Simbambili Game Lodge

“Magic in the Sabi Sands”

My wife and I stayed at Simbambili as part of our dream honeymoon in May 2026, and there are really no words that can accurately capture just how special our time at the lodge was for us. If you are looking for the perfect lodge that provides amazing service, incredible food, and unmatched game vie… more

My wife and I stayed at Simbambili as part of our dream honeymoon in May 2026, and there are really no words that can accurately capture just how special our time at the lodge was for us. If you are looking for the perfect lodge that provides amazing service, incredible food, and unmatched game viewing at a great value, look no further. Just stop what you are doing and go ahead and book your stay at Simbambili! Of course, the reason for traveling to a location like the Sabi Sands is the game viewing. We stayed for 4 nights, allowing enough time for 8 game drives (one the afternoon we arrived, two each day, and one the morning we departed). By the end of our second drive, we had checked off sightings of all of the Big 5. By the end of our stay, we had seen the Big 5 countless times over, including 5 separate leopard sightings, 3 separate wild dog sightings, and even an encounter with a pangolin! Solomon was our guide, and Roy was our tracker. They are kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly talented at what they do. From Solomon's expert off-roading and racing us through the bush on the chase for wild dogs, to Roy's almost uncanny ability to spot even the most elusive animals (seriously, he somehow noticed a chameleon on a tiny branch in the bush in the dark!), they truly make an incredible team that made our experience that much more special. Just as important as the game are the accommodations, food, and service. The rooms are spotless, well-appointed and were exactly as pictured and described. The lodge is intimate and felt very romantic and private. We already miss our naps on the day bed after breakfast, and the private plunge pool. The food is simply incredible; you will never be hungry for even a second of your time at Simbambili! In terms of service, all I can say is that by the end of our stay, we truly felt like we were not just customers of the lodge, but friends with everyone there. Comfort, our butler, took such amazing care of us throughout our stay. Caroline, Mr. T, Tania, Venice, and all of the other members of the incredible staff at Simbambili made the experience that much more special. They constantly went out of their way to make us feel special and elevate our experience in any way possible. I could truly write a book about how special our stay at Simbambili was. We were truly heartbroken when it was time to say goodbye, but we hope to return someday and make more unforgettable memories!

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“The only thing better than the game drives was the perfect service”

When I looked at the forecast, I was terrified that our safari would be a rained out disaster. It was the best trip that our family had ever taken. Our guide, Mike, should literally have his own nature show because he has such a deep knowledge and intuitive sense of the animals. Our tracker, Chris,… more

When I looked at the forecast, I was terrified that our safari would be a rained out disaster. It was the best trip that our family had ever taken. Our guide, Mike, should literally have his own nature show because he has such a deep knowledge and intuitive sense of the animals. Our tracker, Chris, had a sixth sense of where to find animals safely in very wet conditions. Every game drive was different-we had one where we saw all of the big 5, another where we saw a ton of new babies and yet another where we watched a leopard kill a kudu with hyenas circling. The greatest thing was that our guide seemed as excited as we were for all of it. The game drives were incredible and matched only by the fact effortlessly perfect service at the lodge. The staff learned our preferences and delivered impeccably without us ever having to ask. Of all the great places we have stayed, Simbambilli is the very best.

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“Heaven and the Garden of Eden rolled into one!”

The lodge is perfection from the moment you are collected from the airport ( we flew to a local airstrip due to poor roads after the January flooding) up until you leave. Mike and Tania have a great facility and it is run to perfection. The game drives are incredible and we were lucky to see four o… more

The lodge is perfection from the moment you are collected from the airport ( we flew to a local airstrip due to poor roads after the January flooding) up until you leave. Mike and Tania have a great facility and it is run to perfection. The game drives are incredible and we were lucky to see four of the big five just on the drive to the lodge from the airstrip. Mike our guide and Chris our tracker were brilliant and the amount and variety of animals was extraordinary. (While I had no expectations we saw the big five within 24 hours.) It is very clear the lodge is concerned about protecting the guests, the wildlife and the environment. We saw many animals at very close range and guests were given plenty of time to observe the animals in their environment and to take photos etc. Mike was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna (encyclopedic knowledge). The food and beverage quality (all included) was five star as were the staff. There is always something to eat or drink, and the room was stocked with a espresso machine, tea facilities, gin, sherry, beer, soft drinks and bottled water. You want for nothing at Simbambili. They have a spa and gym, offer accommodation in individual huts with individual plunge pools and lodge style accommodation. Communal areas like the dining area and spa (with pool) as well as accommodation overlook the river bed, with animals visiting (at a safe distance) while you eat or just relax. Facilities are modern, clean, everything is very spacious, laundry will be done for you and is inclusive in the package. Guests stay on a average between 2-4 nights and come mostly from the north (America or Europe). You could easily stay more days as it is such a great experience and the facilities are world class. Must admit did not want to leave it was so great.

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“5 stars and more!”

I spent two nights at Simbambili recently and had a wonderful stay. I would say that two nights is not really enough time so go with a minimum of at least three nights. Upon arriving at the lodge, due to the recent rains I was stuck en-route and couldnt proceed. Caroline at the lodge quickly resol… more

I spent two nights at Simbambili recently and had a wonderful stay. I would say that two nights is not really enough time so go with a minimum of at least three nights. Upon arriving at the lodge, due to the recent rains I was stuck en-route and couldnt proceed. Caroline at the lodge quickly resolved this and sent a lodge vehicle to pick me up. The team warmly welcomed me at the lodge and I jumped on the late afternoon game drive. In all I did 4 game drives which were excellent. Solomon and Ant were a formidable duo and we spotted excellent sighting of leopards on 3/4 game drives including watching them mate. Solomon's knowledge of the bush is incredible! The food was spectacular, three courses at lunch and dinner and a great selection for breakfast. The room was incredibly well laid out with everything you need and more, with a turndown evening service. I used the gym whilst I was there which was sufficiently equipped and quiet, I also used the sauna which was a great experience as it overlooks the river bed. Unfortunately the weather wasnt great so I didnt get to use the pools but they looked inviting! I got a 60min massage which was well worth the time My butler Jimmy was very friendly and attended to all my dietary needs always with a smile. Caroline and Mr T at reception were always friendly and helpful. And all other staff I interacted with were great. I would not hesitate to recommend this lodge to anyone and can't wait to return. Hats off and thank you to Mike and Tania for managing such a great operation

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