The Kraal Addo Country Estate

Housekeeping and communication were both a mess. I checked out on the morning of the 27th and handed my keys to the managers while they were having breakfast in the restaurant. That afternoon I still got a call asking whether I'd checked out. I don't blame the cleaner, who was doing her best, but the duty manager should have made sure the unit was ready. I had booked a self-catering unit, but was first put in a room. I was told no units were available, then reception changed the explanation and said I had to wait for one to be prepared. They only started rushing around at 6 pm. When I was finally taken to the unit, the cleaner was still mopping and cleaning the bathroom. The fridge was dirty and full of ice, the TV didn't work because the decoder had apparently been stolen, and there were no towels, toilet paper, tea or coffee, extra blankets, or promised welcome drink. At 7 that evening the cleaner was again running around to find me the Wi-Fi codes. A pre-check of the unit should have caught the TV issue. The manager on duty and her husband were very friendly, though, and he chatted with me while they tried to sort things out.

Really enjoyed my stay. The service was excellent, and I'll definitely go back. Thanks to Gaynor and the staff. Good luck for 2026.

The only thing we enjoyed was the evening braai in the garden. Our ‘room’ was far from the main building, across a messy building site, and there was no Wi-Fi in the rooms. The pool was ridiculously small, and the staff weren't very friendly. The place felt uninviting. Glad we only stayed one night. Please TUI, take it off your schedule.

Bring mosquito repellent. The bugs got pretty scary on hot days, and it was over 40 degrees one day, though the aircon kept our room comfortable. We also had a great time with the owner and employees, who made my husband and me feel welcome throughout. Everyone was laid-back and lovely to talk to. The guided tours to Addo are worth asking about. Some packages include a barbie, and the guide brings a professional camera with suitable lenses for taking good shots. For meals out, ask for recommendations. The place suggested to us was top notch, much better than the restaurant inside Addo Park and less expensive. Breakfast was a standard hotel buffet, and the food was good. The dining chairs at our table were a bit too upright and mildly uncomfortable, so checking the chairs could help. We'll gladly return next time we're in SA, hopefully soon.