Gecko Lodge and Cottage, Mabalingwe

Location is good

Maintenance required, lights not working outside, drawers of cupboards were broken, wifi not good

The house is big and comfortable. Great to be in the reserve and see all the wild animals. Sitting around the fire at night....

The cutlery and glasses could do with an upgrade.

Bedrooms were comfortable and clean.

The road leading up to the property is terrible. Would not recommend visiting with low cars. The wooden stairs leading down to the swimming pool and braai area is very unsafe and the concrete stairs to the pool needs a railing. Not children or elderly friendly. We also had an incident where baboons gained access and completely ruined the place. Despite doing the majority of the cleaning ourselves, the owner then refused to return the entire breakage deposit (not only deducting for actual damages). Would definitely not visit again.

Excellent, very nice and neat. Well equipped and enough space. We enjoyed the view and the pool/ boma area very much.

One room smell like cement and was very humid. Kitchen needs a can opener and a dustbin at the braai area would be nice.

The Google map directions took some of the party on a very turbulent road. Ideally it is better to enter via the main Mabilingwe gate and then head to Mabalingwe reception and then Idwala camp.

Beautiful views and special little touches to make us feel welcome. The bedrooms were lovely. Kids enjoyed staying in the loft.

The balustrades are a big concern, especially at the steps from the main area down to the braai. A few poles or rope would solve the problem.

Lots of braai areas and the pool area was good.

Disappointing was not made aware it was involved in a fire, and it was redone but not completely finished. The road down to the lodge was terrible! We had problems with broken toilets and blocked showers in the downstairs room. One of the fridges was not working and then worked again. Lights kept tripping in the kitchen. Bathroom near the front door, the light was not working at all. To be honest, I think it was a rushed finish to accommodate my booking which is disappointing as I travelled from the UK for my 40th.

Nice location

Fridge not working, oven not working, dishwasher not working, half of the house did not have electrical supply, only 2 of the 4 showers had hot water and one shower would electricute you when opening the tap so everyone had to use 1 shower, no water pressure