Reviews of Sandibe Safari Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
78 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Sandibe Safari Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"
Game viewing is incredible and a significant step up on the other two lodges we stayed at (Xaranna and Savute under Canvas) with larger herds and many more elephants -- and hence predators to match.
Breakfast and lunch were excellent, but sometimes the dinner was over fancy without the culinary skills to pull it off." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana
"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"
the new design is impressive and the accommodation units are spaced well apart for privacy. the rooms were smaller than at Mombo or Vumbura but were well furnished and the decor was very in keeping with local designs and styles.
there is a good walk to the rooms placed furthest from the reception area and you can only walk this alone in the daylight. Baboons and elephants do frequent the camp area and walkways." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Little underwhelming "
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." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"A truly 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...." See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Namibia
"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"
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." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 6n in Botswana
"The most awesome safari experience"
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." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 5n in Namibia
"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"
We would return in a heartbeat. We loved it." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"We saw everything we could imagine!"
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." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"MY BOTSWANA: SANDIBE SAFARI LODGE"
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." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana
"Friendly place with luxurious rooms"
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." See all these reviews: 25n in Namibia; 8n in Botswana
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