Café Zambezi House of Africa - Hostel

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Lovely staff, cute cottage with a working bathroom and bug net. Wifi didn't really work, but we're here to unwind, read a book instead

When we arrived at the lodge, the staff at reception seemed didn't know I had an online booking and the room wasn't ready. Waited 45 minutes to enter the room after a long drive. There was no hot water because the hot water heater "geezer" was off. (Staff didn't advise us if this when we arrived). It was switched on and waited 30 minutes and only got luke warm water for our 2 day stay. I told staff and nothing was done until the last day. Ordered complimentary breakfast and it took 30 minutes and there were no other guests ordering. The staff were arguing with each other about work in front of us (My partner speaks Bemba). We arrived back at the lodge after 10 pm and the door and gate to park the car was locked. Fortunately a staff member appeared out of nowhere and let us in. There is no communication between staff and guests and I asked to speak with the manager but he/she was never there. Asked for the number to call the manager and the phone wasn't answered. Staff were rude and expect the quests to understand the rule by magic!

Television (TV) and DSTV: Despite booking a room that supposedly included DSTV, I was shocked to find it non-operational. When I brought this to the attention of the staff, I was told it hadn't been paid for. Unacceptable! Even after escalating the issue to the so-called manager on duty, no resolution was provided. Internet Woes: The promised free WIFI at Café Zambezi turned out to be a complete sham. The duty manager cited ongoing internet issues, but what's more infuriating is the lack of effort to address the problem during my entire 3-day stay. Unprofessional and inexcusable. Bathroom Towel, Cleanliness, and Toiletries: One dirty towel for the entire stay, with no option for a replacement, left me questioning the hygiene standards. The claim of free toiletries was a flat-out lie; all I got was a minuscule bar soap that barely lasted a day. Housekeeping Oversight: Don't expect your room to be cleaned unless you leave your key at the reception before 11 am – information conveniently omitted during check-in. Such lack of transparency is unacceptable. Mosquito Menace: Considering the malaria risk in the area, it's shocking that Café Zambezi doesn't provide insecticide or bother to spray the rooms. Be prepared to fend off mosquitoes on your own. Pool Problems: I had hoped to enjoy the swimming pool, but the water looked more like a mud puddle than a refreshing oasis. This stark contrast to other properties in the area left me thoroughly disappointed. Save yourself!

Clean and quiet room but they have a nice restaurant here.

The price was good for the 2 rooms we booked. It took awhile for them to find the second room with lots of prompting when we checked in. The room frankly was roughly finished with all the light switches on one wall opposite the bathroom,very illogical! The door would only shut if locked,the beds had very sharp metal corners on them which caught you every time you walked by. The bathroom was fine ,just remember to ask them to switch the geyser on ! The mattresses were from hell ,just 2 banged out foam mattresses on top of each other requiring some serious balancing to stay on on! Otherwise aircon was good and the room clean but in reality for a budget lodge putting one double bed into the room with a side table and bed light would be better. I've stayed in several lodges all over Zambia for the same price and have been far more impressed with the decor and comfort. The overall lodge and restaurant etc are great and service good with all staff members friendly and attentive. Overall its a nice well placed lodge