Emdoneni Lodge

The friendly staff, warm pool, nearby bucks and monkeys, and very comfortable beds with clean bedding were all good. But the basics were a real problem. There was no hot water during our stay, and the old, dirty shower head let water through only five holes, each spraying in a different direction. Our toilet kept leaking; instead of repairing it, staff repeatedly cut off our unit’s water without telling us, so I suggested closing the tap myself whenever we weren’t using water. The rooms were extremely hot, and the small fan didn’t help. Air conditioning is badly needed. The gate intercom didn’t work, and without cell reception we struggled to call reception. The bar wasn’t open, there was no ice for sale, and Wi-Fi only worked if we went and sat at reception. Staff kept asking us for cigarettes, which made things uncomfortable, and we had to leave the lodge whenever we needed to buy anything. The place needs attention and some upgrades. Bush living doesn’t have to be fancy, but a working shower and hot water would be nice.

We enjoyed our stay at this lovely weekend spot, especially the heated pool. The main gate was hard to spot at night because there are no outdoor lights, and its mechanism was broken, so I had to get out of the car to open and close it. It would also be good to have more features for children.

We’ve stayed here five times and love using this quiet bush retreat to relax and recharge. It’s a handy base for game drives and the many local attractions. The shared kitchen has what you need to cook, and the bathrooms are clean.

Sleeping at this Bush Camp was a great experience. The rooms are basic, which fits the setting and the price, while there’s a large kitchen and an outdoor area by the pool. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the Wi-Fi was strong at reception. Hand soap in the shared bathroom and mosquito nets in the rooms would be useful, but we brought our own nets and managed fine. We’d definitely recommend staying here.