Reviews
Map
Sleeping areas
{ $store.general.updateOpenTray('establishment-rates', 'Rates and availability for Gecko\u0020Lodge\u0020and\u0020Cottage', 0, false, 90, false, true, {"establishment_location":"Mabalingwe Nature Reserve","tab_names":{"overview":{"en":"Overview","af":"Oorsig"},"rooms":{"en":"Rooms","af":"Kamers"},"map":{"en":"Map","af":"Kaart"},"rates":{"en":"Rates","af":"Tariewe"},"reviews":{"en":"Reviews","af":"Resensies"},"enquiry":{"en":"Book","af":"Bespreek"},"post-enquiry":{"en":"Successful Enquiry","af":"Suksesvolle Navraag"},"permanently-delisted":{"en":"","af":""},"temporary-delisted":{"en":"","af":""}},"tab_links":{"overview":"\/accommodation\/gecko-lodge-and-cottage\/","rooms":"\/accommodation\/gecko-lodge-and-cottage?tab=rooms","map":"\/accommodation\/gecko-lodge-and-cottage?tab=location","rates":"\/accommodation\/gecko-lodge-and-cottage?tab=rates","reviews":"\/accommodation\/gecko-lodge-and-cottage?tab=reviews","enquiry":"\/accommodation\/gecko-lodge-and-cottage\/book","post-enquiry":"\/accommodation\/gecko-lodge-and-cottage\/success","permanently-delisted":"\/accommodation\/gecko-lodge-and-cottage\/","temporary-delisted":"\/accommodation\/gecko-lodge-and-cottage\/"},"robots":"noindex","cancellation_policy":{"type":"moderate","details":[{"period":"1 month","percentage":"100","minimum":false},{"period":"1 week","percentage":"50","minimum":false},{"period":"1 week","percentage":"0","minimum":true}],"name":"Moderate"},"rates_grid_json":"{\"units\":\"[{\\\"id\\\":277907,\\\"room_name\\\":\\\"Gecko Lodge and Cottage\\\",\\\"exact\\\":true}]\",\"room\":1,\"adult\":2,\"child\":0,\"child_ages\":[],\"start_day\":\"07\",\"start_month\":10,\"start_year\":\"2024\",\"element_hack\":\"grid\"}","has_reaction":false,"include_pensioner_specials":false,"bookings_at_establishment":false,"is_favourited_establishment":false,"address":"Off the R516, Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, Bela-Bela, 0840, Limpopo","selected_special":{"id":"316202","type":"midweek","reward_type":"item","start_date":"28 Aug 2024","end_date":"30 Nov 2024","name":"Midweek Special","description":"Receive a complimentary guided game drive for any stay that doesn't include a Friday or Saturday night (minimum 2 night stay). Valid for stays from 28 Aug 2024 until 30 Nov 2024.","short_description":"Receive a complimentary guided game drive","flash_deal_bookable_until":null,"exclusive_special":false,"exclusive_special_label":"","is_eligible":1,"effective_discount":0,"percentage_off":0,"show_percentage_off":true},"static_map_url":"https:\/\/maps.locationiq.com\/v3\/staticmap?key=pk.fd2e632d800e3cb7cf76826d11411c41&size=730x470&zoom=14&format=png¢er=-24.811669725769,28.102917458747&marker=icon:small-black-cutout|-24.811669725769,28.102917458747","overall_review":{"average_value_score":"4.4","average_service_score":"4.0","average_cleanliness_score":"4.1","average_location_score":"4.3","average_safety_score":"4.5"}}); }, 800);">
Rates
Gecko Lodge and Cottage
Gecko Lodge and Cottage
Gecko Lodge and Cottage
-
Receive a complimentary guided game drive for any stay that doesn't include a Friday or Saturday night (minimum 2 night stay). Valid for stays from 28 Aug 2024 until 30 Nov 2024.
The multi-storey accommodation comprises the main lodge and 1 cottage. The main lodge comprises 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, while the cottage has a bedroom and a bathroom. Four of the bedrooms each contain a double bed, and the fifth bedroom is furnished with a double bed, as well as 2 single beds. The cottage bedroom is also furnished with a double bed. The bathrooms are fitted with either a shower or a bath, a basin, and a toilet, and for convenience, linen and towels are provided.
The open-plan kitchen is equipped with a stove, an oven, a microwave, a fridge, as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities. Meals can be enjoyed at the breakfast bar or the dining table, and guests can relax in the lounge which is equipped with a TV with selected DStv channels, as well as uncapped Wi-Fi access.
The living area opens onto the main deck which is equipped with braai facilities, and overlooks the boma fire pit and splash pool that overlooks the reserve.
The resort also boasts a host of facilities and activities such as game drives, horseback game viewing, cold and heated swimming pools, and an outdoor spa.
The multi-storey accommodation comprises the main lodge and 1 cottage. The main lodge comprises 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, while the cottage has a bedroom and a bathroom. Four of the bedrooms each contain a double bed, and the fifth bedroom is furnished with a double bed, as well as 2 single beds. The cottage bedroom is also furnished with a double bed. The bathrooms are fitted with either a shower or a bath, a basin, and a toilet, and for convenience, linen and towels are provided.
The open-plan kitchen is equipped with a stove, an oven, a microwave, a fridge, as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities. Meals can be enjoyed at the breakfast bar or the dining table, and guests can relax in the lounge which is equipped with a TV with selected DStv channels, as well as uncapped Wi-Fi access.
The living area opens onto the main deck which is equipped with braai facilities, and overlooks the boma fire pit and splash pool that overlooks the reserve.
The resort also boasts a host of facilities and activities such as game drives, horseback game viewing, cold and heated swimming pools, and an outdoor spa.
Features
Reviews (24)
24 guests' feedbackThank you to Gecko Lodge and Cottage for the excellent service and beautiful accommodation. We stayed there with friends and it was truly a weekend to remember. I would definitely recommend the place. The place was neat and clean and the staff were friendly. Everyone stayed comfortable.
Amazing views and a great house to stay in with friends. We had a lovely time.
We had a very nice stay. The house and surroundings are very beautiful. Everything was clean. Good amenities. Lynette was very friendly and always helpful. Very practical. Have fun watching wildlife. The game viewing vehicle we were able to hire was a winner. Thanks for your help too.
The rooms are beautiful and newly redone. The view is great. This is a great place that we can recommend anytime.
We had a lovely weekend and everything we could need was available. There were really no complaints and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Perhaps the only criticism was the keys to the various rooms, they were pretty well marked but not all the doors could open, and some doors we struggled to lock again!
Lovely place with beautiful rooms. Clean, tidy, perfectly equipped, modern.
What a nice visit! Gecko Lodge and Cottage has so much space, even though we had quite a few people together, you didn't fall over each other's feet. The place is perfect for a lovely visit with loved ones with a nice barbecue area and an exceptional view. In the morning you hear the lions roaring. It was a great getaway!
We had a great stay at Gecko Lodge, Lynette was very helpful! Will definitely book there again.
Very nice after work visit.
We were 4 families and really enjoyed the weekend, but the place is not toddler friendly, with 3 different levels. Very nice view, clean, tidy and well furnished (except for a bottle opener). I can recommend Gecko Lodge (if you have no or older children), with the exception of a few things (pool net that was not on as requested, WiFi password that was not correct).
The place was not as clean as expected, and some shower taps not working but customer service was 100%.
The place is spacious and the rooms are cozy. The kitchen is well equipped. A toilet downstairs by the braai area would be nice. Also think the bedrooms could do with sliding locks from the inside.
Gecko Lodge is a beautiful house, very privately located, with a breathtaking view of the nature reserve. We could gather around the fire, with the sounds of the forest around us. Lynette was very helpful in answering all our questions and requests.
Perfect place for weekend away.
Had a wonderful time. Only concern was the railings on the deck and stairs to the pool a issue for toddler.
Enough space and parking, clean and neat and very well equipped. Lynette is also a very good hostess and communicates thoroughly and timeously. Will go there again any time.
I have stayed at places in this reserve quite a few times. So far everyone has been excellent! This time not so much. It looks like it hasn't been maintained in years and that doesn't make it worth the price at all. Do not visit the place if you have small children as it is not safe at all. The balcony's wood is falling apart, some of the showers' hot water is not working, there is no pool cover, the ceiling fans are not working, etc. I was quite surprised that there was no trash in the kitchen! Wow! We eventually closed the black bags in a room because the maggots got out and because there were no people to come and take them away. Lynette also sent us a WhatsApp a few hours before we had to come and asked for a deposit - sorry but it was nowhere to be seen. And so at last? Quite the wrong bill also sent otherwise it would have been paid and my money gone with it. No what - very very poor place; rather stay away.
What a wonderful house! The dishwasher was a big plus and the swimming pool was clean and great to cool off in! The view was great, just wish that we could stay longer! Would just recommend that they buy some gas lamps or install emergency lights for when load shedding hits.
See stars.
It is definitely worth the money. The place is slightly neglected and definitely needs maintenance. Already gave Lynette feedback. Potential visitors should just be aware that the road to Gecko Lodge is not suitable for a normal car at the stage. Rather drive with a van or SUV. Also a very nice place to visit.
Our arrival was unfortunately not the most smooth of arrivals. The hostess was under the impression we were arriving a day later, unsure why because payment was confirmed weeks before. The house is situated in Idwala which is a private house, so reception could not assist us with the location. We attempted calling the hostess to no avail and had to contact the website for assistance, reception directed us to Idwala and whilst en route we obtained clarity on the camp location and house number. Upon our arrival at the house, the home had not be cleaned or prepared or beds made, one of the flatlet's shower door was broken, and a poisonous snake was found in the other (luckily we were quickly assisted with this problem), but the pool had a waxy substance along the walls, and there was no game vehicle (which we had paid for the use thereof). The hostess arrived with cleaners and a box of chocolates to apologise, blamed the misunderstanding on load shedding (which was another thing that we experienced - 4 hours of load shedding per day, so it was difficult to keep food and drinks cold). Also, the box of chocolates we received were past their expiry date, but needless to say, after the trauma of the mismatched arrival, once everything was sorted out, we had a wonderful stay. The home is situated on the top of a mountain overlooking the valley, with magnificent views (however, it is to be noted that a bit of trimming of the trees within the line of site, would expose the view to all its majesty). When the game vehicle finally arrived, we had a wonderful day exploring the bush and sighting of animals! It was a wonderful, quality family trip! Last point of contention was that on the morning of our departure the cleaners arrived at 8:30 am, even though departure is scheduled for 11 am, so it was difficult to pack up with them in and around the kitchen, which resulted in us leaving valuables behind and having to turn around to come back to collect same. Honestly, if those factors could be taken into consideration, we would definitely be back because this home has great potential! Thank you for our stay!
We had an awesome time this past weekend. The facilities, bedrooms, view and service was just perfect. We will definitely go back in the near future.
See stars.
Nice place, but there are stairs that are very wobbly and make it difficult with children or older people. Not all the rooms have fans and the ones that do don't work well. It's very hot and the mosquitoes eat you up. You can't leave doors open either because of the monkeys. The loft with 2 single beds does not have a fan or a plug to plug in a fan and the windows cannot be opened. The sofa bed is outside so cannot be counted as additional sleeping space for children. The shower drain in one of the rooms was blocked. We arranged for cleaning services at R250 per day, but also had to pay for the Sunday when we had already checked out.
Map
Room arrangements
More photos
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Calendar
Tap any rate to see more detailed pricing.
Enjoy discounted prices with these specials!
Discover exceptional value with our range of special offers available at this property. *
Get 15% off when you book less than 1 day before your stay. This special is always valid.
Receive a complimentary guided game drive for any stay that doesn't include a Friday or Saturday night (minimum 2 night stay). Valid for stays from 28 Aug 2024 until 30 Nov 2024.
* We ensure the best price for your booking by applying the special which gives you the highest discount.
Extra Fees
In addition to the rates in the table above, this property also charges a once-off R350 cleaning fee per booking.
Breakage Deposit
A refundable breakage deposit of R3000 is payable directly to the property.Check-in/check-out details
House rules
Housekeeping is available on request at an additional cost per service.Any breakages or damages due to negligence by the guests exceeding the breakage deposit will be for the guest's account.
Breakage deposits will be refunded 5-7 days after check-out. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with banking details for the refund.
Parties, as well as loud noise and disturbances after 22:00, are not allowed. During the day, music is allowed for your ears only.
Guests are welcome to visit and make use of the resort’s facilities at their own cost.
A game drive vehicle is available on request with prior arrangement, and is at an additional cost per day.
Rubbish to be kept in the lodge or bins provided, and rubbish will be removed when housekeeping services are booked.
Please refrain from moving furniture around except for pool loungers and folding chairs. This damages the deck.
Please place all crockery and cutlery in the lodge before retiring at night and before departing.
All doors and windows to be closed when not in residence.
All windows to be closed and all doors to be locked on departure.
Lodge keys are not allowed to be removed from the property and have to be locked in the key safe, even if you are going on a game drive.
Fire is only allowed in the designated areas; braai and boma.
Firewood for the boma and braai area can be pre-ordered for delivery at the lodge at an additional cost per bag.
No firewood to be collected from the veld.
Beer bottles, caps, cigarette butts etc thrown in the veld will be cleaned at a charge of R500.
Any damages caused by non-adherence will be charged to guests directly.
Some roads in the reserve are not tarred, and it is recommended to use a vehicle with a high clearance when possible.
Please note that you will be required to accept the full terms and conditions as provided by the establishment upon booking.
Non-adherence to these rules can lead to a fine at the host's discretion and/or eviction from Mabalingwe Nature Reserve.
The multi-storey accommodation comprises the main lodge and 1 cottage. The main lodge comprises 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, while the cottage has a bedroom and a bathroom. Four of the bedrooms each contain a double bed, and the fifth bedroom is furnished with a double bed, as well as 2 single beds. The cottage bedroom is also furnished with a double bed. The bathrooms are fitted with either a shower or a bath, a basin, and a toilet, and for convenience, linen and towels are provided.
The open-plan kitchen is equipped with a stove, an oven, a microwave, a fridge, as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities. Meals can be enjoyed at the breakfast bar or the dining table, and guests can relax in the lounge which is equipped with a TV with selected DStv channels, as well as uncapped Wi-Fi access.
The living area opens onto the main deck which is equipped with braai facilities, and overlooks the boma fire pit and splash pool that overlooks the reserve.
The resort also boasts a host of facilities and activities such as game drives, horseback game viewing, cold and heated swimming pools, and an outdoor spa.