Nima Lodge — Hotel in George

We were excited to get to this lodge. Interesting now afterwards is that on google it appears to be run under like two names "Porcupine Pie Boutique Lodge" or "Nima Lodge" Clicking on it it leads to procupine.... Well we booked directly under Nima... It appeard all to be well documented, but then we had like 2 or even 3 pre-check-in and information emails and whatsapps at different times, which we also completed each time but also did contain various (different) info at different (earlier) times, which was kind of confusing already. Anyhow we made it. However, one whatsapp also confirmed that breakfast would be included, we would just need to reconfirm that we want it. We arrived: Keys in the room: no personal welcome or hand over. Very first impression: nice look of this Sand Lodge #1, but as we looked closer we immediately noticed a lot of flies in the room and also ants creeping around. OK: we are in a nature area.... BTW: getting there was OK with google maps, but saying this is also to be reached with ANY car I think this is a bit overpromising, especially on a rainy day like we had. But we were safe in a 4x4 on those very uneven (gravel) roads. And you are REMOTE - like VERY far away from anything.... literally.... People may like that, but it was not so much ours, especially as we did not bring braai items for the 2 days we "were forced to stay" as single nights are not even allowed. But beacuase of our other stays we hance had to even book 3 nights. But then we also noticed that the outside area is not as we thought it look like on the pictures being very limited in regard to the seatings but also views: more like a small balcony in front of the room. ANd very much limited views to large bushes and trees right infront. The pictures online much more made us thinking it is larger and more open. The night approached, all ok. Then first breakfast - which we then had to learn and understand basically afterwards we are charged for at 350 Rand for 2: being two small bottles o-juice, one joghurt glass, one glass of fresh fruits, 2 croissants, one mini glass of jam. No milk (for the coffee that was in the room already). This is really very limited valling it a breakfast for 2 and then even of that charge. For next day we requested more jam at least, and also milk and then were told: tomorrow will be fresh quiches... Well OK. Night arrived and same again regarding flies and ants in the lodge that we had to spray away... - but now even worse we were already welcomed by a huge spider outside and finally met another big one inside the room.... That gave me hell of an afraid and hardly any sleep. Next morning: breakfast did first not come as promised at 9ish, but after asking, and admitting sth went wrong on their side, it finally arrived around 10ish... But then with half frozen "fresh(?)" quiches - at least some milk this time. Anyhow: we indicated that we had a bad night due to the spider in the room and also indicated that we hance will no longer stay. It was said: 'We are sorry', but well: thank you: night was ruined.... I think it was due to the entrance door which is not latching well and there is a huge gap where I must believe the creepies come through.... But it is just guessing... And again, it is very remote: nothing is around, you cant even take a walk other than walking down the steep gravel road.... So for us, it was not a pleaseant stay. Then we even had some discussions regaridng the cost of the breakfast - which I finally gave up to argue.... And we even moved out a day earlier due to the creepie experiences and no word or even indication of a possible discount or similar.... OK, but again then the discussison even regaring the cost of breakfast.... Not professional and welcoming from our perspective. We know many other lodges being somehow remotely on a hill or in forests which we do very much recommend. But Nima (or here now Porcupine or sth) we cant really recommend accordingly. But of course, other may see that...

We recently stayed in the Sand Cabin. The cabin is absolutely beautifully designed with restful interiors, comfort and an absolutely incredible view. The service was excellent and help was offered whenever we needed. My only criticism is that for the price (the price is way higher than a usual self catering place with similar specs) I feel there should be more attention paid to some of the details. At that price my expectation is that it should be higher end luxury but there were some small things which bothered us (again if it were cheaper I wouldn't be nitpicky). I am not sure the cabins are thoroughly checked between guests as our kitchen drawer was broken, the bathroom window couldn't close etc. Some of the dishes weren't washed properly also.

It was very very cold when we stayed there and they didnt provide extra blankets, we did ask for the next night and they kindly gave us one. We also felt they could have included fire tools with the fireplace to make it easier and the kitchen could definitely have been better equipped for self catering. Just these small things would have made it more comfortable and easier to stay/cook for ourselves (like the addition of a microwave would be nice or some more crockery and utensils).

Also while the cabin is absolutely beautiful there is almost no place to put your things or unpack so it quickly loses its calm aesthetic with bags and toiletries out on display. It would also be nice if they added a comfortable deck chair or softer seating on the deck.

The breakfast was really delicious but for R150 pp it feels like there should be more. It includes a croissant each, fruit, yogurt, juice, jam and two hard boiled eggs. Which isn't much for that price. It would have been nice if they added toast or something with the eggs. The service staff also took away our unfinished breakfast items when we went for a walk when we were saving it for lunch.

We still had a wonderful time and it is a very special place with absolutely friendly service and staff (the massages from Lize was heavenly), the hot tub is amazing and works so well. We just feel for the price of R3900 per night some improvements can be made as this classes it as luxury self-catering for locals.

I was also told later in our stay that management used to organise to fetch people from the bottom of the hill from the waterfall hike if they were too unfit for the hill. It would have been amazing if they offered this to us as I was so excited for the waterfall hike but had to turn back because I am very pregnant and couldn't manage the hill. I hope they bring that back for guests who are pregnant etc. It would be nice if they left info on alternative routes to the waterfall in the cabin as we were told there was only one way there and back but found out later there are other options.

I recommend the Sand cabin in spring, winter or autumn but I am not sure if it perhaps would get too hot in summer.

One of the best parts of our stay were the regular visits...

So, what a better time to review other than while sitting at the venue - basking in the sun at the Luna cabin.

The road in is comfortable though I can see how some might find it scary. That said - any standard sedan can drive the road. Just have to be attentive to follow the track and monitor speeds as it is a single lane track.

Remote : yes and no. It is about a 15 minute drive from the Wilderness town where you can find restaurants, bars and a Spar grocer. If you do preference to not leave the venue the honesty shop is stocked well enough for an easy meal - though vegetarian/vegan options are a bit more limited. It is far away to not be bothered by random noise yet close enough to not feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere. You might hear your neighbours though honestly nothing intrusive - just a sign of life.

The cabin itself is very well equipped and caters for home style cooking, gas grill or Braai. Instructions that you should receive on your booking confirmation is intuitive and a good guide if you do get stuck with anything.

Views : the Luna cabin itself has got amazing views over the approaching valley and some of mountain peaks to the North / North-West. Night sky on a cloudless night is absolutely fantastic with little to no light pollution and can honestly recommend for a bit of stargazing.

Living : comfortable lounge tied to the kitchen and dining table with a fireplace, office nook, bedroom with a tied in wardrobe and toilet-shower. A stunning reading nook opposite the bed has to be mentioned as well. Going through one of the many sliding glass doors you will be met with a stunning deck holding the hot tub, swimming pool, sauna and gas grill. Plenty seating and outdoor swing. Pool is icy cold so a cold to warm exchange is fantastic.

All in all, this is one of the few locations that I have to really try and fault and every single fault I can think of is personal preference and nothing to fault. Instructions are clear, venue is clean and well maintained and staff are friendly. 10/10 would love to...