Thembe Eco Lodge

For the 5 days our group camped at Thembe we were basically the only campers and it soon became clear why. On the first Sunday we had to go and request the owners child to turn down the music which was extremely loud. The ablution facilities had only one urinal which was blocked when we arrived. The following day the only toilet available started giving problems as it would not flush because of a blockage. One of the gents in our group went to complain at the office. The reply was that we must accept that this is not a city and things do take time to get sorted. Shortly after that the owner Martina came over and started insulting us saying that we blocked the drain on purpose by flushing a roll of toilet paper down the drain. She told us in no uncertain terms that she doesn't need our money and we can leave if we were not happy. Our request for a full refund for the remainder of the time and our promise to then find another camping site quickly changed her mind. She was very aggressive and even told on of our guys to leave if we are not happy with the place. On our insistence to get access to a toilet in one of the chalets the problem was solved. In the camp they have a Tucshop with an alarm button for potential buyers to alert the owners. On one of the rainy afternoons when I wanted to catch up on some sleep, I was disturbed at least 20 times by the alarm. No consideration for the guest at all.

The Lodge was a little bit disappointing although the view was perfect from our apartment and it was a safe environment. I will suggest that the owner/manager of the Lodge visit other Lodges to update themselves with the present operating and management of a lodge. Unfortunately it was not value for money.