Monomotapa Village @ Legend Golf and Safari Resort

Amongst many phenomenal attributes, I must say that the staff at Monomatapa Resort is it's strongest asset. We visit twice a year for a extraordinary bush experience and the staff CONSISTENTLY perform. They go above and beyond to ensure you have a pleasant stay. Management right through to cleaning staff, ALWAYS friendly and attentive. You can reach management at reception on WhatsApp and their response is always prompt (within a minute). I really can't over state the consistency of the Monomatapa's staff. The last time as well as this particular stay i requested a late check out of noon! They always allow it with pleasure. Special mention for Dumisani who really is a Gem and an example of the perfect hospitality Employee. The beauty of the resort is also something to behold. The beauty is surreal. A perfect setting of home comforts but in the wild bush - just manicured enough but not overly so. The units are very comfortable Villa's with everything that you'd need. We literally see it as a 'home away from home'. The cleanliness is CONSISTENTLY spotless every time. We always comment how the unit always smells like it's been spring cleaned upon arrival and the daily cleaning service is extremely disciplined! By far and away the best offering from Monomatapa as far as the facilities are concerned is the Game Drives. Honestly one of South Africa's best safari experiences. We see the Big 4 up close and personal every drive we do (Lion, Elephant, Rhino & Buffalo). Even though there are a leopards they are extremely elusive in the Reserve. We also always see Cheetah. When booking a game drive, do yourself a favour and request Aubrey Mosehla who is by far the best Guide I have come across in South Africa. The facilities of the resort however could do with some small improvements - The games room needs a revamp. I also think there needs to be some sort of restaurant/cafe in order to give guests that don't want to cook an alternative option. Our fridge upon arrival this time was not switched on and literally took 4 hours to cool enough for us to put our perishables in it. At which point we requested another fridge. I would advise the resort to not only double-check these things before the guests arrive but make sure its switched on from that morning as we are often carrying meet with us. I must say however the issue was dealt with promptly and we were given a brand new fridge. Our main aircon in the lounge was also not working upon arrival but was promptly repaired. Minus those two hiccups it was a perfect getaway! I will continue to be a returning guest every year! Do yourself a favour and don't hesitate to give Monomatapa a go and make sure you book the Safari with Aubrey. It really is unmissable if you visit the resort!

Pros: 1. Tracey and her staff were incredibly helpful, and dealt with any requests or complaints immediately. They were accommodating and polite. 2. Excellent game drives - Saw some amazing sightings, some of the big 5 so close, you almost wanted to stretch to touch them. Sam was professional with a mix of good humour. Game drives were free, other than a R90 conservation fee per person. Some of the best game drives I've been on. 3. Rooms - The rooms/chalets are by far the most upmarket Holiday Club resort rooms we have stayed in. You can tell that a lot of money has been spent renovating, and our chalet had air-conditioning, a fire place, ceiling fans and a dishwasher. Cons: 1. Activities - Very little going on at the resort, but things will be up and running by mid-Dec. We were on a couple's weekend away, so the daily game drive was enough for us. 2. Spa service - The most disappointing part of the trip was the ludicrously expensive spa treatments - they are Sandton Sorbet prices, without the Sandton standards. I wouldn't use them again. Overall, a good experience, and one we would recommend to others.

This was a business trip with a large group. The experience was very disappointing. All the meals were always late and a complete disappointment in quality and lack of variety. The rooms had all sorts of issues - blocked drainages, dirty linen, non functional keys. There was no way to contact the hotel as there were no phones in the rooms. Staff were unprofessional and untrained and most looked like temporary draft ins for the day.