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Review by: Andy & Toni Phillips, Bromley - Kent - UK (stayed: June 2009)
I wanted my husband (Andy) to have a true South African experience. I have been going back and too to SA for the past 6 years to look after my sick mother and Andy only came with me once (stayed in Sasolburg - what a nightmare). He vowed never to come back to SA. So my mission started...
We found the Heia on the internet and it looked fantastic with the animals roaming around - a little too good to be true if I am honest - so I called the lodge and spoke to Lynnette to see if what the web offered was actually what we got? She was very helpful and assured me that the animals are really just walking around enjoying life! So I booked straight away - Lynette Thank you!
Our true SA experience started as we drove into their gates!!! With Zebra, Wildebeest and Giraffe just chomping grass and doing what they do.... WOW! Then we checked in and on our walk down to our Bungalow, there was Antelope, Springbok, more Zebras, walking around and there was us just a foot or two away from them.... Now a little note although these animals look beautiful and friendly they are wild animals at heart and the hotel staff recommends that you do not just walk up to them as they may kick or bite - so with this in mind you need to just enjoy looking and being so close to nature and let them have their space!
We entered our Bungalow which had the best view of the dam and the rest of the reserve, as we entered we were blown away by the traditional rondaval and the decor. These bungalows make the best use of a round space I have ever seen.. They were 2 Bedroom - the main being in the centre of the room with Satellite TV, Phone, 2 heaters, 2 arm chairs with a small table, then you go into the back of the bungalow into a small hallway on the left was the second bedroom (single bed and wardrobe) and on the right was the most beautiful bathroom you could want! Sunken bath, separate Shower, the bathroom was huge.......
Then you go through the other small hallway at the front of the bungalow to get to the veranda (in this hall you have more arm chairs and a table, writing table, Kettle etc). As you step out on the veranda your breath is taken away as you are face to face with nature’s wonders, there is the mountains in the distance, the dam in front of you, and best of all is all the grazing animals you could want are right in front of you!!!! Yes magical is the word to use! It was at this moment that my husband was already booking our trip for next year!
The food, staff, location and all round experience is second to none. Go on a private game drive with Hein. He is fantastic and will stop and anything you want to look at, we saw the Hippos, Rhino's, Baboons and even the black backed jackal which apparently is rare to see in the wild. We also saw the fish eagle and loads more. It is worth the extra few pounds / rands for the private trip as you get the jeep to yourself and it is so much more exciting - trust me, you will not be disappointed. The Giraffe's are beautiful and so graceful, there is a mom, dad and little one that love to pester Hein for pellets and then chase him all round the farm for more - fantastic!!! When we got back of the drive we went to the bar for a hot toddy as we were freezing as it was winter - Great bar - you can even smoke in there - brilliant!!!! Smokers are not lepers here - thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
I would like to say the biggest thank you to all the staff at Heia, Jill, Lynette, Hein (thanks again for finding Andy's glasses) you really made our holiday magical and helped me give Andy a true South African holiday. We will be seeing you next year for sure and bringing the rest of the family!!!
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Review by: Schevone, Midrand (stayed: December 2008)
We went there for our Year End Function as a company. At first I was hesitating about visiting the lodge since I read one poor comment about the lodge but I have decided to go against what someone has to say for him/herself.
We went to the Heia Safari Lodge after the Boat Braai we had in Haartebeespoort Dam. We were welcomed by Gregg from the Parking Lot as we were arriving. It was definately a warm welcome.
What a great experience we had every staff member was happy with the service, the food and everything at the Lodge. The rooms were realy amazing, when we left I couln't stop telling people about the good time we had at Heia Safari, that was the best Christmas Party ever.
They did a great job for our Year End Function, our function was held at their Springbok, it was realy well decorated and the Dinner Barbarque was just appetising.
There is actualy so much to say about the Lodge. The animals are so welcoming they are just playing close to the chalets we even took picture with them.
Gregg and your staff thank you so much and the Barman was great. |
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