Reviews of Sandibe Safari Lodge
(93%) From 67 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
| 
Little underwhelming
This was the only camp that failed to fulfill our expectations. The architecture and layout of this place was fabulous, with the boma and eating areas designed to use the beautiful backdrop of the location. However on our visit we found the standard of food better at other camps and although the staff were attentive, a few were a little inexperienced and some requests took several attempts to correct. The Management however, were highly trained and very personable.
For us, however, it was the game drives that were disappointing. We spent most of the time racing from one location to another looking for the big cats - quite often without success and became a bit boring, but perhaps this is what most guests want? On the first drive we hardly slowed down let alone stopped to look at anything else and trying to spot birds in the trees or bushes was a non starter. Asked guides the following day to slow down and stop more, which in fairness they did and we saw more game, including Leopard!
The afternoon drives ended with approximately 45 mins night viewing but we didn't see much. This got us back to the lodge late most nights so didn't have time to change or freshen up before dinner and getting up early the following morning didn't make for leisurely evenings. Most guests okay with set up but it wasn't for us, all felt a bit rushed. This was the only camp where our guide didn't join us for meals and discuss what we might like to see and do for the day if possible.
A guide from another camp told us 'if you go too fast you might leave the good things behind'. Couldn't have said it better.
A truly African experience
I don't know quite where to start..... having been on a number of private Game Park safaris(all fenced) in South Africa, this experience was streaks ahead in quality of lodge; service, activities and sheer abundance of Game viewing and overall African experience.
I cannot fault this Safari Lodge at all...... to see 7 different Leopard sightings in 2 days is extraordinary let alone the herds of Elephant; a pair of male Lions roaring at each other ; rare Wild Dogs and Cheetah....
By far and away, our Ranger and Tracker were the most charming, informative pair I have encountered on 4 different Safaris.
Despite the remote location everything planned by Expert Africa went seamlessly....
Sandibe Safari Lodge review
The camp is very well located. Food was excellent.
The manager was not a good one, probably to many people in the camp but he paid very few attention to us. I don't think he is good for the job.
Wildlife was very good but 6 people in a car is crowded.
We asked for a private car or a car with 4 people (extra payment of course): declined
Not a high standard camp.
Expert Africa comments
The camp was really sorry to hear that these travellers did not experience the usual attentive and warm service that they aim to provide. Mitigating circumstances took up much of the lodge manager’s time over this period, but they acknowledged it should not have affected these travellers and they are very sorry that it did. They have assured us that this issue has been addressed. The private vehicle had already been booked by other guests, and this was not clearly explained to these travellers.
The most awesome safari experience
From the moment we arrived and were prevented from reaching our room by a bull elephant on the pathway, it was clear that this was going to be a special place. The design of the main area of the camp - like being inside a giant whale - is stunning, and the rooms are like a luxury hotel, while clearly enhancing the sense of being in the bush.
Every room has a large private pool to cool down in - we saw a passing hyena on our first dip, and an elephant on our next. The service is faultless, the food is fantastic and they have thought of every conceivable way of adding that extra touch - for example, there is nice freshly brewed coffee on the morning drive, not instant coffee.
Add to this the spectacular wildlife - wild dog hunting, plenty of leopard, one with fresh kill, another with a small cub, a cheetah with tiny cub, lion, rhino, elephant, wattled cranes, bat eared foxes, and so on - and this really does represent one of the truly memorable safari experiences. Our guides were outstanding - Jonas and Trust.
Sandibe Safari Lodge review
Excellent in every respect. The guides and the staff were all great.
We would return in a heartbeat. We loved it.
We saw everything we could imagine!
Having had such a personal experience at Little Vumbura we found the size and set up at Sandibe a little impersonal. Stunning buildings so cleverly designed. However the organisation seemed to push the guest apart rather than together e.g. separate tables at each meal as norm.
The wildlife was extraordinary! We saw lions, leopards, wild dogs, hippos, elephants, zebra and giraffe - all with lots of young. Hyena, Jackal, Hippo, various antelope including Sable.
The concentration of animals was totally beyond all expectations. Wildlife stories that we could follow in episodes through morning and night drives. Wild dogs with 14 puppies, also hunting as a pack. Mother leopard hunting and hiding her kill. Loosing one of her 2 cubs only to be reunited with it a day later. Our guide was SK - really professional and knowledgeable.
MY BOTSWANA: SANDIBE SAFARI LODGE
This is my fourth visit to Sandibe Lodge and I had to pretend I was visiting a new camp for the first time. The new Sandibe, whilst understanding the theme and reasons for the new camp, did not jell with me in the way the old style had and I missed it. I found that the wooden floor created noise whenever someone walked across it and it spoilt the peacefulness. The dining area was very pleasant and on two occasions a young bull elephant joined us at teatime and stayed a long time before moving away.
The guide, tracker, butler and staff were helpful and friendly and made it their job to make sure everything went smoothly. As at Nxabega, I enjoyed having my personal butler who ensured I was given the food and drink that I liked and the guide and tracker made sure the drives were interesting - the hot water bottles first thing in the morning were more than welcome. On the second evening we dined out in the open around campfires with the area lit with lamps and candles; this seems to have become a Sandibe tradition.
My accommodation was more than adequate with features that I did not find of interest, e.g. the plunge pool. However the duvet was much too thick for me and there were no blankets but upon request two small blankets were placed side by side on my bed to cover it to try and make up for the omission.
Because of the increasing thick growth of water plants that the Government refused permission to thin out, mokoro poling is no longer an activity at Sandibe.
Regarding encounters with wild life: whilst lunching a vivet monkey jumped on to my table and grabbed a handful of mashed avocado before rapidly scurrying away, a hippo took a dislike to our vehicle and began to charge us and, as already mentioned on two occasions an elephant had tea with us. On our second morning drive we watched a female leopard purposely walking without being distracted and we were told she was very hungry. Towards the end of the evening drive we saw the same leopard again, purposely walking along the road without any hint of stopping but looking very tired. We were told she had been walking all day without finding food. We drove alongside her and eventually left her as she continued plodding along.
To summarise the new Sandibe: I think American Visitors would be attracted to it but to me it felt too pristine and, forgive me, modern.
Friendly place with luxurious rooms
The architecture of this lodge is original and interesting, and the standard of the rooms quite exceptional.
Very comfortable and spacious, though a private plunge pool with outside seating for at least 15 people seems a little excessive. Excellent and very friendly service. The guiding was outstanding, Jonas not only found everything we were hoping to see but also allowed us all the time we wanted to stay with the animals and really share what they were doing, rather than just taking a few photos and moving on.
We spent an entire, unbroken day with one leopard, our best ever wildlife experience.
Sandibe Safair Lodge
The Lodge is wonderful. The architecture is dramatic, with sweeping views over the plains.
The bedroom was very big and comfortable, and there was a large porch with a small pool outside.
The staff and guides were outstanding. We really felt that we became friends with several.
Sandibe Safari Lodge review
WOW! We were at the "new" Sandibe after the remodel and it is incredible! The architecture, art work, ambience and graciousness of staff are top notch.
This is definitely a luxury, premier camp and was very different from the other two we stayed. It was nice to experience this level of luxury while on safari for a few nights. Guests tend to stick to themselves more than the other camps due to the private dining tables and larger facility, but the service, food, rooms, private pool, butler were just amazing! It was hard to pull myself from the beautiful room, deck overlooking the marsh, in-room massage (thank you Amy.....she is terrific), coffee and juice delivered each morning, and the surprise evening candlelight dinner on our deck to actually go on the game drives. But we did and they were wonderful.
Jonas, our guide, took great care of us.....and we spotted 6 leopards our first morning out. Our tracker was excellent also, and I regret I can not locate his name in my paperwork. Thank you to both of them for a wonderful experience. The night drives were exciting; especially coming upon a family of hyenas with puppies playing right outside their den!
This lodge should be a "must" for anyone who wants to experience luxury in the bush, along with fabulous food and great animal sightings!
