Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

We deliberated on the scoring for the Hilltop Lodge, as the accommodation, food and service were 5 star however our safari experience itself was sadly 3 star. We visited in February during the rainy season and it was certainly stormy and very wet. We fully appreciate that this makes game viewing more challenging but having been in Sabi Sabi the previous year at exactly the same time, we can compare the experience. The Hilltop Lodge commands amazing views over the dam and the floodplain and all the individual tented rooms and common areas enjoy this view. There is an impressive infinity pool that leads the eye into the tree canopy, unfortunately due to the weather we did not get to use it. The individual tented rooms are well proportioned with an emperor size bed, it is an authentic under canvas experience when the wind blows. Unusually, the room is separate from the bathroom with an outside shower separating the two, whilst I am sure delightful in fine weather when you get up in the middle of the night in a thunderstorm, it is less fun padding across wet boards to get to the toilet. Each room has a plunge pool and well stocked mini bar. At night the night watchman escorts you to and from your room and certainly if you are in room 8 (furthest from the common areas) it gives an impromptu ‘night safari’, we saw hyenas, civet and waterbuck on the way to and from our room. If you are staying in room 8 it is best to ensure that you have everything with you when you leave the room as it is a fair walk along the walkways if you have forgotten something. You will certainly not go hungry at the lodge and will enjoy good quality food with appropriate portion size given the number of mealtime opportunities. Lunch is a choice of main courses and a sorbet and for dinner it is either a 3 course a la carte selection or buffet style boma (every second night). For boma nights, you sit with your guide and those in the vehicle and enjoy BBQ, salads and veg. Hearing other guests’ requests, the culinary team seem highly capable to deal with the various dietary requirements that guests have nowadays. Having sampled Eggs Benedict at every location on this trip, Tact and his culinary team, were up there in the premier league. You are assigned a ‘butler’ who serves you all your meals and drinks when you arrive at the lodge and he ensures you are well fed and watered (thanks, Daniel!). The team at the lodge love providing surprises when you head out on safari or come back (I won’t say more to spoil the surprise!). So the safari, why was the experience not as good as contemporary comparisons, the vehicles are great and the ponchos provided keep out the worst of the rain. Having been on numerous safaris, we understand there are good days and bad days, however our guide several times referred to ‘we are going on a boring safari’; ‘I hope you enjoy seeing trees and rocks’, etc and ＞60% of the sightings, including the big cats, if not more were made by the gu

A new improved establishment. Final touches to renovations are being put to bed and still an excellent, resort. Wide range of wild life, including big5. All rangers are accompanied by trackers who are highly knowledgeable. Best time to visit in the winter (May to September), nevertheless viewing was still exceptional.

An unforgettable experience! The place is simply wonderful, full of incredible people and surrounded by wildlife. The service was impeccable, with every detail carefully planned to make the stay unique. I can’t imagine how it could be better. I will definitely return as soon as possible and highly recommend everyone to experience this extraordinary place!

Gaaanz toll! Super Lage, super sauber, super Service, super Personal, tolle Küche, perfekter Service! Tolles Safaris! Die Impalas grasen im Camp, die Affen turnen auf den Dächern umher. Wir waren sehr beeindruckt und kommen bestimmt gerne wieder!