Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge

Esiweni is an extremely special place! Sophie and the whole team are just amazing. Robert, our game ranger, took the time to ensure we saw all of the animals we wanted to around the reserve and we even managed a very special cheetah sighting. Babs, the chef, is also an absolute legend and we are convinced she is super human as she makes everything from scratch and it’s all absolutely delicious. Lucky, the lodge manager, is also wonderful and very knowledgeable about the reserve. They all went out of their way to make sure we had a super special holiday and we did. Not sure how we’ll ever top it.

Coffee grind low when checking into room. No welcome drinks back from game drive except apple juice . Guide had no enthusiasm or discussion of game plan. Stated “I’m just driving”. Service was slow in general to get anything . Guide didn’t even bother shining spot light during night time or talk for the first 45 minutes . No turn down service at night - unless you call just closing the blinds turn down . Guide drives around aimlessly . Reserve still has a good amount of construction . No fridge in room so don’t expect milk with coffee. Asked for a water bottle at front and they didn’t have any for us . Guide didn’t even introduce himself and never had a game plan for any of the game drives . Overall not a personable experience . Only 1 USB outlet worked in room . Hot water didn’t work . We had no clue what we were going to have for any meals they didn’t ask if we liked this or preferred this or anything . WiFi in room and phone to call lodge both didn’t work . The lodge itself and rooms are beautiful but to us a 5 star resort isn’t about the lodge but rather the full experience as a whole. We have stayed at many lodges and game reserves and for us it’s about learning and seeing the animals in their environment and connecting with the guide on a personable level asking questions and learning about the animal behaviors. It felt disconnected, a bit of a facade with the look not backing up the feel of the experience. My girlfriend and I cut our trip short bye two nights unfortunately.

séjour absolument parfait - des guides remarquables - une approche très respectueuse de la faune (on voit les animaux de près, mais tout en délicatesse et avec très peu de voitures proches des animaux en raison de la gestion de la réserve; on est loin des approches agressives et industrielles de nombreux autres réserves en Afrique) - de nombreuses et agréables petites surprises au fil du séjour - des activités connexes possibles (sportives, récréatives, historiques ou culturelles) - une cuisine fine et adaptée au type de séjour - un lieu inoubliable et doté d'un très grand charme - des hôtes qui sont particulièrement à l'écoute de tous nos souhaits - extraordinaire donc

Experience unique au coeur de la réserve privée de Nambiti: une équipe professionnelle et attentionnée, dans un écrin magique et au contact des animaux sauvages...inoubliable ! Nous sommes resté 4 jours et nous avons eu quelques magnifiques surprise ....