The sign looked familiar as I drove into the parking lot of Mziki Safari Lodge after an absence of 6 years. Coming back to a lodge is always an exciting moment for me and in this instance, especially as I knew that major renovations had been undertaken since my previous visit and I could not wait to see what awaited me when I stepped out of the car.
I know that for first-time visitors, renovations are not seen as such, however, returning visitors DO notice and can comment on and appreciate the changes.
It also shows commitment to ensure ongoing customer experience, excellence and satisfaction.
Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Till the good is better and the better best.
This seems to be an ongoing manta of many lodges, like Mziki, that choose NOT to rest on their laurels but want to ensure that what they offer is the best value for money.
I was astounded by the new entrance!
The high thatched roof and the uncluttered walkway gave it a sense of elegance, style and, more importantly, a welcoming feeling.
The walkway leads through the main entrance and into this brand-new reception area.
The way the new building has been designed and orientated allows light to permeate every corner, making the space bright and airy.
I was not expecting THIS at all. The previous reception area had been cluttered and just a little lacking in lighting.
Now, the modern design made me feel as if I had stepped into a page of a decor magazine.
Polished floors, with the minimum of floor coverings. New furniture in an earthy colour palette and lighting that enhances the overall space.
This play area has been moved across the property to its new position.
The reason is that where it was is now part of the access to the recently constructed new family units.
Where it is now, it is far away enough to reduce the noise levels of both children and adults using it. Yet it is close enough for parents sitting at the pool to keep an eye on their offspring.
Does a lodge need a gym if it has one of these on the premises?
My answer would be a resounding ‘NO’.
Want to exercise? You can always jog around inside the perimeter fence.
Or you can relax next to the pool.
After all, YOU are on holiday.
You can walk through the renovated reception to reach the accommodation, both old and new.
The original rondavels are still being used, and new family chalets have been built just a short walk from the boma to give those staying there more privacy.
For those of you who don’t know what a rondavel is, the official description defines it as a traditional circular African dwelling with a conical thatched roof.
Many game lodges and similar properties in South Africa use them for their guest accommodation, allowing visitors to have authentic accommodation without losing creature comforts like electricity and indoor plumbing.
Did you know? Rondavels, being symmetrically round, enable the building to dissipate strong winds, thus making the structures safe in high winds.
That being said, at Mziki, high winds are not an issue and the units are purely for aesthetic and authentic purposes.
The construction of the thatched roof in the rondavel I was staying in, fascinated me.
Some people count sheep to fall asleep, I count the poles and the wood used as cross beams to help me to doze off.
FYI: How to construct a conical thatched roof, in case you want to replicate this once you are back home?
Begin by attaching bundles of thatch to the eaves, the lowest part of the roof overhang. Work your way up the roof, one row at a time.
Each layer of thatch should overlap the previous layer by several inches to ensure watertightness.
While the renovations were being undertaken at the main public area, the rondavels were also being upgraded.
Fresh paint in a suitable colour scheme as well as some smaller touches were undertaken.
These changes do not change the authentic feel of the accommodation, merely enhance the experience.
The spacious bathroom has a toilet as well as both a shower and a bath.
Brightly lit so that you can see what you are doing, the lights can also be turned off allowing visitors to lounge in the bath in a dimly lit space. All very romantic, if you are there for a date-weekend.
The outside boma area has been enlarged and upgraded and now leads into the main indoor boma and bar.
Nothing better than enjoying a drink at the bar or a meal in the boma while a fire acts as a bush TV with the colours and the flames changing shape constantly.
Good night. Another African sunset to end off a perfect day at Mziki.
A blend of old and new that will enhance the safari experience of any discerning guest, either local or international.
To find out what the loge offers, click on the logo above.
Travel is the proud winner of this prestigious award from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife. The award is in the category Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa.
Check out the archived and current interviews… click on the image above.
“Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?”
Edgar Bergen
All images are the copyright property of
and may not be used without permission.
All images used in Travel & Things posts are edited using Ribbet software. To learn more about the product and what it offers both amateur and professional photographers, click on the logo above.
