Barefoot Addo Elephant Lodge

Lodge with outdoor bathroom was amazing. Seeing all the animals from our lodge was brilliant. Being so close to the elephants was a real thrill. Plus a day around the pool after our safari was very relaxing.

The 25 km dirt road to get to the Lodge. Evening meal on first night was amazing subsequent nights were somewhat disappointing.

Interior decorations

The road from Addo was around 37km and took 2,5 hours in our small rental car not built for these roads. The car nearly broke. Stress levels were high, to put it mildly as we had to remove rocks from the road so that we could pass; we had to go through large pools of water which completely covered the road. There was no internet signal. We were unable to contact the hotel either by phone or by messaging and only once we were nearly there (and traumatized) did they respond. They were very friendly and helpful once we finally did have contact (3km before reaching them st dusk) but continued to downplay the road making us feel as though we were being petty. We were very disappointed at the lack of transparency in the online description of the location (misleading in name and scanty description). We came from Germany to see the elephants at Addo Elephant national park…just to find out we needed 4 hours commute daily to get there AND a 4x4 off-road vehicle. This road is not suitable at all for ordinary cars. At reception we were told they cannot communicate with their guests due to data privacy. I am astonished as 90% of our bookings at booking.com involve open contact via the platform. Also the fact that it takes 2,5hours one direction to the nearest Gate at Addo is a basic and absolutely necessary piece of information so that guests can decide whether they want to be as remote as that. The other vital piece of information is: you NEED a 4x4. The suspension of an ordinary car is too low. It was disappointing as we were unable to enjoy the ADDO park as planned and hoped. We spent half the day struggling over terrible roads just getting there…. IF you gave a 4x4 AND are nevertheless experienced and adventurous: this could be fun. But this should be communicated clearly on Booking.com so that guests have the freedom beforehand to decide what they would like/can. IF you want to be extremely remote, then this could be fun too. Otherwise pick other accommodation…

Blessing, Cindy, Moffat and Jordan were absolutely superb! The location is remote and relaxing. The elephant handlers are phenomenal! I

The first day we arrived the reserve manager told us he needed to cancel our braai and move it to the second evening. He took us on a game drive instead where he told us the property had multiple vehicles for use. The next morning the tap in the room would not switch off, water poured out of it for over 7 hours, again the reserve manager constantly telling us he had fixed it, even though the water was stilling running and being wasted, not once offering an apology, only excuses. We initially reported at 7:15am, multiple reports later and it was finally fixed just after 2:30pm, giving us absolutely no chance to relax in the room. Later that day another staff member came to advise the only vehicle that they had had broken down and they couldn’t get us to the elephants, we would have to get there ourselves.. what happened to the “multiple vehicles”? That night we were then meant to have our braai. Reception, whose name I don’t know advised us to be ready by 6pm for 6:30pm… after we had been waiting a half hour he told us those times were never discussed and we would leave at 7pm. We were only fetched at 7:35pm needless to say we cancelled. The delay apparently being caused by the lack of working vehicles. Staff advised there are not multiple vehicles to choose from and that it was a blatant lie from your reserve manager. The attitude of your reserve manager is a disgrace, self opinionated and condescending, and has no idea how to deal with guests. The efforts of the other staff get overlooked due to the negative behaviour and lack of communication displayed by your reserve manager. Jordan would be far superior in the role! There was zero communication regarding any of the issues either, which is unacceptable when you advertise as a luxury lodge. On the last day my father had a bad fall, and zero medical attention was offered.

Olivia & Lungi made us feel very welcome from the word go and looked after us very well during our stay. Lovely villa with lots of space. Seeing the animals up close to the villa was amazing. The pool was a great bonus in the heat. G & T's all around.

Would have been nice to have a choice of menus. Seemed to be a lack of communication with Safari times, and when the Elephants were going to be in the area around the villa. This could have been made clearer, and it would have added greatly to the experience. The Safari is not really worth it. Enthusiastic guide but the bush is so thick you cant see any animals. Power cuts and water cuts didn't help. Solar would be a great investment here for this level of accommodation. Yes the road to Barefoot is a very very long one. 4x4 was a great help. Time to drive to Addo main gate is closer to 1.5 hrs and not about an hour...

Man wurde leider bei der Ankunft schlecht informiert. Das Personal war freundlich aber eher distanziert. Alles wirkte sehr improvisiert als wäre es erst eröffnet worden. Habe mich vorgängig für ein Game Braai interessiert und man hat mir geschrieben dass wir bei der Anku ft schauen müssten und da war es dann leider zu spät, da der Vorgesehene Platz schon besetzt war. War für uns eher schlecht organisiert Die Zimmer sind etwas in die Jahre gekommen.

Personal sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Der Elefanten Walk war der Wahnsinn, nur zu empfehlen. Der Game Drive war ebenfalls sehr zu empfehlen, da es nicht nur um Tiere geht, sondern einem die ganze Flora erklärt wird.

Sehr unorganisiert. Essen dauert bis zu 1,5 Std und nach weiteren Getränken wird man nicht gefragt. Zudem war unser Essen leider kalt.

Ein Abenteuer mitten in der Natur. Chalets sind gemütlich eingerichtet, aber man muss bedenken, dass man mitten in der Natur ist. Nachts kann es sehr kalt werden. Dafür gibt es Heizdecke und Kaminofen. Frühstück und Dinner war sehr gut. Leute vor Ort alle sehr hilfsbereit und nett! Touren auf dem Gelände mit Kindern gut.

Sehr weit weg von allem (am besten vorher einkaufen wenn Bedarf). Anfahrt ca 1h über sehr holprige Straße. Bedenken, dass man in der Natur ist (tierischer Besuch in Unterkunft).

The amazing elephant encounter, very friendly and knowledgeable staff, beautiful location

No fresh juice for breakfast - that is all

Lage außergewöhnlich. 25 km abseits der modernen Zivilisation. An- und Abreise über Schotterstrasse ist mit Strapazen verbunden. Walk mit Elefanten ein Muss. Geräusche in der Nacht muss man aushalten, ist halt volle Natur pur

Zimmer leicht in die Jahre gekommen.Gas-Heizung im bad hat nicht funktioniert, Schlüssel zur verandatür nicht mehr da. Essen passt, aber auch nicht viel mehr als das. Pool ungepflegt