What a fantastic review from Liselle’s happy guests who have returned home after visiting both the Sabi Sand and Timbavati Private Reserves, on the border of the Kruger National Park. First up, they visited Elephant Plains Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand where they had superb animal sightings; then, they moved on to Simbavati River Lodge in the Timbavati, where they gushed about the superb service they received. Here’s what Philip said to Liselle after his safari in South Africa:
Hello Liselle,
Just to let you know we had the most wonderful time in South Africa last month!
Thank you so much for organizing this trip!!!
We had an amazing stay in Elephant Plains. Their staff is very friendly and they did everything possible to make our stay enjoyable.
Our game drive crew was about the best you could imagine: Knowledgeable, witty and excellent tracking skills. If you know Elephant Plains, you know I am talking about Louis and Fanoti. During the 4 days we spent at E.P we encountered the Big Five and many more on several occasions. And even the last (very cold) day, when almost all animals were hiding, Louis managed to show us the wonders of the bush.
Our highlight was witnessing the Breakaway Tsalala pride of lions with their 9 young cubs, who were out in the open for the first time.
And then there was Simbavati…
I have to thank you, over and over again, for recommending this place.
Although the sightings on the game drives weren’t up to par of E.P (but I believe they were very exceptional at E.P), we had a very knowledgeable ranger and tracker who taught us a lot about the bush and the animals.
The lodge itself was simply heavenly. All areas were tastefully (re)decorated after the tragic flood of Feb 2012. The staff was courteous and friendly. The managers, Elmarie and Charlie, made sure everything went as a well-oiled machine and gave us very personal service. The Family chalet and the tent were as comfortable as one could wish. We had the luck of staying in the most spacious chalet, with an excellent view of the riverbed.
It really was a home away from home. When we left we had a very personal goodbye from the managers – it felt like leaving family.
Our family fell in love with Africa, so I am pretty sure we’ll be back (rather sooner than later) and you’ll be the first to know, as you can arrange our reservations next time as well!
Thank you!
Philip Rykers
