Idwala Le Ingwe Lodge — Hotel in Mogale City Local Municipality

The most well-run, unmanned lodging I have ever seen in all my travels. Rustic and yet so luxurious, you'll only know what I mean once you get there.

Stayed in tent 1 and enjoyed a true gadget-free vacation, truly relaxing. Fantastic views from the tent, noisy but thrilling when it's windy (I mean, you are living in a tent, if a little wind freaks you out, then, well, you know...)

Tastefully furnished large 2-bedroon tent. Almost everything we needed was already there, except perhaps a dishwashing sponge and some dishwashing liquid (so do carry it).

The pool is large and cleaned daily. We enjoyed it too. There is a hike on the property but since we just wanted to relax and paint and chill, we didn't get to do it. Reserved for our next visit.

Now some important deets.

It's an unmanned property, so from the entry codes to any on-property issues, your WhatsApp is your best friend. They are super quick to respond so at least that's great, but be mindful that you'll need your phone and data in such eventuality.

The shower does run for and cold, and the toilet is indeed short on its flushing skills, but hey, once again, it's a tent. A few things here and there, a few noises, a few bugs, are given aren't they?

They didn't take a refundable deposit. So if you've booked from booking.com or elsewhere, expect them to contact you regarding it. That said, they diligently and promptly refund it once all is checked. Oh, if you've booked last minute, please be aware that you won't get the access codes till the deposit has been made.

Quiet, peaceful, tranquil and yet luxurious. I'll definitely be back here and...

THIEVES!!!!

I made a booking with Idwala Lodge for the weekend of the 28th July 23. I called them recently to cancel the booking due to unforeseen circumstances (well in advance, about 1 month before check in).

We paid a deposit and when I asked them about the refund for the deposit, they told me I would be refunded in full. They now have come back to me days after, telling me that they checked their rules, that there is a R1000 cancellation fee, which they call a "handling fee". Why was i told differently!!?? Why did you not check your riles before you told me that I would be getting all our funds back!!???

They say this amount is charged in case they cannot get anyone to book for the 28th July. What happens then if you do get someone else to book this date??? Will you then refund me the R1000 as you would have made you money back!!!! I mean you have a whole month to sell the space!!!

My biggest issue is them going back on their word and then coming up with a ridiculous amount for "handling"our booking! Handling bookings is what you do......its your job to make and handle bookings, charging for a booking that was cancelled well in advance, with good reason and then charging such a large amount of money is day...

I initially booked a two-night stay but left after the first night due to numerous issues. Upon arrival, my group left our belongings outside while exploring the house. When we returned, we discovered that valuable items, including expensive speakers, headphones, and smartphones, were missing. The management informed us that we would need to wait until Monday to check the security cameras, which was two days after our scheduled departure.

Additionally, we were provided with a rule book only after booking and paying, which included several restrictions such as no music, no loud noise, and even limitations on laughter. Throughout our stay, staff repeatedly entered our space to issue warnings about noise, creating an uncomfortable and invasive atmosphere.

Ultimately, we were asked to leave a day early for talking too loudly. While frustrating, this was somewhat of a relief as the environment had become unbearable. The invasion of privacy, missing valuables, and constant unwarranted complaints from the staff significantly disrupted our vacation.

This experience was extremely disappointing, and I would not recommend this place to anyone. If a zero-star rating were possible, I would have...