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5.0
#10 of 135 lodges in Waterberg
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The exquisite beauty of wide open savannahs with its rich wildlife heritage and spectacular vistas are a melting pot for a majestic wilderness destination. Close enough to Gauteng, only a couple of hours drive the luxurious haven that is Safari Plains will draw everyone who has experienced it to return again and again.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Romantic
Languages Spoken
Afrikaans
Location
Rooiberg Road Portion 2 Of Farm Witfontein No. 526 KQ, 0480 South Africa
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Safari Plains Hotel garners accolades for its impeccable cleanliness and luxurious amenities, including the well-appointed safari tents that offer both comfort and stunning vistas. The staff's professionalism and attentiveness are frequently lauded, ensuring a memorable stay.
While opinions on value vary, with some guests questioning the 'luxury' label, the hotel's rooms receive consistent praise for their size and cleanliness, contributing to the overall inviting atmosphere that guests cherish. However, potential visitors should weigh the mixed reviews on cost before booking directly.
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Mixed
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Luxurious
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We have just returned from a trip to South Africa where we stayed at several wonderful hotels but our stay at Safari Plains was absolutely amazing and reached a whole new level. It was my first safari experience and i really didn't know what to expect but this stay has far exceeded all my expectations. The location is brilliant, just a 2 hour drive from Johannesburg. We were greeted on arrival by the team on reception who all introduced themselves and welcomed us to Safari Plains with cooling towels and a refreshing drink. The check in was smooth, calm and relaxing and we were shown to our luxury tented accommodation by Matt. The tents are all situated in private and peaceful locations. The attention to detail is fantastic and they are all equipped with air con, well stocked fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, safe etc. We were even provided with insect repellant and mosquito netting over the bed. It was spotless, lots of towels were provided and we had no problems with electricity or hot water. I had the best nights sleep for a very long time during my stay. Molly ensured that our lodge was kept spotless throughout our stay, she created some fantastic animal towel sculptures and provided a lovely turn down service in the evenings.
Russell was our ranger who took us out on safari. He was exceptional, very knowlegable, passionate about the environment and animals and intent on giving us the best safari experience possible. He ensured that we saw antelope, rhino, crocodile, hippo, jackal, hyena, baboons, giraffes, warthogs, water buffalo, beautiful birds and we had some really lovely close encounters with lions and elephants. The leopard remained elusive despite Russel's best efforts at following the abundant tracks that they had left for us, maybe next time!
All the staff provide an exemplary personal service and nothing was ever too much trouble. Special mention goes to Jimmy who was always discreetly there, Simone for her cheerful smile, JK, Andrew and Frans who made sure that our glasses were always full with delicious cocktails, G&T's and for providing fantastic African coffee.
The pool area was clean with comfortable sun beds with towels provided and the waterhole near the pool provided us with amazing encounters with the visiting giraffe and water buffalo.
Safari Plains has been decorated beautifully and furnished to a very high standard and provides very comfortable relaxation areas. We also enjoyed a lovely spa massage during our stay.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from hamerkop11, Public Relations Manager at Safari Plains
Responded 19 Jan 2020
Dear deborahjulieh - Thank you for letting us know how much you enjoyed your stay at Safari Plains, and for taking the time to post your very detailed review here on TripAdvisor. We're delighted to know how much you enjoyed your time at Safari Plains, and we very much hope you will visit again in the future.
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Safari Plains is an amazing lodge in a large and wonderful game reserve. They got the "big five" and we've seen four of them within three days, lions (even the male one!), elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. And of course a lot of other animals. The landscape and its nature are beautiful and rich. The accommodations are tents but they are very comfortable with airco, fridge and proper beds. Our tent was with two bedrooms, toilet room, shower room and bath room with bath tub. They have a large swimming pool, wonderfully arranged gardens and terraces. There is a electric fence around the camp so we felt save. On the waterhole outside you can watch some animals, the most impressive was watching a beautiful giraffe drinking there. The reception, spa and restaurants are in a stylish and cosy building. You can have your meals inside or outside. The food was very good and the chef came every now and then to the tables to ask for special wishes and to get feedback. The service was exceptionally attentive and friendly! Even the manager was alway interested in our reviews and our opinion. Special thanks to Sharon, our very well educated and lovely ranger who gave us so many interesting informations! We would definitely come back!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from hamerkop11, Public Relations Manager at Safari Plains
Responded 23 Feb 2020
Dear K3867WHmichaelw - Thank you for sharing your impressions of Safari Plains - we're delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us, and very much looking forward to your next visit!
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This was the first lodge of our trip and it was an amazing start.
The accommodation is in luxury tents. There is a permanent bath; shower room; and toilet. The furnishings are comfortable. The bed was so comfortable and every day the towels were arranged as an animal. Just a nice touch. My only quibble is the lack of storage space. We couldn't unpack from our cases.
The food was superb, with a wide range to suit most people. Our package included local drinks and I can only say the regional wines were excellent. And you simply must try their gin cocktails. Amazingly colourful and delicious.
The main reason for visiting is the wildlife. There are two areas to the reserve and twice daily game drives enabled us to see so much. Elephants; rhino; ostrich; lions; and so many different antelope and birds. Even though it was wet when we were there, warm ponchos were provided to keep everyone dry.
The staff were so friendly, and the guides very well informed. They could answer any of our questions.
I definitely recommend this lodge for an experience you will never forget.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Ask for a tent away from the waterhole. The frogs are so noisy at night.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from hamerkop11, Public Relations Manager at Safari Plains
Responded 13 Feb 2020
Dear paulnewns61 - Thank you for letting us know how much you enjoyed your time at Safari Plains - that's great to hear! We're honoured that you would recommend Safari Plains to future travellers - thank you!
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Very nice people around there. Everybody tried their best to make me happy. Super honest staff who didn't have picked anything even I have dropped over 20 money notes on the floor of my room. When you're there, don't miss the chance to enjoy the massage, which should be one of the best, most comfortable in my experience. You can watch the beautiful stars by just looking up outside of your room, that was my unforgettable memory.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from hamerkop11, Public Relations Manager at Safari Plains
Responded 03 Feb 2020
Dear ShirleyWun - Thank you for posting your review of Safari Plains here on TripAdvisor. We're very happy to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us and we hope you will visit again in the future.
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Overall the experience was average. The tents and facilities need upgrading. Couches in the open living room area is dirty with marks all over. Curtains in the dining room look a bit worn. The luxury tents are long overdue for an upgrade. Bedding is old with marks on it and torn pillow cases. If you like a buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner then this is your place. I personally don't like it at all as none of the food is really that good and it doesn't feel as if it is specially prepared to your liking and preference. Some of the game viewing vehicles don't have blankets while it is freezing cold during the morning game drives. You only get nescafe instant coffee in the morning during your game drive whereas I would appreciate some plunger coffee as it is just as much trouble but far better tasting. Also don't expect anything more than an Ouma rusk before or during the game drive. I'm always looking forward to a great experience and don't mind paying but I think this is way over priced for what you get.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hayley Knight, Marketing at Safari Plains
Responded 01 May 2022
Dear Ambassador576351 - Thank you for posting your detailed review of your stay at Safari Plains. We're sorry to hear that you did not feel your experience offered great value for money, and we will be urgently looking into all the points you raised as part of our process of continuous improvement.
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Safari Plains is a beautiful resort and the bush / tent stay is a unique African experience.
However - we found the staff very inattentive and blatantly oblivious of our presence. At each meal we loitered at the venue waiting to be seated. Each time we had to seat ourselves and then try to get the attention of a waiter to serve us. The food was pleasant however basic ingredients / refreshments were not available at each sitting. The manager apologised for the poor service and the inability to serve certain items due to supplier issues. Sadly our stay was not enjoyable and the beautiful facilities and atmosphere was spoilt by poor customer service and management / owners running a facility that is not adequately prepared to serve guests.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nick Galpine, Marketing at Safari Plains
Responded 16 Sept 2020
Dear armand1988, thank you for the honest feedback. It is indeed true that there have been a couple of challenges in the current setting and we apologise for our shortcomings. We would like to assure you that we will strive for solution and an improvement on the aspects you have kindly highlighted to us. Kind regards, The Safari Plains Team
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I wasn’t expecting such luxury in a tent . Camping has certainly taken a leap forward . Yes it’s under canvas but with a twin sink , bath overlooking the bush land and a shower , complete with a chandelier ! The communal areas are so stylish too . Wonderful buffet meals , with super friendly hosting . Game drives were well organised with well informed rangers . Totally recommend it for a three night stay
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from hamerkop11, Public Relations Manager at Safari Plains
Responded 30 Jan 2020
Dear brendini_13 - Thank you for letting us know how much you enjoyed your stay at Safari Plains. We're delighted to hear how we were able to exceed your expectations, and honoured that you would recommend Safari Plains to future travellers - thank you.
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This lodge was a great place to stay and had all the amenities you would want under canvas which was the shell with the inside being cemented walls. The beds and pillows were lovely to sleep in and the big corner bath with lashings of hot water was wonderful. The staff were all courteous and helpful and the game drives were second to none with experienced drivers who were very knowledgeable. The only down side to the lodge was the catering, cold plates and cold food which should be hot was not great.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hayley Knight, Marketing at Safari Plains
Responded 03 Jul 2023
Hi Lorraine, thank you so much for your 5-star rating, we are so glad you enjoyed your stay at Safari Plains. We will pass on your feedback to the team, and hope to welcome you back soon. Kind regards, The Safari Plains Team
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We were extremely disappointed with this lodge; the accommodations were lovely but the staff is poorly trained, especially in the dining room (KG was the exception at the bar - he was outstanding and I don't drink very much!) Our guide, Ben, was absolutely the GREATEST and taught us ever so much. But before the early morning game rides, there was no food for our 10 and 12 year old grandchildren and nothing but hot chocolate to drink, and by the second day when I tried to find anyone to ask for something to eat, there was nobody around in the dining room, kitchen, lobby or anywhere else. This place seems like more of a place for people to come who want a luxurious place to stay and maybe they do or don't do the game drives (at least in the am). The Hilda and Dries were pleasant but basically didn't appear to care that their staff was poorly trained: ie. in the dining room the staff doesn't know what the food in the chaffing dishes is? they don't realize that you are 8 people and there is but 1 table for 8 and they seem perplexed when we walked in for a meal and headed for the table for 8. This was a substitute lodge for our trip as the one where we were supposed to stay didn't open in time. Again, BEN, is the guide you want and is terrific.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from hamerkop11, Public Relations Manager at Safari Plains
Responded 08 Jan 2020
Dear westchicago - Thank you for sharing your impressions of Safari Plains - while we're happy that on the whole you enjoyed your stay, we also appreciate your constructive comments on the areas where you felt we could still improve. We'll certainly be looking into those.
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My husband and I plus our 2 boys age 16 and 11 stayed at Safari Plains for 4 nights in a luxury family tent. The whole experience was unforgettable. We were greeted on arrival by fantastic staff that were nothing but helpful, friendly and went out of their way to add to our trip. The facilities are beautiful and it feels very luxurious with everything you could possibly need for comfort. The tents are amazing, housekeeping is outstanding and Maria keeps the kids guessing every day with creative fun towel animals on our beds! Now for the safaris, these are offered every morning and evening, they go for around 3 hrs and you are provided with 5 star service, Russel was our guide for the whole stay and was exceptional! He has extensive knowledge of the wildlife and made our trips very enjoyable. We seen 4 of the big five plus so many more animals it was truly amazing. Thanks for having us Safari Plains! We highly recommend you stay here
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from hamerkop11, Public Relations Manager at Safari Plains
Responded 24 Jan 2020
Dear Y3677MTsarahm - Thank you for sharing your impressions of your family safari experience at Safari Plains. We're delighted to hear how much you enjoyed every aspect of your stay, and we very much look forward to welcoming you and your family back again soon.
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Cardiff, United Kingdom40 contributions7 helpful votes
We just wore loose clothes but sone wore shorts Etc. I prefer a nice linen trousers with a vest or top … fairly relaxed I’d say! I’m very jealous! I’ts a magical place!
Hi aliaries -
Thank you for your questions and for your interest in Safari Plains.
Yes, we provide all these facilities in the rooms as part of our 5* offering.
Minimum age for children on game drives is 6 - regular game drives are around 3 hours long, while children's drives are 1 - 1.5 hours long.
Safari Plains is not in a malarial area, but there are mosquitoes (especially now, during summer). We provide mosquito nets for sleeping and insect repellent sprays.
Hope this helps!
Hi luinico -
Thanks for your interest in Safari Plains. The Luxury Tents have a prime position closer to the bush with incredible views. They also boast private “sala” decks with day beds for that truly decadent relaxing spot.
There are more places to choose from in the Waterberg area.
PRICE RANGE
R 7,066 - R 9,772 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaLimpopo ProvinceWaterberg
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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