Ndzhaka Tented Camp

When I first made an enquiry to to book at this lodge, the owner appeared to be so warm and helpful. They explained the services, gave you detailed directions, asked what time you will arrive and your interest in wildlife, etc. But when we arrived at this lodge, this place looked and felt deserted. There was no one there! Another gentleman arrived at the same time as we did and we all thought we were at the wrong place. All of us left and went wondered around the reserve for another 30 minutes. It was only after we came back to the place out of desperation and shouted more than 10 times, a kitchen staff came out...That's when you can tell there is no management in this place whatsoever. The pathway to the tent is falling apart so it's dangerous to walk as you can step on a loosen plank anytime. The tent is basic. I want to use the mosquito net as it is a malaria area but it is so dirty I finally gave up. The lack of management went on...The ranger has great knowledge in wildlife but he was seldom there on time. Half of the time he was late for 15 minutes and one time he even showed up late, not in uniform and asked for another 10 minutes to change. When we went to have coffee/biscuits the next day morning before game drive, there are still left-over food and used napkins on the table, which was really gross. I made a complaint to the owner and they came to the camp. They brought two bottles of wine to celebrate our anniversary, trying to make it up. But I also realized although they lived in a nearby camp, they spent very very little time on this lodge, and that explains why the place is so run-down and lacks of management. I sensed the owner was afraid that I would leave a negative review so they brought the wine and constantly reminded me that I saw a leopard on my first game drive. But I don't think a sighting of a leopard can justify the poor facilities and services this lodge offers. The worst part is that, after our stay, the owner contacted me and voluntarily offered to refund us the cost of one-night accommodation. Guess what? After I gave them my banking details, they disappeared. They did not answer any of my emails and it has been a month. Of course I never received the refund they'd promised. It is life and everyone knows sometimes you make a mistake of choosing a wrong hotel to stay--over-priced, dirty and poor services, which ruined a special occasion you wanted to celebrate. You paid to learn the lesson. I didn't expect a refund but when they promised a refund and simply ghosted afterwards, that really showed me what kind of people they are.