Sabi Sands, South Africa
Simbambili Game Lodge
Romance in the Sabi Sands
Between thickets of tall jackalberry and knobbly knobthorn trees that seasonally bloom with soft, sweet-scented flowers, Simbambili Game Lodge looks onto the meandering Manyeleti River in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, part of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. With such nature all around beloved by wildlife, including the numerous watering areas, sightings of giraffes, elephants, warthogs and more are delightfully plentiful.
All nine suites, each honing into a modern aesthetic focused on natural hues and materials like wood, stone, and thatch, open out to the surrounding savannah. While the al fresco decks of the ‘Thatched’ suites oversee the dry riverbed, those of the ‘Honeymoon’ and ‘Waterhole’ suites face the excitement of the bush; they all come fitted with private plunge pools and shaded sala beds for stargazing or afternoon lazing. Inside, suites feature luxurious ensuite bathrooms with standalone baths and his and her sinks.
Beyond, the main lodge invites you to unwind with a stylish bar and wooden outdoor deck, complete with a fire pit, that boasts dramatic sunsets. Take advantage of a dedicated wellness area too, and a lengthy infinity swimming pool; the best place to listen to melodic birdsong. Out in the bush, your ranger and tracker team will astound you with their ability to track big five game, whether on foot or from an open vehicle safari. The lodge also seriously commits to supporting the local community through programmes like a gardening co-operative, supporting a local high school and being part of the Pack for a Purpose initiative.
Highlights
Begin days with hearty bush breakfasts
See big game on guided bush walks and morning and afternoon game drives
Spend your downtime in the curated library
Unwind in the dedicated health and wellness area post-safari
Enjoy dinners beneath the stars at a traditional boma
Share adventures around the fire pit in the main lodge
Suites feature private plunge pools and sala beds
Interiors take inspiration from their natural surroundings
Communal areas include a swimming pool, dining room, inside/outdoor lounge and bar
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Places to combine Simbambili Game Lodge with
Rwanda
Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is the sister property of Wilderness Magashi Camp, an exclusive retreat in the heart of Akagera National Park in Rwanda that offers an immersive safari experience. Set within a private concession on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, with the Mutumba Mountains rising in the distance, this eight-bed camp is designed for those seeking unparalleled privacy and connection to nature. Here, the vast landscapes of open plains, acacia woodlands, shimmering lakes and rolling grasslands form the backdrop to extraordinary wildlife encounters. Akagera is a conservation success story, home to one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Over 500 bird species fill the air with their calls, while elephants wade in the lake and hippos bask along its banks.
The camp comprises a stunning four-bed villa and two twin suites, each elevated to maximise the panoramic views over the lake. Private plunge pools invite moments of quiet reflection and the villa’s multi-purpose room is adaptable as a gym, office or family space. Personalised in-villa dining and a dedicated private guide transform each stay into a deeply personal journey, allowing you to explore the wilderness at your own pace. Embark on a morning game drive, glide silently through the waterways on a boating safari or set out on a guided nature walk.
Rooted in sustainability and inspired by Rwanda’s rich culinary heritage, the menu features fresh, local ingredients. Start the day with a signature ‘rolex’ breakfast wrap, a beloved Rwandan street food specialty, and end it with a Kugisha dinner, a communal feast accompanied by traditional storytelling and song.
As with all Wilderness camps, conservation and community engagement are at the heart of Magashi Peninsula. In partnership with the Akagera Management Company, Wilderness supports vital initiatives such as predator monitoring, invasive plant management and educational programs designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Magashi Peninsula builds upon this legacy, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities thrive side by side.
Namibia
Anderssons at Ongava offers an unforgettable Namibian safari experience imbued with Afro-Mediterranean elegance. This extraordinary lodge invites you to explore nature with unparalleled comfort and style. From the moment sunlight filters through the mopane bush, awakening the landscape, Anderssons promises a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure.
The lodge’s nine suites serve as a harmonious extension of the surrounding environment. Constructed with natural stone and warm wood elements, each suite is a sanctuary of tranquility, featuring climate-controlled interiors and expansive glass frontages that frame the wilderness. Step onto your private viewing deck, where a sweeping 180-degree panorama immerses you in the sights and sounds of Ongava Game Reserve. Wildlife viewing becomes a part of your daily routine as the animals roam freely here, often within view of your suite.
Central to the lodge is a bar and relaxation area that seamlessly integrates with the landscape, overlooking a vibrant waterhole. Here, you can gather in convivial surroundings, sipping cocktails while observing wildlife. Nearby, the Ongava Research Centre invites you to delve into the cutting-edge efforts that drive conservation and expands understanding of African ecology.
Begin a day here with an early morning game drive in an open 4×4 vehicle. For a different perspective, venture into the underground photographic hide, where you can capture intimate moments of wildlife at eye level. Back at the lodge, the infinity-edge pool is a serene oasis that is perfect for cooling off under the African sun. Relax in the library, taking in the tranquil ambiance and panoramic waterhole views.
