If you ask any South African what the best experience they have ever experienced is, 9/10 times they will tell you it has to do with the South African bushveld.
No experience can quite equate to watching the burning orange of a sunset, over a buzzing waterhole in the African bush. There is something special about being surrounded by the sounds of the Bushveld, watching the wildlife come for an afternoon drink and knowing that they are preparing for what will be another night of survival in the African Bushveld.
We were lucky enough to visit the Sabi Sabi Private Game reserve, that borders the Kruger National Park and, it did without a doubt, beat all expectations we had set. We were accommodated at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, which is known as, the Sabi Sabi of “Today”. With a history that spans over 35 years, the lodge has earned its reputation, a “luxury home in the bush”, that provides service excellence and effortless personal attention.
When you walk into the reception area, you are welcomed with the sight of a long passageway leading out to a pond and deck area that over looks the waterhole.
On a hot Summer's day, you can choose to have a dip and cool off, in one of the two deck pools. The deck overlooks a waterhole and gorgeous surrounding bushveld. You can spend your free time in between game drives and lunch, watching the thirsty visitors come to the waterhole, bird watching, catch up on that book that you haven't quite found the time to read, or if you are in the mood for something else, sip a cocktail and unwind.
The Dining area has the theme of African magic to it too. The staff on hand are extremely friendly and always willing to go above and beyond to meet your requests.
The buffet style serving area, where breakfast and lunch is served, has an incredible choice of food that's fit for a King. Trust me when I say, you wont have enough space in your stomach to get through even a quarter of the options.
Evening meals are special. Dinner is done in true "Safari style" and served in the BOMA. Not only is it an experience to eat under the stars, be surrounded by a campfire, the sounds of the bush and incredible company, but it is also a place where you share stories and sightings from your day drives with your fellow guests. You are served your first 2 courses with a palette cleanser at your table by waiters. Your Main meal is chosen from the buffet set up where there is an array of meats, vegetables, salads and breads to choose from and of course best for last, dessert follows suit.
Then it's all about the relaxed conversation under the stars.
When you are ready to retire for the evening, your ranger will escort you to your suite. This is all for safety purposes, as the animals roam free in the campsite and well, you don't necessarily want to walk smack bang into a hyena or leopard in the dark. But, I guess there is something incredibly thrilling about knowing that you are so close to the surrounding wildlife, and that there is always a pair of eyes watching you.
The Bush Lodge venue has a total of 25 suites as well as 2 Luxury Villas and the Mandleve Presidential Suite.
Standard Villa. Each suite has an en-suite bathroom, with a luxurious rounded bath and al-fresco, glass-fronted showers, and to top it off, a spectacular view of the bushveld from their own private little patio. The bedroom leads off to the en-suite bathroom, which has all the bells and whistles, and for those who are brave enough to do it, an outside shower.
The Luxury Villa Suites, is a the standard suite, with a second en-suite bedroom, a private splash pool, library/lounge and a gorgeous and tranquil private patio facing a private waterhole. The luxury suites were created as an extension of the lodge's philosophy, "being the first choice in your safari destination in Africa". A gorgeous four-poster bed that leads onto the en-suite bathroom, including his and her baths, as well as indoor and outdoor showers. The second bedroom has a private bathroom with a luxurious bath and an open "rain" shower. The lounge area opens up onto a private covered patio and pool, giving you perfect picturesque African safari views.
The Mandleve Presidential Suite features a private splash pool with all the royalty of luxurious interiors and exclusive views of the bushveld. The Presidentail suite is an ultra-luxury suite perfect for honeymooners, VIP's and Dignitaries. A spacicous room with a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, private lounge leading onto a patio and private pool. The African theme is carried throughout the suite, with natural elements in decor and accessories. Crisp linen finishes off the look toning in with the "natural colour scheme". The ensuite bathroom is fit for ROYALTY. That bathtub, I mean, I think can we just look at that bath! I imagine one could spend hours soaking away any tension or stress that you have ever had. The lounge area has a beautiful large window that looks out onto the surrounding bush. This is just African Bushveld luxury at it's best.
All rooms are air-conditioned, have en-suite bathrooms, fans, hairdyers, personal lounge area, minibars, safes, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone and wifi.
The Gorgeous Lounge and Bar areas have been decked out with decor to match the African theme of the lodge but in lines of, "The Sabi of today", very modern.
Bush lodge is a family friendly lodge, that caters for everyone. Whilst the adults tuck away to a day at the incredible "Amani spa", or choose to sip a few cocktails in the African sun on the pool deck, the kids get to go have their own fun at the "Elefun centre". Here you can have peace of mind that your little one's are taken care of by trained caregiver's, that help teach the kids a deeper understanding and respect for the bush, and all doing this all while having fun. Environmentally themed activities will keep them busy allowing you to unwind and relax in the tranquil, venue.
Let's chat Amani Spa - not only is Amani Spa an award winning spa group specialising in African Safari Spas at exclusive African Lodges, but a haven for complete relaxation. The perfect place to unwind and escape those troubles whilst be nestled in the sights and sounds of pure African bush. The luxurious and tranquil spot adds that extra bonus of escaping the hustle bustle of the city life and stresses that you have become accustomed to. One can indulge in holistic beauty, skin and body rejuvenating massages and many other soothing treatments.
A place where magical moments have been curated to your own desires.
All occasions can be catered for by professional staff, that will make you feel like royalty and trust us when you leave, without a doubt, you will be relaxed and ready for that evening game drive.
They are open 7 days a week, Monday to Sunday, from 8am-5pm. There are 3 treatment rooms which can accommodate either couples in the couples treatment room or individuals in the single treatment rooms.
The game drives will exceed any expectation you can possibly think of. During arrival, each guest is given a ranger that will take care of them throughout the stay. Your ranger has his own vehicle and tracker, which allows him to grant your wildest bush sightings. At Sabi Sabi Private Game reserve, getting up close and personal with wildlife is the goal. Their objective is to give you the best wildlife experience, that's done responsibly. An off-road adventure, which provides you with once in a lifetime sightings, and doing all this while still retaining a respect for the animal, it's natural space and the environment.
Each day you are treated to two game drives daily. An early morning game drive and a late afternoon game drive daily. Your ranger will give you a wake-up call and give you a chance to get decked out in that perfect safari outfit. Game drives usually start from as early as 05:00 in the Summer months. The early morning's are met with coffee, rusks and tidbits to get those tummy grumbles under control before, heading out to see what awaits you in the Africa bush.
A siesta follows lunch, and you have free time to relax, nap or even catch up on some reading. Around 16:00, you meet on the deck for tea time, and the late afternoon drives are preceeded by afternoon high tea. And it's every bit as glamourous as it sounds.
From the sweet treats to the savoury snacks, every tastebud has been catered for.
The sugar high is followed by an incredible sunset drive.
SABI SABI is a place of luxury accommodation, a never ending supply of world-class food, the best rangers, perfect photography opportunities, picturesque sunsets, plus the experience of getting up close and personal, off-road, with wildlife twice a day - WITHOUT A DOUBT a once in a lifetime experience! Thank you SABI SABI Bush Lodge for making us fall even more in love with Africa, and her bushveld.
SABI SABI Website: http://www.sabisabi.com/
Twitter: @sabisabireserve
Instagram: @sabisabireserve
Facebook: @sabisabireserve
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