck in the morning, or the visiting bushbabies in the evening. Many guests drop their planned frequent visits to Kruger to just stay home and enjoy instead their own game viewing in the privacy of the garden.
Betty does proper daily cleaning and can also cook for you. A fee of 15-20 euro per day is to be paid directly to the owner immediately after booking.
Similar properties
Beautiful modern home in the African bush, next to the Kruger National Park.
Beautiful modern home in the African bush, next to the Kruger National Park.
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
Composting
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Humane treatment of captive wild animals
Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
Recycling
Unit size: 3,229 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Take out the rubbish
Return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Loud music or continued screaming is not allowed
Feeding baboons is not allowed
Filling the splash pool or swimming pool can only be done by Betty
Pets
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Note from host: Children should be supervised at all times
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock in all accommodation.
Property is also known as
Safari Your Private Viewing Deck. Enjoy Bush Perfect Privacy
Safari Your Private Viewing Deck. Enjoy Bush Perfect Privacy
Frequently asked questions
Does Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax! have a pool?
Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax! has a pool.
Does Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax! have a waterslide?
No, but it has a waterpark and lazy river.
What luxury perks are available at Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax!?
This property features an outdoor pool, as well as a private pool and a living room.
Is Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax! family-friendly?
You bet! With amenities such as a playground and a water park, as well as highchairs and children's books, it's no surprise that Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax! is a winner with our family travellers.
Is there a private hot tub at Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax!?
No, but there is a private pool.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax!?
No, Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax! does not offer an airport shuttle service.
What time are check-in & check-out at Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax!?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
Are pets allowed at Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax!?
No, pets are not allowed.
Reviews
Safari in the garden, your private viewing decks. Enjoy the bush and relax! Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 3 reviews
10 - Excellent
2
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 3 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 3 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 3 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 3 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Ingrid V., Flossmoor
2 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Its amazing all the animals in the backyard .The owner is amazing gives great advice and tips for a great visit. The house is very well kept by Betty who cleans and I mean cleans everyday. For a little extra money she will cook for you .I give the place 20 stars if that was posible
Ingrid V.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
eli i.
22 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise
If only we could give it more stars, we would. The house has a thatched roof, high beamed ceilings, super comfy beds, plenty of indoor & outdoor seating, all of the imenities needed while maintaining the decor of a bush home. There is a fire pit and 2 pools. Betty cleans the house daily.
It is surrounded by the bush therefore you get to interact with kudo, warthogs, bush back that eat from your hands, also impala, zebra, giraffe, vervet monkeys, baboons, elephants Guinea fowl in your own back yard. A 5 minute walk to the fenced river has crocodiles, hippos and a plethora of birds.
We did visit Krueger for the big 5 but were happiest in Raffiki’s back yard with the animals.
Gerda is most helpful with daily animal sightings and info.
It was beyond words. our best vacation ever, despite the 16 hour flight.
The internet is phenomenal for the updates from Gerda but we never used it except to load pictures and did not turn the tv on once.
HIGHLY recommend Rafiki’s Resthouse.
eli i.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023
8/10 Good
Marele S.
28 June 2019
Liked: Cleanliness
African experience
We enjoyed our stay at Rafikis. We loved seeing the wild life so close at hand and the area was really peaceful. It’s great to have the Kruger national park gate so close and we really saw a lot of animals just sitting on the ‘stoep’. Betty was very friendly and helpful and we enjoyed meeting her.
Marele S.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2019
Download the Wotif app and make your trip a breeze
Get real-time notifications for gate changes and flight delays
Access all your itineraries, even when you’re offline
Save on select hotels
Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app