Addo Afrique Estate

Make sure you read the negatives as well before making up your mind, as there is no cancellation once you've booked. I was concerned after having read some reviews, but actually it was better than I expected. Set up on a small hill overlooking Addo Park, Addo Afrique has a 4km wide enclosure with their own animals to explore, and you feel like you're properly in Africa. The lodge is lovely especially the roof with exposed beams and thatch. However, if you need any information about where to find amenities etc ask Zwoie at the gate house - he is the most lovely, warm gentleman and so helpful.

It must cost a lot to maintain a lodge in a private reserve, but even so the price was too high for what is advertised as 4* accommodation. There is nothing extra in the room - just a totally empty fridge, no water, no biscuits and only instant coffee or loose tea bags with powdered creamer. There is no welcome information in the bedroom, so if you want to know anything basic (e.g. the wifi code or where the nearest shop is) you have to ask Moses the manager. When we arrived Moses,, along with his wife and child were sitting in the guest lounge area watching football. We felt uncomfortable sharing this area with staff and therefore stayed in our room. Unfortunately the customer service skills and attitude towards paying guests by the manager was poor - he was barely polite and not able to provide helpful information (we asked Zwoie instead). Despite being set well back from the road, there is also some traffic noise, however the road is not very busy.

Breakfast