The experience
Arriving at Neilspruit Airport near Kruger National Park a sense of excitement engulfs my body as I am back in the South African bush. Having travelled to the bush many times, I knew what I was in for regarding the wildlife, early morning game drives and warm evening sundowners. I did not however expect to find such a difference in my experience at Savanna, the lodge where I was to spend the next few days.
As I pull up to Savanna with my travelling group, the calming relaxation from the surrounding bush engages each of my senses as I take in what the lodge has to offer.
Yes, they have specially designed game-viewing vehicles that take guests on close and intimate encounters with a large variety of wildlife in an area where ‘Big 5’ sightings are frequent. It is not unusual to see the big cats; lion and leopard, and elephant, buffalo and rhino in a single game drive. Yes they provide fantastic service from cheerful welcoming staff who treat you more like a friend making you feel part of the ‘Savanna family’. Yes, they have luxurious rooms detailed with every comfort you would require and lodge facilities that make you feel nothing but spoilt. These are things that are expected from a five star lodge. However what sets the Savanna Lodge apart from other lodges I have stayed at were the highly trained guides with a vast knowledge of the African bushveld.
Never before have I been in the company of such knowledgeable guides and even for a regular visitor to the area like me, the guides at Savanna Lodge surprised me in their accuracy and ability to get the most enjoyable and extensive game view opportunities I have experienced to date. After all, isn’t that why people are enticed to the South African bush, to experience and see the amazing and unique wildlife?
The lodge
Situated in the internationally famous Sabi Sand Reserve within the greater Kruger National Park conservancy, the Savanna Suite with its thatched roof has two large, beautifully furnished bedrooms that lie on either side of an inter-connecting lounge. Each has an outsized bathroom with free-standing bath, double vanities, double shower and toilet, with the bathrooms opening onto paved outdoor showers. Leading out from the bedrooms through double glass doors with screens and onto covered patios is where you find a private plunge pool overlooking waterholes in the bush.
The Savanna Suite’s unique facilities are much in demand by families who would like to have their children under the same roof but not in the same bedroom, or groups of friends wishing to spend quality time together. Included with the Savanna suite is a Butler and a private game viewing vehicle with dedicated Ranger and Tracker to take care of all your needs.
Around the lodge you will find the comfort of the public lounge with its spacious patio and the main pool looking out over lush gardens and floodlit waterhole where guests can relax and take in the surroundings. There is also a viewing loft above the lounge which gives a bird’s eye view of the waterhole, and an adjoining library provides wireless broadband internet access.
The details
Savanna shareholder Mike Davis is pleased to welcome you to the lodge, saying that the Australian market makes up about 12 per cent of guests staying at Savanna Private Game Reserve. With the strong Australian Dollar and some fantastic deals, Savanna is working with the Australian market through wholesalers, various road shows and the appointment of Margi Jansma from Luxury Travel management as the local representative.
For bookings, please contact your preferred Africa Wholesaler or res@savannalodge.com
For more information visit www.savannalodge.com
