Safari, Silvan style

Silvan Safari Lodge has been on my bucket list for years. I have been a long-time fan of sister hotels Manna Bay and Camissa House in Cape Town, so when Stefan, the lodge manager, offered the opportunity to visit, I grabbed it with two hands.

What has always struck me about Silvan is its modern, sumptuous style, quite unusual for a safari lodge. The plush and chic interiors really translate well on pictures and in the numerous glossy magazines the lodge has featured in, but you never really know if it presents as well in the flesh. Well, I am happy to tell you that Silvan Safari Lodge is even more impressive in real life than I had imagined.

The villas at Silvan are massive. My colleague commented that he had to put his walking shoes on to go to the loo! It is wonderful to have so much indoor and outdoor space, all to yourself. A lounge area with its own bar and coffee station, and a dining area for when you can’t be bothered go to the restaurant, all open plan to the bedroom and office area (mainly used for picking your music from the in-room iPad or using the provided paints and crayons to capture a picture of your safari!).

The bathroom, with its huge double shower, stand-alone bath and views of the bush, is so welcoming. You can lie in a bubble bath, champagne in hand, and watch the elephants pass by. There is even a lounge area, should parties in the bathroom be your thing!

Or have a dip in your private pool, before plonking yourself on your lounger for a sofa safari, with a well-deserved glass of wine (I am sure you are starting to spot the trend here!). The river-bed, which runs in front of the lodge, sees plenty of animals, so you really don’t need to leave the comfort of your villa.

Should you decide to venture out, you will find gorgeous lounges, little private nooks for relaxing in, a 25 meter pool for working off the excellent meals and a piano bar. All with views of the Sabi Sand Reserve.

Game drives with your ranger in the Sabi Sands will nett you plenty of game. We saw leopard, a huge pride of lion, loads of rhino and elephant and the usual plains game. My favourite part? Definitely getting the sunset cocktail in a sippy cup to take on game drive – what a fun touch!

Silvan is perfect for honeymooners, couples, a group of mates or really, anyone who wants style and luxury with their top-class service. You won’t be disappointed.