Waking up after just one night Little Bush Lodge at Sabi Sabi Reserve was bittersweet to say the least. This lodge, being our introduction to the sort of accommodation we would come to expect over the next week or so, was beyond anything we could have ever imagined. A quick reflection on our unfortunately short one-night stay at Sabi Sabi, we couldn’t get over the beautiful private room we stayed in that included every amenity you could have ever asked for, not to mention a hot tub and private balcony, the phenomenal game drive we had the evening before that included our first sighting of a big cat (a male leopard) and our bucket-list sighting of a hyena running through the landscape at sunset.
One more morning game at Sabi Sabi drive sounded great to us and the lovely guide, Chena, sure didn’t disappoint. This three hour morning safari included a close encounter with a herd of irritable water buffalo, our first hippo sighting, a frisky young elephant amongst a group of massive adults and the obliquitous giraffe heads peaking out above the trees. We also got a chance to tour the other facilities within the Sabi Sabi Reserve, each one being as jaw dropping as the next. From the eclectic stylings of Bush Lodge to the classic feel of Selati Camp, it was hard to pick a favorite, although my husband and I agree that Earth Lodge was unlike anything we could have expected or could even try to explain. Built into the arid African ground and organically designed to compliment the landscape, even just visiting this lodge for a quick tour was an experience of a lifetime. Being able to get a feel for the different lodges undoubtedly has made me more capable of accurately recommending a lodge of choice based on a travelers preferences.
After returning to Little Bush Lodge and quickly packing our bags, we hopped into our transport to Kirkman’s Kamp, the driver arriving on time as ever. Our half hour drive to And Beyond’s Reserve included multiple elephant and giraffe sightings, which we somehow had gotten used to overnight. We were greeted at Kirkman’s with warm towels, a welcome drink and smiles from Katie, Gareth and the rest of the And Beyond crew. After being shown to our room overlooking the African bush and the reserve itself, perhaps the best view of the trip, we hustled up to the lodge for lunch before jumping in with Gareth for our evening safari.
This evening was particularly memorable, as we were able to watch a young leopard stalk a pair of kudu for over an hour. Ultimately when the leopard finally struck, he missed his mark but the whole episode had us on the edge of our seat the entire time. Our dinner that evening consisted of a glorious buffet in the boma, a gathering and dining area that no game lodge is complete without. After dinner, we witnessed a traditional African dance from the lodge staff that put huge smiles on our faces and had us stomping along with them.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.