This place seemed to lean more towards offering a spa experience than offering the opportunity to enjoy the amazing natural beauty in the area, and this is fine if that is what you want.

The various levels and unevenness of these make it unsuitable for people with mobility issues.

As some other reviewers, we found both the maintenance and housekeeping, and the staff attitude was often lacking. The maintenance crew uniforms were tattered and literally had holes in them. (See below.)

The resort stands at the top of and facing the river bank understandably to show the view. This meant that the sun shone all day through all the windows and onto the sun terraces and outside shower areas. Yet there were only thin rattan blinds in the bedroom and indoor bathroom and the middle column was left upon to show off the view - but thus heating up the lodge even more. Thermal lined curtains would have considerably improved the temperature and comfort. There was no shade offered on the terrace or outside shower - and the latter had no screening from anyone passing by on the river and who could see the entire very basic shower area.

Two of us tried to sit on their terrace at lunchtime, but could not stand the heat and sun. When we opened the door to our outside shower, the handle and lock fell apart into several pieces. This seemed to be quite involved to be repaired and, in the meantime, the door could not be shut or locked, so we could not leave the lodge secure.

Another reason that it was not secure was that the in-room safe was broken.

The individual lodges have glass windows (NB much accommodation has only mosquito netted windows) and are on two levels with 3 steps without a rail down to the bedroom, sitting and terrace areas - everyone in our party nearly had an accident at night as the steps have significant bumps on them (presumably to point out where they are, but uncomfortable for bare feet or feet in thin soled slippers) and with nothing else to grasp, the free swinging very large attractive mirror on chains was inadvertently grabbed to hold onto - and which would have caused significant damage if the chains broke, to anyone in the bed as well as the person holding it.)

The large entrance area was largely empty and had a good sized built in wardrobe but only a stand for one case, though clearly most visitors were in pairs.

The large double bed was comfortable and had mosquito netting. There was also an a/c unit near one side of the bed but it struggled to deliver coolness much beyond that one side of the bed, so overall we were not cool (we were there in September so early Spring). There was insufficient lighting to read either in bed or the armchair.

The main bathroom had a roll-top bath again in the sun and heat and two basins. There was a separate wc and speared shower. The drying or replacing of the not very large or thick towels was very hit and miss. There was a variety of good toiletries.

Cleaning was cursory with dust on internal doors and window panes.

There was a small attractive pool but with no shade apart from a few smallish parasols. Nearby was the spa, again overlooking the river and open sided rooms partly in the sun and heat. There were some steps around the spa area.

The paths along the top level were not entirely even, so care was needed especially at night and more lighting would have been helpful. There was landscaping and some plants for a garden.

The reception area was down a few steps. This was the only area with any wifi (free) but had poor reception and not all devices could connect. There was a small but expensive souvenir shop there.

The main lounge, bar and dining area were down a flight of uneven steps, and again overlooks date river. This was a large and attractive area, and where afternoon cakes and drinks were also offered. Food was from a mainly fixed menu. Breakfast was self service but for some hot dishes. The coffee was not hot. The waiting staff seemed ratter inexperienced. We noticed that the waiting numbers were varied appropriately as to when there were more people eating.

There were further steps down to the river and from where boat trips departed. These were mainly afternoon trips to view the nearby Popa Falls and sunset, with drinks and good homemade snacks offered. Although their website offers guided birding walks, we had to be quite persistent in asking for a boat trip to see birds; when this did happen, we had a very enjoyable trip with Joseph who is modest but very knowledgeable about the local birds.

We drove ourselves in Mahango Game Reserve and had a good time, seeing Sable antelopes for the first time and various other animal and bird species. Some of us also went on the safari trip to Buffalo Game Park. An enjoyable experience though it became 2 hours longer than intended and the return was in the dark.

The overall feeling to us was of somewhere wanting to offer a lush resort experience but struggling at some levels to deliver this.

The room lock was broken during the whole stay (every time I had to ask at reception to open the room). The safe box, hair dryer and telephone were also broken. Nothing was fixed and there was not even an apology.

Top of the bill. Real value for money in all means. We expected a standard lodge but got a roll top bath. Outside shower, private balcony with a great view and a 5 star 5 course diner as well. All combined with the most helpful staff. Perfection is the word