A herd of elephants welcomed us as we approached Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in the Sabi Sands, the little baby and its mother, brushing by the vehicle in search of a tuft of sweet grass. Later that morning that same herd made its way past our chalet at Earth Lodge, to have a little drink from our private pool. As I sat there with the elephants less than 2 meters away from my bare feet, I was so nervous that I forgot to press record on my camera. If there isn’t photographic proof, did it even happen?
My husband nearly swallowed his tongue when he saw our room at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge. The rooms are built into the earth, totally unassuming as you approach. In fact, you wouldn’t even know the room is there until you walk into the massive space that is your home for the next few days. An open and airy suite, with sweeping views across the reserve, to the waterhole beyond. Hippos grunting happily in welcome.
The suite is massive with a large dressing area, separate closet (for those neat freaks who, unlike us, don’t end up with clothes strewn across the suite). Huge bathroom with shower and a deep soaker bath, opens up to the pool and outside shower.
We made straight for the large and well stocked drinks cabinet for a little drink to fortify ourselves for a plunge in the pool. The large private pool has a little sitting bench for taking in a glass of champagne as the sun goes down over the African bush. There is also a large and stylish outdoor lounge, perfect for an afternoon nap.
You will never go hungry at Earth Lodge! The food is exceptionally well prepared, tasty, interesting and colourful. The chef comes and chats to you about your meal and any special requests you might have. I gorged on salmon, fancy breads and the most delicious sorbets. The serving staff deserve a special mention, everyone is friendly and remembers your preferences, they are there when you need them, with a laugh and a smile, but don’t hover. You do have to watch your friendly barman and his unobtrusive topping up of your glass – he is my new best friend!
I love that you eat in a different location for every meal. We had a lovely garden dinner under twinkling lanterns, and a celebratory birthday dinner at the gorgeous waterfall garden. There is a boma, numerous areas for private dining, or, you could opt to eat in your suite.
As you can see from the pictures, we had a fantastic safari. Our ranger Jameel and tracker Louis are a superb team. Louis silently calls the shots by wielding his little stick as he tracks the animals, he has been with Sabi Sabi since before I could walk and knows every nook and cranny. He has some unbelievable stories of close calls, including a mamba that bit his chair after he jumped off the car. Jameel is an artist in setting the mood and bring you quietly around to the exciting sightings without any stress or a blaring radio. I loved the more relaxed pace and feeling like we were the only people out there in the bush.
The service by the amazing staff is top-notch and you feel like you are among friends. As camp manager, Innocent said as we arrived, “welcome home”!