Reviews of Chole Mjini Lodge
(92%) From 13 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Playing Robinson Crusoe
The lodge is creatively designed, and the individual tree houses are great fun, and very well made. This is real eco-tourism, where the lowest possible environmental impact is the top consideration.
Some suggestions would be: A bigger mirror in the treehouse. (One doesn't want to frighten the other guests) and better ventilation in the toilets. Although they are very cleverly designed and enviromentally correct, it gets extremely hot (and dark) in there!
The lack of ice for drinks was a serious problem, however a dedicated ice freezer was on order and apparently should be installed by December.
We enjoyed the family atmosphere at the lodge, and the way the guests got to know each other. We also appreciated the flexibility of the trips and activities offered. Altogether, it was a wonderful holiday.
Expert Africa comments
5 December 2008: Jean has just reported to us: 'We do now have ice for the drinks, and as of 20 December we'll have a new cocktail bar next to the old German ruin!'
He's looking at the questions of toilet ventillation and mirrors in the bedrooms - and says 'thanks for the suggestions'.
One for the eco-conscious holidaymaker
Accommodation was very good - obviously designed to be ecologically sound.
Didn't quite understand the use of powdered milk - "we don't have a cow or a fridge" - however the beer was cold and obviously not brewed on site.
Food was excellent - my wife does not eat fish and fish is the staple diet here - however perfectly acceptable alternatives were offered. The dinner table was very sociable and enjoyable.
The lack of a beach on site could be good reason for having a sun lounger available for each room - for use when you are not out on activities.
I was actively discouraged from fishing but found out at Pole Pole that it can be organised easily.
Chole Mjini Lodge review
A fantastic place. Location is fascinating and beautifully used (the tropical garden among the ruins). The tree houses are lovely, beautifully designed and truly unusual! The owner couple are absolutely lovely. Warm, friendly, humorous. And the way in which they interact with the customers! I was a little worried beforehand when I read negative comments on Jean. Those comments turned out to be really ridiculous. He's a lovely guy! The food was gorgeous! Every single dish was great. Good ingredients, imaginative and still simple recipes. Service was helpful, friendly and descreet when needed (there were "guards" watching our house). The interaction and closeness to the village and the village people was quite special. We got an insight into African everyday life which felt like a very special experience.
The only thins that brings the visit down a little was the facilities. I am AWARE of this, and that a big part of Chole's appeal, is the nonexisting electricity and long drop loos, and I am not putting it against them. However, as weak Europeans, in some 35-40 degrees and with loads of Malaria mosquitos, it did wear on us – when the breeze got spare or died completely, and you basically melted 24 hours a day. The tree houses, with their (during daytime) lovely open appeal, became a "hide-with-in-the-mosquito-net" melting pot during night. The open-air showers were lovingly beautifully designed – but became a boiling pot with mosquito attacks. The long drop loos were non-smelly, but truly uncomfortable, and the huts they were in so hot it was like entering an oven.
Nevertheless, an absolutely lovely place I would warmly recommend to anyone!
A little issue, but I didn't want to raise it there and then. I ordered some "rum and cokes", and felt I was drinking single measures (the strength of the drink is really a big difference between singles and doubles). The staff tended to mix the drink before you got it, apart from once when I could actually see the amount of rum in the glass. Being very familiar with the drink, and also running a restaurant myself, I could tell I was only being served singles. However, I was always charged doubles. This may be a staff issue, a little money on the side, but I leave it to you to judge if you want to mention it to Anne and Jean. I think it is a bit bad, but it hasn't greatly affected my view on Chole Mjini.
Expert Africa comments
We have forwarded our travellers feedback to Jean at Chole Mjini. He says he will clearly need to be more grumpy in future, as he doesn’t want to ruin his reputation!
On a more serious note, he has taken on board our clients comments regarding the ‘tot’ measures and will look into this. It’s a cause for concern, and we are sure that he’ll address this issue, and solve it.
He has also commented that during November and early December the wind does die down completely sometimes. Then it can be quite hot and humid, and that there are more mosquitoes around. However, this normally changes in December, and as soon as the wind returns it is far more pleasant.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
