Africa Safari Lodge — Hotel in Hardap

Africa Safari Lodge left us undecided as to whether or not we could recommend it. Honestly, it doesn't look like the pictures online where you see a beautiful oasis, but in reality this place is a bit run down, had it's glory days in the past and seems mismanaged. There is not enough staff. No one takes care of the pool. It was never cleaned during our stay and was full of leaves and insects, the leaves and dirt even piled up at the bottom of the pool. Due to the drought, everything is brown and looks like a big dried up mud hole. There is animal shit everywhere, which is understandable with all the wildlife roaming around, but no one seems to bother to remove it from the paths from time to time, so you have to be careful not to step in it all the time, especially at night. In general, the outdoor areas seem dirty. The tables are covered with bird droppings. Even the dog runs around and poops everywhere. The bean bags in the outdoor pool area have seen better days. The walking paths are impractical and annoying and you have to take detours all the time. Wifi is pretty much non-existent. If it works, it only works in the reception/restaurant area, not in the rooms, but even there it usually doesn't work. It can be a long walk from the parking lot to the room to carry heavy luggage, and you can't really roll suitcases due to the poor road conditions and impractical routing. We were told "the guys will help you with your luggage" and then there was a skinny guy who could barely lift one of our suitcases. And then there are little things like small pool towels for which you have to pay a deposit, they set out bread plates and knives but never serve bread for dinner, their toilets have to be flushed 3 times before the toilet paper disappears. Our air conditioner didn't work properly and they have bedding you can use in arctic temperatures, so I was sweating like crazy while sleeping. The TVs don't work in any of the rooms.

On the other hand, the animal experience is amazing! You have a rhino guarantee and there are many other game animals that roam freely over the grounds. Especially in the evening around sunset the atmosphere is spectacular with beautiful colors in the sky and animals all around, topped off by a beautiful night sky where you can even see the milky way.

All in all I would recommend to stay for one night, check in early, don't go on a game drive but wait at the restaurant/pool area or on your own terrace for the animals to come to the waterhole and don't have too high expectations of the...

I’ve never posted a review before, but this is a necessary first. Don’t let the website fool you. We specifically came to the lodge for their wide range of activities. However, upon arrival we were informed that game drives are dependent on guest count (something they don’t say on the website).

Secondly, my experience at Africa safari lodge was poor, as I expressed interest in the spa wellness center prior to booking for accommodation, but I was not made aware that they have only ONE masseuse available for HALF the day, which should be prebooked as well. Also stated nowhere on their website-

I coincidentally showed up before check in at 13:00 only to be told that the only masseuse available was to leave the lodge at 14:00, and won’t be available for a treatment later. Given that we were the ONLY guests booked at the lodge for that night, and I expressed interest in the spa, I was surprised at why the masseuse was then at the lodge the morning hours, knowing we’d check in the afternoon only. Apparently the booking lady/receptionist is under the impression that fault lied with us for not booking prior, but I feel that fault lied with them for not informing me of how they operate. Terrible customer service in my opinion.

The only star I’m giving is for the lovely chef and bartender who tried their best to pick up the pieces of bad service left by the receptionist/booking services.

So, please be advised, if you’re interested in their activities, ask about their guest count, and book for your spa treatments/game...

We have booked our stay at Africa Safari lodge (fully paid )however need to cancel our booking upon arrival due to their POOR customer service . Which the lady, namely Annetjie, at the reception replied."You know that you will not be refunded! No apology, whatsoever, shocking !

Ths place looks amazing - on the website - and pretty well situated . HOWEVER.. It's got a serious service problem. We arrived about half an hour earlier than the "official" check-in time with nobody to welcome us at the reception.

The reception at the lodge was cold and what a strange reception we received. "Please complete and sign these forms. No parking in front of the chalets/rooms "with no further assistance offered with our luggage "Good afternoon; welcome to our lodge - can we offer you something cold to drink? ''Someone will assist you shortly with your luggage to your rooms, would have been a so much better approach/welcome!!

The rooms are trying hard to be upmarket at modern , but lack attention to detail and decent Airconditioning. We were moved to 2 different rooms with the aircons not working properly. No water /mini fridge or wifi in rooms. Wifi only at the reception and restaurant. Overall, what a worst experience .. Luckily, the lodge we,ve previously stayed for 2 nights - Gondwana Anib lodge could...