About
Occupying a glade of jackalberry trees beside the Manyeleti dry river-bed Simbambili is tranquil, tiny and top-quality. It accepts a maximum of just 18 guests, and tries to tailor its twice-daily drives to visitors’ tastes. Plunge-pool suites, a spa and pool means being stressed is virtually impossible, while superior guides – and thrilling walking safaris – mean that it’s more difficult not to see the Big Five. A favourite of England’s belligerent, South African-born batsman Kevin Pietersen, stunning Simbambili is just as likely to hit you for six.
Accommodation
Secluded among dense trees, the eight Moroccan-style Suites each provide spectacular views from their glass-walled bathrooms, decks, daybeds or private plunge pools. Those vistas incorporate a busy waterhole where animals congregate, and the extensive savannah beyond. Costing slightly more, the Honeymoon Suite offers an indoor lounge and the Waterhole Suite is positioned in extra isolation, right on the banks of the dry river-bed and and has a larger viewing deck.
Facilities
The Spa’s treatment room promises pampering skin and beauty rituals, rejuvenating massages and soothing treatments. Nearby is the main lodge, whose dining area benefits from more wonderful waterhole views. Delicious dinners are also served in the al-fresco boma, heated by a log fire. Lazing areas are dotted around, with afternoons reserved for relaxation, reflection, reading or snoozing.
Activities
Following an early-morning game drive, and breakfast, guests are offered walks to suit interests and fitness levels. Each hike is accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker, and each delivers insights into the rhythm of bush life, plus information about medicinal plants and local folklore. Later follows another drive, with leopard sightings probable – Sabi Sands’ big-cat population is renowned across Africa – and sundowners guaranteed. Trips to a local community project are also available.
Child Policy
Children under 12 aren’t permitted unless Simbambili is exclusively hired.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.