Gecko Lodge and Cottage, Mabalingwe

Location was fanatastic

The property was in poor condition and run down bar a room or too. Several decking boards were loose and unsecured, causing stumped toes until we covered them with chairs. The outside chairs had no back cushions, the kitchen fridge was non-functional, and there was no hot water on the first day or Gas. The main living area and kitchen were poorly lit with no torch available, Overall I would describe it as shabby and run down — though my deeper concern still remains that I booked a chalet well in advance in 2025 in the same resort with the same team, securing a superior property at a competitive rate — a direct reward for booking early and planning responsibly. The owner cancelled this booking in 2026, during peak season, leaving me with no comparable alternatives. By that point, the properties available when I originally searched had all been taken. The only available replacement was a substantially inferior chalet, at a price only marginally lower than what I originally paid. I effectively paid a near-equivalent rate for a far lesser property. The value I secured through diligent early booking was entirely wiped out by the owner's cancellation. All this in the same resort with the same reps I should get a refund versus what that property cost at the time I booked the original one in my honest opinion. As said previously, we have stayed and travelled a lot and never encountered this experience before , if a premium is to be charged it needs to deliver, also happy to take a call I have also emailed 'heksie.limpopo@gmail.com' and sent a whats app Regards Stuart

The bush and location

Unit is really run down. Kitchen is in such a disarray. Host tried very hard to sort stuff out. Please more king beds. Leaks inside. One fridge was not working.

The house and the atmosphere was awesome. The kids were well entertained while the adults rested.

On our second night there was a storm that took electricity and there was no backup plan. So we spent the rest of our stay in the dark.

It was nice, had a lot of fun. It was very private, which I liked most. Saw a lot of game.

The tiles outside are extremely slippery. We had a few incidents because of the wet tiles. You can't avoid the tiles as you need to go to your rooms. Had 1 person fall very bad and 2 others have scrapes and bruises.

Great value for money. Accommodates large groups with the space and comfort with all the amenities for a wonderful stay.

The views The game drives

Maintenance / fixing of a number of things in the lodge needs to be done