Simbambili Game Lodge

I loved Simbambile♥️!We have stayed within all of the Thornybush Lodges and found Simbambile the best by far! Check in was efficient with a refreshing welcoming drink. Accommodation: Beautifully designed modern, spacious rooms that lead onto a private wooded deck complete with a comfy sala, dip pool and pristine lounges. I loved the fact that the pool was clean and the deck well-maintained. Complete privacy and a view of the bush was so relaxing. The king bed was extremely comfortable with decent linen. Large duck down pillows and a clean throw completed the spoil! Lots of storage, hangers, a safe and quiet aircon. I loved that the suite always smelt of florals. The coffee machine posed a problem from day one and never got better, even with a few swops. The mini bar was generously stocked and restocked daily! The bathroom boasted double vanities with a variety of summer and winter Mungo towels to choose from. The shower was perfect in size with a large rain shower head and decent water pressure. We were a bit disappointed that there was no outdoor shower, but a decent sized bath with a full view of the outdoors made up for that. Amenities supplied were Charlotte Rhys and generously provided. Housekeeping: Brilliant! A big deal here with consistent evening turn downs, perfect replenishment of towels and linen was always crisp and fresh. Thank you for this! Food and Beverage: The menus offered at Simbambile were great with exception of the Boma Dinner which was sub-standard. Butternut soup and dried Braaied meats, 2 boring salads and the proverbial Malva Pudding. I don’t understand how one can serve soup and a boring baked dessert in summer- it was a complete let down. The plated breakfasts were exceptional as were most of the dinners, however the lodge comes across as challenged with inconsistency in the kitchen. Background music would enhance the ambiance within the dining setting. We found this exclusion rather strange. Inclusive wines offered need an upgrade too. I feel for the price one pays, Protea is a no go. I took my Cartology on game drives. Service at our table was relaxed and good but not attentive. Coffee served at mealtimes is a win. Proper! The High Tea is a complete let down. A jar of jelly babies, whole fruit and an arb cake. No savouries and the cake is a hit and miss. Why not serve Italian Bruschetta, Cheese and Salmon Scones, Mini Beef Yorkies, Fillet on Mini Baps….? The kitchen needs to jack up here! Game Drives: Doc and Service are a formidable team. Sincere interest, honed knowledge and teaming with enthusiastic adrenaline! WOW! I have never experienced such unique viewing! This was another level entirely. I rewarded them well and unfortunately, sad to say, doubt that I will ever experience such a wild adventure again- from a fresh leopard kill to a hyena stealing it, close approaching of a teen elephant, a pride of lions basking in a haze of sunshine, wild dogs on the chase, a herd of elephants crossing in f

The Simbambili Lodge in Kruger National Park was outstanding. We stayed there 3 nights with our family and were really blown away by the scenery and the luxury. While having breakfast, lunch and dinner, you overlook the Kruger National Park allowing you to spot wildlife even when you're eating. The villas had everything, including a small Pool. It was very luxurious and couldnt wish for more. The food served was also outstanding and with Glory we had a wonderful host who was always in a good mood. Our tour guides Chris en Mike made our gamedrives unforgettable! Chris has a very good eye to spot wildlife and is not afraid to jump of the jeep to look for wildlife on foot. Mike has so much experience and knowledge, he knew everything. Also, he always put us close to the wildlife allowing us to always have the best views on them. We were extremely happy to have Chris and Mike as our tour guides! In short, we had an amazing and memorable stay, which we will never forget!

Our 3 days at Simbambili spoiled us for the 3 days we subsequently spent at a game reserve in Zimbabwe. Simbambili was wonderful -- from the extremely friendly and helpful staff, the food, the spa treatments, the accommodations and the incredible game drives! The love of the game reserve that Mike (co-manager and guide) and his wife, Tania, have is infectious, and the rest of the staff made us feel at home. They were so thoughtful - I had a stomach virus one morning and Tania suggested that the chef could make me chicken and rice for dinner (despite the fact that it wasn't on the menu that night). This was a retirement trip for me and on the last night the staff decorated our bed with flowers and drew a bubble bath for me, complete with rose petals and champagne! They did the same for our friend, Sue, who celebrated her birthday on the trip. The game drives were magnificent, and Mike and our tracker, Chris, went out of their way -- and off track into the bush -- to find more than the Big 5 for us. We wish we had extended our stay and skippped the game lodge (although nice) in Zimbabwe. We rate this lodge and experience as A-plus! Laura & Ken Kenerson

Our stay at Simbambili was simply wonderful and we could not recommend more highly. The whole team was incredibly welcoming and hospitable, rooms are beautifully designed with lots of space and a large deck with plunge pool and comfortable loungers. The food is clever, full of flavours and stylishly presented. The real star of the show were the drives with our amazing rangers, Mike and Chris, who shared their knowledge and passion for the wildlife, as well as their sense of adventure, generously with us. We saw leopards, lions, rhino, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, lots of birds….just a truly amazing experience.

From the moment we arrived at the lodge we were well cared for. Being our first time on Safari we had no idea what to expect. Our guide Doctor and tracker Service were so knowledgeable and friendly. They clearly went above and beyond at all times. We saw nearly every animal on our lists. The food was outstanding! I am gluten free and was worried about my meals while here. They made every meal gluten free and I was able to eat the same as the other guests. Glory was amazing at looking out for me! They made special dietary adjustments for all guests. We stayed in the water hole room. It has a great view of anything passing by. The room was so clean and updated with great AC. I honestly have nothing but great things to say about this resort and its staff!

I recently returned from a 4 day stay at Simbambili Game Lodge and can’t say enough good things about the lodge and its staff. It was a truly wonderful experience. It was my first safari and Simbambili did not disappoint, in fact it exceeded expectations. Always warm and welcoming, it was evident that staff cared about you and wanted you to have the best experience possible. Lodge staff was always there to help with whatever you needed. The game drives were exceptional with Solomon, as guide and driver extraordinaire and Roy as tracker from whom the animals could not hide! We saw all of the big five and then much, much more. Solomon’s extensive knowledge of the area, the wildlife, and birds, made game drives both exciting and educational. Solomon’s great driving skills got us up close, safely, for extraordinary viewing opportunities. We were fortunate to have great weather, so the sunrises and sunsets on game drives were spectacular. The lodge is beautiful, open with bush vistas and a view of a watering hole that was visited daily by the elephants. The lodge layout with the main lodge, individual thatched roof cottages as suites, and separate pool, gym and spa facilities ensured privacy with a quiet elegance. The suites were beautifully and bush-appropriate appointed. Housekeeping staff was excellent, although we never saw them! Simbambili Game Lodge dining deserves its own recognition and accolades. Whether the setting was the lodge, the bush, or the spa, it was perfect! There were menu options which made it hard to choose, but no matter the choice each dish was beautifully presented and delicious! It was the best dining of our trip which included stays in Cape Town and the Winelands. I was sad to leave Simbambili Game Lodge given the warmth of the place and its staff, but happy to have selected Simbambili Game Lodge for my safari experience.