Kiara Lodge

Absolute bliss from the moment we arrived until check-out. The facility is spectacular, and the staff — from reception to the ground crew — are incredibly friendly, welcoming, and always willing to help. Their hospitality truly made our stay memorable. The facilities are top-notch and provide endless entertainment for both younger and older children, making it the perfect destination for families. What impressed us even more is how considerate and respectful the lodge is towards nature, which adds to the peaceful and beautiful atmosphere. We would most definitely recommend this lodge to anyone looking for a relaxing and enjoyable getaway. A truly wonderful experience — we can’t wait to visit again!

Kiara Lodge is a beautiful and peaceful getaway, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. The surroundings are serene, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. The lodge is clean and well-maintained, making it a lovely place to unwind. When we arrived, the TV wasn’t working, but it was fixed by the second night and we only stayed for 2 nights in total. It would have been nice to have a small gesture to make up for the inconvenience, especially as we had an older guest with us who couldn’t do much else. Most activities come at an additional cost, but overall, it’s a wonderful and refreshing escape from the city.

Really a nice place to visit.

Wow this was an amazing wonderfully break a way for us. And I received a free spa treatment that was fantastic. The resort is clean and neat. The unit was cleaned daily and when we arrived at night it smell clean and fresh inside. I just wish I could visit it when there is snow on the maintains that would be a beautiful experience

This is the best place to go whenever I need a breakaway, whether it is to rest or to go wild on the many other activities. Located in the most beautiful and scenic area of the Eastern Free State, it is easily reachable and lends the best atmosphere for chilling. Neatly kept lawns and pathways allow you to walk around with joy. The units are amazing and beautifully kept, as I've stayed on different ones over the years. What a joyful to stay here.

We stayed here as a family of 3 over the new years week. Was a beautiful family resort. Clean rooms which are serviced daily and grounds are beautifully maintained. Tranquil surroundings and many activities to keep little 1s and adults entertained. Overall a lovely stay. My only issue were the lounge furniture which either need changing or to be re upholstered, it feels old and grubby.

Had actually booked a trip to Tashkent but because of the unhinged antics of the Fanta-faced effwit currently occupying the White House, the trip had to be moved to September, so settled for Clarens instead. Kiara Lodge is a largely self-catering resort situated about fifteen minutes from the overly-twee town of Clarens. The lodge is beautifully nestled between some gorgeous mountains in the Free State. It’s also a quick five-minute drive to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park with its awesome new Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Museum (do visit – it’s amazing, especially for children). We booked a one-bedroom apartment for two people. It was large and roomy, with an equally huge balcony (almost wrap-around) with barbecue facilities – very impressive. Bathroom was great as well with a fantastically hot shower. We didn’t make much use of the kitchen utensils but there seemed to be just about everything you’d need for cooking. There’s also a fireplace which warms the place nicely (there was a cold snap during our April/May visit). The apartments are very clean and are serviced daily by the wonderful staff – with plenty of fresh towels on hand. We chose a stay with breakfast included at the on-premises restaurant - not a good option to be honest. Food was somewhat limited and unexciting in options and could charitably be described as “wholesome”. It was fresh though but very dull after the third day. You’d be better off taking your own. We also had one particularly surly and lugubrious character at breakfast who served us sometimes – if ever there was someone who had something of the night about him… Outside, there are plenty of hiking trails – one of which leads to some rather lacklustre and ill-kept San paintings on the property. This is the place for early-morning walks and deep silences. There’s also a great heated indoor swimming pool on the premises but the little tykes were like greyhounds straining at the slips. If you like your swimming environment to be hot, sweaty and shouty, this is just the place for you. Fortunately, it rained one day and we were able to use the pool – just the once. Would love to have used it every day. The resort has quite a number of properties crammed into a pretty small space so If you’re anti-social and claustrophobic (like me), try and get a room at the edges of the resort. These tend to make you feel less like you’re residing in a Midrand apartment block. Also, not sure if it was because of the long weekend but check-in was strictly at 3pm so don’t bother getting there early – lots of families with grumpy children crowding around reception demanding rooms. Kiara Lodge was a wonderful stay and one I’d quite happily return to – soon I hope.

Been meaning go here for many years and finally went in Jan 25. The 6 sleeper chalets are fairly comfortable and well furnished. Ours was a bit far from the reception and pool but only a few minutes walk. We had a large balcony and braai area and reasonably sized rooms. the sleeper could have been a bit better. Cleaning services was good but none on Sundays. The heated indoor pool is a big attraction (esp during cold weather) - free usage for guests, and there are a number of other facilities including, tennis, mini golf, games room, etc - a little disappointing that you have to pay for most of them. The adventure activities can booked at the reception and some of them take place across the road. There is a quaint little dam at the top of the resort surrounded by a picnic area. There are a few hikes that can be taken from around the resort, one even has bushman paintings a few metres away from the nearest chalet. Thankfully the hikes are free. If you get bored, take a 15 min drive to the beautiful town of Clarens or to the Golden gate national park where more hikes await you