Malkoha Lake St Lucia

The most expensive Logde I have ever been too. I payed “in full” before going there when I got there to be told that the R2200 per night only applied to one guest we had payed 4,400 for 2 nights so we had to double that because I was “sharing” with my husband.I still have sour taste in my mouth.Rooms don’t have a TV only books to read.I would never set foot in that lodge ever again.

Very disappointed with this accommodation. Started badly when we couldn’t get in the gate. There was an intercom, turns out it doesn’t work but there was no sign to tell us that it wasn’t working. Had to phone reception, they then phoned security guard to let us in. Parked car and lugged our bags all the way along a rickety boardwalk to the reception - turns out if you leave bags at car they will take them to your room. Friendly reception staff who greeted us with a welcome drink. Given key to our lodge - expected a beautiful view over the lake but disappointed to find there was very little view due to the vegetation. Room was shabby and small. You can’t drink the water so have to have the water they provide. Our room wasn’t turned down the first night so water wasn’t topped up which meant a trek to reception to get some drinking water. Menu was poor and provided in a shabby plastic folder. Food wasn’t great, reminded me of a Wetherspoons. Husband hired a mountain bike but chain kept coming off and gears didn’t work. One hour boat trip out over lake was worth doing and we saw a hippo. Staff friendly and try their best but place need an injection of money to bring it up to standard. This was the forth place we stayed on our two week trip and really disappointing.

This place is actually such a lovely experience. We went there as a couple on our honeymoon as part of a trip around soth Africa and found this place on ***********. We're so so glad we came here. The staff are really what made this place what it is. Every single person introduced themselves. Everyone was accomodating and was proactive - this is what differentiates transactional customer service with an experience that makes you feel valued and welcomed as a family member. Now, I must say that driving there should definitely consist of a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle. We made a massive mistake of driving there from richard's bay in a tiny red dishwasher of a car, in the pitch darkness. However, the staff know about these issues and actually all live locally (they even know how many hippos are in the lake!) So they came in a pick up truck to help navigate us when we got scared of the animals at night. Directions on Google are being fixed but I'd either recommend Waze or I'd recommend using the directions given by the hotel. We arrived about 20 minutes before a major storm so some activities were off the table (like visiting the wetlands as they were flooded!) For the rest of the week. Though we went on all other tours. Even when we didn't have cash to pay our driver for the big 5 safari (highly recommend) the lodge just paid it and billed us at the end, saving us yet again! When we asked to move rooms as it can get quite slippery and my wife's ankle is bad, they did it in 20 minutes. When we wanted laundry done before our next leg, they promised 24 hours and they did it in just over 12 (they were dried and pressed too!) To add to all of this, they've got board games and amazing cocktails and food to help you kill time. The food actually was a major highlight. We worked our way through the whole menu as it was so nice! The burgers are a highlight by the way! They even called us a few days prior to arrival to check our dietary requirements. While we want to explore so we'll stay at another dreams resort when we're around again, we will definitely return to say hello to everyone. You can trust these people for cleanliness, professionalism and encyclopaedic local expertise that nobody else has. Please do the village tour if you can too, as you get to really understand what's around you and some of the proceeds go back to the community (some of whom are hired by the hotel)

Not quite 4 star! Nibela Lodge unfortunately didn’t live up to the 4 star rating. We stayed at the lodge for 3 nights in July 2023. Despite the welcoming staff and warm smiles, this hotel left us wanting and disappointed. We took the breakfast and dinner option. The food was average. Well presented. But don’t expect much more. With a few exceptions, most of the food on offer is basic. Expect to wait a long time for meals - we even waited over an hour! Received mains before starters. And got chicken in a vegetarian pasta. The restaurant was out of stock of many things - including bread. The rooms although, comfortable don’t seem to be well maintained. The air conditioner didn’t work and took more than one request to get it fixed. We did not have hot water twice in a 3 night stay. The hotel does not have blankets. It was a cold and uncomfortable couple of nights. There was no wifi in the room contrary to what we were told on arrival. After reporting it to the hotel it was finally resolved, 2 days later. If you’re looking for 4 star comforts, luxuries and attention to detail, this is not the place. The place seems to be poorly managed. And perhaps staff need more training. They are well intentioned but clearly lack experience. There are onsite activities like quad biking, nature walks, nature drives, fishing and a boat ride. We did the quad biking and a boat ride. The boat ride was just around the lake, didn’t see any crocs. R500 per person for a ride around the lake for an hour. I don’t think this lodge offers value for money. Based on our family’s experience I would not recommend this resort to family and friends. Our experience overall was underwhelming. And I believe over priced for what is on offer.

This is by the far the worst trip to be on especially with little kids. The rooms are pathetic with wasps and insects and worms and sand on the bedding. I don't know if they clean the lodges but it's terrifying for little kids and I will never come here again

The lodge and area is beautiful. Perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway and especially a treat if you enjoy bird watching. Staff are friendly and helpful. However the food is definitely not up to a 4 star standard & bathrooms could do with an upgrade. Honestly, rather expensive for what you get unfortunately.