MILIMA Big 5 Safari Lodge — Hotel in Maruleng Local Municipality

My first impression of Milima was that this was a camp I would like to come back again and again. Beautiful camp, lovely surroundings, friendly and efficient staff, delicious food, good bar and more. We stayed in a tent - it was perfect with a beautiful, large bathroom. All as advertised on the net - no surprises. Perhaps one - a rather pleasant one - an almost midi size fridge generously supplied with bottled water. The coffee station was also generously supplied. The tent, furnished with a double bed - in our case two twin beds pushed together, bedside tables with shelves and drawers, a writing table with stool, two easy chairs and two stools for luggage, stil had enough space left in the tent to move around comfortably. Plenty of elctrical points with adapters that worked with European equipment. Bedside lamps and an overhanging lantern. But bad lighting in room. Lovely terrace with arm chairs overlooking a beautiful waterhole attracting a fair amount of wild life. Great looking, well lit big bathroom with a stand for hanging clothes, a couple of shelves and a safe, cabinets under sink. Double sink. Double showers. But, in our case Hot water problems that did not get fixed during our 4 nights - 5 days stay!! Shower, that started scalding hot and turned (what felt like) ice cold! One day and only one day - the second last day (after almost daily repairs) - were we able to regulate the water temperature and enjoy a really good shower. We were so looking forward to a good shower prior to our departure. Did not happen. First, we discovered that the gas flask was empty! However, after it was changed, we still did not get warm water. In the end, we left with the impression that management was aware of the problem with our tent. This, was not our impression during the four preceeding days when the lovely hostess - I do not remember her official position but she was the manager's wife - tried so hard to get the problem fixed. Also, almost forgot - One of the mattresses had a big ditch on one side so that with the twin beds joined, the ditch came in the middle! However, with all the other problems, forgot to mention this to the management. Excellent restaurant and service. Very good spread of hot and cold breakfast with a daily speciality. Good daily menu of lunch and dinner - well planned and delicious. Fabulous boma dinners on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursday (or Friday). Safaris were quite nice - we got good sightings of lions, rhinos and elephants and many others saw also a leopard, but I was a bit surprised by the paucity of life - kudus, giraffes, zebras, impalas and some other small antilopes were seen but sightings were few and far between. May be it was because we were there close after the forest fires (man made) and it was so dry. May be not. I also felt that the safari vehichle - a comfortable toyota landcruiser - got too crowded during 50% of our safaris. Finally, a not so pleasant surprise for me - for a second time in my fairly long safari life in Africa - a camp Manager who might have been an adult in the apartheid times. I was invisible to him in spite of being a guest. Fortunately, not so for his wife who is a lovely person besides being an efficient professional, looking after the guests and keeping the camp running smoothly. However, this unexpected reception by a manager, coupled with the irrepairable hot water problem, and possibility of overcrowding during safaris is making me rethink my original thoughts on Milima - I really like having camps where I can return again and again! Other than this, Milima really is a very nice camp. We must remember that there are many camps which do not guarantee a window seat...

To add to the rave reviews already posted I can confirm: 1] The food is out of this world - portions generous, seconds generally available, chefs & staff always willing to help, make a plan or organise a change. Menu well thought out & we were super impressed by the food specially provided for our 9 yr old. To Sipho & Maxwell (The Chef's) you make me proud to be a South African with the dishes provided & your friendly-joyous manner in which you served us was an example and the love was tasted in the food. 2] A BIG Thank you to the serving crew - Sweetness, Marvelous, Barbara & Alucia - You made us feel like royalty and your serving was impeccable. 3] Hansen (The Staffie) you were a delight and that you weren't stolen by my children speaks of the fun they had with you - A real Jock of the Bushveld. 4] Shaun my Man - No one will be teasing you about the cats again 😊 The game drives were a absolute treat and the friendly interaction & respect you have for the animals left a deep impression on us all. Not 1 pride of lions but 2, not 1 leopard but the Alpha male, A mother & her 1 yr old, a kitten & then another young one the last evening - You're the man. I told you the Our Creator would bring them to you! Thank you for the treats on the road and just the manner you served us, be it snacks, information or general banter. On behalf of Gabriel thank you for letting him join you upfront & keeping him entertained & educated. 5] To Donald (Security) at the gate who allowed me to use his power point to keep our vehicle fridge charged over the 3 days. Your friendly kindness was appreciated. 6] To the reception ladies - Thank you for getting the laundry sorted, seamless check in & out. 7] The rooms were really homely and where we needed anything extra it was never a problem. The lodge may be rated 4 star but we all had a 5 star experience, saw all the BIG 5 & would highly recommend the establishment for families & couples alike. The pool overlooking the watering hole is simply a winner - I spent my time in the pool and on a deck lounger if not on a game drive and witnessed the most amazing, interesting & memorable moments unfold all day long. Because you don't have to rush away you just see the animals doing things you may miss on a drive and personally I would not want to do a lodge without a watering hole out front after the memories I now have. Milima Big 5 is great value for money, for real people who enjoy the bush - Its not opulent, does not have a superior, nose in the air feel, the accommodation is comfortable but not overly lavish, takes a max of about 40 guest so is really intimate, yet at the same time every client has space to relax & enjoy the experience. For us it was a bucket list item and we were...

Yes, believe the hype - if you are even just contemplating this, contemplate no longer, just do it. Like 5 star food and wine? Relaxing? Amazing people? Animal watching? If the answer to all of this is yes, then there is almost zero way that you can be disappointed.

From food to experience, property to people (including the other guests), our stay was beyond expectations.

With virtually every detail considered, there was nothing that we could fault if we tried.

Between sipping margaritas pool side whilst watching all of the big 5 and more drink and bathe at the watering hole to enjoying 3 course meals paired with delicious SA wines, the dining experience, was in my opinion, Michelin Star worthy.

Property was secure, manicured, spacious yet intimate, with all of the essentials for a relaxed, almost resort style getaway including pool, lounge bar and on site massage services, all in the middle of a game reserve (Isabel, your point and complain pays off!)

Villas were modern and spacious bush luxury with friendly, 5 star hotel housekeeping services.

Games drives were professional, comfortable, well thought out, and with passionate and friendly drivers, just as keen to give you the chance to see the big 5 as you are to see them. Although no guarantees, you are all but assured to see them and more with a day or twos worth of drives.

Above and beyond all of this however and what made this the ultimate experience was the people.

Yes, we perhaps got lucky with our timing regarding the other guests, enjoying game drives and dining with a friendly and fun group of likeminded travelers from all corners of the globe that we will most likely stay in contact with for years to come.

But as far as the staff of Milima and guides are concerned, these are some of the most attentive, warmest, friendliest people imaginable offering 5 star service whilst making you feel like part of an extended, local family.

Katlyn and Alex, Sean and Natasha, Sylvia and Beauty, Tumi and Neil (River safari staff), Isabel, Carson, and all of the Chefs, site and service staff, your warmth, service, kindness and downright friendliness was what made this the unforgettable experience that it was for us.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet such friendly, fun and down to earth people and we sincerely wish you all of the best but also hope to stay in touch.

Most importantly for me personally, it was you that helped turned my mother's bucket list dream of visiting South Africa and the Big 5 into a heartwarming, unforgettable reality that exceeded her every expectation, and for that I am eternally grateful. Sincere and loving thanks and well...