We recently had the opportunity to spend a night at Simbambili Lodge in the northern section of the Sabi Sands.
I had always believed that the Northern Section of the Sabi Sands was inferior to the lodges in the Southern Section of the Sabi Sands, as I had thought that the bush was very thick making animal sightings very difficult. After a stay at Simbambili, I learnt that this was not strictly true – in a one night stay we managed to see four of the Big 5. The area had a combination of riverine bush, open savanna and some pretty koppie areas.
Yes, Simbambili and its neighbours Djuma Vuyatela, Djuma Bush Lodge, Elephant Plains and Arathusa do not have as much traversing rights as lodges such as Londolozi, Mala Mala or Singita, but the game viewing in our short stay was excellent, and I therefore have to believe that someone spending 2 or 3 nights at Simbambili would leave having had a very comprehensive Big Five Safari.
Our ranger, Chris, was excellent. With a degree in Marine Biology and enviable knowledge of termites, photography, geology, flowers and all the usual Big Five safari info, he gave an energetic and enjoyable safari. His tracker Lucky, was definitely ‘ Lucky’ and showed us his art, as Chris and Lucky, managed to follow a young female Leopard on the hunt at night, through some long grass and thick bush.
In the morning we continued to follow the young female leopard, as she slowly walked through her territory. The early morning mist gave us all some fantastic photographic opportunities, and Chris was able to help us anticipate the female Leopards actions, and we consequently returned home with some great photographs.
The accommodation at Simbambili was perfect. There are a total of 8 suite each with their own private plunge pool, large bathroom and romantic mosquito netted King Size Bed. The accommodation at Simbambili was on par with any in the Sabi Sands with the added benefit of being an affordable option with its own private plunge pool.
The hospitality was warm and welcoming. Chris’s welsh Girlfriend did a fantastic job as Camp Hostess and made us feel very comfortable. We did feel that the General Manager Mark was a bit scarce, but have subsequently learnt that he has moved on. The waiting staff and bar staff were very keen, but a little ‘green’ – but we’ve just learnt that Thornybush who run and manage Simbambili have employed a new CEO who we feel confident is going to be sorting out and fixing these few very minor problems.
In a nutshell: I thought Simbambili Game Lodge was a fantastic lodge. The accommodations were beautiful, the food delicious with a variety of choices. We were particularly impressed with the knowledge and energy of the ranging staff and therefore, have absolutely no hesitation in recommending.