5/5 Caroline B. 1 year ago on Google
My
husband,
2
adult
children
and
myself
have
just
returned
from
a
wonderful
week
at
Maqueda
Lodge.
Francois,
the
owner,
welcomed
us
with
opened
arms
and
ensured
that
we
were
comfortable
throughout
our
stay.
Nothing
was
too
much
trouble.
The
lodge
was
beautifully
decorated
and
very
comfortable.
The
shared
spaces
were
peaceful
and
relaxing
after
returning
from
a
full
day
Safari.
The
pool
was
freezing
but
certainly
refreshing
on
a
hot
day.
The
beds
were
comfortable
and
the
wifi
was
good.
We
experienced
"load
shedding"
while
in
South
Africa
however
it
didn't
affect
our
stay
or
experience.
The
shower
was
hot
although
there
was
no
shampoo
or
body
wash
provided.
Pump
hand
soap
was
available
which
we
used
to
wash
our
hair
and
bodies!
Meals
were
scrumptious.
We
only
had
one
breakfast
at
the
lodge
as
we
were
out
on
safaris
on
the
other
days.
It
was
delicious
and
a
great
variety.
The
upstairs
dining
area
was
lovely.
Dinner
was
incredible.
We
were
served
a
three
course
meal
and
every
night
was
a
different
taste
sensation.
Lanterns
were
lit
when
dinner
was
served
which
gave
a
lovely
ambience.
When
we
were
out
on
our
early
morning
safaris,
or
on
the
panoramic
route,
we
were
treated
to
a
packed
breakfast
in
our
own
Esky
bag.
Hot
tea
and
plunger
coffee
was
also
served.
This
was
enjoyed
at
a
scenic
location,
watching
animals
while
we
ate.
James
was
our
driver
and
ranger
on
the
3
full
day
safaris.
He
was
so
knowledgeable
and
listened
to
what
experience
we
wanted.
He
was
also
very
friendly,
attentive
and
lovely.
When
he
wasn't
driving
us
around
Kruger,
he
was
serving
meals
or
cleaning.
Everyone
worked
so
hard.
We
booked
2
night
safaris
but
after
the
first
one
we
cancelled
the
second
one
and
did
another
full
day
with
James.
The
night
safari
was
not
through
Maqueda
Lodge
but
through
Kruger
NP.
Rather
than
being
in
our
small
9
seater
vehicle,
we
were
on
a
large
30
seater
truck.
When
it
got
dark,
half
a
dozen
people
were
given
spotlights
to
shine
into
the
bush.
It
was
very
disappointing
and
we
therefore
saw
very
few
animals.
The
driver
didn't
talk
to
us
throughout
the
safari
and,
if
they
did,
they
were
very
hard
to
hear.
I
would
not
recommend
doing
this
night
safari.
Unfortunately
they
are
the
only
vehicles/people
allowed
in
the
park
at
night
time.
The
panoramic
route
was
great.
The
views
were
amazing.
The
drive
to
the
first
waterfall
was
over
2
hours.
It
was
then
2
hours
driving
back
to
Maqueda
Lodge.
The
following
morning
we
then
drove
the
same
way
for
1.5
hours
to
the
airport.
I
would
recommend
doing
this
trip
either
when
you
first
arrive,
prior
to
arriving
at
Maqueda
Lodge,
or
at
the
end
of
your
stay
before
flying
out
of
Nelspruit
airport
as
the
area
is
close
to
the
airport
and
would
avoid
travel
time.
Thank
you
Maqueda
Lodge
for
such
a
magical,
memorable
holiday
with
my
family.
You
made
us
feel
like
we
were
part
of
your
family.
I
would,
and
will
be,
recommending
Maqueda
Lodge
to
everyone
considering
visiting
Kruger
National
Park.