Sanbonani Hotel

Don’t be fooled by the lovely photos on the website when you are looking at this place. Unfortunately I made the booking based on that. The one star is only because the grounds and gardens are well taken care of. We stayed in the self catering units (49 B) - River view. Of course many years ago you might have been able to see the River but not anymore. The reception staff is the rudest I have ever encountered! The pool was full of algae, bedding and towels definately not washed (disgusting brown marks on towels), lumpy terrible duvet, toaster that kept tripping the electricity, patio railings were painted with a very strong smelling tar - which prevented us sitting outside on patio, in very humid, hot conditions - air conditioning remotes not working, dripping air conditioner that dripped on my iPad laying on bedside table, and then worst of all - 12 hours from 24 - ABSOLUTELY NO ELECTRICITY!!! Not even Wi-Fi signal. As international travelers we absolutely rely on Wi-Fi. Candles are provided - but not even a candle holder. We booked and paid for a 7 night stay - but left after 3 nights (wanted to leave after the first night but was having difficulty in obtaining other suitable accommodation. So - to conclude: if you want a stressful, terrible holiday - this place is for you!

Maybe it was the timing of our visit; perhaps we simply had different expectations based on word-of-mouth/website... Anyway, there was certainly nothing "wrong" with our visit - besides the price - and 'Sanbonani' has plenty on offer including: huge swimming area, tennis courts, a small but functional indoor gym, pool table/billiards, nice quiet location, lush & beautiful grounds, but it just didn't feel worth it. Our "luxury ensuite room" felt a little 'worn'/aged, and the air-con made noise all night. The bed was comfortable, but made a terrible 'cracking' noise every time one of us rolled over! Breakfast was fine, though they attempted to charge us for coffee on the second morning, even though we had paid 'bed and breakfast' rates! Alas, a good location very proximal to Phabeni Gate at Kruger, kind staff, and the fact that you're staying minutes from Kruger National Park all make it worth it.

This was the first time we stayed at the timeshare we own. WE were impressed with the whole stp. The chalet we stayed in was perfect with plenty of space. The verandah looks over the river.The facilities available are numerous including several large swimming pools,squash court,tennis quarters, spar, dining families etc. Will definitely come back next year,

Resort and 2 br unit clean and well equipped. Chalet was very spacious with a very large patio. Unit is nicer than the posted pictures. Bedding is plush. The buffet was exceptional. Large variety of foods, very tasty. There are many sights nearby - Kruger Park - Phabeni Gate 10 min drive. Grocery store, restaurants, shopping, a store with beautiful local artwork are all a 5 to 10 min drive away. We enjoyed a couple's massage in the beautiful spa. Billard's was fun. Staff is very friendly. Purchased a swanky outfit for dinner from the On-site store (I only brought safari clothes, but the restaurant was so nice I wanted to dress nicely.) Did not experience any load shedding. Did not see any animals on the property except monkeys and birds.

We spent a lovely week at Sanbonani, which is close to Phabeni Gate of the Kruger National Park. Staff were very friendly and helpful and our chalet was nice and clean. The swimming pool area is fantastic.

Love this place. Got timeshare there more than 30 years. Never get tired of this place. Lovely chalets. Two and three bedrooms. Tennis courts, swimming pools. Hotel and many more. Near to Phabeni gate to the Krugerpark. Lot of sightseeings from Sanbonani.