Simbavati Waterside

The team were warm and welcoming, and went out of their way to make our stay memorable. Shaun and Jeffrey were our guide and tracker. I especially appreciated Shaun's ethical approach: he gave the animals space and wasn't intrusive. Jeffrey was an amazing tracker. The villas were luxurious, decorated with tasteful African accents, and had top-quality linens and toiletries. The waterbody alongside the property made a lovely backdrop for dining and wildlife watching. The food was excellent and beautifully presented, and the gracious chef made a special effort to accommodate my preference for vegetarian food with no egg. If you want an intimate, carefully tailored safari, this is a great choice.

I cried when we left. The staff had made a place in my heart that I won't forget, and the last night's show they put on for us was so much fun. Their kindness and attention made for a memory I'll treasure forever. We stayed three nights at Simbavati Waterside last month, and it was one of my favourite places in all my 64 years. From the moment we arrived, people were warm, loving, and personal. The food was the best, especially the soups, which were literally the best I've ever had. The watering hole brought us lovely memories of elephant herds and other animals. If you don't stay here, you're missing an incredible experience.

We spent two nights at Waterside after several nights at a luxury private couples lodge, and I worried my expectations might be too high. Waterside still impressed. With what I believe are just 8 bungalows, it has a cosy, private feel while giving you the chance to chat with others on game drives. Set in part of the Klaserie game reserve, it offered a wide range of wildlife: leopard with prey, lions, hyenas, wild dogs, elephants, rhinos, antelope, giraffe, zebras, hippos, wildebeests, and beautiful birds, especially the Lilac Breasted Rollers. The accommodations were five-star, with a spacious room, comfy king-sized bed, wood-burning hot tub on the back porch, soaking tub and shower inside, and an outdoor shower. The pool, gym, and spa were very nice too. Chef Karabo Wasabi's food was outstanding. Every meal was delicious, and I would put his dishes above many meals we've had at Michelin-guide restaurants in DC. There's also a nice wine room and a solid liquor selection, including Makers Mark and Blantons for bourbon lovers. Our butler Suzy and bartender Richmond were kind and helpful. Steve, our tracker, and Shaddy, our ranger, knew their work inside out. The whole staff were wonderful, taking care of everything from pickup at Hoedpruit airport to drop-off and goodbye. For anyone going to Kruger, Waterside should be near the top of the list. I can't recommend it enough.

We met some lovely people at the Boma dinners, which encouraged us to step outside our comfort zone. The chefs came to chat with us, and we loved every meal, far beyond the expectations we had since we thought safari was mainly about the animals. We couldn't stop talking about the food. We'd just spent the same amount of time at another Simbavati property, and Waterside took hospitality to another level. Over our three nights and four days, Shaddy and Alan made every game drive incredible. They were knowledgeable, personable, and passionate, and did everything they could to help us see as many animals as possible. Kevin, our butler, was always smiling and checked that we had what we needed. Colin, the manager, made a point of finding us and asking how things were going and what we were enjoying. He was genuinely kind and present. I'd never written a review before, but I had to share how wonderful our stay was. We'll absolutely return to Waterside. The hospitality was unmatched, and I couldn't recommend it more.