1st thing, the staff was so welcoming, when we got there it was raining and someone was assisting with an umbrella from the car to reception and back. We had a close view of the animals, we took a walk which was pleasant and calming.
We stayed at Sondela Camping Grounds during end of December 2022. The camping stand and private ablution was clean. The outside washing area for dishes doesn't have any cover so it needs to be cleaned often due to leaves and small branches falling in the basin. The children enjoyed the swimming area and the activities. We enjoyed the restaurant and games that were played during the day. There is a nice shop on the premises and a beautiful spa.
At the caravan park it felt that nobody from management side worried about what was happening at the park. We've noticed that quite a few stands was completely overcrowded.( eg. 2 stands with +/- 20 people) No visible security at all!! Some people drinking in pool with glass and terrible language in front of kids.Loud music with sound systems was used by some campers. After we called reception, security just came to tell the campers to switch off and left again. When security left, the music was just swtched back on again.(Big problem was alcohol!!) If this is not adressed in future, I don't think that you will see us soon again. The other point is that most of your prices at the resort (shop,etc) was ridiculously expesive!!
Great resort
Lots of staff available on the camp ground
shops are open late
the resort is clean and well maintained!!
there is a lot for the kids to do as well as the adults and we were very happy for a short camping stay
The rate per day is not cheap!! On the booking form they clearly state that they are extremely strict with bookings at the camping site. Our camping site was not clearly marked. The people camping in front of us had 4 tents, a caravan and 3 cars with 9 people on the stand, thus having to use a portion of our stand which led to fights as they believe as it is not marked they can use as much space as they wish. The People next to us was more than 6 people on the stand. Caravan, tent and very large entertainment area with gazebos. The people in-between these two had such a big setup and parties they took up a much bigger space than the allocated area.
How do they cap the bookings and then allow this. The stands are smaller than average, then you get pushed in a corner and bullied by people using your portion of the stand which you paid the full price for. There is absolutely NO control!! Nobody who checks if the rules are adhered to. Music pumping from cars. Absolutely no control!!
The games at the pool is very poor!! It is the same repetitive games over and over and over every day. We know of people leaving early because they became bored. We had to look for entertainment outside the Reserve.
The Pools are extremely extremely dirty. The smell of urine at the large pool was so extremely bad that we could not enter this area. There is NO way that I would allow any family member to enter this pool! The grass, leaves and bugs are disgusting inside the pools. There is no way these pools are cleaned properly.
The food at the restaurant is way below average.
The Deli is very nice, and the ablutions are neat and kept very clean!
There is NO way I would ever waste my money again to visit this resort!! The students should also be trained to be friendlier and give better assistance. It does not help they hang around in groups and feel that they are there for the show.
The rehabilitation centre was absolutely fantastic!! We loved it.
Do not see a lot of game driving around.
