Baobab Ridge

The pool overlooking the watering hole was perfect. We often watched elephants, impala, kudu, water bucks and hyenas while relaxing there. On the drives, we saw lions and leopards almost every time, as well as hyenas, rhinos, baby jackals, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, kudu and lots more antelopes. Shadrach, our guide, was entertaining, informative and the best. The food was excellent, including impala and kingslip, and the game drive vehicles were top-notch: comfortable and spacious, with USB plugs and room for cameras, water and binoculars. We had a phenomenal time at Baobab Ridge.

The food, rooms, staff and guides were good, and Devine was a top-notch guide. My problem was with Nic, the manager. We were a party of nine, including two men in their late 70s, on a four-night stay. I booked the safari for my family so they could experience it for themselves. I've been on three safaris before. We arrived in the early evening on December 19 and had dinner around 7:30. There was one other couple at the lodge, and they left early. Nic wasn't there. After rain that afternoon, dinner was served indoors, which was fine. I asked about having a boma dinner the next night and was told no, the only boma would be on Wednesday, Christmas Eve. I pointed out that the website advertises a boma every night, weather permitting, but the woman I spoke to denied that it did. A boma was one of the reasons I'd booked. Toward the end of dinner, two female staff members were sitting at a side table and staring at us as if they wanted to leave. I worried this might be how our whole stay would feel. Later, my husband and I couldn't find the A/C remote. We texted whoever was meant to be on duty and got no reply. I went to the main lodge, which was completely shut down and dark. The next morning after our game drive, I asked Nic to speak with me. I explained our concerns, including being able to reach someone at any time. He was fine about it and said he'd take care of things. It was a straightforward adult conversation with no negativity, and I thanked him for listening. The next few days were great. Nic came to our breakfast table to chat about where he'd lived and worked and the animal activity. On Christmas Day I called out, "Merry Christmas, Nick!" and he replied in kind. We went on an early drive that morning. Our guide said breakfast was at 9am, so we went then, and headed off as usual afterward. At 2pm we went to the dining room for lunch. Nic looked shocked and said, "We are going with our tradition of skipping lunch on Christmas Day." We were all stunned. With a 9am breakfast and dinner not starting until 8pm, skipping lunch wasn't possible for us, especially with the two older men. Nic insisted we'd been told, but all nine of us are sure we hadn't. Even if we had been told, what kind of lodge or hotel withholds food from hungry guests? He reluctantly asked the chef to make sandwiches. While we were discussing how preposterous this tradition was, Nic came up to me and yelled, "What you are saying about them is lies!" He said a few more nasty things in front of the group, then stormed off. We were talking about the lodge and this strange tradition. There was no restaurant next door, and we weren't going to let them leave us without food. I tried to speak to Nic, but he was about to give guests a tour. He said we'd talk later, but that didn't happen. I sent him a WhatsApp message and he replied as if I were some crazy lady. In all my years of travel, no one has spoken to me like that. The rest of the staff, guides and rooms were nice, but apparently commenting on anything risks angering the manager. I posted screenshots of our WhatsApp exchange below.

Devine was a standout guide, full of information and genuinely passionate about his work. He brought so much to our drives, and we appreciated his patience and skill. The safari experience and guides were phenomenal. The lodge itself was a perfect 10 for us. Rooms were beautifully decorated and comfortable, with plenty of space, great beds and large porches overlooking the bush. Every meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner, was exceptional. The whole staff were accommodating and always made us feel welcome with a smile. They took care of every need. I highly recommend staying here, and can't wait to come back.

The morning and evening safaris were amazing. Our guides knew their stuff and kept in touch with each other to help us get the best sightings, which felt private, with only a few vehicles around at a time. Nic and the Baobab Ridge team were caring and welcoming, and did their best to make our stay great. Every meal was incredible, and the team handled our dietary needs well. Meals at the main lodge let us enjoy time together while still having a private table for our party. One evening's barbecue in the Boma had a magical atmosphere. Our room was spacious, well equipped and had everything we needed. In the afternoons, it was lovely to nap or read while listening to birds and monkeys. What a treat to be pampered at the lodge for 2 nights!