We believe a one star rating is too good for this nightmare and a zero rating is more appropriate. We believe visitors must be warned or failing that ensure a water-logged legal agreement is given at time of deposit We were a group of 16pax and hired the main house and allI4 cottages. The basics of the lodge preparation for arriving guests is something to be desired. My partner and I were the first to arrive and "greeted" by the manager, Len. He came across as homophobic, rude and lectured us more than a welcoming. On the first night we attempted to start dinner at 7.30pm only to find there was no gas for the stove and oven. It took the drunk manager, Len, and his drunk son 45mns to resolve. We paid a per diem cost for the cleaning service but this seemed to for only washing dishes. It took us to complain before our beds were made and a basic service applied. We found the rooms to be dirty with dust and dead insects, including used underwear found our friend's bed. The lodge never replaced our bedding during the entire 5 day visit. As a few adults and children suffered from asthma we did check on the fans and air-conditioning units, and sleeping outside would offer a cleaning environment. The lodge allows you to to walk or cycle through their property without any disclaimers on notice is visible regarding the animals on the property. The drunken manager told us that driving (on established sand roads) in the lodge is prohibited. We went past the smaller house on the property and followed the road hoping to reach the exit. We got lost but came across a male and female giraffes, including their calves. Our engine was switched and we closed all the windows to retain silence. The manager, Len, drove a speed behind us hooting that scared us and almost chased a confused giraffe into the 9,000 volt electric fence. He jumped out his white bakkie and and shouted at us like we were sub-human and appeared to be drunk at 11.30am. He got into his car and forced us out the way, into thorn bushes, and causing my Land Rover Discovery 4x4 to get scratched. I sent Len a message to come and see me but we never saw him for the rest of trip, either because he was drunk or aware of the damage claim for repairs to my luxury vehicle. The owner proceeded to send an SMS to our friend without knowing the exact details of the event. To date I have had no contact from the lodge to offer to pay for repairs. It think the worst possible "management" enforcement is to lock us behind two 6ft electrified gates from 6pm to 6am. We shudder to think how a medical emergency will be dealt with a drunken manager on duty. We found this lock-in policy odd until we heard gunshots at night and them saw a hunting tower on the property. We will be posting our review this review on all our subscriptions for accommodation apps. We advise you to never support this place, not one ZAR or even a request a quote. We also note the previous complaints of racism.

I love to travel but this has been one of my most horrifying experience. Will never recommend this place to any of my friends or enemies as the manager is rude and disrespectful. The housekeeper was friendly but the overall hygiene of the accommodations was just terrible as my friend found dirty old underwear under the bed and my room was not cleaned untill I complained 2 days later. I was also not happy about the fact that all the guests get locked behind a 2meter gate and electrical fence. So unless you up for an unforgettable experience try this place and remember that this might not be a good experience.

We visited the lodge on the 13th-15th May 2022 and i must say that we had a really nice experience. The stuff was really welcoming and helpful especially Len although we arrived late for the check in time. We'd definitely visit the place again

Pros Close to jhb, Layout lovely, Lots of space, Quiet, Dishes are done daily, Super chilled, Volley ball court fun, Lovely to cycle on property and Cleaning staff helpful Cons Pool not protected, Night lock in form 18:00 to 06:00 is scary as if medical emergency one can’t get out and relies on difficult lodge manager Linen not changed over five day stay Advertise fully serviced but isn’t, so as you stay with full lodge like we did the place gets dirtier Very little game to be seen An average experience, Would advice owners to make Necessary adjustments to ensure guests absolutely want to return as there are many other places to go too without these stresses.

What a wonderful lodge for large groups.. plenty of wildlife to see, AMAZING service, tastefully decorated. Highly recommend 😍

I had a great time with my family. I would have loved to go in game drive but I didn't feel the need to pay R150 per person since I can clearly see the wild animals from our chalet when the roam near the fence and gates. Linen in the bedroom wasn't entirely clean as one can see the yellow color on a white sheet.

Mgankla Lodge is one of those undiscovered gems right on our doorstep. The experience was fantastic from the get go. Service from Barbara was nothing short of stellar. Len was very knowledgeable, very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. The accommodation is equipped with all the necessary conveniences and we loved our stay so much that we will be visiting Mgankla at least once a year every year.

I would like to express my thanks to the owner of Mgankla Lodge Barbara and Eugene for making my 40th Birthday a success had a fab weekend from 15 November to 18 November 2019. Not forgetting Christina so helpful,polite and humble who made my stay pleasant.I have read other people reviews about bad service about Len the care taker who I made sure she doesn't even come close to me .So guys don't let this stop you from going to Mgankla Lodge because of him.The owners are good people and have humanity it only needs good communication to avoid disappointments.My crew was impressed will recommend to friends and family hope they get quality service like I did. Mgankla its nice place so guys start booking.

Small game farm, not too far out of Joburg, with very helpful owner. Great facilities. We stayed in the Nyala camp. I would highly recommend it for groups whether a family reunion or bachelors weekend. Pros: New building. Very helpful and obliging staff. Great for groups. Comfortably able to walk around the reserve. Intelligently designed camp (with a great braai and outdoor bar). Beautiful pool. Lots of bird-life, and enough animals to keep it interesting. Cons: Towels are not provided (required a quick shopping expedition to Brits) You can't drive around the park, but opt to pay for a game drive. No ice trays. No soap dishes in the bathrooms. Nyala camp has a small water pump right outside the one bedroom. This runs every 30 seconds or so for 5 to 10 seconds. While it doesn't disturb everyone, anyone in that bedroom will be annoyed. We found out that you can unplug it at night, but the staff plugged it in again at 05h15 when they need water. There were no chairs that you could sit back and relax in outside. You had the option to sit on a dining table chair (comfy enough), or one of two benches (that don't have backrests). In fairness, there are couches inside, but if you just want to sit in the shade and read a book, its not all that comfortable. Hopefully they would have got some recliners or folding chairs to go outside by the time you consider going. The kids loved the wooden jungle gym. The pool is not fenced off, so be careful with young kids. The pool is not right next to the entertainment area, but you'll still need to be aware of your toddlers.

Awesome beautiful accommodation was in Kudu Kamp from booking up to departure was brilliant thanks for a stunning weekend

I would like to Thank you for a lovely week away Really enjoyed our walks into the bush with the kids , house was clean had everything we possibly needed for our stay ! Only one thing i really needed was a washing line for towels after swim besides that very enjoyable Thank you Marie Jones

Had a very nice and relaxing stay, one of those hidden Gems

Barbara all we want is feedback from you, either you refund or confirm our booking again from 30th June to 3rd July as we are now struggling to secure accommodation waiting for u to refund, u suggested to refund us yet it feels like we did you bad

Overall a good experience but very isolated.<br/>We stayed at Mgankla Lodges Nyala camp as a group of 15 guests. Our rate about €22 (R366) per person per night. As a group that added up to €330 per night for the exclusive use of all facilities. Unusually one have to pay the full balance by electronic transfers before arrival. It's also very much the base rate. Additional charges for basic cleaning, Fire wood, TV service and game drives are optional extras. Extra deposit taken in advance for breakages. No towels provided.<br/>We booked the lodge for big family get together.<br/>Mgankla Lodge delivered on space. It's well equipped for self catering. Facilities includes a swimming pool, a not so safe trampoline, jungle gym/ play area for kids and a grassed volleyball area. Lovely barbecue areas.<br/>Plenty of beds and bedrooms and bathrooms.<br/>Mgankla Lodge is remote and secluded with poor mobile phone reception. The isolation might appeal to some but with no staff on site and no obvious security patrols I was nervous at times. The gates are locked at night so in an emergency that could be detrimental. In our case the manager, who I understand lives nearby, was away on annual leave and that truly left us to our own devices.<br/>Despite that the kids had a blast and we enjoyed some great laughs and quality family time around the fire. The game drive was a nice break from camp. We saw some basic game which was a big adventure for the little ones.<br/>Would I go back?<br/>Yes, if there was a security firm and a panic button.