October 2024
As a person who has worked in hospitality at the highest levels, I will give an honest review to help future travellers as well as management improve. Firstly I would like to say that I enjoyed my stay at the lodge and the staff are super friendly.
I was told the lodge is owned by a couple who do not reside in Zambia and only visit occasionally. They have entrusted the management to locals who run the lodge. I honestly only see huge potential for this place. Location is excellent right on the Elephant Corridor and we were blessed to see these magnificent animals close up right from the lodge. The thatch roof and chalets are amazing and blend in with the environment in true ECO fashion.
I can not blame the lodge for lack of ZESCO power as that is the governments fault for lack of planning. However not to have a generator to at least keep the fridges running is lack of planning from management of this lodge. Trying to sleep when the fans are not working and temperatures are in the high 30s is almost impossible and made very uncomfortable nights. I also requested a drink from the bar and nothing was cold so I went elsewhere where they do have cold refreshing drinks.We also tried to order food and the friendly waitress hands us the menu and then tells us nothing is available as they have no stock due to fridges not working which they blamed on Zesco.
They have a beautiful ECO Pool but it was cracked, no water and can see that nothing has been done for upkeep of this beautiful pool in years. I was told they have been quoted to get it repaired but that remains to be seen. The lodge does have an agreement with another lodge next door for swimming but when we went to that lodge they wanted to charge us to use their pool. It was sorted out after negotiations.
The breakfast, which is included in the price, is much to be desired.They never had half the things and when I asked for an omelette I was told that everything that goes on a " normal" omelette is EXTRA and we would be charged. They offer fruit juice that is a concentrate mixed with water and they never even had the fruit juice we requested as no stock. This is simply poor planning from the chef who is unable to keep an inventory.
As I stated earlier, the staff are super friendly and I believe this lodge has so much potential. I would love to take on a consultant relief manager to get things up to scratch as I believe they would be willing but simply do not have the know how on what to do. Basically it is a ship that has lost its rudder and floating aimlessly in the ocean of potential.
I would go back as the location and chalets were beautiful and staff friendly. But I also would like to see some changes and direction given to this beautiful place.
We had a lovely stay at Munga while visiting Victoria Falls and Chobe. Innocent, Norah and the rest of the staff were wonderful in making our visit memorable, while dealing with major (20hrs a day) loadshedding.
For gift shopping, keep an eye out for magnificent wooden craft items made by one of the staff members (CJ), and very reasonably priced.
Munga Eco-Lodge is a lovely, lovely place to stay. The family chalet was large, with big ceilings, huge beds and an outdoor shower that has to be felt to be believed. The staff are wonderful (thank you Norah!), and Mr Innocent, the manager, is a very helpful gentleman. He had everything sorted for us, including pick-ups from the airport and a brilliant trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana.
There was some evening load-shedding that affected all of Livingstone, but we were looked after and made comfortable. Our favorite place in Africa!
Innocent and staff (particularly Norah) were outstanding. Went out of their way to ensure our brisk and abrupt stay was comfortable.
The rooms are one of a kind with an outdoor shower to view the stars.
The mosquitoes are however a source of irritation and insecticide is regularly needed.
The lodge's strategic location, nestled between Victoria Falls and town, offered the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility.
The manager's professionalism and attention to detail truly stood out. The staff's dedication to guest satisfaction was evident throughout our stay.
Nora, the bartender/waitress, friendly demeanor and excellent service made every meal and drink enjoyable. The atmosphere she created was warm and welcoming.
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Dr Ron Van As
2 months agoOctober 2024 As a person who has worked in hospitality at the highest levels, I will give an honest review to help future travellers as well as management improve. Firstly I would like to say that I enjoyed my stay at the lodge and the staff are super friendly. I was told the lodge is owned by a couple who do not reside in Zambia and only visit occasionally. They have entrusted the management to locals who run the lodge. I honestly only see huge potential for this place. Location is excellent right on the Elephant Corridor and we were blessed to see these magnificent animals close up right from the lodge. The thatch roof and chalets are amazing and blend in with the environment in true ECO fashion. I can not blame the lodge for lack of ZESCO power as that is the governments fault for lack of planning. However not to have a generator to at least keep the fridges running is lack of planning from management of this lodge. Trying to sleep when the fans are not working and temperatures are in the high 30s is almost impossible and made very uncomfortable nights. I also requested a drink from the bar and nothing was cold so I went elsewhere where they do have cold refreshing drinks.We also tried to order food and the friendly waitress hands us the menu and then tells us nothing is available as they have no stock due to fridges not working which they blamed on Zesco. They have a beautiful ECO Pool but it was cracked, no water and can see that nothing has been done for upkeep of this beautiful pool in years. I was told they have been quoted to get it repaired but that remains to be seen. The lodge does have an agreement with another lodge next door for swimming but when we went to that lodge they wanted to charge us to use their pool. It was sorted out after negotiations. The breakfast, which is included in the price, is much to be desired.They never had half the things and when I asked for an omelette I was told that everything that goes on a " normal" omelette is EXTRA and we would be charged. They offer fruit juice that is a concentrate mixed with water and they never even had the fruit juice we requested as no stock. This is simply poor planning from the chef who is unable to keep an inventory. As I stated earlier, the staff are super friendly and I believe this lodge has so much potential. I would love to take on a consultant relief manager to get things up to scratch as I believe they would be willing but simply do not have the know how on what to do. Basically it is a ship that has lost its rudder and floating aimlessly in the ocean of potential. I would go back as the location and chalets were beautiful and staff friendly. But I also would like to see some changes and direction given to this beautiful place.
Douw Gangel
3 months agoWe had a lovely stay at Munga while visiting Victoria Falls and Chobe. Innocent, Norah and the rest of the staff were wonderful in making our visit memorable, while dealing with major (20hrs a day) loadshedding. For gift shopping, keep an eye out for magnificent wooden craft items made by one of the staff members (CJ), and very reasonably priced.
Taimus Werner-Gibbings
8 months agoMunga Eco-Lodge is a lovely, lovely place to stay. The family chalet was large, with big ceilings, huge beds and an outdoor shower that has to be felt to be believed. The staff are wonderful (thank you Norah!), and Mr Innocent, the manager, is a very helpful gentleman. He had everything sorted for us, including pick-ups from the airport and a brilliant trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. There was some evening load-shedding that affected all of Livingstone, but we were looked after and made comfortable. Our favorite place in Africa!
Kwangala Zone
8 months agoInnocent and staff (particularly Norah) were outstanding. Went out of their way to ensure our brisk and abrupt stay was comfortable. The rooms are one of a kind with an outdoor shower to view the stars. The mosquitoes are however a source of irritation and insecticide is regularly needed.
Isaiah Shikongo
a year agoThe lodge's strategic location, nestled between Victoria Falls and town, offered the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. The manager's professionalism and attention to detail truly stood out. The staff's dedication to guest satisfaction was evident throughout our stay. Nora, the bartender/waitress, friendly demeanor and excellent service made every meal and drink enjoyable. The atmosphere she created was warm and welcoming.