Absolutely gorgeous house with lovely view, looks smaller than the pictures but has the watering hole right infront of the house! Had lots of animals come visit! Solar lights were put up for loadshedding which helped a lot!

All the crockery was dirty, the pots (not a big selection and are very heavy) were full of dirt inside, the severing bowls were full of thatch and the jugs looked like they hadn't been washed in a VERY long time. The thatch was also busy being re-done which was not indicated to me. The old thatch had the house extremely dirty (and thatch carries lice!) as well as the Bush baby's living in the thatch (no problem with that) but as we arrived there was poop on the main bedrooms sheet.

2nd visit at this Lodge. Setting of this Lodge is fantastic. Very clean, staff super friendly and helpful. Nothing beats the bush. Wide range of activities available, SPA, pools, bush walks and drives. Loads of local shops and restaurants near Sondela if you need a day out. Stay for 7 nights or more....it is so relaxing and beautiful.

Think due to load shedding the fridges is taking a beating and probably needs a service. Nothing to complain about, absolutely love this place.

The location was superb. The layout of the chalet suited our family. The fact that the unites are spread out, makes it very private and special. The waterhole 30m from the stoep drew many welcome visitors. The children enjoyed the hot and cold pool in our area.

A fan or two would have been welcome during the first very hot days. No broom to do basic cleaning.

We love Sondela, the animals that come to the houses, the cycling routes and just the peace and tranquility. In terms of this unit, it was cosy (really homely). It's tastefully decorated, comfortable beds and couches, heaters in all the rooms as we went in winter. The outside dining area was great with Gas heater and a Gas braai. The separate scullery is nice and the upstairs "kids" room spacious and fun for the kids with beautiful patio upstairs to soak up some sun. Comms with the host was good and they addressed any challenges / questions we experienced quickly.

Pots, pans and some kitchen equipment needs a refresh. Not sure I will go again in the heart of winter as the facilities are a bit limited with only one warm but not so warm pool and with load shedding it was freezing at night when heaters went out (but that was an exception).

I liked how the place had everything we needed and how the beds were so comfortable. Everything was working and everything was clean. Exactly as the pictures

The distance it takes to get to reception from main gate and not being informed fully about the activities and what needed to be done. We found most things fully booked due to staff giving less information until we ask

The place is ideal for families; our granddaughter had a blast at the pools and then in the evenings watching the animals walk past the unit, and the bushbabies were a wonderful surprise every night.

There didn't seem to be enough hot water at the unit for everyone to enjoy a hot shower.

This lodge is in the Bush. it is what it says on the label. You expect dirt roads, isolation, the stillness of the African bush. It was perfect for our getaway giving me a chance to relax. Nearby pools, which were generally not used were perfect for us to relax and swim at. I loved being out there listening to all the birds and seeing animals every now and then. if you want a noise and entertainment you can go to the reception area which is a distance away from the lodge- thank goodness otherwise you wouldn’t have the animals. Facilities at Makhato 84 are good. It is comfortable.

Animals came very close to the unit. Units are nicely spaced and private. Pool was in easy walking distance. Well maintained and spacious.

No dishwasher or washing machine. No coffee machine. No aircon.

We had a lovely stay at Makhato 84. Everything was beautiful but the roof was leaking above the glass cupboard. The bed my son-in-law slept in was extremely uncomfortable. The other beds were very comfortable. The kitchen was well stocked I would just have liked some plastic containers to put left overs in with lids. The fact that there are 2 fridges was great and helped a lot. The cleaners were not the greatest we had to ask them to empty out the dustbin on the patio and we were also lucky if they cleaned the patio at all, we had to ask them when we were there. They also didn't always mop the kitchen floor. The public swimming pool which is about 100 m away was taken over by a family and they were really making a noise and playing loud music which is not allowed, but I notified management and they immediately sent security to put an end to it. All in all we would definitely go back there. It's a beautiful place with the wild life coming right up to the patio.

The size of the unit is perfect and the beds are in an acceptable state. The boma is amazing and very useful. The outside table and fridge were very useful as we mostly used this the entire weekend.