Bona Bona — Hotel in Maquassi Hills Local Municipality

We got married the past Saturday and time does not allow a honeymoon at this stage. We are from Potchefstroom and were looking for a romantic place for one night. After searching and upon recommendation, your honeymoon suite was booked for Sunday 27 March. Your level of service, however, was not that of a four-star establishment. We experienced the following: The room was booked with no issues. We enquired about a game drive and bush picnic. The replying agent, N Monyane, advised us that the picnics for Sunday are fully booked, and that there is no space for a game drive on Sunday. Monday was suggested for the game drive, but no other guests booked, and the minimum is 4 pax, herewith we have no problem. The issue, when we checked in on Sunday, the receptionist asked if we are still going ahead with our bush picnic at 16:00. This we could not understand as we were advised that there is no space for picnics and no confirmation beforehand. On our email enquiry the booking reference was used so I cannot understand where such miscommunication could arise.

The room being a “honeymoon suite” was truly stylish yet we expected a bit more. There was no water in the room, the door of the tv/fridge cabinet struggles to open, the door leading to the deck can only be opened by a forceful push and the bathtub showerhead has a leak that resulted in spraying water all over the bathroom floor. I injured both my ankles and really struggled to walk. On our way to the lodge, I spoke to Monnique who was aware of my injury, she recommended that we could book the same platter as that comes with the picnic but enjoy it on our private balcony (we were still of mind that the bush picnics were fully booked). My husband went to the restaurant but the staff there was extremely unhelpful. He enquired about the picnic platter for our room and was merely told that it is not possible and should order a normal platter off the menu. Further, we wanted to order cocktails for the room, but told we could not as they cannot be placed in takeaway cups. Surely, they could be served in their normal glasses when brought to the room. The platters were then ordered, next the waiter gave no option to change of accompanying sauces and seem very displeased when I advised her that I did not want the sauce choices she made as per the till slip. The meal was paid, and I advised the waiter we were staying in room 14, she gave a very confusing look and then stated that they do not deliver, and we should collect. I told her that surely, they could deliver and then very reluctantly agreed to deliver the food. After waiting more than an hour and having to enquire (we did advise the receptionist that we were not pleased with any of the service received and receiving no enquiry as to why we were unhappy), the food was delivered in takeaway containers. I cannot believe that this is any way that a four-star establishment restaurant is run. How is it not possible for them to deliver the platter plated and cocktails. The days leading up to our wedding we stayed at a guest house (much cheaper than yours), and their service was exceptional when compared to yours. We stayed in a normal suite at this guesthouse, and they were more than eager to deliver our food to the room with proper plates and cutlery, even going out of their way to serve the breakfast an hour earlier than normal to accommodate us. The receptionist did not advise breakfast time at checking in, this had to be enquired with the restaurant staff. Having faced the terrible service the previous night, we rather visited the restaurant for breakfast. Yet again, very “friendly” service received. There was a barman with whom we enquired of where to go for breakfast, he merely pointed to the area and said we should help ourselves to coffee and cereals. We sat on the deck, again greeted by a waiter that seemed he was doing us a favour of helping us and every time he visited our table, he was loudly playing music...

We spent a few nights over Christmas and booked in at Room Nr.2 with a view of the dam where the Hippos and Rhinos hang out. We had a lovely room for the time we stayed over and even had the room serviced on Christmas day. We didn't expect it since it was Christmas day, and the lodge was in full swing as normal.

We went out on an eventful game drive, and once again, we were lucky enough to see Jerry the Giraffe. During the trip, we were able to see quite a lot of wildlife on the farm and on the way back we got to see the pregnant Rhino Mama with a grumpy Male Rhino that didn't want us to pass through. Was quite an experience to see the reaction of the rhinos.

We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere at the restaurant daily with the very friendly and generous Sam that served us every time we sat down. We hoped to see Amelia again, but we'll catch up with our next trip.

Right after a dip in the pool, we bumped into Luke, the one ranger at the farm whom we have come to know very well over the times we visited the lodge throughout the year. Not to sound biased, but there is NO ranger like Luke! If you ever find yourself booking a game drive, ask that Luke takes you on a tour. The information and passion he shares about the wildlife and the farm will pleasantly surprise you. He is very interactive and leaves you going home, knowing quite a lot more about the wildlife. You'd probably want to go again. That is why we were on 3 game drives this year, and we appreciate Luke's hospitality.

The general atmosphere at the lodge is very peaceful. The service is great and all the staff are very friendly and helpful. I can recommend the Bona Bona Special Pizza (wood fired pizza) paired with an Ankole Ale. A beer, so unique that you won't find it in the shop. Even the pastas, burgers, chicken wings and calamari are great! I am hungry just talking about it.

This was our second time this year, spending a few nights at the Lodge, and we are already planning another trip for a few nights in the New Year. We just love it here and the great service from all staff makes for a very comfortable stay.

We are looking forward to...

Where do I start... Firstly when we checked in, we were not welcomed properly nor explained how things work. We booked at the main lodge. They just gave us the keys and we were like "soooo where is our room?" then they took us there. Didn't notify us that there no network coverage nor wifi at the rooms. We had to even go to reception in the morning to ask where exactly is breakfast eaten and what time till what time. Haik!

WiFi is only available at the restaurant. You receive a voucher of R35 for wifi voucher.

Makes no sense to pay more for the main lodge not to even get a bar fridge just to put water in because not even water is offered and their strict rules of no beverages and food. You must strictly go purchase at the restaurant.

The buffet breakfast is catered according to the number of people booked in.. So if only 2 or 3 couples booked in.. Do not expect to eat a buffet breakfast.

The game drive min is 4 Pax so if you're a couple they expect you to pay for 4 people if you don't meet the minimum requirements. Ahh what was the whole point.

The BUSH PICNIC... All I can say is... DON'T EVEN BOTHER! It's a total waste. Luckily I got refunded.

Dinner customer service is poor poor.. You enter the restaurant.. And you will be in a starring competition with the waiters and waitresses. I had to be the one to say "table for two".. Ai they just said find your own table... No one took us through with the menu. We waiting almost 10min before we even got the menu. We ordered oxtail potjie.. Didn't smell fresh.. Wasn't nice at all.. Iv had many oxtail meals.. That one I rate it 1/10

Safari spa was fine but expensive for nothing. Iv had better quality services elsewhere.

Otherwise to go is to see. I don't see myself going back there ever again. Im all about great experience... Not what I got from Bona Bona.

I'm very...