Frequently Asked Questions

Emigration and opening

When are you going to emigrate to South Africa?

It is the project of our lives and therefore it has to be exactly the way we want it on every domain of life. We expect to make the big leap in 2029.

When can I book a room at Xongile Lodge?

We expect to open in 2029. The closer we get to this date the more specific we can be. If we are certain when we are opening the lodge we will make the booking section of this website available.

Where can I follow your journey?

How nice you want to follow us during this exciting time in our lives! We keep track of our journey on this website (blog) and we are very active on Facebook and Instagram. In the future we will also start a newsletter.

Can I reach out for questions and advice for my own emigration towards South Africa?

Sure! We would love to hear your story and maybe we can share some experiences. Good luck with your plans!

Reservations

How do I make a reservation?

You can make your reservation directly on the website via our digital calendar. Just click on the 'Book Online' button'. Select the room of your preference and select the date(s) you wish to stay at Xongile Lodge. It's easy as that.

How do I change a reservation?

E-mail us the change you want to apply and we get back to you as soon as possible to confirm if the change is possible. Our e-mailadress is: info@xongile.com.

Can I make a reservation for more than two people in one room?

Our rooms are suitable for one or two persons. Unfortunately it is not possible to make a reservation for more than two people per room. However, it is of course possible to book multiple rooms at once to accomodate your party.

How do I know if my reservation has been confirmed?

After you made a booking via our website you receive a confirmation e-mail. This happens instant. If you did not receive an confirmation, please contact us so we can assist you.

Payments

What payment methods does Xongile Lodge accept?

You can pay with creditcard, Paypal and IDeal.

Does Xongile Lodge require any deposit or payment in advance?

Yes. The total amount should be payed before your stay.

What is included in the price?

If you book a room you receive accomodation and breakfast. You are able to expend this with full pension (lunch and dinner) and activities. Look for the full overview on the rates page.

Are taxes included in the prices?

Yes.

Do I get a discount if I book directly via the Xongile Lodge website?

A direct reservation via our website leads always to a more convient price than when you book via other booking websites or via travel agent, because they charge for their service.

Arrival

At what time can I check in?

At 14:00.

Till what time can I check in?

Till 23:00.

What are the travel descriptions to the lodge?

From every direction it is easy to get to the lodge. You can find the directions here.

Can I park my car at the lodge?

There is enough private parking space in front of the lodge.

Does Xongile Lodge offer a shuttle-service?

No, we don't offer such a service.

Checking out

Till what time can I check out?

Till 10:00.

What if I decide to leave earlier than planned?

That is possible of course. Refunds are determined based on our cancelation policy.

Can I leave my luggage temporarily at the lodge after checking out?

Yes that is possible. We can store your luggage on the day of your departure after check out. They should however be picked up at 23:00 that same day.

I would like to stay longer in the room, is that possible?

That depends. If the room is booked by other guests it is not possible. If not you can stay longer in your room for ZAR 170 per hour.

After your stay

I left items in my room after check out, what should I do?

Please send us an e-mail (info@xongile.com) with the items you forgot. We will check as soon as possible and will send them to you.

I want to leave a review, where can I do that?

Thank you so much! Businesses these days live on reviews, so this means a lot to us. You can leave a review on the pages where we are active.
At the moment it is:
- Facebook

I have a complaint, what to do?

We are so sorry to hear that. Please contact us via info@xongile.com and we get back to you as soon as possible.

Cancellation

What is the cancellation policy of Xongile Lodge?

If you want to cancel a (part of a) reservation the following cancellation policy is in place:
- 31 days prior to arrival: you receive your deposit back in full.
- 30 to 8 days prior to arrival: a 50% cancellation fee will be charged.
- 7 to 0 days prior to arrival: a 80% cancellation fee will be charged.

For further details you can read our terms and conditions.

How can I cancel a reservation?

Please send us an e-mail (info@xongile.com) with which dates or which reservation you would like to cancel.

How do I know my reservation is cancelled?

We will confirm the cancellation to you as soon as possible by e-mail.

Area

How far is Xongile Lodge from Johannesburg?

The distance is 387 km.
By car it is 4 hours. The road is a toll road and is well kept.
By plane it is 55 minutes plus 52 minutes by car.

What can you tell me about the area?

Malelane is an small town directly next to the Crocodile River and the famous Kruger National Park. It is best of both worlds. On one side there is a direct view on the park with all the peace and quiet that comes with it and on the other side there are all the necessities you need in town. It is only a 10-15 minute drive to Malelane Gate where you can enter the Kruger National Park. The world famous golf course Leopard Creek is even closer. It is a beautiful area famous for its sugar cane fields. 50 kilometers east and you are in Mozambique and 50 kilometers south and you drive into Eswatini. Nelspruit is the closest big city at an distance of 65 kilometer. It is a fantastic, strategic and practical base to explore this region.

What kind of wildlife can I expect around Xongile Lodge?

The Kruger National Park is thé place on earth with the most mammal species in the same area. Amongst them the famous Big Five. However there is so much more. We have near 500 different bird species, lots of different repiles and amphibians, but there are also lots of creepy crawlies you probably never even heard of. It is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts! Since we are located on the banks of the Crocodile River with a direct view on the Kruger National Park lots of wildlife can be spotted from the comfort of the lodge.

Is it safe to stay in this area?

Use your common sense is the best advice with regard to observing wildlife, traveling and visiting places.
It is a wonderful and beautiful place to stay, but remember you right next to one of the most famous national parks and all their inhabitants. If you travel don't stop at places where you normally wouldn't stop and if you visit places be aware of pick pockets.
The lodge itself is secured to make sure you can enjoy all the riches of nature in a safe and relaxed manner.

Rooms

How many rooms does Xongile Lodge contain?

We have five rooms. Two on the first floor and three on the second floor.

Is it possible to book a room for more than two persons?

No, the rooms are created and equipped for a maximum of two people.

Is there airconditioning in the rooms?

Yes there is.

Which room do I need to book if I want a view on the Crocodile River and the Kruger National Park?

All the rooms have a direct view on the Crocodile River and the Kruger National Park. It is up to you whether you would like to be on the first or the second floor.

What are the facilities in the rooms?

Every room equiped with a comfortable queensize bed, airconditioning, a toilet, a shower, a fridge, a desk, a closet, a safe and a seating area inside and outside.

Activities

What kind of activities are available near Xongile Lodge?

There are many activities organized and near Xongile Lodge like: game drives in Kruger National Park, birding and golf. For the complete overview look here.

What kind of activities are avaible in a wider range around Xongile Lodge?

If you want to travel a bit more the following activities might be interesting for you:
- The Parorama Route.
- Shopping in Nelspruit.
- Ziplining.
- Rafting.
- Skydiving.
- Daytrip to Mozambique.

Can I pet or feed animals during my stay?

No. We are firmly against feeding and petting the wildlife. Even though it might look nice at first, animal cruelty is hidding behind it. We don't work together with organizations who provide this kind of 'entertainment'. When in Kruger; feeding the animals is the same as writing their death certificate.

Observing the animals in their natural habitat is a more satisfying activity, it is more educational and you don't bring their (and your) lives in danger.

Can I book a seperate acitivity without booking a room?

Not at the moment.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Does Xongile Lodge serve breakfast, lunch and dinner?

Yes we do!

Is it possible to cook by myself at Xongile Lodge?

Xongile Lodge is not a selfcatering lodge, so it is not possible to cook your own meals at the lodge. We do have an excellent menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also nice restaurants in town and in the Kruger National Park.

What is the menu?

Check out our menu: here.

Is the Xongile Lodge a good fit for vegetarians and vegans?

Since we are vegetarians ourselves we highy value a good selection of vegetarian dishes. We also carry a selection of vegan options.

Does Xongile Lodge serve gluten-free and/or lactose-free dishes?

Please let us know when you place your reservation what your preferences are, so we can make sure the meals are delicious and suitable for your diet.

Can I book a seperate breakfast, lunch or dinner without booking a room?

No, not yet.

Others

Is there wifi at Xongile Lodge?

Yes there is free wifi. Both in the lodge itself as in the guestrooms.

Are there rooms with wheelchair excess?

The two rooms on the first floor are easy accesable for our guests in wheelchairs.

Can you advice me on precautions to prevent Malaria?

Kruger National Park is stated as a mild Malaria area.

However, we refer you to your personal doctor to discuss measures you can take to prevent Malaria, since we are not medically trained.

Can I bring my pets to Xongile Lodge?

No.

What is the smoking policy?

There is a strict non-smoke policy in and around the lodge.

Can I have people visit me while staying at Xongile Lodge?

No.

Xongile Lodge

Absorb the Exquisiteness of Nature