Review: Maun Lodge

Maun Lodge

Location:

Maun is considered one of the main towns in Botswana commonly known as the gate way to Moremi and the Okavango delta. The town has all the supplies needed to prepare for an isolated trip. It consists of multiple Fuel stations, Butchery and convent stores as well as any hardware or vehicle maintenance that may be required. You will be spoilt for choice with the amount of various lodges and overnight facilities from camping to luxury depending on your preference. Maun is very small with a short drive 8-10 min you can get anywhere in Maun you may need to be.

Getting there:

Located in Northern Botswana on the south eastern part of the Delta, there are  a few route options  from South Africa. Our favourite rout to take is to cross over at Stockpoort  heading towards Mahalapye on a dirt road for about 70km, turning right onto the Tarred A1 towards Palapye, and diverting onto A14 all the way up to Motopi  re-joining the A3 for a final push to Maun.

Privacy:

Maun lodge is fairly large with around 80 hotel rooms and around 10 chalets . The chalets are not isolated and are in typical lodge format, with a small external covered stoep just enough for a garden like bench facing onto other similar units.

Unit:

The chalets are set out at the back with no real view, all in very close walking proximity to the pool, restaurant and bar area. These well designed thatch units consist of double bed or two single beds on suite bathroom, tea and coffee facilities, television with limited channel selection, telephone, Air con and mosquito nets.

Kitchen:

No specific kitchen available only tea and coffee facilities.

Bedroom &Beds:

All linen and towels provided in ample quantity if something more required it is just one reception phone call away. The beds came standard with mosquito nets which is of utmost importance this being a high risk malaria area.

Bathroom:

A very clean on suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. Each Chalet has its own geyser so hot water was never a problem. However our units’ geyser was faulty and the lodge offered us another unit or the use of an unoccupied chalet at the drop of a hat.

Parking:

Parking was not too much of an issue as there was ample space, however no designated parking bays and the possibility of a full lodge could provide tricky situations getting in and out especially with those towing trailers or boats.

Service:

We were welcome with expert expertise and apple juice and a huge smile; everyone was professional big smiles and willing to go the extra mile.

Food/Restaurant:

Dinner menu was rounded with plenty options and had everything except chicken, only due to the current situation of Bird flu outbreak quality of food was very good, a fair balance between quantity and quality for the price.

Family Rating:

As far as lodges in Maun go this is child friendly, it has a pool and is secure within the perimeter walls.

Conclusion:

I would stay at this lodge again without a doubt; we stayed one night as passing through guests but would have liked to stay at least 2 being able to explore Maun a little more.

TIPS:

Maun lodge is situated on the Thamalakane river which is frequented with domestic animals, so any river view is not critical, a sundowners at the pub for one night will suffice.

Those doing any kind of shopping in Maun head directly towards Rileys garage area. And explore as you will. 

Review: Stockpoort Border Lodge

Stockpoort border lodge

Location:

Located about 500m from the quiet Stockpoort border post, nearest town is Lephalala on the South African side and about 70km from Mahalapye on dirt road once into Botswana. Both those towns are your closest shops and petrol, A new Shell Petrol station located about 10km from the border in Botswana however would not rely on the consistent supply fuel availability.

  

Getting there:

From Johannesburg it will take around 4hrs with fuel stop take the N1 north to Bela-Bela turning off onto the R33 to Modimolle. Staying on the R33 at Nylstroom all the way to Lephalale this is a much prettier and quicker drive.  Proceed about another hour along the R510.

Privacy:

Once inside the unit privacy is fine, but there is no external relaxing outside the units them selves, one would have to use the bar area with everyone else.

Unit:

Units are generally well maintained and seem to be recently renovated, our room had a double bed aircon tea and coffee facilities on suite bathroom with shower and toilet. All in all well kept and clean.

Kitchen:

There is no kitchen attached to the units and no braai facilities on site.

Bedroom, Beds:

Beds and linen were clean and good quality consisting of sheet, duvet and 4 pillows, 2 towels in the bathroom also provided.

Bathroom:

A small compact bathroom just enough for a shower and basic needs. Always clean however be careful  for spiders hiding amongst the warm towels shake then out before use. 

  

Parking:

No designated parking bays but plenty of space for multiple cars outside each unit.

Service:

Reception was very informal and takes some getting used to a very laid back typical African relaxed carefree vibe, it is located in the bar/dinning room area. A very laid back check in and out. We settled our account the night before and left the lodge early leaving the keys in the units which was no hassle at all.

Food/Restaurant:

A café type setting with the basic burger, pizza, toasted sami , chicken, and steaks on the menu. However when ordering it proved a lot of the items were out of stock which narrowed our selection down plenty, I suspect this is a common occurance. The bar area was part of the dining area and only stock the real basic beer, wine, cokes ETC.

Family Rating:

This gets a moderate family rating because it will accommodate children easly and they can run around freely and safely, the lodge has a pool which the bar overlooks. The down side is that’s all there is and there is a lot of bugs spiders, scorpians and snakes. So caution need to be taken.

Conclusion:

A very nice lodge for a one night stopover heading into Botswana, a very basic simple relaxed feel with all the necessities to give you a good night sleep.

TIPS:

Check in is relaxed and final payments even more relaxed mixed cellphone signal. Take bug an mosquito coils and leave one burning in your room while you go for dinner and drinks. 

Review: Crystal springs

CRYSTAL SPRINGS NATURE RESERVE

Location:

A lovely secluded resort isolated in between never ending mountains in Pilgrimsrest. 

Getting there:

A solid 4hr drive from JHB, wonderful idea to stop for something to eat while passing through Dullstroom. After Dullstroom the winding road progressively gets worse be cautions of potholes! and wildlife walking in the road. Your last major town is Lydenburg a vibey little town, although directions getting through were not very clear. Google maps took us through no problem.I advise following a GPS showing you the way.

Privacy:

Don't expect complete isolation and privacy at this lodge, however the braai area and deck are cleverly arrange to make you feel like you have your own space. Other areas such as pools and activities are all communal so expect people and children walking around and sharing your relaxing time especially around the pools.

Unit:

The units are scattered throughout the lodge most with spectacular views over the valley. Each were very spacious and private. Our 3 bedroom/6 sleeper had a large living area, Fire place , DSTV, braai area, large kitchen  and 2 bathrooms one on suit and the other shared between 4 of us. 

Kitchen:

A wonderful kitchen with fridge, microwave, oven and stove all in perfect working order. The unit had excessive glasses for any drink. Even shot glasses for the adventurous. You need bring no utensils your kitchen will have everything.

Bathrooms:

Bathrooms were of acceptable quality and working order all towels provided, Hot water in abundance even for 4 of us sharing and showering we did not run out of hot water.

Parking:

Each unit has 2 designated undercover parking bays. Other parking spaces may not be demarcated but are fine to use if out the way especially for leaving trailers etc.

Service:

We did not have any issue with service we arrived late 11:30 pm and the security were still friendly and ready for us even though no prearrangement was made for us to arrive late.

The unit staff cleaners were also friendly and did there job well our place was cleaned well and early. never felt hassled or insecure with the cleaners.

Food/Restaurant:

We did not eat so can accurately comment on this. 

Family rating:

High rating for a family trip a secure lodge with relaxed vibe allowing kids to play free, a small agenda was given to us keeping us up to date with kids activities throughout the day.

Conclusion:

A very nice resort with lots to do and very little preparation needed to enjoy this trip. The longer you stay the more relaxed it becomes. a heated pool wins the battle for a late night "night cap". 

The resort is scattered with pools, our unit was not in walking distance. The heated pool located at the main block where the Pub and shop are. Even in summer there was a chill in the air in the evenings so a welcome fire place set the mood for a good nights relax chill and braai. There are some animals mostly plains game so don't expect the big 5.

TIPS:

come to do as little as possible if you can take a stroll around the walking trails with your camera fully charged your wont regret it

Wait for the restaurant and pub to close and sneak up to the heated pool with a plastic cup some ice topped off with an Amarula and spend some time sipping it whilst listening to the sounds of nothing.

Review: Rhemardo

Rhemardo

Location:

On the outskirts of the Waterberg area approx. 90km’s north of Bela-Bela(Warmbaths) The nearest town of Mookgopong has all essentials Banks, petrol stations and a variety of Grocerie shops, where you can get everything you need.

Getting there:

Well tarred tolled roads, dual lane makes for a very relaxed drive up. The trip from Northern JHB of about 220km took us just over 2hrs, without any major traffic issues on a busy weekend.

Privacy:

A very close knit resort. The accommodation options ranged from camping spot to chalets. Our outside sitting area where we spent most of the time was closed off but foot traffic to and from the pool as well as hikers and children playing, we were easily exposed. However never became a nuisance.

Unit:

Our chalet was petite and consisted of one bathroom, two bedrooms and two single beds in the TV are. A Well equipped kitchen and a large external braai area with a covered section which was great for sitting around entertaining.

Kitchen:

Fully equipped with all plates bots pans cutlery required. A medium to large fridge with small freezer, Kettle, Old 4 plate stove oven combo unit and Microwave.

Bedroom &Beds:

The rooms were cosy and had ceiling fans for the warmer days. The main room had a double bed and a nice view. (We were on the outskirts so do not expect a view other than other units or pool areas from any of the rooms.) The second room had two single beds and that window on looked another unit. The two single beds were immovable unfortunately and had to remain as singles. The beds were comfy and had many extra blankets and pillows. The last two other beds were in the TV area with no privacy, and are ideal for children.

Bathroom:

A small bathroom with Toilet, Basin and combo bath shower was no problem at all. We did manage to break the hot water tap. But almost immediately after reporting it someone was sent to fix it.

Parking:

Our units didn’t have specific parking bays but more than enough space was available and shaded by trees. All parking was open but safety was never a concern

Service:

Service was excellent and very accommodating and friendly.

Food/Restaurant:

There is a restaurant available.

Family Rating:

This is a great place to bring young adventurous children as they can run around safely out of harms way. There is a lot to do at this resort including Hot pools, Jacuzzi and sauna Warm pools, slide and Putt-putt. Some activities mentioned are only available at an extra cost

Conclusion:

A very pleasant family holiday resort for a long weekend. It allows the children explore on their own terms whilst giving the parents a chance to relax with peace of mind.

TIPS:

1.Have a break and book a Jacuzzi, (number 4 was the best in my oppion)

 2.Visit SPIF chicken for a pleasant breakfast and some good value chicken and homemade products

Review: Lower Sabi

Lower Sabi Rest Camp

Location:
Lower Sabi, Kruger National Park. It is pretty much centrally located within the Kruger National Park, and is renowned for its Lion and predator abundance.

Getting there:
This bustling rest camp lies in the lower section of the Sabi river, in the Kruger National Park. It is one of the most Southern Rest camps that is not on the perimeter of the Park. It beams with wildlife unfortunately with that comes plenty of visitors and traffic.

Privacy:
At any of these camps I would always suggest a Perimeter unit, they tend to be a lot more Private and especially at this camp a good view of the river is generally maintained througout the year. The units are semi private but two units tend to look onto one another braai patio area.

Unit:
Our unit was busy being refurbished but was all in good order. Our main sliding door was sticky and battled to close. We did not complain about it we were there for only 2 nights. A very clean unit overall, with own geyser and private bathroom makes finishing the day off with a hot shower all the more comforting

Kitchen:
The external kitchen was again fully equipped, with a Fridge, stove,Sink . All utensils cups, plates, pots and pans were provided and professionally serviced and cleaned by the staff.

Bedroom&Beds:
The thatched roof tend to attract some bats and are mildy disruptive during sunset. But still enjoyable to watch them closely without disturbance. It is fully furnished with two single beds Air con and ceiling fan and standard South African plug points.

 

Bathroom:
The bathroom was spacious enough for two people to get ready at the same time. A medium to large shower. With what felt like unlimited hot water.








Parking:
Parking at the units are individually set out and share a double space with your neighbor, Please consider that another vehicle might need to share that space as well. There was a lot of availability of parking space (shoulder parking)  although not specifically designated as a parking if you are out the way no one will complain.

Staff:
Staff are as friendly as always and cleaned everything including our braai very well. I do Feel sorry for them on the day we were leaving a large male Baboon was running around our unit and these poor ladies kept chasing after him from one unit to another. They had just cleaned our unit and this bad boy ravished through some of the items left to dry and made a mess. The lady ended up cleaning our unit twice but yet still had a smile on her face while doing so even though we insisted we would clean up the baboons mess.

Service:
All the staff were friendly and very willing to help.

Food/Restaurant:
This has got to be one of the nicest restaurants with the best view in the park as it has unspoiled view overlooking the river,it is highly recommended that you treat yourself to a sun downers drink on the deck one evening.

Family Appropriateness:
This camp offers many activities, walks morning and night drives and is a large camp with a communal pool located out the way of the units. It is very nice to explore and have a walk along the fence.Please be careful and do not leave small children unattended as  animals do get in the fence and can be very dangerous.

Conclusion:
An animal rich location so great for game viewing however very popular and can get very busy at times

Tips:

1. About 700m away from this camp is a water rich dam called Sunset dam, A perfect spot to spend the last hour of your drive sitting taking in the peace with a glass of wine or an ice cold beer.