African Footprints Lodge

The location was nice and the welcome was friendly, and the pool looked good. But the rooms had no windows, some bulbs were missing, tiles were broken and the bathroom sink was clogged. The gate remote’s buttons were so worn that neither worked. It cost too much for what we got.

In the double room, I could touch the bed while sitting on the toilet. The washbasin was so poorly lit that shaving or putting on makeup was out of the question. Breakfast was limited to two eggs per guest. I understand planning portions, but when I asked for scrambled eggs, they still wouldn’t give me more than two. Bloem seems to be going backwards, and I suspect this place reflects what four-star accommodation there looks like.

My family and I stayed at African Lodge on June 6, during what we were told was one of the coldest nights in South Africa’s history. The dining area and corridors were below zero, and they didn’t even try to heat the dining room before expecting us to eat breakfast. We slept in pyjamas and got dressed under the bedding to avoid freezing. I left behind my beautiful, exclusive pyjama and contacted them the next evening to ask for it to be sent back. A very rude, abrupt and unfriendly person refused and told me to send a courier. That would have cost me an arm and a leg, so I called again the next day and asked them to post it, offering to reimburse the cost and requesting their bank details. They assured me they would. Two weeks later, I followed up and was told they’d sent a parcel at no charge and would email me the tracking number. Another fortnight passed with no parcel, so I tried again and left a message on their answering machine. Nearly two months later, after daily trips to the post office hoping to get my precious pyjama, I realised I’d been made a fool of. I hope nobody else has the same dishonest experience.

We arrived late at night in September as walk-ins. Sisters Lodge was fully booked, so we had to stay at Footprints. Both places were soooo nice. Loved the 100% cotton. Thanks to the great staff. We love you, MAMSIE!!!!