Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge

Coffee grind low when checking into room. No welcome drinks back from game drive except apple juice . Guide had no enthusiasm or discussion of game plan. Stated “I’m just driving”. Service was slow in general to get anything . Guide didn’t even bother shining spot light during night time or talk for the first 45 minutes . No turn down service at night - unless you call just closing the blinds turn down . Guide drives around aimlessly . Reserve still has a good amount of construction . No fridge in room so don’t expect milk with coffee. Asked for a water bottle at front and they didn’t have any for us . Guide didn’t even introduce himself and never had a game plan for any of the game drives . Overall not a personable experience . Only 1 USB outlet worked in room . Hot water didn’t work . We had no clue what we were going to have for any meals they didn’t ask if we liked this or preferred this or anything . WiFi in room and phone to call lodge both didn’t work . The lodge itself and rooms are beautiful but to us a 5 star resort isn’t about the lodge but rather the full experience as a whole. We have stayed at many lodges and game reserves and for us it’s about learning and seeing the animals in their environment and connecting with the guide on a personable level asking questions and learning about the animal behaviors. It felt disconnected, a bit of a facade with the look not backing up the feel of the experience. My girlfriend and I cut our trip short bye two nights unfortunately.