Safari Plains

Extremely disappointed with this “5 star” safari lodge. We experienced various problems: - not such a warm welcoming on arrival (they definitely need to get friendly welcoming staff), very cold and blunt welcome pitch. - No one walks with you to your tent on arrival, you kind of have to figure out everything yourself. - Once we set all our goodies down and got freshened up (myself, pregnant wife and 2 year old girl), it started raining heavily, however we wanted to get to lunch before it closed (as the cold welcome pitch, made it feel these times were not flexible). - We tried to use the room phone to ask the reception if there might be a golf cart as it was pouring down. Couldn’t get through. So we took a jog with all the babies goodies (obviously arrived quite wet, even though we used the umbrellas in the room). No one offered us towels or assistance (barely any help around). I think having a golf cart is a simple solution to your guests, as you can assist guests during rain and elderly guests too. And the infrastructure is there for a cart to get to all the rooms with ease. Just a suggestion. - I was telling my wife how I was looking forward to an amazing lunch. As this is what you expect at a 5 star lodge / safari. The food was absolutely terrible. Myself and my wife both went for the rump steak and it was full of sinew, the meat was unchewable and unbreakble to pieces small enough to swallow. I called the help (you will have to call them, as they won’t come to you), and then the help called the sous-chefe, and she didn’t know what to say. I told her that they cannot trick someone from South Africa with cheap meat, as we have access to some of the world’s best meats. She offered to bring me another cut, I accepted but unfortunately it was even worse. I would have never paid for that at any restaurant even if it cost $5.00, a minute steak from a grocery store is better.

The meals provided were good. Just the food was always a bit cold. The rooms were lovely and the bathroom superb. Staff very friendly and helpful.

The food was not hot enough.

Our second visit to Safari Plains and once again exceeded our expectations. Quality of service from all staff and food excellent. Great game drives and Ben our ranger was very well informed and it is obvious he is very passionate and cares that his guests have an enjoyable experience.

Booking lacking on clarity regarding additional charges for beverages.

The bucks

The staff was super friendly and helpful. They went out of their way to make our anniversary weekend special, we really appreciate that

Food nightmare!!! Food menu sounded very fancy and delicious but the delivery was disappointing. There was something wrong with almost every plate we had, the chef should look into simplifying the menu and focus on delivering simple yet perfect and delicious food. We were supposed to go for a boma dinner on our second night but the plan was canceled due to rain, I had no problem with that. We then had to eat the dinner inside the dining area, chef Lesedi outdid herself. I thoroughly enjoyed the oxtail and butternut and sweet potatoes soup. Food was super tasty and cooked well, unfortunately that was the only meal we enjoyed during our stay.