Munga Eco-Lodge — Hotel in Southern Province

October 2024 As a person who has worked in hospitality at the highest levels, I will give an honest review to help future travellers as well as management improve. Firstly I would like to say that I enjoyed my stay at the lodge and the staff are super friendly.

I was told the lodge is owned by a couple who do not reside in Zambia and only visit occasionally. They have entrusted the management to locals who run the lodge. I honestly only see huge potential for this place. Location is excellent right on the Elephant Corridor and we were blessed to see these magnificent animals close up right from the lodge. The thatch roof and chalets are amazing and blend in with the environment in true ECO fashion.

I can not blame the lodge for lack of ZESCO power as that is the governments fault for lack of planning. However not to have a generator to at least keep the fridges running is lack of planning from management of this lodge. Trying to sleep when the fans are not working and temperatures are in the high 30s is almost impossible and made very uncomfortable nights. I also requested a drink from the bar and nothing was cold so I went elsewhere where they do have cold refreshing drinks.We also tried to order food and the friendly waitress hands us the menu and then tells us nothing is available as they have no stock due to fridges not working which they blamed on Zesco.

They have a beautiful ECO Pool but it was cracked, no water and can see that nothing has been done for upkeep of this beautiful pool in years. I was told they have been quoted to get it repaired but that remains to be seen. The lodge does have an agreement with another lodge next door for swimming but when we went to that lodge they wanted to charge us to use their pool. It was sorted out after negotiations.

The breakfast, which is included in the price, is much to be desired.They never had half the things and when I asked for an omelette I was told that everything that goes on a " normal" omelette is EXTRA and we would be charged. They offer fruit juice that is a concentrate mixed with water and they never even had the fruit juice we requested as no stock. This is simply poor planning from the chef who is unable to keep an inventory.

As I stated earlier, the staff are super friendly and I believe this lodge has so much potential. I would love to take on a consultant relief manager to get things up to scratch as I believe they would be willing but simply do not have the know how on what to do. Basically it is a ship that has lost its rudder and floating aimlessly in the ocean of potential.

I would go back as the location and chalets were beautiful and staff friendly. But I also would like to see some changes and direction given to this...

As a person who has worked in hospitality at the highest levels, I will give an honest review to help future travellers as well as management improve. Firstly I would like to say that I enjoyed my stay at the lodge and the staff are super friendly. ||I was told the lodge is owned by a couple who do not reside in Zambia and only visit occasionally. They have entrusted the management to locals who run the lodge. I honestly only see huge potential for this place. Location is excellent right on the Elephant Corridor and we were blessed to see these magnificent animals close up right from the lodge. The thatch roof and chalets are amazing and blend in with the environment in true ECO fashion.||I can not blame the lodge for lack of ZESCO power as that is the governments fault for lack of planning. However not to have a generator to at least keep the fridges running is lack of planning from management of this lodge. Trying to sleep when the fans are not working and temperatures are in the high 30s is almost impossible and made very uncomfortable nights. I also requested a drink from the bar and nothing was cold so I went elsewhere where they do have cold refreshing drinks.We also tried to order food and the friendly waitress hands us the menu and then tells us nothing is available as they have no stock due to fridges not working which they blamed on Zesco.||They have a beautiful ECO Pool but it was cracked, no water and can see that nothing has been done for upkeep of this beautiful pool in years. I was told they have been quoted to get it repaired but that remains to be seen. The lodge does have an agreement with another lodge next door for swimming but when we went to that lodge they wanted to charge us to use their pool. It was sorted out after negotiations.||The breakfast, which is included in the price, is much to be desired.They never had half the things and when I asked for an omelette I was told that everything that goes on a " normal" omelette is EXTRA and we would be charged. They offer fruit juice that is a concentrate mixed with water and they never even had the fruit juice we requested as no stock. This is simply poor planning from the chef who is unable to keep an inventory. ||As I stated earlier, the staff are super friendly and I believe this lodge has so much potential. I would love to take on a consultant relief manager to get things up to scratch as I believe they would be willing but simply do not have the know how on what to do. Basically it is a ship that has lost its rudder and floating aimlessly in the ocean of potential.||I would go back as the location and chalets were beautiful and staff friendly. But I also would like to see some changes and direction given to this...

We loved our stay at this most unique lodge. Each chalet is much more than a room. Your key opens to your private courtyard with a sun bed and ample seating area. Separate doors open to a spacious room, cleverly designed with shelves & tables for your suitcases hidden from site behind the very comfortable bed. Rooms had many artistic touches from inlaid colored glass to metal forged doors. I cant even describe it all. It’s very peaceful. That might not sound like much until you’ve spent time nearer the falls and the constant droning overhead of nonstop helicopter & microlight flights. One night we rested on the courtyard sunbed and watched the amazing array of stars! It is worth mentioning, you can not walk to the shops or restaurants from here. This was not a problem for us as most activities you book include pick up & drop off or taxis are easy to get. We are bird watchers and one reason we picked Munga was to be able to enjoy the birds right on the grounds & surroundings. The service was excellent & all the staff very accommodating. We ate several meals there and were pleased each time. We loved our time here, it was quiet, relaxing, and just lovely, but maybe not the place for someone wanting TV...