Our Experience at Idwala Le Ingwe Luxury Tents, in Hekpoort Magaliesburg
Idwala Le Ingwe is the perfect getaway, if you are looking for something away from the city, where you can enjoy some tranquility and relax. The amazing views of the Magaliesburg Mountains is also something you will get to enjoy and appreciate, as that is the view from the luxurious tents of Idwala Le Ingwe.
The Idwala Le Ingwe is about an hour away from Johannesburg, and their check-in time is at 14h00. We wanted to get there early, so that we have all the time that we can to take it all in and enjoy it.
The weather was a little gloomy, but even that couldn’t dampen the excitement that we felt driving there.
Pic: Lovecoincidentally.co.za
First Impression at Idwala Le Ingwe Luxury Tents
So, shortly after 14h15, we arrived at Idwala Le Ingwe. The host had already sent us instructions on how to access the property and the tents, and shortly after getting into the property, we spotted two beautiful zebras just going about their business. We literally couldn’t contain our excitement at this point!
The drive to the tents was quite a thing, as the tents are right at the top it seems, so it was quite an uphill drive, which we took very slowly.
When we got to our tent, we had our pin to the security box right by the tent door, and we managed to access our key and the tent, which was seamless.
The very first thing that we noticed was how stunning our tent was. It was a 2 bedroom tented apartment, with a beautiful modern finish . . . it definitely was love at first sight for us!
Pic: Lovecoincidentally.co.za
Idwala Le Ingwe Luxury Tents
As soon as we opened the door into our luxury tent, we were in awe. We couldn’t believe just how beautiful everything was, from the linen on the beds, to the kitchen, the lounge and the patio outside overlooking the Magaliesburg mountains.
Our luxury tent had 2 beautiful bedrooms (one bedroom with a double bed and the second bedroom with 2 single beds), with a toilet and a shower. Loved the cute bathroom !
It was equipped with everything that we needed for an amazing stay, filled with relaxation, comfort and fun. It had a fully equipped kitchen with all the crockery and cutlery that we needed, a stove, fridge, kettle and a microwave. The apartment had also had a beautiful dining area, where we enjoyed some of our meals.
It also had a lounge area, where we enjoyed relaxing and playing games – yes they actually had different board games that we enjoyed thoroughly, especially 30 Seconds.
The lounge area opens up to the patio, through the sliding door, and that leads to stunning views of the Magaliesburg Mountains. The patio is another place where we enjoyed our meals and snacks, and of course drinks.
They also had a braai area, which we could see down from the patio. When we had our braai, the zebras came very close to us as we were braaiing, I seriously think they loved us just as we did them!
The entire tent has wooden flooring, which gives it that safari chic look, and I loved that it was elevated, because I am not a fan of creepy crawlies.
It was clean and immaculate, and we were excited to fully experience it.
Where to Eat at Idwala Le Ingwe
Our luxury tent was self catering (exactly how we like it!). The fully equipped kitchen had everything we needed to cook amazing meals, and even better, there are braai facilities which we used to the full.
We love glamping, and we love to braai, so we had packed everything for an amazing braai.
We had chicken, boerewors and pork chops for our braai. We had also packed spices, onions, chilli and garlic so we could marinade our meat just the way we like, and instead of cooking pap for the braai, we had opted to buy rolls.
But what’s a braai without chakalaka? Since the getaway was a last minute decision, we couldn’t make our own chakalaka, so we bought tinned chakalaka. It doesn’t taste as good as the homemade one, but we made it work.
And of course, sips are a must for a braai, especially in the bushes.
We had packed our cooler bag, with wine, cider and champagne, just because we couldn’t decide on what we would feel like drinking. We were on holiday after all, please don’t judge.
If you are not someone who is not into self catering when you are on holiday, worry not. You can try Nobleman Taproom & Eatery for food. A quick Google search can guide you in terms where you can buy food not too far from the lodge.
Pic: Lovecoincidentally.co.za
Things to do at Idwala Le Ingwe
Swimming Pool
One of the things that we loved about Idwala Le Ingwe Lodge is the swimming pool, which was literally a few metres away from our tent (We stayed at tent 1). We love getaways that involve shorts and swimming suits, so of course we spend the majority of our time at the pool area.
If you are like us, make sure you pack your sunglasses and sunscreen!
Hiking
If you love hiking, you can also enjoy a hike at the property.
This is not something that we personally did, as we wanted to just be at the pool, but you can ask the host more about this, and they will have all the info that you need.
Game Drives
The lodge also offers sunset and sunrise game drives, for a fee. Again, this is not something that we did personally, but according to SafariNow, you can do a game drive for a beautiful safari experience. Please enquire with the lodge regarding this.
Braai
Have a braai with your loved one (s), it’s fun to do and quite beautiful if you are doing it with your significant other.
Board Games
They have a few board games at the tent for you to enjoy. If you are into games, it’s a cheap way to have fun while bonding with your person.
Pic: lovecoincidentally.co.za
Things to Pack for Idwala Le Ingwe Lodge
Mosquito Repellant
Idwala Le Ingwe Lodge is literally in the bushes, so there are mosquitoes. Make sure you pack Peaceful Sleep or Tabat . . . otherwise they will be feasting on you every chance they get.
Sunscreen
This is if you are planning to soak up in the swimming pool, and with the beautiful weather, who can resist spending some time in the pool. Sunscreen is a must.
Food & Drinks
If you are like us and you love self catering getaways, make sure you buy your food, drinks and snacks prior to your trip. There is something about preparing food with your loved one, over good conversation . . . it’s a beautiful bonding experience that can’t be overlooked.
Charcoal, Firelighters & Matches
If you are planning on braaing, you may want to bring your own charcoal and firelighters.
Idwala Le Ingwe is able to provide charcoal, ice, tea, sugar, coffees and more . . . but that’s obviously at a cost. If you are able to bring the things you need, that’s a sure fire way to save some money.
Conclusion
Idwala Le Ingwe Lodge is about an hour from Johannesburg, it’s a great place to get out of the city, relax and enjoy some beautiful views. . . not to mention the tranquility.
The hosts were on the ball with regards to our booking, and made sure that they communicated everything that we needed. They even allowed us a late check out, at no extra cost.
It offers luxury glamping at it’s finest, and I would absolutely visit again.
Would I recommend it . . . ABSOLUTELY YES!
