Sascha Oehri
Google
This was my fourth time at the Rhino River Lodge. My second time at the Homestead. Our stay was primarily characterized by great safaris. We had a female ranger – her name is Storm. She did a fantastic job; very personable and very informative. Thank you very much!
The Homestead is a great place to stay. It offers plenty of space both indoors and outdoors. Its small pool makes it a lot of fun. It's ideal for two couples or a family. I would definitely recommend it!
The staff is very helpful; they're extremely efficient and do their best. Unfortunately, things get forgotten here and there, which is a shame and somewhat dampens the service. No salt for the fried egg, no sugar for the coffee, food not served as ordered, etc. Small things, but still somehow annoying.
Unfortunately, there were other weak points. This is especially true considering we're talking about a 5* safari lodge.
When we arrived, it was pouring with rain. The fact that you're not given an umbrella in this weather is less of a problem than having to unload your luggage yourself. Mind you, that's not a problem in principle. But at a 5* lodge, I actually expect help with that. The introduction to the lodge was brief and concise, but unfortunately, we weren't given a key – nor were we given one for the following days. Apparently, the last resident took it by mistake.
Previously, you could walk across the green meadow in front of the lodges to the main building. This is no longer possible for privacy reasons – which certainly makes sense. Now, however, you have to navigate the roads behind the lodges to the main building. This is an extremely muddy affair when it rains. Other safari camps solve this problem with small footpaths connecting the lodges to the main building. That's missing here. It's a shame.
The greatest potential certainly lies in the cuisine. I would describe it as "hearty, grandmotherly". The meals are all acceptably good, but very simply cooked. There's little choice in the evenings, and the buffet at breakfast and lunch is very, very limited. The dishes lack refinement, lack fresh herbs, lack decoration, and are simply too bland. I didn't have a salad in three days – and there was never one to choose from in the evenings. I was able to order one anyway; but unfortunately, my order was lost. As I said, a 5* lodge should offer more.
In summary, I can still recommend Rhino River Lodge. However, prices have increased more than the service. The staff is consistently excellent. You'll spend a wonderful time here. That's not one of the reasons I've already been here four times.
