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Reviews of First Group Sodwana Bay Lodge

3 out of 5
First Group Sodwana Bay Lodge
Western Shore of Lake Shazibe, Shaka's Rock, Sodwana Bay, uMhlabuyalingana, KwaZulu-Natal

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 42 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 42 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 42 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 42 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Glen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotels.com poor service
Wonderful place , Very good product and very good service. However , Hotels.com were totally useless at responding or resolving my query of possible changes. No response to email or phone call. I will never book through hotels.com again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Sodwana Bay Lodge
The check-in was quick and the staff very friendly and efficient. The chalet was clean and neat with all the basic amenities. Would definitely recommend Sodwana Bay Lodge to anyone
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

JP

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The plug in the room had no top on it which could be dangerous for kids and the one sliding door didn't open which the staff knew about but didn't inform us utill we went to call them. but otherwise it was lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Melissa, Boston

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Self catering unit C2 had everything we needed, was clean and comfortable. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Response from Emde on 18 Nov 2019
Dear Melissa, thank you for the great review of our time share. So glad you've enjoyed your stay with us. Hoping to see you back soon. Warmest Regards Emde Clarke Assistant General Manager

8/10 Good

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent stay.
Really nice resort style accomodation. The girl on the front desk was very friendly and informative. Food was quite nice, but nothing special. The lodges are lovely, but not the most comfortable place. Dive centre on site was a huge feature for us, high standards and great dives. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Response from Emde on 3 Apr 2019
Dear Andrew, Thank you for your review. Glad you've enjoyed your stay with us and hope to see you soon. Regards Emde Clarke Acting General Manager

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Cosy cabin in lovely grounds with antelope and monkeys. Despite wifi advertised there wasn't any because the owners were in the process of looking for new suppliers - think they should have done that before leaving their existing supplier!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Response from Emde on 13 Mar 2019
Dear Anonymous, Sorry for the very late response. Thank you for the great review with regards to your stay with us. So sorry about the wifi, but the old wifi system so outdated and we are in the process of upgrading. With your next visit I am sure that this problem would be sorted and you will then enjoy the wifi. Have a great day! Regards Emde Clarke

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
Response from Management on 14 Nov 2018
Thank you for feedback from your recent stay.

8/10 Good

Marcin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice and relaxing vacation
Nice place to stay with good facilities, though the beach is a bit far and it is expensive to pay the conservation fee for each visit.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018
Response from Management on 17 Oct 2018
Thank you for your review - we glad you had a relaxing stay with us. The destination is rural, regrettably we don't have control with conservation fees to access the beach. We are in process talks with management, hopefully find solutions for all our visiting guests.

10/10 Excellent

Katie, Uk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely chalet, roomy and light with good facilities.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Response from General Manager on 19 Sept 2018
Thank you for your glowing review.

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to stay
Great lodge, great restaurant on site with very friendly waitresses & fantastic food.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Response from General Manager on 12 Sept 2018
Thank you so much for your compliments on our location, the restaurant food and service.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent
Lovely chalet, clean, spacious, well equipped, comfortable beds. Serviced daily. Friendly efficient staff. Highly recommended
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018
Response from General Manager on 30 Mar 2018
Dear Valued Guest, Thank you for taking a moment to leave us such a lovely review. We are happy that our location, amenities and our team exceeded your expectations. It was a pleasure to serve you and family, and we look forward to our next chance to do so. Sincere Johan van der Merwe

8/10 Good

Rita, Arlington, VA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice cottages close to Sodwana Bay
Reception staff were very friendly and cottage was large and clean. No shower indoors, just bathtub. Outdoor shower is available. Internet access is paid for, don’t waste your money though. The internet connection is really bad and slow.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018
Response from Management on 19 Mar 2018
Dear Rita on Orbitz Thank you for your valuable feedback. Apologies for any uncharacteristic shortcomings you have noticed, regrettably we are experiencing WIFI technical issues, we are looking at other alternatives for better results and hopefully soon. Sincere Johan van der Merwe

10/10 Excellent

Dave

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
If yo are looking for a great place to stay, then book here. Great staff, your cottage is cleaned every day and the staff are amazing. The restaurant and lounge are fun and diving and the beach is only a few km's away! Good security and just a wonderful place to stay!
Response from Management on 20 Feb 2018
Dear Dave Greetings and thank you for your wonderful review of your recent stay at Sodwana Bay Lodge Dive & Fishing resort. Look forward to welcome you back in the foreseeable future. Sincere Johan van der Merwe

8/10 Good

H abdool

Disliked: Room comfort
Chalet C13
I think we were unlucky to have chalet no.C13. it took time getting used to the gas geyser. Broken toilet roll holder. Sleeper coach very difficult to use.did not open without an effort, Opens halfway, slept with feet dangling in the air. Carpet in the loft very dirty. Huge tree in front of our balcony. Fridge not cold enough. Overall stay was Satisfactory.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2017
Dear Mr Abdool Greetings and thank you for your valuable feedback reply! Sincere Johan van der Merwe

6/10 Okay

Christian, Düsseldorf

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Diving at Sodwana Bay
Good location if you want to go diving at Sodwana Bay. 10min drive to the beach/ dive camp. Good diving school within the complex.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2017
Response from Johan on 16 Nov 2017
Dear Valued Guest, thank you for your valuable feedback. Warmest Regards Johan

10/10 Excellent

Barney, Johannesburg area, South Africa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Idyllic stay!
Well kept resort in natural surroundings. Many birds. Buck grazing on the lawn. Good restaurant! Very peaceful and wonderfully relaxing.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017
Response from Johan van der Merwe on 7 Nov 2017
Dear Valued Guest, thank you for your wonderful review and highlighting the facilities and experiences. Look forward to your return visit. Warmest Regards Management

10/10 Excellent

patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location
A lovely chalet, with very good facilities. Very clean and comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2017
Dear Valued Guest Greetings and thank you for your valuable feedback.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Justine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fun family holiday - scuba, sea and sand
Had a wonderful stay. Great for scuba enthusiasts and the kids loved the beach!

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Scuba Africa
Typical African get-away facility with beauty and rustic feeling. The paid-for-WiFi was poor, but the 3G cellphone internet was good.

10/10 Excellent

ELSJE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We stayed in C13. Awesome for romantic stay. Outside private shower made our holiday.

10/10 Excellent

Stephan de Wit, Dublin, Ireland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great for diving and vakue for money
I was pleasany surprised by the luxury of my house (C2) if there would be mosquito nets it will be the best. We had such a great time thanks

10/10 Excellent

Pantelis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relaxing stay in the wood cabin, Beautiful!
The chalet was clean and well set up, nice convenient gas braai on patio. It is very peaceful in the lodge and close to nature. The gardens and grounds are well kept. The restaurant in the lodge makes good food.
Response from General Manager on 14 Nov 2016
Thank you for the lovely review. We look forward to having you stay with us again.

8/10 Good

Olga, Stockholm

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice house.
Good location and facilities. Nice clean bedrooms, large leaving room and dinner room. Good diving centre.
Response from Dani on 14 Nov 2016
Thank you for the lovely review. We look forward to having you stay with us again.

8/10 Good

Mohammed, Durban, South Africa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great lodge near Sodwana Beach
Enjoyable stay at lodge near Sodwana Beach
Response from General Manager on 14 Nov 2016
Thank you for the lovely review. We look forward to having you stay with us again.

8/10 Good

Shannon, Johannesburg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely Relaxing Stay at Sodwana
The Hotel staff was very friendly and helpful. Beautiful beaches and beach forests. Lovely holiday.

8/10 Good

MD

Liked: Staff & service
Nice secure hotel with great restaurant
Great staff, excellent food, rooms were large living spaces but no air conditioning. Dive shop on site.
Response from Danielle on 24 Mar 2016
Thank you for your feedback. We look forward to your next visit.

8/10 Good

Kers, Nelspruit

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Sodwanna Holiday
Truly a relaxing enviroment with every thing one needs and a bit more. Staff was helpful and always on time.
Response from Danielle on 23 Apr 2016
Thank you for your review. We look forward to your next visit with us.

8/10 Good

Ari

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Ludovic

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Emde Clarke on 29 Dec 2019
Thank you Loduvic

10/10 Excellent

Ulli

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unbeatable price-quality ratio
Fully equipped house. No Wifi but else all what one needs.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Emde on 9 Nov 2019
Dear Uli, Thank you for the wonderful review of our resort. So glad you enjoyed your stay with us and we are hoping to see you back at our resort in the near future. Warmest Regards Emde Clarke Assistant General Manager

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
My client left after 1 night (instead of 3 nights) because it was so old and dirty. They did like the beach though.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Emde on 22 Aug 2019
I am so sorry about your client that was so unhappy with our chalets. We are trying to keep every guest as happy and content as possible. Please note that our lodge is known for a rustic environment and we try really hard to keep it as such. Again - my sincere apologies with regards to your clients stay. Regards Emde Clarke Acting General Manager

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Alles tiptop in orde!
Echt Afrikaanse sfeer. De accomodatie is wat ouder, maar proper en gezellig. De manager is zeer bereikbaar en hij zorgt er voor dat je niets tekort komt. Een aanrader.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018
Response from General Manager on 29 Jul 2018
Geachte gewaardeerde Gast - bedankt voor uw vriendelijke beoordeling van Sodwana Bay Lodge. Wij bieden rustieke charme tot luxe accommodatie - altijd een plezier om toegang te hebben en ervoor te zorgen dat mijn gasten er goed voor zorgen. We hopen je weer te zien. Oprecht Johan van der Merwe

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
酒店离海边有一段距离，空间挺大的。但卫生间灯泡烧了两次，不能及时更换；餐厅不新鲜不卫生，吃完后急性肠胃炎！前台态度有提升空间。
Response from Johan on 7 May 2018
尊貴的客人，感謝您對度假酒店的評價。 遺憾地看到你的住宿不是一個好的體驗，我們誠懇地為不幸的不尋常的缺點道歉。我們相信，如果你回到度假村，我們將有另一個機會來糾正這種情況。 真誠 Johan van der Merwe

10/10 Excellent

Anita, Denmark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Virkelig stort luksus hytte med gode faciliteter Dejlige senge og meget flot overalt. Dejlig personligt beliggende Rigtig god plads.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2018
Response from Management on 5 Feb 2018
Kære værdsatte gæst, tak for din værdifulde tilbagemelding om dit nylige ophold, glad for at læse dig nydt godt af accommdation og faciliteter. Se frem til dit returbesøg i overskuelig fremtid. Oprigtig Johan van der Merwe

10/10 Excellent

Ralph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Have your own chalet in Sodwana Bay
The Chalet was amazing. People who do not use their timesharing units are renting the chalets out. The best deal ever. Go for it.
Response from General Manager on 14 Nov 2016
Thank you for the lovely review. We look forward to having you stay with us again.

8/10 Good

Katrin, Berlin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bungalow mit allem Komfort
Die Küche war hervorragend ausgestattet. Es empfiehlt sich selbst zu kochen oder zu grillen. Im Hotel fanden wir das Essen nicht so überzeugend. Alles ist tiefgefroren und wird nur aufgetaut. Obwohl das Meer vor der Tür ist. Tolle Grills auf der Terrasse. Der Strand ist einfach überwältigend wir konnten Wale Watching von der Strandmatte aus machen.

10/10 Excellent

laurent, la Côte d'Azur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quiet place for peaceful stay
After difficulties to find it, we discovered a fantastic place. The chalet was perfect and the restaurant in the resort is top. Next time we will stay more here.
Response from Danielle on 28 May 2016
Thank you for your feedback. We look forward toy our next visit.

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Response from Danielle on 28 May 2016
Thank you for your feedback. We look forward to your next visit.

10/10 Excellent

Erik, Amsterdam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Superplek in Sodwana Bay
Heerlijke plek om te ontspannen, te duiken en plezier te maken.
Response from Dani on 17 Feb 2016
Thank you for your review. We look forward to your next visit with us.

10/10 Excellent

Chris, Regensburg, Bayern

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wunderschöne Lodge sehr nahe der Sodwana Bay
Meine Frau und ich waren für zwei Nächte in der Sodwana Bay Lodge. Die Lodge ist idyllisch gelegen und befindet sich in unmittelbarer Nähe zum Naturschutzgebiet und Strand von Sodwana Bay. Die Appartements sind sehr schön, sauber und gut ausgestattet. Außerdem werden viele Freizeitaktivitäten (z.B. Whale Watching, Tauchen, Angeln, Quad-Fahren...) angeboten. Für unseren nächsten Aufenthalt in Sodwana Bay werden wir auf jeden Fall wieder die Sodwana Bay Lodge wählen und können diese daher absolut weiterempfehlen.
Response from Dani on 17 Feb 2016
Thank you for your review. We look forward to your next visit with us.