On the road again: Bushlands Game Lodge, Hluhluwe, Elephant Coast, KwaZulu Natal

This was our first trip up north and we booked mid April (2015) for the end of July. I was only informed two weeks before we were due to arrive that we would not be staying in the log cabins advertised on the website and was sent pictures of the 'family unit' we had been 'upgraded' to. I was horrified.

Even more so when we arrived and were sent to the 'Executive Lodge' - NOTHING like the name sounds. Room 27 - around the corner, no view except of a wooden fence, no undercover seating area (it was pouring on the Saturday we arrived), nothing at all to justify the money we had paid.

However, after the tour group left on the Sunday, we were able to move to one of the log cabins that overlooked the watering hole - unit 15. This was lovely with beautiful views and we had giraffe and buck walk right passed our room!

The kitchen staff are so friendly and made an effort to prepare vegetarian meals for me. Don't go expecting gourmet food, it is tasty and in large portions which was good enough for us.

We enjoyed walking around the grounds and the staff made us feel very welcome.

Make sure you get them to clarify exactly which room you will be staying in before you pay your deposit. If you are a private person, you want to avoid the first units up to number 14 as these are all around the dining area. 15 to 22 are separated with a wooden walkway. 15 + 16 have the best view and you are likely to have the wild-life up close.

Stay far away from the 'Executive Lodge' unless they give you a really special rate!!

Great features:

* Lots of animals within the property

* Lovely 'Nyala trial' - a walk that takes you through the bush on the property

* Plenty food if you have a big appetite!

* Close to Hluhluwe game reserve and St Lucia estuary

* The kitchen staff are very friendly and accommodating

Not so great features:

* The Executive Lodge - stay far away!!!

* The wooden walkways are slippery when it rains and older folk and children need to tread carefully

Price: We went for the catered option so it was expensive for budget travellers

Would we go back: Maybe. If they had a really good special on

Recommended for: Couples or families looking to explore the surrounding game reserves.

The host/s: Not the same personal touch and welcome as smaller establishments but they were kind enough to let us choose the room we wanted to move to

For more information and booking:

www.goodersonleisure.co.za

Executive Lodge - bathroom (probably the best feature)