Thaba Manzi Ranch

Reviews

• "The children had the best time!"

  30 November 2019

  "Thaba Manzi is a really lovely place and the kids had the greatest weekend seeing all the animals. They loved the horse ride. I thought one or two things could be addressed to improve the overall experience 1) Hand soap in the bathrooms. I don't think many people think to bring this themselves :) 2) Flat sheets on the beds. It's quite warm out there in summer so I don't think everyone would want to sleep under a duvet 3) the ants carried us away a bit - running up our legs on the patio. I know it's a farm and nature's all around but maybe spraying with environmentally friendly ant treatment once in a while 4) along the same lines, maybe a raised and shaded platform by the pool? We couldn't lie there without being covered in ants 5) maybe more than one knife, one fork, one spoon, one plate per person? But all in all a fantastic place to bring family and friends for a weekend out of Jhb! Esther was really lovely and super helpful"

• "The peacefulness of the farm."

  17 September 2019

  "Ester, the housekeeper, is delightful and very caring. She takes trouble to make you feel at home!The unit was spotless, is rustic but very comfortable, we will certainly go back."

• "Cradle of mankind"

  09 December 2018

  "We enjoyed our stay at Thaba Manzi Ranch very much.The appartement was spacious, well equipped and clean.You live surrounded by nature and quiet, but you can also do a lot of things in the surroundings like game drives, caves, mountain walking and so on."

• "The beautiful sunset!"

  19 November 2018

  "Waking up with all the farm noises and just relaxing!"

• "The beautiful view"

  12 November 2018

  "Esther was a delight and friendly and helpful. The accommodation was rustic but nice and comfortable and clean. The hikes were lovely and we enjoyed the swimming pool."

• "View was beautiful"

  23 October 2018

  "there was no electricity and water for 16 hours"

• "Loved the nature walk"

  22 October 2018

  "There can be improvements on where you can walk and maybe have a map so you know where to walkMore organise to the bookings, and to make sure there is no double bookings"

• "Everything"

  26 January 2018

  "If you are lookong for somewhere to really let go of themad rush that is Gauteng, this is definitely the place to go.Well priced and brilliant staff on hand, are just a few of the things we have come to love about Thaba Manzi Ranch.We'll definitely be back for our 3rd stay at this beautiful farm!"

• "Just the fresh air"

  27 December 2017

  "Install DStv ready connections, so visitors can bring their dstv cards."

• "Thaba Manzi Welcome"

  06 July 2016

  "We had a lovely week-end at Thaba Manzi Ranch. The warm and friendly nature of the staff made us feel very welcome and at home.<br />"

• "Bad bad bad!!!"

  29 March 2016

  "Upon arriving, there was no sign at the gate to help you to identifiy the ranch. I phoned the owner and he rudly explained to me where the gate was. At the gate there was no sight of anyone on the farm. You just have to guess what to do next!! We opened the gate and drove in. We stood around for maby 15min before anyone came to greet us. We were greeted by the domestic worker who gave us our key. The room was not cleaned at all!!! Red ants everywere! In the bed, in the toilet and even in the fridge! The bed and furniture were also full of dog hair. I had to cleen the room before we could put our things down! I will never ever go back to the ranch again. The photos on their website are not real and for R700 a night you can rather go stay in a hotel!!"

• "Very disappointing, such potential"

  23 March 2016

  "<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I wish I had read the other reviews before I booked the accommodation as all the negative points were exactly as we experienced which shows that the owners have made no effort to improve the quality of their accommodation.</span><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The location is lovely and so special to spend time on an actual farm especially for children. And whereas we also never saw or heard anything form the hosts, which I think is quite poor, the farm staff who did help us were very friendly. THERE ARE NO ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE ON THE FARM despite what the write up says.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The accommodation itself was incredibly disappointing considering the cost. The kitchen tap kept falling through the hole in the counter, there crackers was not completed, the fridge did not close properly and the stove knob was broken off so we had to turn it off at the plug.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The lined was totally unacceptable! We were only provided with a comforter to cover ourselves which you wouldn't conventionally sleep with without sheets. They were also so old they looked as thought they were from the 70's. The bed had a thick plastic cover that sounded as though you were sleeping on plastic bags. They sleeper couch was absolutely filthy!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All in all very disappointing accommodation considering they lovely location and potential the place has. We will NOT be going back there!</span></div>"

• "Beautiful Surroundings, but units are adjoining"

  22 March 2016

  "The Farm itself is beautiful, but the description fails to tell one that central wall divides two adjoining units. With the corrugated iron roof one hears everything your neighbor is doing. This venue is ideal for two couples who want to book adjoining units for a fun weekend away, but is not suited for a romantic getaway for a single couple as we had planned."

• "AWESOME WEEKEND"

  07 December 2015

  "We had a very lovely weekend! the staff on the farm were very helpful and friendly and made sure we had a pleasant stay!"

• "Worst accomodation EVER"

  29 December 2014

  "This is by far the worst place I have ever stayed at. We never once saw the "host". The place was infested with flies. They didn't even have any flies repellent spray, or anything. The linen was dirty. The utensils hadn't been washed. There was continuous power outages and no back-up generator except at the main dwelling. We went out and bought our own fly traps. When we called and complained about the lack of water and electricity, we were sworn at by the host Ms Chantal de Villiers. She refused to refund us for the day that we didn't stay. This place is a total fraud. It definitely doesn't resemble the photos or "reviews" on any of the accommodation websites. This is a rundown fly infested dump. The chalet is totally open plan - the shower and bathroom is all open - which means you basically bathing is the open, where anyone can walk past and watch. The veranda pillars are tied together with wire.The "chalets" are situated next to the pig pens. The poor cows and horses sleep outside - there is no proper barn or sheds for them. They are left to fend for themselves. The cows are milked in the dirty run down dirty shack.The pool is cracked and leaking. It was dirty with algae on the side. Almost cut my foot on the broken tiles around the pool. The grass around the chalets and pool is full of thorns."

• "Too frugal for comfort"

  07 April 2014

  "While Thaba Manzi offers some lovely views over the mountains in a peaceful farm setting, we were very disappointed with the accommodation itself.Upon arriving, we struggled to find anyone to greet us and wandered around rather aimlessly until a farm worker showed us to our apartment.The flat itself was pleasant and clean, but the owners have done the bare minimum to make guests feel at home. A sign explains that guests get only one roll of (one ply) toilet paper, after which they must pay for more. There is no soap, sugar, tea or any other thoughtful amenity available. Even the cutlery and plates are kept to a bare minimum (with just 2 knives, 2 forks and 2 plates per couple). The linen is old and very scratchy.Thaba Manzi has a lot of potential, but the owners really need to reconsider their priorities. Either that, or lower their price enough to indicate the lack of quality that guests can expect."

• "Bleh"

  07 January 2014

  "When you go to Thaba Manzi,just expect to feel as though you don't exist. You are not greeted by anyone and you need to phone the host so that one of the workers can open for you. This in itself was ok,but the fabled activities on the website (like hiking trails and horse rides) are impossible as nobody is around to give you any information. The unit itself was up to standard,despite the fridge not closing properly and the one bedside lamp not working. If you want to relax without interruption, it's ok, but if you went there with the hopes of hiking or horse riding (as is stated on their website) then don't even consider it. I enjoyed the peace, but I felt very neglected as a guest and the service was extremely unprofessional. Nonexistent, actually."

• "Nice, peaceful and very pleasant hosts"

  19 December 2013

  "Just came back from a 2 night stay at thaba manziRanch. We stayed at lorie room, loved the old beams and the door, it certainly gave character to the place. The owners were very welcoming and great to talk too. Chantal very patiently explained everything on the ranch to us. We took our own coal for braai, but were also provided wood for the first braai. And were also informed if needed more then it is available at the farm for a very good price. All in all the place was very peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle of city. And simply loved waking up to the sounds of birds, insects, cows, sheep, horses etc etc. Would definitely go again!!!"

• "Great place"

  02 December 2013

  "It was great. Love the flexibility around checking out. Very clean."

• "Stay at Thaba Manzi Ranch"

  25 September 2013

  "We were most disappointed with our overall stay at Thaba Manzi Ranch. Although the lady that assisted us on arrival was very friendly, not once did we get to meet or see the owners. In addition we were only provided with one toilet roll and huge signs proclaimed that we had to supply any further toilet paper if needed. No where was this mentioned on the website or prior to our arrival. It was the same situation with wood for our braai fire. When one is unaware that these basics need to be brought along with us and we are some distance from a shopping area, it is indeed unpleasant.In addition the chalets were not very well maintained. We had pieces of hanging ceiling in our room, both bedside lamps were not working and no bathroom amenities were supplied.Also if you wanted to participate in any activities for example game drives or any other activities you have to phone, you could not take a walk because there is no one to explain or show you where the farm borders are All in all we feel that the cost per night(R 850.00) did not justify the quality of accommodation that we expected and will certainly not be returning there and also would not recommend it to anybody. I would also recommend that Safari now take a drive and inspect places before they put their name to advertising and selling a place."

• "Bad hospitality"

  10 December 2012

  "Not what I expected in terms of hospitality."

• "Got potential"

  23 October 2012

  "I enjoyed the view, the animals and the pool. They have it all, but need to pay attention to trees scratching the sink roof 24/7, the water does not flow out of the sink without lots of effort. Small little things that will make the stay there much more relaxed."

• "Nice"

  26 September 2012

  "Great place to unwind!"

• "Thaba Manzi - ietwat teleurstellend."

  23 September 2012

  "Alhoewel die omgewing rustig is, is die studio bietjie duur vir die basiese toerusting wat daar is. Die bad het gelek, en die yskas se deur het nie vasgesuig as dit toegemaak is nie. Ons het dit rapporteer, maar niemand het opgevolg nie. Daar was nie ''n bo laken op,die bed nie, en ons moes vra voordat een gebring is. Alhoewel ek aanvanklik 'n baie vriendelike epos van Chantal gekry het, en gelees het van haar gasvryheid, het ons haar glad nie te sien gekry nie. Die studio is skoon en die vrou wat dit diens was baie vriendelik."

• "Excellent experience"

  18 June 2012

  "We very much enjoyed the stay at Thaba Manzi Ranch in the peaceful, tranquil and relaxed atmosphere of this farm in the Magaliesberg."

• "Thaba Manzi Ranch"

  21 May 2012

  "1. Chantal is such a friendly hostess and made us feel very welcome. 2. The complimentary wood was welcomed. 3. The explanation of the history regarding the ranch was interesting. 4. Chantal checked on us every evening to see if everything was o.k. 5. The little present from her to her guests was much appreceated."

• "Great stay"

  23 April 2012

  "A perfect weekend away - will definitely go again!"

• "Great weekend"

  04 January 2012

  "This is a great facility if you want to get away from the busy city life. With a refreshing atmosphere, the lodge has everything that one requires; best of all was the extremely friendly host, Chantal. We have been to a few other places but have never felt so welcomed. We enjoyed our weekend at Thaba Manzi Ranch. Thank you Chantal."

• "Rest"

  21 November 2011

  "Peace and quiet. Our doggies loved it."

• "Sanity break"

  18 November 2011

  "This is a wonderful setting for a midweek sanity break. Absolutely nobody else was there, not even a visible reception office. We adored the view of the Magaliesberg and watching the routine animal herding. It's not a place for children, but definitely a tranquil retreat for two oldies."

• "Great getaway from city life"

  14 November 2011

  "We had a great stay at the ranch. It wasn't what we were expecting but better than we expected. We are looking forward to our next stay here. A great escape from city life. Chantal is a great hostess. Very patient and accommodating to her guests."

• "Very good"

  11 July 2011

  "Very good break away venue."

• "Absolutely fantastic"

  13 April 2011

  "Excellent rooms in a stunning location with fantastic views. This is a definite must if you're looking for somewhere quiet to get away from it all. But above all, brilliant service and wonderfully friendly staff. Thank you all for going out of your way to make this a stay to remember."

• "A fantastic farm experience"

  14 October 2008

  "We enjoyed all the animals."

• "A fantastic farm experience"

  14 October 2008

  "We enjoyed all the animals."