Guest reviews Bayethe Lodge

by Lindyabro Cape Town Central, South Africa

Best Experience Ever!!!

My family and I ( 2 adults , 3 kids aged 13,12 and 8) have just returned from one of the most wonderful experiences of our life. We stayed at Long Lee Manor in the most amazing family suite. It was pure perfection. Long Lee Manor staff are incredible. Nothing was too much trouble for them! I cannot commend them enough. Service and hospitality extraordinaire! And now onto the game drives..... Our Game Ranger was Mino, and after having experienced game ranging in this manner, we are forever spoilt for any other game drive. Mino made it his goal to pamper us and make us all feel like kings and queens ... and that’s besides all the actual game spotting and experiences. He went above and beyond for us. We had the most incredible sightings and experiences. Unforgettable! On our last day we bumped into Shamwari’s CEO, Mr Joe Cloete. And it’s no wonder Shamwari is run so well ! Such a humble man with a fantastic attitude. Our Shamwari Game Reserve experience was everything we wanted and MUCH more. We highly , highly recommended it! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

by justordinarypeople Cape Town

It could not be more perfect!

What an unforgettable experience we had at Shamwari! We booked place at Riverdene in February 2020 for July 2020, but due to travel restrictions and all the lodges closing, our plans were deferred indefinitely. We were so excited when we heard that Long Lee Manor would be opening and that we could visit after long last in December. We were blown away by the immaculate arrival at Long Lee Manor after a long, hot trip and it just go so much better from there. Our beautiful, huge room was spotless, the staff were attentive, friendly and professional. The boutique hotel is kept in pristine condition, from it's beautiful gardens to all the amenities. And don't get me started on the food! Every meal was delicious and carefully prepared - it's a pity you just can eat all of it! But of course, the purpose of going to a game lodge is for the wildlife. We had the privilege of having senior ranger, Mino, as our guide for our 5 night stay and he made sure that we were comfortable, looked after and enjoyed ourselves. The sightings were incredible - fantastical elephant family sightings, lion, cheetah but also interesting things like a bat eared fox family, jackals and wonderful birdlife. Every outing was a great adventure and we did not want it to end! I cannot find one fault with this wonderful place and cannot wait to return! They were so attentive to every need, treated our daughter of 11 like a princess and overall, we felt like royalty. With an infinity pool, beautiful bar, spa, the most dreamy boma and everything in-between, Long Lee Manor is exquisite. See you soon Shamwari!

by tbbm7175 Greater Johannesburg, South Africa

Once in a lifetime encounter, once in a liftime experience!

To celebrate the coming of the new year Barry and I decided to do a walking safari in the Bush. We know the risks that come with such an adventure especially when predators are involved but fear never crossed our minds. In the past we have walked with lions, dived with sharks and played with cheetahs among other adventurous experiences. The difference is that these activities have all been controlled, we have never had a reason to fear. As our walk was approaching, I was excited to find out who else had booked this incredible activity as a New Years adventure. We were going to be a total of 6 explorers and 2 guides, complete strangers about to embark on an incredible journey. We were properly coached by our guides Westley and Janco on how to avoid danger and how to conduct ourselves when we approached any wild animal. However, nothing could prepare us for our encounter on the 1st of January 2021. As the evening drew closer we parked our game vehicle in the middle of the bush and went for a final walk of the day. The rangers got out, inspected the area for any danger and then proceeded into a semi dense bush area in a single file line . Along the path we were on, we stopped to look at the remains of what must of been an old settlers camp. We found old pieces of ceramic jars and chatted about that for a minute or two then carried on. As we walked a couple of meters ahead, I decided to stop to look for a discrete bush for a quick wee. Still in a single file line as instructed and never leaving the group, I turned my head to the back only to realize a young male lion was in the bush next to the path, just staring at us. I quietly said “LION” “LION” only one other explorer next to me heard and she immediately said “ YOU ARE KIDDING, RIGHT?” I nodded no. By then the rangers had taken action, drawn out their rifles and quickly came up with a plan. They moved towards the danger while backing us away. I felt safe at that moment, like everything was under control so I decided to try to get a photo of the ranger and the lion that was laying back down behind the bush. As I lifted the camera to try and get the shot, I saw coming down the same path we just walked on maybe 10 meters from the first lion, was a second, bigger, male lion. The situation got real, unwillingly we had just walked into a pride of 5 lions. From the beginning, that was the experience I was hoping for but now it was real. For the first time in my life I felt FEAR. I don’t think I have ever felt that before. It’s a bone chilling, powerless, humbling, terrifying, paralyzing experience. One I will never forget. The rangers were amazing as Janco lead the group to safety in a cool calm manner, Westley stayed behind with his rifle drawn taking full control of the lions. As we walked away we could hear Westley shouting forcefully instructing the lions to stay. It was difficult to walk away leaving him behind because you could also hear fear in his voice. We heard a lion roar at him and his voice got louder and firmer. That continued until we all made it to safety. Those minutes not knowing if Westley would make it out alive were also very frightening and surreal. The bond that was created between the 8 of us that evening will be one that will last a lifetime. Once we were back at camp strangers were now friends and the night was filled with everyone’s personal take on this frightening encounter. The rangers have trained for this and although they both claim this was their first encounter of this kind, they both had “UNAGI” and new exactly what to do in a dangerous, unexpected situation. We will be forever grateful for this experience ,the guides knowledge, valor and most importantly for the fact that they never fired a shot. We named our adventure “UNAGI” because our guide Westley was a huge fan of “FRIENDS “ and would quote something said by Ross at every meal. Thank you all for an unforgettable experience. That one for sure is ticked off my list.

by Roam794350

Outstanding in spite of special rates

From the moment we arrived outside of Long Lee Manor we were continually amazed by the outstanding service provided by this landmark establishment. This was in spite of the special rates that have been implemented to make it more affordable to locals. One would have thought they may have cut the odd cost but no ways. The cuisine and well priced beverages,indigenous and manicured gardens,spotless accommodation and pool area and beaming staff. Our ranger Jean took us on one of my best drives in a park in South Africa to date. Complimentary drinks and snacks at sunset was the perfect ending. Also saw a striped pole cat and an owl eating a bird which were lifers for me! And their Covid precautions were right up there. Well done to to hospitality manager Theo and his staff.

by Excursion21521016022 Suider Paarl, South Africa

6-Star Service at Shamwari!

The Malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape has all the 'bells and whistles' of a 5-Star Reserve; but what really sets them apart is their 6-Star Service! I was fortunate to have visited Shamwari last week with my entire family of 15 where every need from the youngest (5-year-old) to the oldest (76-year-old) were perfectly met. Their "Kids on Safari" concept was brilliant. The Game Rangers, Mino and Abel were top class and their knowledge entertained young and old. We saw incredible wildlife. The chefs went the extra mile to meet our specific dietary needs. Long-Lee Manor where we stayed, was excellent! The entire experience was life-changing!