Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge — Hotel in Bushbuckridge

This was my second time at Bush Lodge. I first visited last year for a solo retreat, and I was so taken by the bush and the people that I knew I had to return, this time with my husband.||As a returning guest, it felt like being welcomed back home: familiar, warm people and the pure luxury of Bush Lodge. For me, Bush Lodge is the epitome of what the song “Africa” by Toto represents. While I’m there, I find myself humming it constantly, filled with pride to be South African.||My husband and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary at the lodge, and to say we were spoiled would be an understatement. Every detail was meticulously attended to, and it turned out to be the most magical day. Bush Lodge is pure class and luxury, a dream safari escape perfectly balanced with relaxation. The suites are spacious and lush, and the food is exquisite at every meal.||But the real treasure of Bush Lodge is its people.||Queen (ranger) and Anton (tracker): Over the past two years, they’ve become my friends. Their passion for the bush is contagious. Anton took time to show my husband animal tracks, even bringing along his tracking book so we could learn more. One evening, while waiting for a leopard sighting, Queen switched off the vehicle and gave us a magical 20-minute astronomy lesson under a starlit sky. On our last morning, I was desperate to see Golonyi, the female leopard, and her cub—and thanks to Queen and Anton, that dream came true.||Last (attendant in training): He served us at meals with enthusiasm and warmth, always checking in about our day he did exceptionally well, and it was a joy to see him being guided so well by Admire and Foster.||Clarence (community liaison): Always smiling, friendly, and ready to go the extra mile. He even remembered my favourite wine from last year, ensuring I had a glass at hand and a bottle for our anniversary.||Jaybee (housekeeping): She seemed to anticipate our every need. The room was immaculate daily, and our anniversary turndown service was thoughtfully and beautifully done.||Conrad (lodge manager): Truly exceptional. He somehow knows every guest by name and engages personally with everyone. The lodge runs like a well-oiled machine under his leadership, a testament to both his management and his respect for staff and guests alike.||Bush Lodge has become my home away from home. I cry buckets every time I leave and smile from ear to ear every time I return. I cannot...

This is a 5 star establishment in terms of product on offer but its just not polished to the expected standard because of the small details. We were asked twice in arrival what we'd like for sundowners in the bush. I asked if they can put coke zero and amarula would be great. Both people that asked failed to pass on the info so no amarula at all and one coke zero only so we had to share it. They should be a whole lot of choice in the cooler box at all times considering the price one pays. They didn't have sparkling water even. Then they allow children to run around shouting, other guests on the vehicle making FaceTime calls during the game drive and sighting with no control by the guide. My dietary needs were discussed in detail three weeks before arrival and on the first night I had limited choice because the lodge didn't take the initiative to learn what my requirements entailed. Overall I'm very displeased with my first night here, but have a rating of three stars based on previous visits to their sister camps, so I know their standard is usually better and hope it improves over the next few nights here. After speaking to the manager I've been assured that things were not done according to sabi sabi standard and will be taken care of. I have confidence that it will - fingers crossed. Still is a great place to have a safari! (update - unfortunately things didn't improve much in terms of the out of control children, but Chef Wilfred went above and beyond to try please me - kudos to him. Another unfortunate experience was that our ranger Jabu, was unable to adapt his guiding style to a regular knowledgeable safari goer, and although being the only one on the vehicle the last two days, explained arbitrary things that with a bit of listening ability (by him) and intuition should have told him I have as much knowledge and more than some guides out there. He is actually dogmatic and should be limited to guiding once off first timer guests only. Rating 3 only Torgauer im giving benifit of the doubt to sabi sabi and the manager Stefan who assured me the situation would be addressed. Let's...

This resort was five star from the moment we stepped off the plane. We had representatives meeting us in baggage, claim who immediately took our luggage, loaded it, and seated us in a Jeep. Upon arrival we were greeted immediately with a cool towel to wipe ourselves down, and quickly was off to their Which was the central location for breakfast and lunch. We were quickly given an overview of what to expect during our stay, and probably served lunch by an amazing staff of Clarence and Petunia. After lunch, we were advised we could return to our suite where our luggage was waiting for us already, we changed and by 4 o’clock we were off on an African Safari. The first day we were able to see four of the big five. Our driver and tracker were outstanding and explaining what to experience and how the animals migrate or coexist with one another. The information that was shared on a continual basis with above and beyond beyond. Dinner was a five star for course mail! Did I mention this was an all inclusive resort, we’re all bills and services, including an open bar are included. During dinner, we were served by the same weight staff for all meals. There was never a time that we needed for anything because our staff, whether it would be the white staff reception, the driver or tracker or immediately in our process and accommodated all of our needs. I cannot recommend this lodge, highly enough! This lodge exceeded all of my expectations beyond belief! Do not hesitate...