Maqueda Lodge — Hotel in Nkomazi

Maqueda was situated in a lovely area of Marloth, and had all the appearance of a beautiful lodge. However, the experience was marred by extremely poor communication and hospitality on part of the management of this lodge, and by many faults with the accommodation itself.

When making our reservation the images on Maqueda website, as well as third party websites like booking.com, showed the entire lodge and stated that all guests have access to all public spaces. Upon our arrival we were shown to one building that had 8 rooms with a walkway up to a separate kitchen and eating area a couple of 100ms away. The main lodge area with lounges and pools we were then told was private and that we did not have access to it, contrary to what had been communicated on their website. This setup was hardly ideal as with souring temps of 38 degrees we had a tiny dipping pool, that was dirty and unkept upon our arrival, to share between 15 people. We had counted on use of the other pool shown too.

Also advertised on the Maqueda website is that the lodge is in accordance with Covid protocol. We all arrived with our masks securely on, but the host immediately took his mask off. There was also no taking of anyone's tempretures and no sanitizer in any of the communal spaces. Many of our rooms didn't even have hand soap, although the container was there.

Most annoying in regards to management was their response to load shedding. When we researched online we discovered that Marloth was in loadshedding. The lodge failed to notify us of this so we didn't bring any battery powered lights or fans, nor did the lodge see fit to provide us with any. Every night the power went out, always when we were making dinner. Every evening we asked management what was going, when would power be on, but they just said it's loadshedding. We noticed however that the main part of Maqueda Lodge had power, only our section of the lodge didn't. When we enquired to this the owner said he was running that part of the lodge on a generator. By day 3 after much complaint by our side, as we were boiling hot with no fans, sitting in the dark trying to make dinner, did the owner say he'll put our generator on! 3 days in of uncomfortable load shedding until he saw fit to notify us we had a generator too- disgusting man. Each day loads of our food went off because the days were hot and humid and the fridges weren't cold.

As if any of this weren't enough then came the cleaning of the accommodation. We paid an additional fee for a maid, but in 7 days she neither bought new linen or fresh towels. She only swept the floor and made the bed. Not at all what is paid for when employing a cleaning service, again disgusting mismanagement.

These were the main issues experienced, but in terms of the actual of accommodation we had many more:

⁃ No WiFi in the main living area, even though advertised that there was ⁃ No fridges in the main living area, only two small fridges in designated kitchen area--both of which were too small for 15 peoples worth of food ⁃ No soap in multiple bathrooms ⁃ No parking bays, with parking area unsecured, with no lights or signage ⁃ No walkways from the parking area ⁃ No emergency information procedures ⁃ No signage on walkways ⁃ No emergency evacuation procedures explained ⁃ No cupboards in bedrooms and only 1 meager shelf per person in a room ⁃ No fridge in main living area ⁃ No handles on many of the windows ⁃ No fire extinguisher in the rooms ⁃ No fire alarms ⁃ No emergency pad ⁃ Non private bathrooms/showers in the units(no doors) ⁃ No hand towels or face towels provided ⁃ No bins In rooms, only tiny bathroom bins ⁃ No kitchen in main area ⁃ No potatoe peeler ⁃ No oven gloves ⁃ No iron ⁃ No oven

We keenly felt a difference in our treatment as guests in comparison to guests staying in the main part of the lodge. Why there was such preferential treatment is beyond me, but it was horrid...

My husband, 2 adult children and myself have just returned from a wonderful week at Maqueda Lodge. Francois, the owner, welcomed us with opened arms and ensured that we were comfortable throughout our stay. Nothing was too much trouble. The lodge was beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The shared spaces were peaceful and relaxing after returning from a full day Safari. The pool was freezing but certainly refreshing on a hot day. The beds were comfortable and the wifi was good. We experienced "load shedding" while in South Africa however it didn't affect our stay or experience. The shower was hot although there was no shampoo or body wash provided. Pump hand soap was available which we used to wash our hair and bodies! Meals were scrumptious. We only had one breakfast at the lodge as we were out on safaris on the other days. It was delicious and a great variety. The upstairs dining area was lovely. Dinner was incredible. We were served a three course meal and every night was a different taste sensation. Lanterns were lit when dinner was served which gave a lovely ambience. When we were out on our early morning safaris, or on the panoramic route, we were treated to a packed breakfast in our own Esky bag. Hot tea and plunger coffee was also served. This was enjoyed at a scenic location, watching animals while we ate. James was our driver and ranger on the 3 full day safaris. He was so knowledgeable and listened to what experience we wanted. He was also very friendly, attentive and lovely. When he wasn't driving us around Kruger, he was serving meals or cleaning. Everyone worked so hard. We booked 2 night safaris but after the first one we cancelled the second one and did another full day with James. The night safari was not through Maqueda Lodge but through Kruger NP. Rather than being in our small 9 seater vehicle, we were on a large 30 seater truck. When it got dark, half a dozen people were given spotlights to shine into the bush. It was very disappointing and we therefore saw very few animals. The driver didn't talk to us throughout the safari and, if they did, they were very hard to hear. I would not recommend doing this night safari. Unfortunately they are the only vehicles/people allowed in the park at night time. The panoramic route was great. The views were amazing. The drive to the first waterfall was over 2 hours. It was then 2 hours driving back to Maqueda Lodge. The following morning we then drove the same way for 1.5 hours to the airport. I would recommend doing this trip either when you first arrive, prior to arriving at Maqueda Lodge, or at the end of your stay before flying out of Nelspruit airport as the area is close to the airport and would avoid travel time. Thank you Maqueda Lodge for such a magical, memorable holiday with my family. You made us feel like we were part of your family. I would, and will be, recommending Maqueda Lodge to everyone considering visiting Kruger...

It is hard to know where to start when describing the exceptional experience we had staying at the Maqueda Lodge. The welcoming atmosphere from the moment we arrived was genuine and exhibited throughout our entire stay. The tranquility and beauty of the lodge contributed to a wonderful stay. The meals were plentiful and delicious. Food was traditional to the region. Of course our reason for booking this lodge was to visit Kruger National Park. We were not disappointed. The animals and vistas truly something to see. The Lodge arranged a late afternoon evening game drive on the day of our arrival. It was a good introduction. This was followed by a delicious multiple course dinner upon our return. The attention to detail was meaningful to us as guests. For example, we are not tea or coffee drinkers and the next thing we knew hot chocolate was available at every meal. The next two days, we were up early for full day game drives with a very knowledgeable guide. The days were marvelous. We learned so much from the guide and saw so many different animals. Again meals were scrumptious. The lodge was so inviting. The room was large and furniture and design fit the setting. The large common spaces for eating and sitting real made you feel welcome and the decor was inviting. One of the dinners was a barbecue, outside in a beautiful spot with a fire in a fire pit on the lodge grounds. The location is just a short drive to Kruger. There is also wild life here in Marloth Park where the lodge is located. A few things to know - Load shedding of electricity was a daily occurrence. The Lodge has a generator. As others stated - soap and shampoo was not provided. There was a hair dryer in the room. If you are looking for a place to stay with wonderful people, superb ambience, and delicious food this is the place to be. They arranged all the drives and took care of everything once we were at the lodge. Yoga was offered. We flew into Johannesburg and hired a guide to drive us 5 hours to the Lodge. The return drive was about 6 hours. Be sure and stop at the Azul Rest Stop for a bit of food and to see the...