by Editor | Mar 1, 2011 | Africa, Kruger, Sabi Sand, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Our stay at Africa House, an exclusive use six bedroom house within a luxury Big Five safari lodge property in South Africa, was superb. While we much appreciated the well appointed and comfortable house itself, its décor and furnishings lovingly hand picked by the owner, and wireless WiFi connectivity it was the staff that made our stay special. They were always there at meal and game drive times when we might need something. Between activities and meals the staff allowed us private time alone to relax in our luxury bush home. More than once we were tempted to skip a game drive to just relax lazily by the pool and enjoy the house. We plan to return for a slightly longer stay when we can do just that without feeling we are missing out on precious few game drives.
by Editor | Mar 1, 2011 | Africa, Johannesburg, Kruger, Sabi Sand, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
On our most recent game viewing trip to South Africa we discovered the luxury of direct flights to and from the airport in Johannesburg and the game reserves in and near the famous Kruger National Park. In previous safari trips we had either flown to a regional airport and driven a couple of hours to our lodges or driven six to eight hours directly from the city to the lodges. In either case it was necessary to drive an hour on very bumpy unpaved roads within the reserves without cell phone signal or the ability to get out of our vehicles because of the wild animals in the area.
by Editor | May 1, 2008 | Africa, Kruger, Sabi Sand, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
We arrived at 1933 late one afternoon weary from our long trip from the United States and felt instantly welcome. After check in procedures at River Lodge, a sister property, we left our rental car in staff hands and were transferred to the house in a 4 x 4 game viewing vehicle. Before we knew it the 15-minute drive was behind us and we were disembarking.
After refresher towels and introductions, July Nyalangu, the villa’s attentive manager, and staff greeted us warmly and showed us around the main areas of the villa. Our four night stay at 1933 was marvelous. In addition to exclusive use of the property and all its facilities a dedicated staff team looked after us with enthusiasm. Additional characteristics that made 1933 special were the luxurious home away from home environment within a Big Five reserve, striking riverside setting, many amenities and winsome facilities including an on site swimming pool, fitness room, computer corner and wine cellar, and made to order home style meals.
by Editor | May 1, 2008 | Africa, Kruger, Sabi Sand, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
When I think of Londolozi Tree Camp the words that spring forth spontaneously are whoo hoo! This pretty as a daisy camp in the heart of the best game viewing area of the famous Sabi Sand Reserve stood out for extraordinary game viewing as well as its many creature comforts, romantic bush setting, friendly staff and very fine food.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2007 | Africa, Kruger, Sabi Sand, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Guests at the Lion Sands Reserve had lots of ways to spend their time. In addition to dawn and dusk game viewing, it was also possible to work out at the property’s fitness center, visit the curio shop and enjoy a spa treatment. The spa was especially popular when we visited Ivory Lodge in the summer of 2007. Four staff members divided their time between the Reserve’s three luxury properties: Ivory Lodge, Lion Sand’s top level facility; 1933, the newly opened rental villa; and the River Lodge, where the Lalamuka Spa was housed.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2007 | Africa, Kruger, Sabi Sand, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Selati Camp, one of four Sabi Sabi Reserve properties, was decorated with a nostalgic railroad theme. The Sabi Sabi Reserve was situated within the larger Sabi Sand Reserve, an unfenced Big Five private game reserve neighbouring the world famous Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sabi Reserve is home to open areas, woodlands, sloping hills, rivers and pans resulting in an environment with abundant game and excellent game viewing opportunities. In addition to the comfortable accommodations and quality game viewing we enjoyed during our visit, what made Selati stand out for me were two special in camp game viewing moments.
