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aha Bongani Mountain Lodge

3.5 star property
Family-friendly hotel with 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for aha Bongani Mountain Lodge

Interior
View from room
Outdoor dining
Safari
Ecotours

Reviews

9.0 out of 10

Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
    Bar
  • All-inclusive
    All-inclusive
  • Spa
    Spa
  • Gym
    Gym
  • Room service
    Room service
  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included

Explore the area

Map
Off N4, MTHETHOMUSHA GAME RESERVE., Kaapmuiden, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, 1295
  • Malelane Gate
    48 min drive
  • Ilanga Mall
    56 min drive
  • Numbi Gate
    81 min drive
  • Nelspruit (MQP-Kruger Mpumalanga Intl.)
    69 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room

Standard Room

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Connecting rooms available
Sofa bed
Ceiling fan
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
  • 4 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Classic Suite

Classic Suite

Classic Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Fireplace
Connecting rooms available
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Chalet

Chalet

Chalet

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Connecting rooms available
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
Bathrobes
  • 3 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Similar properties

Exterior detail
View Inn Exclusive Lodge
Pool
Kids pool
Parking included
Free WiFi
2.4 out of 5, (10)
The price is AU$50
for 1 night
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
View Inn Exclusive Lodge

About the area

Mbombela

A family-friendly stay in Mbombela awaits you at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge. You'll be 26.2 km (16.3 mi) from Nukain Mabuza's Stone Garden and 35.8 km (22.3 mi) from Inkwazi Shopping Centre. Highlights at this hotel include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a full-service spa and a restaurant. .A day of pampering can include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages and body wraps along with aromatherapy and mani/pedis. The restaurant, Bongani, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the hotel's own lounge bar or poolside bar, you can enjoy a drink. Enjoy the gym, kids' swimming pool and pool loungers as well as access to ecotours. Other amenities include a free manager's reception, a conference centre and coffee/tea in a common area. Each morning free English breakfast is offered between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Sights in the vicinity of this 3.5-property class Mbombela hotel include Malelane Gate and Leopard Creek Country Club.

What's nearby

  • Malelane Gate - 48 min drive - 43.5 km
  • Leopard Creek Country Club - 53 min drive - 46.0 km
  • Ilanga Mall - 56 min drive - 53.1 km
  • Mbombela Stadium - 61 min drive - 56.5 km
  • Numbi Gate - 81 min drive - 54.3 km

Getting around

  • Nelspruit (MQP-Kruger Mpumalanga Intl.) - 69 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪KFC - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Galito's - ‬36 min drive
  • ‪Juicy Lucy - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Debonairs Pizza - ‬24 min drive

About this property

aha Bongani Mountain Lodge

Family-friendly hotel with 2 outdoor pools and full-service spa
Some rates at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge are all-inclusive. These rates include on-site meals and beverages, and may include taxes and gratuities. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

Aha Bongani Mountain Lodge offers its guests a full-service spa, 2 outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre, and a children's pool. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily, and guests can also enjoy a free nightly manager's reception.

A business centre and a meeting room are available. Event space at this hotel measures 323 square feet (30 square metres) and includes a conference centre. A rooftop terrace, barbecue grills, and multilingual staff are also featured at the family-friendly aha Bongani Mountain Lodge. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) and an area shuttle are available for a fee. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Mbombela hotel.

  • 39 guestrooms or units
  • 323 sq ft of conference space
  • 30 sq. m of conference space
  • Built in 1981
  • English breakfast (free)
  • Manager's reception (free)
  • Terrace on the roof
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Conference centre
  • Business facilities
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Front desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Aha Bongani Mountain Lodge offers 39 accommodations with minibars and complimentary bottles of water. This individually furnished accommodation has separate sitting areas. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. Business-friendly amenities include safes and telephones. Rooms have partially open bathrooms. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower, dressing gowns, slippers and complimentary toiletries. Additionally, rooms include a hairdryer and a ceiling fan. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is open daily.

Languages

Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu

Property amenities

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free secured, covered self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking

Food and drink

  • Free English breakfast available daily 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Free daily manager's reception

Restaurants on site

  • Bongani

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Conference centre (323 square foot of space)
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • In a regional park
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Rooftop terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Spa open daily
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Built in 1981
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Partially-open bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 3 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee: ZAR 350 for check-in between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: ZAR 350

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Transfers from the Welcome Center takes place at noon, 1 PM, and 3 PM. If planning to arrive outside any of these times, guests will incur an extra charge of ZAR 350 (per vehicle, per way). Guests are advised to contact the property in advance and coordinate their arrival around these times.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: ZAR 170 per person, per night.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 500 per person (one-way)
  • Late check-in fee: ZAR 350 for check-in between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM
  • Late check-out fee: ZAR 350 (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, debit cards and cash. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.

We should mention

  • Pool access is available 24 hours a day.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • Certain facilities might have restricted access. For details, you can contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Bongani
Bongani Lodge
Bongani Mountain
Bongani Mountain Kruger National Park
Bongani Mountain Lodge Kruger National Park
aha Bongani Mountain Lodge Hotel
aha Bongani Mountain Lodge Kruger National Park
aha Bongani Mountain Lodge Hotel Kruger National Park

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge?

Aha Bongani Mountain Lodge offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge?

Yep, aha Bongani Mountain Lodge has a free self car park and free RV/bus/truck parking. Onsite parking is limited.

Is there a spa on site at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body wraps, body scrubs and facials, as well as hot stone massages.

Does aha Bongani Mountain Lodge have a pool?

Aha Bongani Mountain Lodge has 2 outdoor swimming pools and a kids' pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella and with a coldie from the bar. The pool is open 24 hours.

What makes aha Bongani Mountain Lodge a romantic place to stay?

Couples dining and a champagne service, as well as pillowtop beds in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge.

Is aha Bongani Mountain Lodge family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a children's pool, babysitting services and laundry facilities, it's no surprise that aha Bongani Mountain Lodge is a hit with families.

Does aha Bongani Mountain Lodge serve breakfast?

Sure does, free English breakfast is served daily from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge?

Check-in begins at noon. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at aha Bongani Mountain Lodge?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

aha Bongani Mountain Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 39 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 39 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 39 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 39 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Megan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Back to Bongani
We first stayed at Bongani Mountain Lodge 15 years ago and returned when we saw it on special over new year. Not much has changed in 15 years. We had a nice time - the food was good and our ranger and tracker were pleasant and informative. I would not rate this lodge as luxury. The room, with a queen size bed, had seen better days and with the thatch roof and poor choice of tiles it always seemed a bit grubby. The game viewing is not great. There are not many animals to be seen and as much as the ranger provided interesting info about what we did see - if you are after real Big 5 game viewing this is not the place for you. The food appealed to South African tastes and there was a good choice. If anything the compressed times because of lockdown meant that we were fed a little bit too much over a shorter space of time. I don't think I would rush back to Bongani and would have been seriously disappointed if we had paid full price. It was nice but not amazing.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Nicole, Johannesburg

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is clearly advertised on Expedia that it is in Kruger Park - it is not inside the park, but in a game reserve next to it - so slightly misleading as I was under the impression that it was INSIDE Kruger! Also, if you follow Google Maps it gets you horribly lost - after reading a ton of reviews the day before the trip, we realised we had to contact the lodge directly for written directions or we should call them when we get to the point (or when you get lost). It’s not in the nicest locations so getting lost is quite unsettling. It should also be recommended to arrive with a vehicle that has good ground clearance as the gravel road is quite bad in places. However, after arriving at the Welcome Centre to park your car and take a 30 minute drive up to the lodge - it was wonderful. All staff (namely Pascal) were so friendly and accommodating and immediately felt relaxed. The head Chef was great and willing to accommodate any request thrown at him. The game rangers were AMAZING! We had Wonderboy and Sandile. We then had Jabu and Thokozani - who were so knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour - there was no question left unanswered and looked forward to the drives with them. The food was great and the accommodation was lovely (could start replacing the bed linen as it is ripped and got holes), but overall clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

mosibudi rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great experience
Great experience and fantastic accommodation. The highlight of the trip was the hospitality and friendliness of all the staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

BillyCraigens, New Jersey USA

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and spacious.Cleaned twice daily.Best bed I’ve slept in👍
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Laleh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quick safari holiday
Great experience and amazing staff! Food was delicious and game drives were amazing
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Cindy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best staff EVER!!!
The staff,the food and game drives were fantastic!!! I do believe that the chalets could be upgraded a bit. I felt that the drive to the welcome center was not a nice drive and better signs needs to be set up and warning of the cattles and bad roads needs to be stipulated. The staff are wonderful each and every one of them!!@
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was an adventure and all the staff were very enthusiastic, we had s very pleasant stay in a wonderful environment
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This lodge was awesome. Great accommodations and great staff. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Our stay at Aha Bongani could not have been better: all meals were included, food was excellent, game drives by experience drivers, very personalized service, excellent amenities and accomodations, etc. The staff was outstanding, accomodating all our requests and much more. The lodge is a bit isolated in the mountains, but easy to reach by the shuttles provided by the hotel. It is also close to Malelane Gate of Kruger Park. Frankly, this is an extremely good value for the price paid, I would return anytime.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Paul, England

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful experience, only marred by there manager having to ask me for more money, as your agent put that the two rooms I booked were single occupancy both my name which I did notice but thought was printing error. As I ask especially for one twin and one double for four people,and surely there would of been a single occupancy surcharge. I would be interested on your thoughts Paul Davies
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Kristi, Chicago, IL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Mountain Lodge Safari
My husband and I visited the lodge with our two children over the holidays and we had an excellent experience. They were very accommodating for the children as well. Lovely mountain lodge with friendly staff and good food. Rooms were comfortable and well appointed with private decks. Impalas and monkeys would roam around the property during the day. We went on three safaris during our trip and saw a ton of animals; zebra, giraffe, rhinos, Impalas, Cape Buffalo, and a herd of elephants. Lots of birds and lizards as well. The pool and sun deck were very relaxing with amazing views of the mountains and valley below. Beware, the lodge is not easy to get to. We followed Google Maps to get to the lodge and it brought us on a treacherous route. We ended up having to turn around and go back to the beginning of town where we saw a sign pointing to the lodge. Be prepared with directions before you go and follow the sign for the lodge. You will first enter the reserve and then proceed to the welcome center where you will park and leave your car. A guide will then escort you up the mountain to the lodge in an Land Cruiser, a mini safari in itself. Once you get there you’ll realize it was worth the extra effort. Enjoy!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
I'm With The Elephants
Totally misrepresented by Hotels.com I booked many rooms more than half bore no resemblance to description on net, for a start no plunge pool half were duplex style dark smelly and shared postage stamp balcony. The others were stand alone as booked with bath were OK I paid exactly the same money for two different so called villas. My friends with the terrible villas were in tears so a few were moved the next day as they were fully booked the first night these were the lucky ones the others just had to wallow in the sub standard accommodation. Game very few and far between. We were told that a herd of elephants broke down the fence and went to Kruger I'm with the elephants.

10/10 Excellent

Haren, new jersey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very nice hotel near Kruger and there own safari
Excellent But expedites representative gave us wrong information about Kruger safari and airport pick up charges

8/10 Good

Luc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hotel and nice staff
Hotel is perfect but we were disappointed with games drives, we didn't saw much animals, no elephant, no lion, no leopard, 1 Girafe, much buffalo, a few rhino and a lot of impala... Jabu out diver was really cool

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

No cats or wild dogs seen on our drives. Wonderful scenery and excellent driver.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Deluxe Glamping in the Bush. Great hospitality.
Nice family safari in the bush. The approach from the highway to the main gate is a bit daunting as you drive through a village of shacks. This did not give us confidence we had chosen the right place to stay and almost turned around. We are so glad we did not turn around and went all the way to the lodge. It is 1 hour all the way to the lodge from the highway, so plan your timing accordingly. Lodge was decent. Wildlife roamed the property and we co-mingled with the nyalas and monkeys. Fourene was the most amazing guide! Saw elephants, white rhinos, giraffes and much more!

8/10 Good

Mario, Mozambique

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stunning African experience
Beautiful place with very friendly staff. Excellent for relaxing and be in contact with nature

10/10 Excellent

Pablo, Sydney, AU

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
All what had been promised and more
Bongani is located in its own reserve, between mountains, lakes and a few creeks, where animals roam freely and the sounds of different creatures make every minute a postcard moment. The hotel staff were very helpful and friendly at all times, caring for our every need. The food was delicious, very fresh and abundant, and our safari guide Noel made sure every ride was fun, interesting and always different (not an easy task after 4 nights and 2 safari-rides each day). I would definitely recommend Bongani to anyone who's interested in living an unforgettable experience in the South African wild side.

10/10 Excellent

Tone, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bongani Mountan Lodge was an awesome experience!!!
Overall I highly recomend this hotel/lodge. It's located in the Bongani region, it actually sits on a mountain and it's a lodge so the name says it all. Directions were straight forward and easy. The drive was bumpy but hey, it's Africa. The staff was super helpful and friendly, the driver met us at the Welcome Center (on time). We saw animals on the way to the lodge which was cool. Once at the lodge the host took us on a tour and gave us drinks to cool down. The cottage was self-standing and away from other rooms (all were like this) and overlooking the valley. We could see animals roaming from our front porch. The food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) was very good and well cooked. I like the fact that there was no IT in the room, no TV, no Radio, No Internet, just a big 'ole tub and nature looking back at us. The indoor/outdoor shower was very cool. I am going back and would encourage you to go as well, you won't regret it!

8/10 Good

Nicolas, Shanghai, China

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice lodge in unique mountainous landscape.
Nice lodge to spot giraffe, buffaloes, rhinos and elephants very close but don't expect to see lions or cats around here.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lugar lindissimo!Bungalows muito confortaveis.Piscinas com vista maravilhosa. Muita comida ,nem sempre saborosa.Muitos elefantes impalas e girafas.Poucos leoes.Obrigado Rose,Omega,Wonder e mama Afrika
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019