Guest reviews Bayethe Lodge

by Kevjc90 Port Glasgow, United Kingdom

HEAVEN ON EARTH !! A BEAUTIFUL EDEN... Karien was superb !

During my trip to South Africa we stayed at Shamwari for 3 nights and I wish it was so much longer !! We stayed at Riverdene Lodge which was beautiful the pool area looked out over the Savannah and plains were you could see the animals, if you didn't want to squint your eyes in the sunlight you could walk to the end of the cottages and on the right had side about 200m away over the perimeter fence there was a watering hole which was a must see every morning with new visitors each day. Every game drive we saw something new which was great for the little checklist that you got in the room - i think i managed to get to see all the mammals except the elusive brown hyena and maybe a few hares or so but everything else was AMAZING !! I am a massive fan of nature programmes and a big supporter of conservation and seeing the animals was heaven on earth for me ! i could not have asked for a better experience. One evening we went out to see the lions and their cubs and on route back down our guide Karien who was fabulous ! A testement to the lodge ! said lets go look for the elephants which were very far in the distance we caught up with them and as the passed by us we decided to drive round the bushes to where they were heading... what a treat over 20 elephants of all ages were there we sat for about 30 minutes while the sun disappeared and it was the most humbling experience ever ! The rooms were large and spacious, the food was fabulous and the staff were excellent. I would also highly recommend a visit to the born free centre This is a place i will never forget and definitely will be back.

by MrandMrsM2010 Manchester, United Kingdom

Wow! The most incredible place.

I travelled here with my mother. This place is heaven. We stayed in the Sarilli lodge and from the minute we arrived and were greeted we felt at home. Nothing was too much for the staff, especially the manager (I embarrassingly cant remember her name). The rooms are modern and ooze luxury. The view from our sliding doors and balcony were out of this world! Looking over the whole of the game reserve was just incredible. The food was lovely, freshly cooked and ample of it. The customer service was amazing, they met us with hot drinks and flannels after the game drives and asked when we wanted dinner. Our game driver Cabous was very knowledgeable and very entertaining! He made every drive an adventure and even in some of the worst weather conditions! We saw 4 of the Big 5 multiple times. We were so sad leaving here, I just cannot wait to go back when my children are older to experience this once (or hopefully) twice in a lifetime opportunity. Can’t wait to see you again Sarilli Lodge!

by mjl192018 Camberley, United Kingdom

Amazing experience

My wife and I stayed at Sarili Lodge in March 2020 and it was absolutely brilliant, the highlight of our holiday in South Africa. The lodge itself is luxurious, over looking a river (dried up when we were there) and a very large grassy plain. There are only 5 rooms so you get to know the other guests too. The staff are wonderful, and the food is excellent and plentiful. But the best part are the game drives, this was the first time we'd been on safari so we weren't sure what we'd see or how close we'd get but this exceeded all our expectations. We saw elephants, giraffes, lions, zebra, rhino, hippos, buffalos, springboks, monkeys, baboons and so much more. Many of them had their babies too, which was great. We got suprisingly close to a lot of them too, but always at a safe enough distance of course. Well worth waking up at 5am for. Our ranger was Barrie, and he was fantastic, very knowlegable and nothing was too much bother. We were there for 2 nights, but would love to go back for longer.

by JaneEth124

Another amazing visit to Shamwari

We visited 2 years ago and loved Shamwari, so wanted to return with our son and daughter, this time to sarilli lodge, requesting if it was possible for our first ranger Mino to guide us and show his passion and knowledge to all the family. We were not disappointed, thank to all, Mino, the lodge and the animals. Amazing food and service too and a great family experience from which we have learnt so much and appreciate the conservation that is going on especially with the Born Free Trust and rehabilitation centre. We now cannot wait to return. Thank you again Mino

by RuthHereward

Bucket List!!!

Myself and my husband stayed here for one night of our honeymoon in the Bayete Tent. It was exceptional from start to finish - the hospitality is out of this world!!! The food is top class and go hungry! You really felt the 5 star quality in the details and service. Our ranger was Siya, who was genuinely interested in the game drives and his enthusiasm/knowledge shone through the experience. He didnt chase animals and was very respectful and gave everything it's time and really tried his best for us to see as many animals as possible. Would definitely go back in a heartbeat.