Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Darryl and Stewart made every drive fun, lively, and full of useful knowledge. Exploring the bush with them was a real pleasure, with each outing balancing adventure and learning. Hilltop also has breathtaking views and excellent food, with every meal carefully prepared and presented. The staff were kind, professional, and welcoming, and the transfers all ran smoothly so we could relax and enjoy the trip. Simbavati Hilltop Lodge was a truly special experience.

Johan, our butler, made sure we had what we needed, and the meals were delicious every time. The lodge felt personal, with thoughtful touches throughout. Chante managed everything so smoothly that the stay felt effortless. Our guide CJ and tracker Nonto were friendly, knowledgeable, and a great team. They made the safari unforgettable. We had a fantastic time at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, and it exceeded what we expected.

Even with my poor memory for names, the conversations and energy from the team have stuck with me. I blame the delicious wine! Nkosi and Golden were a dream team out in the bush, chef Tact was out of this world, and the manager on duty was fabulous. From the airport pickup and game drives through the meals and the very manageable departure time, everything exceeded expectations. I'd recommend Simbavati to anyone after an unforgettable safari.

The reserve offered excellent wildlife sightings, and the food was good, though the alcohol selection felt limited for a luxury lodge. The room was comfortable, but using the outdoor shower on very cold nights wasn't practical and affected our comfort. The service didn't justify the premium price. Our welcome felt lukewarm and impersonal, and there was little warmth, attentiveness, or professionalism during the stay. I had shared my dietary restrictions in advance, but the team seemed unprepared, with little proactive care or attention to detail. The overall operation felt disorganised. We often received unclear instructions and had to work things out ourselves, including the boma dinner details and checkout, which we had to call about. After drives, the welcome back was minimal, and during high tea nobody came to attend to us, leaving us waiting without guidance. Our guide was alright, but the tracker seemed average and not especially engaged. Compared with other lodges we have stayed at, the safari hosting was less memorable. On departure, only the butler and tracker saw us off because the guide was away on another bush walk. We understand there are operational demands, but it added to the feeling that management and guest experience standards were lacking. The butlers were the one consistently decent part of the service: polite and trying their best. Overall, management felt weak, and the lodge lacked the coordination and refinement we'd expect at this price. For perspective, just before this two-night stay we had spent three nights at another safari lodge marketed at a lower standard, where hospitality and attention to detail were significantly better. This felt closer to a 3-star experience than a luxury safari lodge.