GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...
TANGALA PRIVATE LODGE
Mpumalanga,
South Africa
I have just completed a number of very positive blogposts
about our recent visit to Tangala Private Lodge in the Thornybush Game reserve,
Mpumalanga, South Africa. (I encourage
you to read these posts and to share my journey. You can find the links in the left hand toolbar of this blog)
As my readers will know, I love my country
and I love its natural heritage. For
this reason, I generally choose to write about the ‘positives’ and leave out
the ‘negatives’ in my various posts. The intention in my blogs is always to
inspire and encourage.
I realise, however, that I may have overlooked the
importance of also writing pragmatic, general reviews about the places I visit. This applies, in particular, to our four-day stay to Tangala.
So here are my ratings of the establishment, and my
comments:
Dates visited: 21-25 April 2013
Environment:
10/10
Tangala private lodge is located in the heart of the renowned
Thornybush Game Reserve. It is a
beautiful setting and home to some of South Africa’s “BIG 5” - Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhinocerous & Elephant . The lodge is
unfenced and wild game is free to wander around, so there is a general need to be
aware of one’s environment and keep safe. During our
stay we were able to watch impala, warthog, buffalo and rhino at the waterhole
adjacent to the lodge. This is a very attractive
feature indeed.
Travelling
to and from facility: (unrated - outside Tangala)
We visited this little lodge during the period 21st-25th
April 2013, driving 5-6 hours from our home in Johannesburg. At times, the travelling was tricky because
many of the roads in Mpumalanga are strewn with potholes. We travelled via Lydenberg, Origstad and the
Strydom tunnel and arrived at our destination in the early afternoon. There is
an airstrip at nearby Hoedspruit, so air-travel is an alternative option.
Although recent rains have played havoc with the roads,
the road between the main gate and the lodge was passable and comfortable.
Friendliness of staff:
9/10
On our arrival, we were welcomed by a very friendly cook
and a housekeeper who showed us to our room.
Unfortunately, the current lack of a manager at the lodge ensured that
some of the smaller details were overlooked – like signing an indemnity form
and a courteous enquiry about our room and general comfort, sometime during our
visit. Nevertheless, it was obvious that
Tangala’s staff are happy, affable and are a strong team – dedicated to trying
to ensure the comfort of their guests.
Comfort
and Amenities: 5/10
Tangala only has accommodation for 10 guests at any given
point in time. In my opinion, the private guest rooms need a thorough overhaul. The design of the private rooms makes the lack of electricity a serious drawback for the comfort of its guests: Most of the time you struggle to find things in your room because of lack of light. Torches aren't provided either.
Tangala is “electricity free” and rustic. Light is provided by paraffin lamps only. The
camp is unfenced so game is free to wonder in and out at all times. It seems odd that the paraffin lights along
the footpaths are also put out during the night - when the ranger retires to the staff quarters - making the whole environment
extremely dark indeed. The lack of readily accessible light makes one feel very vulnerable. Obviously, one is confined to ones’ room at these times.
Luckily, my husband and I had brought along our own
torches, as well as a gas lamp. We ended
up relying heavily on these two objects in our room - running out of torchlight
and gas during this time. Camera
batteries also had to be given to the ranger for solar-charging. In my opinion, the paraffin lamps are
inadequate – making it extremely hard to walk around the room at night without
the fear of potentially standing on creepy-crawlies. Selecting clothes from a
dark suitcase also becomes problematic - especially when getting up for the
early morning game drives. Inserting contact lenses is almost impossible. The rooms are old and dark, and some serious
refurbishment and thought is needed regarding upgrading the facilities.
Décor,
Housekeeping and Cleanliness: 5/10
The décor is outdated and the mosquito net in our room was
grey and sticky. Odd suitcases which were placed around the room –
supposedly for aesthetic appeal - but they defeated the object and become obstacles in the darkness. I also question why a game lodge, whose
primary function is ecology and conservation, would choose to use animal skins for
carpets. This didn’t sit well with me at
all. Although my own bed was comfortable, my husband’s was broken.
Unfortunately our shower was also unacceptable – taking approximately
7 minutes before a comfortable temperature was attained in the tiny trickle of water which
emerged from the shower head. Some taps
in our en-suite bathroom were also broken.
The shower curtain was “well used” and the window frames rusty. These
are all small things which could be quickly corrected with better management.
We were told to close all windows and doors at all times –
to keep out the unwanted creatures – but this ensured an uncomfortable and
stuffy room. There are no insect screens
so little air flows in the rooms. It
becomes very claustrophobic. Unfortunately,
without electricity there can be no air conditioning, nor ceiling fan. During the day we chose to spend our time
under the comfortable deck instead - overlooking the waterhole.
Food/Meals/Beverages:7/10
The kitchen staff are extremely friendly and go out of
their way to do their best within the limitations of the lodge. They work late into the night and are up well before sunrise. I imagine that
it is very difficult for them to perform their jobs in the inadequate lighting. The
meals portions (at night) are far too generous, heavy and lack variety and finesse. A bit of training for these
willing staff would go a long way to allow them to soar in their work. The setting however –
next to the camp fire – is very pleasant and attractive. The stars too add to the ambience.
Game
drives: 10/10
I cannot fault the game drives at all. Our trackers and rangers were professional
and enthusiastic. The vehicle too was
comfortable, but would probably not be so when it rains. (open-topped). Yes, they do go "off-road" into the bush, but that adds
excitement. Every effort is made to
ensure good game sightings. These people
should be commended because they are the glue that holds Tangala together.
Entertainment
during the day: 5/10
You have 5 hours to watch the water-hole and refresh
yourself from the ‘honest’ bar.
Cost
effectiveness: 8/10
Having described both positives and negatives, I must say
that our holiday was very cost-effective indeed. We took up one of the ‘Daddy’s deals’ offers
and got more than what we paid for.
Booking
procedure and administration: 9/10
Also efficient – although no credit card facilities are
available at the lodge to settle the final bill. Make sure that you have
sufficient cash with you!
Safety: 7/10
I felt safe at all times but must also say that, at no stage,
was I required to sign an indemnity form.
This I would imagine is essential to the lodge, but was entirely overlooked in our case.
My general comment about Tangala is the following:
OVERALL RATING: 7/10
GENERAL COMMENT:
“Despite
the lack of attention to general amenities at Tangala, their staff, trackers
and rangers make up for it with their homely attitude and their excellent game
drives.”
I am sincere when I say ‘Thank you’ to the management and
staff for their hospitality. I have full
faith that, with a little cash injection, they will be able to turn TANGALA into
a true South African treasure.
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