My husband and I stayed at Simbambili in May 2023, on our third trip to South Africa. We wanted to stay somewhere different in Sabi Sand, and friends recommended Simbambili. It was wonderful, though you pay for the privilege! We usually choose (and rate) safari lodges on several critera: 1 safari/game drive experience 2 quality of accommodation 3 quality of service 4 food and wine 5 other factors, such as location, etc Simbambili delivered on all five factors. You can't go wrong with game drives in Sabi Sand, and it delivered yet again. Leopard in a tree (our first time after many game drives), and then as a bonus, leopards mating, along with some leopard and cub experiences. (Not to mention all the other animals). Trevor and Willies (ranger and tracker respectively) were a great pair. As Trevor said, he likes to talk, and Willies likes to track. Drives with them were both fun and informative. Highly recommend them. Also critically important for us in a game drive is only having six per vehicle (or two people per row). There isn't a great deal of legroom in the vehicles, let alone having space for extra jackets, cameras, water bottles etc. I was a bit hesitant about the quality of the accommodation, mainly because I think their photos online do not do the rooms justice. They are bigger than they appear in the photos, there is a couch inside as well as loungers by the plunge pool and a day bed outside on the deck. The furnishings are beautiful. I was very happy with the room. My only request would be for a bit more lighting behind the bed (where suitcases go) as changing at 5 am for early game drives can be a bit challenging. Otherwise it was superb. The service was really excellent, as we have found in all our South African safari lodges. Relaxed, friendly, courteous, they can't do enough for you. Branded refillable water bottles were given to each of us which is a nice touch. Every staff member we came across was friendly and helpful. We were there for a belated birthday (mine), and my husband's birthday was a day or two later. They celebrated this both at the boma meal, and also giving us a private dinner on our deck. If you go for a special occasion, let them know. You won't regret it. The food and wine was very good. Lunch especially was a highlight. A lunch platter, with a variety of salads and proteins, always delivered pleasant surprises. I dream about the salads. My husband and I have different likes and dislikes, but there was always something both of us loved. The location was great - yes, it is close to the border of the Reserve, but this doesn't affect game viewing at all. And unless you're right next to the fence, you always feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere. The Arathusa airstrip is close by, and was perfect for us to fly directly from (and back to) Johannesburg (on Federal Airlines). Unfortunately we could only stay three nights, even though it would have qualified us for an extra night free. This deal would have made the price shock much more palatable! Having visited a number of South African safari lodges, I wouldn't hesitate to return to Simbambili. …
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