"Very nice place."

Very nice stay. Game drives were fun, wildlife roaming free is so beautiful.

"We love Mabalingwe, been there a few times. It's our favourite holiday destination."

We had a great stay. The unit is very close to the restaurant and reception. The unit was cosy and comfortable. We didn't really cook; we enjoyed the meals at the restaurant and the caravan park. The food is affordable and we received great service.

"We really enjoyed the weekend, will definitely go back again."

Our stay was comfortable, beautiful boma and scenery. We were greeted upon our arrival by goats, elephants and warthogs.

"Everything was fantastic as always. Thank you guys."

See stars.

"Awesome."

Nice and peaceful. Nice view.

"Place will be 100% if attention to detail is given."

We only used them to sleep 1 night because we were involved in another resort. Small issues to note: The toilet keeps spilling water. The toilet paper holder is loose. The bathroom sink's cold faucet seal does not want to work well. The tub's plug is smaller than the hole and water continues to flow out. The bath's overflow is broken and is just a hole sitting there. The DSTV did not work.

"We will go again."

Very good location in the reserve. Close to shop and swimming pool. Room has a nice braai place and fire place. It was wonderful to be able to drive on neat roads to see wildlife. One can see that the reserve is well maintained. Unfortunately the cleanliness was a bit disappointing and the linen smelled funny. I hope when we go again it will be better.

"Love Mabalingwe, not the unit."

We got unit 265B. Good things: The surroundings are beautiful and we had a great time in the lapa. Challenges: The bedding does not smell good. Couldn't close the curtain on the bed because the curtain cap was broken off and lying on the ground. Maybe take your own barbecue tongs and teaspoons with you, because there aren't any.

"Mabalingwe very nice and peaceful."

Mattress springs pushed through so sleep was not pleasant. Mabalingwe itself is very very nice, everyone is friendly and helpful.

"Mabalingwe itself is a very nice place, but would not stay in the unit again."

Place was not clean. Fridge didn't work at all on Friday. Horse wasp nests in the roof infested with spiders. Approached Monique, got no response. After numerous messages she said management was on its way. At least it was cleaner when we returned on Saturday afternoon. But nesses were still there. Still haven't received a message back from Monique after I asked her if everything is ok at our unit.

"Mabalingwe is a great place."

Place needs a good "deep clean" - and more power points.

"Unit 0 - Mabalingwe 1."

There seem to be some challenges with the unit that need attention. Upon our arrival, the unit was very untidy and dirty, with dirty dishes that had not been washed. The furniture was covered in dust and cobwebs were everywhere. There was also a safety risk with the shower and bath faucets that conducted electricity, which shocked us time and time again when we tried to use them. Fortunately, an electrician was approached and temporarily solved the problem. Unfortunately, the problem returned later, causing further inconvenience. During our five-day stay, we were forced to search for clean towels ourselves, which further detracted from the overall experience. It was clear that there was a lack of effective maintenance and service delivery in the unit.

"Uncomfortable and not clean."

Unit's rooms were not dusted or cleaned at all, only beds were cleanly covered. Bath/shower not washed and DSTV decoder and TV power points nowhere to be found to turn them on. Left men's ring in front of locker before we went for a game drive because the safe doesn't work. I let the owner know I was going to pick up the ring after the time, and when I returned it was gone.

"Had an amazing weekend at Elephant Lodge."

The place was clean and had everything we needed. Had an amazing stay at Tarentaal.

"Quiet, private and beautiful"

We have stayed in various units in Elephant Lodge quite a few times now, but this unit stands out from the rest. There is a more, full DStv package, good lighting during load shedding and more privacy which we like. We will definitely stay here again.

"For us it was perfect. Drove around Mabalingwe all day, ate at Vultures view and visited Kalahri Oasis."

Bath was just a bit small, but could also shower. My husband is only tall and shower is too short for him. Not really using the kitchen except for making coffee. But it is a very nice place.

"Enjoyed the weekend, will go again. People who clean only clean upstairs."

Lots of wildlife seen unfortunately not one of the big 5, Mabaligwe itself a beautiful place, staff friendly and helpful.

"We were very kindly welcomed at the main entrance."

The directions to the chalet were very easy and we were surprised with lots of game on the way to our chalet. Unfortunately, we were a little disappointed with the cleanliness of the place, the bathroom definitely needs attention and there is mold on the tiles and the bathtub is not right. The toilet was leaking terribly and by Saturday evening the floor was soaking wet. Our bathroom light also didn't work at all, we told one of the cleaners about it the next day and she sent someone to come and fix it, the first night we were looking forward to grilling but the grill and grill were full of wet ash and papers, we first had to clean them ourselves to be able to make a fire. Mabalingwe itself is a beautiful place and we thoroughly enjoyed the game drive and would certainly like to book again, but the room really needs attention and TLC. It would be great if they could also provide guests with a gas stove option because there was also loadshedding so you could just make a cup of coffee. All the staff were extremely friendly and we felt very welcome.

"No load shedding schedule."

The place is dated and needs upgrading.

"Disappointing."

This is the 3rd time we have booked a place with them and every time there are problems with the bath water. The unit was dirty and untidy. There wasn't even a broom or mop to clean yourself. We are aware that the unit is privately rented out, but unfortunately it leaves a bad experience on Mabalingwe and we do not feel we can recommend it. We sent my grandma and grandpa for the getaway and are disappointed that 2 old people had to struggle with it.

"We really enjoyed Mabalingwe Nature Reserve and will definitely go back again. So much to see and do."

The unit is much smaller than it appears in the photos. The kitchen could do with a few additions. The toilet has a smell. The cottage is generally a little neglected and needs some renovation work. There is a problem with the electricity. We were shocked a few times when you stand in the shower and touch the faucet. We reported this on day 2 and even though we stayed 7 days the issue was never addressed.

"Dirty place."

This place is dirty and not maintained well. The owner must invest in the cleanliness of this place. It's a wreck.

"Very disappointed."

The unit was dirty. The toilet seat was in poor condition. The sheets were stained.

"Awesome."

Great weekend, will visit again.

"Value for money."

Communication was excellent and it made the "check-in" procedure run smoothly. Manager was friendly and willing to help with anything. Braai facilities boma was a real hit as we could see the elephants while I was braaiing.

"Very nice, and very peaceful."

Only negative things were the people playing loud loud music. The bathroom light did not work. The bath was not very nice, the shower head was broken and the water that came out was dirty and the bath was loose and sagged (pulled loose from wall). The aircon leaked water on top of the small oven/stove. Other than that it was a very nice place I would love to go back again if it is fixed. And Monique was very friendly and helped us get in in the evening, when we couldn't see anything with the power that was off at the resort. We called her and she was very helpful. The staff at the resort and attendants were also extremely friendly. We felt very much at home.

"Outstanding!"

The elephants walked between me and my husband, while we were grilling, and it was a great experience! Every morning and every evening the goats, guinea fowl, warthogs and partridges came to visit the chalet. I will go there again and again. Excellent again!

"Friendly staff and lots of animal to see."

See stars.

"Dirty."

The thatched roof is full of cobwebs, the bathroom light doesn't work, there's a wasps' nest by the front door, the 2 small towels are so bleached and frayed now you have to shower with them in a dark bathroom and there was a nest of red ants in the back. a piece of wood in the bathroom. I requested my money back because we didn't stay there, just checked in and checked out, but then again they kept R500. Not a good experience at all to travel 2 hours with 2 small babies in the car and then travel back again and we lose R500.

"Restful. Tidy. Clean. Fully equipped. Have fun"

Restful. Tidy. Clean. Fully equipped. Have fun

"Rest for the soul."

Away from the city, peaceful and so much wildlife to see. We will see the place again soon.

"Nice bush getaway."

The unit was neat and has most things needed for a self catering unit. The atmosphere on the veranda and in the braai boma are very nice and there is plenty of game that walks through the area. The only negative of the boma is that it's very close to that of your neighboring unit. Overall if what you are looking for is a basic bush getaway for a weekend this unit works well.

"Maintenance required."

When we arrived the floor was wet due to load shedding, the fridge had melted. One of the two single beds were damaged, the spring was old and it stuck into your back when you sleep on it. The shower leaked into the outside basin which has a electric plug point underneath it. I am surprised that no one has been electrocuted yet while taking a shower.

"Dirty. Heart broken. No."

The room looks as if no one has been there in months. There were at least 6 dead flies in the bed. The bath and toilet were full of dead bugs. Als is full of dust and dirt. It's creepy. The bathroom's water was black. No one cleaned before we came to stay. We came in at half past 3 in the afternoon. The cleaning people didn't make an effort until the next day. The fridge has no shelves in it. The mattresses have been slept through, you can feel the iron through the mattresses. The bench and porch outside are really dirty. You are too scared to sit because something is going to whip you on the butt, wish there was a broom or something in the room so we could fix the pond ourselves. We would not recommend any person to stay in this place at all. Understand that it's cheaper accommodation, but you expect it to be clean.

"Lovely unit and great location inside the Mabalingwe Reserve."

Improvements: No vegetable drawer in the fridge (storage of groceries challenging). No corkscrew or wine glasses.

"Nice oxveld feeling."

The places are neat, but need a little maintenance. Braai facilities are very nice and private and lighting is more than enough. The counter where you have to make coffee and microwave area is very cramped and too high for short people. On top of that, it is very cute and I would stay there again. Hope they do some maintenance soon.

"Here you can clear your mind, relax and forget about stress."

Cutlery not enough. 1 teaspoon. No braai tongs. Rest was super.

"Good concept, short improvement of accommodation rates."

It was a pleasant experience with beautiful surroundings. Entertainment was good. The following needs to be fixed: microwave's glass plate was gone, bathtub's drain hole cap is off, power plug by beds not working, wiring is impractical, power trips when more than one appliance is used, fridge doesn't seal well. Menu at restaurant is limited and lacks more variety. For sure that there is stock for what is on the menu.

"Nice bushveld with all the amenities near you."

The unit needs some attention, like the fridge, microwave, plug and cooking equipment, geyser too hot, etc.

"Great."

Outstanding service, beautiful place and perfect getaway.

"It was incredible. The unit and braai boma are excellent. Will definitely be back."

The unit was in excellent condition, tidy, and the boma ideal for braai time. Also really enjoyed the animal interaction.

"Nice."

Was unfortunately about the fridge. He first froze and then unfroze again. I had to throw away half of my meat and fruit.

"Nice place for a weekend."

We had a nice stay at Tarentaal. We found the place easily, and it's very conveniently close to the pool etc. The place is nice and clean and the bedding 'crisp-white'. It's adequate for a weekend, but might be a bit fancy if you wanted to stay longer. Very little storage space for food and no space for food preparation other than an outside dining table. With a little TLC it could definitely be value for money for a short getaway.

"Well equipped unit with DStv which is always a plus."

Had a wonderful stay in unit 170a. Would definitely recommend and book it again, should the opportunity arise. Neat, charming unit, well equipped with DStv included for times when you are exhausted from the beautiful outdoors.

"Very nice!"

Very nice stay and close to everything. Will go back again, maybe just a bit expensive for what you get.

"Comfortable for overnight accommodation, but very impractical for a self-catering unit."

The unit is neat and clean, but we would not recommend it as a self-catering unit. There is no question of a kitchen, with no work surface to prepare food. The fridge is tiny and the two plate stove and sink are outside the unit. Visiting the boma was very unpleasant because a sewer smell hung in the air, possibly over the stream that runs past the unit. The unit is conveniently located near the activities area and we spent most of our time there for the reasons mentioned earlier.

"Mabalingwe area is beautiful. Elephant Lodge Unit 170 Tarentaal needs urgent attention."

The front door lock/handle is broken. The toilet seat is weathering. These are "trifles". Outside, the "french drain" has collapsed and is completely open. Apart from the fact that the smell is horrible and it is almost at the braai-boma and kitchen, where one cooks and eats it is really unsafe and unhygienic. The pavement right by the steps to the barbecue caved in, my husband fell there in the dark and sprained his foot. Dark because all the outside lights to and from the braai area are broken - one is on the ground and the other is not working. Inside were no report or inventory forms.

"We did not get what we paid for."

The lady who does the bookings did not impress us. I don't think she really knows what's going on. She didn't know how to explain to us how to get there. She put us in another house, not Tarentaal. At the first unit there was only 1 towel and no toilet paper. Second unit had a big and a small towel, we are 2 adults. We asked her where we could braai because Tarentaal is basically on your veranda. We had to walk a few meters into the bush to get to our lapa. She says that Tarentaal apparently has water problems. The day we had to leave, she sent me Tarentaal's code to get the key. I drove past it and people sat on the veranda. It's a real pity about our experience, because the place is really beautiful. I think they should rather appoint a competent person to handle the booking.

"Very cute."

Just very hot. Ceiling fans not sufficient for the heat.

"A very nice weekend away in a particularly good and beautiful place."

My girlfriend and I went away at the weekend and stayed in Elephant Lodge at Mabalingwe and got engaged. This is an excellent place and would recommend it to anyone looking to get away from the city.

"Nice location."

Clean and nicely decorated. But very small units. No work space and no table. Actually very unpractical and uncomfortable.