Madikwe River Lodge

In February 2025 we were contacted by the property as the planned stay in August 2025 had been cancelled. The,structure in February was destroyed by flooding of the river and by August would never be rebuilt. They offer us a choice between a voucher for a stay in another period, another structure to stay in (but had no place) or a full refund of what was paid as a deposit. We choose full refund. We have been waiting for the money since March 2025 and as of today (September 2025) it still has not arrived. I have written numerous emails and the answer is always the same "the refund has been authorized you have to wait 14/21 days". I also had our tourist guide who lives in Cape Town call and the answer to you is always the same. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS PROPERTY, they are not serious

Unfortunately in February we were warned that the structure had been destroyed by the flooding of the river. They offered alternatives, a voucher, changing the property (which however had no availability) or a refund. We chose the refund but we are still waiting for the money from March...

As mentioned before: The Reservation or accounting department was unable to pay back the money for a cancelled booking. The Lodge cancelled due to the flooding but did not pay back for 5 weeks. The Chief Development Manager answered: We’re truly sorry for the frustration and inconvenience you’ve experienced. While Madikwe River Lodge is certainly not bankrupt, the recent flooding caused significant disruptions to operations, including delays in processing refunds. This is not the level of service we stand for, and we are working to resolve your refund as a matter of urgency. ..... ... and again, our sincere apologies. So - they may be NOT BANKRUPT. Fine. In an email he said: I know we may have lost you as a client ....... Yes, you have! Sorry ain't enough! They are (more or less) sorry having lost us a clients. No compensation, no discount for a future booking in the then BRAND NEW Lodge. Nothing. Not the cancellation due to the flooding (thats nature) but the lack of offering "something", to show the apologies are REAL is the remaining problem. This review is just to show: Sorry ain't enough!! You cab read it in thousands of reviews: We are so sorry!!! Very poor performance anyway! Velgevonden refunded within 4 days and was very helpful in finding an alternative accomodation. Motswiri (in Madikwe, just on the other side of the Reserve) was very helpful in welcoming us as LAST SECOND guests. The Chief Development Manager said: In the latter part of the year we will have a product and service delivery to be proud of. I say: If you do not improve your Customer Relationship, the "product" won't make it!!! Franz btw: have a look at my > 100 GOOD reviews. Good service - good products - good review! That's this tool at Tripadvisor for!!!