Big 5. Leopard eating impala in a tree, elephants, and RHINO! ‘Nuff said. We were at the Simbamali resort and Simbavati resort. Couldn’t be better. Far exceeded expectations.
Why would one go there when there are many more intimate places around?
Ultimately we had some really nice animal viewing, which was the main point, but there were disappointments. The main lodge is charming. Our room was nice but the bathroom was not up-to-par.
We enjoyed our fellow travelers a lot more in the walking safari in Kruger than on the game drives here. We actually insisted on not dining with our fellow travelers here, which is very unusual for us.
The staffing felt very old-school south africa in a not so good way. All the guides were white all the other service staff were black. They made the waitresses and cooks sing and dance for us which was clearly awkward for some of them.
We had two black guides in Kruger that were marvelous--so it's not a lack of skilled guides issue. Seems like a clear preference for white guides.
Sophisticated, elegant and comfortable. We loved our stay at Rattray's. The staff was excellent, the scenery spectacular, and the animal sightings were amazing. Saw the Big 5 daily, and the magnificent 7 as well. We cant wait to return! Thrilled that places like this still exist in the world! A true gem.
Mike and his team are simply the best. The lodges are excellent. The food is superb. The only downside was that I bought 4 sets of really good binoculars, which were a total waste as we got that close to the wildlife.
If you get the chance to ever come here do it absolutely fantastic the big five superb game drive's fantastic service all the time
Thank you for an unforgettable experience - not only did we see the big five, we were also treated to reptiles, spiders, birds, everything under the sun. Thought the kids would get bored after a day but they were first out the door for every drive. Absolutely wake up very early and take in a sunrise from one of the lookout points, have breakfast in the wild (not in the camp!) and a sundowner overlooking the Sabi river banks. Truly unforgettable.
I feel a warm welcome back since I have been this place almost nine years ago, It was my dream to come back as a guide of which I did. Mission accomplished
Best rangers. Vivienne Gunning. Bushtracks Expeditions
Lovely spot , amazing staff, other than getting pooped on by a bird in the middle of nowhere was perfect
Excellent lodge. Great rangers.
You are literally in the habitat of all these animals but at the same time you feel at home! The staff is more than attentive, kind and willing to cater to every need and explain anything regarding the wildlife. You can visibly sense how all the people who work there care for the animals and it makes it even more special. Besides, they have acres and acres of land to explore and it's almost impossible not to see at least 3 or 4 of the big five in one day! Amazing experience, I very much recommend it!
The abundance and diversity of wildlife exceeded all our expectations. The service was outstanding. Truly the trip of a lifetime!
This is probably the best place in the world to see the most variety of animals and birds,including all 7 continents. Been to almost all safari regions. Staying here for 6 nights also help to see esp.with excellent guide,Roan.