There are lodges you visit and lodges you remember. 18 on the Hill, perched above the wild plains of Maseke in the greater Kruger ecosystem, falls firmly into the second category.
We arrived with curiosity and left with conviction. For a property that has come onto our radar relatively recently, the level of finish, the quality of the experience, and the sheer personality of the place impressed us far beyond expectations. This is not a lodge that shouts. It doesn’t need to. The views do the talking.
“The moment you step onto the deck and see the bush stretching to the horizon, you understand exactly why this hill was chosen.” - Geraldine, BHS Safari Company
The Setting & Design
The design sensibility at 18 on the Hill is unlike anything else in the Kruger orbit. Call it Scandinavian-meets-African: clean architectural lines, natural materials, an uncluttered sense of space that feels both grounding and elevated. Dark steel, warm timber, bamboo, sculpted plaster, it’s restrained without being cold. Each detail has been considered without being overthought.
The communal boma, the waterhole below the main deck, the infinity pool that dissolves into the landscape, and the lodge’s bomas are exceptional. The rooms, nine generous tented suites, all enjoy the same sweeping views and the same sense of calm that defines the property.
A Labor of Absolute Love
The warm, homey energy that blankets the property flows directly from the owners, Devorah and Jesse (who can sometimes be seen with their adorable two-year-old daughter, Emily). Chatting with them, their open and friendly nature shines through as they share the journey of building this dream.
No corners were cut in collaboration with their architect, and their meticulous attention to detail is evident everywhere, right down to the long, thoughtful debates over the perfect choice of coffee makers and hair dryers. It shows. The lodge carries a rare, enveloping warmth that makes it incredibly hard to leave. It’s a place designed not just for rigid safari schedules, but for pure restoration. In fact, we met guests who chose to spend their four days simply soaking in the space, opting out of the traditional schedule to just be.
The Rooms
The tented suites are genuinely large, a word often used loosely in this industry. Here it earns its place. Each comes with a private plunge pool, a living area with a well-curated mini bar (stocked with water, sodas, and beers), and a bathroom that deserves its own paragraph.
The bathroom features a freestanding tub beneath a large-format botanical mural, sage-green tile, and both an indoor shower and an open-air bamboo-screened outdoor shower, the kind of details that feel genuinely considered rather than ticked off a luxury checklist. Quality amenities, an espresso machine, a yoga mat, a hair dryer, and an in-room safe complete the picture.
“We both agreed: the bathroom alone is a reason to book this lodge. The outdoor shower at dusk, with the bush sounds around you, is something else entirely.” - Maki
Families should note: while not officially marketed as a family property, the suites can comfortably accommodate two children on the double sofa bed, with a babysitter available on-site on request.
The Art of Unobtrusive Hospitality
A lodge’s soul is defined by its people, and the team here is exceptional. The wonderful Nickita matches the lodge’s energy perfectly: calm, friendly, deeply welcoming, and intuitively attentive.
That flawless, classic training extends to the entire team. There is an effortless grace to the service here, plates are served and cleared seamlessly from the left, conversations are preceded by a polite apology for the interruption, and every request is met with a genuine smile. The staff managed the ultimate hospitality tightrope walk: they are impeccably present but never overbearing, wonderfully friendly but always professional. It is world-class service delivered with true, heartfelt sincerity.
Dinner offers a choice of two starters and three mains, served à la carte. The food looked beautiful and tasted delicious... The kitchen is clearly capable; we suspect this area will only strengthen as the property matures!
The night we dined under the stars, fire pit glowing, the boma lit by lamp and candlelight, the atmosphere was effortlessly romantic. No gimmicks. Just fire, food, and sky.
Game Drives, Guides & The Wildlife
The wildlife performance was, frankly, excellent. Over our stay we encountered all of the Big Five, multiple times, in some cases, with quality time spent at sightings. The landscape itself surprised us: Maseke is diverse, moving through riverine bush, open plains, hillside terrain and sweeping valleys. It never felt monotonous.
While the wilderness here is captivating, it’s the guiding team that truly brings the landscape to life. Led by head guide Daniel, who is renowned for his brilliant tracking skills and deep bush knowledge, the team also boasts two dynamic female guides. Known for their infectious, vibrant personalities, they are the secret weapon for any group needing to loosen up and connect with nature. Their passion doesn't switch off when the guests leave, either; you will often find them heading out on tracking drives in their own free time, driven by a pure love for the wild.
The coffee stop and sundowners were beautifully set up, a generous spread of snacks, Stanley flasks filled, and Amarula on hand for those who believe it’s never too early in the evening for a cream liqueur in the African bush. We count ourselves among them.
Activities
While game drives are the main focus, 18 on the Hill offers several ways to experience the reserve. Guided bush walks, night drives, and quad biking can all be arranged, while bush breakfasts and dinners add an extra layer to the safari experience. Combined with generous coffee stops, sundowners, and excellent wildlife viewing, there's a relaxed rhythm here that encourages guests to slow down and enjoy the bush at their own pace.
Coming Soon
18 on the Hill is not standing still. A five-bedroom private villa is under construction, expected to open by the end of this year. The villa will offer full exclusivity: private butler, dedicated chef, private vehicle, jacuzzi, sauna and infinity pool. For groups of up to ten, families, a celebration, a small retreat, this is going to be a remarkable option. We’re watching with interest.
Our Verdict
18 on the Hill is one of those places that reminds you why you love this industry. The design is genuinely distinctive, the wildlife outstanding, the setting quietly spectacular. The food and guiding have room to grow, and all the ingredients to do so. For discerning travellers who want something different from the standard Sabi Sands formula, who value space, calm, and a lodge that feels curated rather than constructed, this is a serious recommendation. Book it now, before the world catches up.
18 on the Hill at a Glance
Before diving into the finer details, here's a quick overview of what makes 18 on the Hill stand out. Set within Maseke Game Reserve in the greater Kruger ecosystem, the lodge combines contemporary design, spacious suites, excellent wildlife viewing, and a refreshing sense of calm.
Whether you're travelling as a couple, a small group, or simply looking for a safari experience that feels a little different, these are the key details worth knowing.
Plan Your Journey
18 on the Hill is ideal for travellers looking for something a little different in the Greater Kruger. Stylish without being showy, intimate without feeling isolated, and set within a reserve that delivers consistently rewarding wildlife encounters.
Whether you're planning a romantic safari, a small group escape, or looking ahead to the launch of the private villa, this is a property that deserves a place on your shortlist.
Speak to a BHS Safari Consultant to start planning your stay at 18 on the Hill and discover one of the Kruger's most compelling new safari lodges.
