The bar staff, the kitchen staff , the gardener, and all the back house or not public facing work tirelessly to ensure everyone had a great stay. I had booked through Hays Travel /Newmarket Holidays, and the price seemed competitive. The guides are very knowledgeable and handles every situation with a smile. We were also fortunate to see the big five on our first try, plus numerous other animals day and night. The Lodge LODGE FACILITIES Overlooking the river, Sebatana Lion Lodge is perfectly situated for animal sightings, and the ideal base for all activities offered during your stay at Sebatana. But every single member of the kitchen were absolutly amazing, and worked so so hard. Value 4.9 Sebatana Private Reserve is a wildlife paradise with a unique collection of 3 seperate 5 star lodges, Rhino, Elephant and Lion. that we did not bother to take a photo after a few days. Amazing Memories from Sebatana Elephant Lodge, My first African safari experience, with my 22 year old daughter, my sister and her husband. Yes, Sebatana Private Reserve offers airport transportation for guests. This allows you to focus on the "big 5" when you travel to the other game parks. The walks around the reserve are so good seeing animals in there own habitat and so close. This is truly a paradise on earth. One tip would be to pack all. Due to the size of the group they split us into two groups to go to Wolvenhargen and stated that the afternoon group would have the opportunity to go in the morning on the second exhibition. There was crazy amounts of food, and it was all amazing. The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans. Sebatana has a three different 5-star lodges with a total of 40 rooms divided between them. Our tour was booked through Tripadeal Australia and 12 of the 14 people on the tour was Australian. Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant. Food was exceptional, and we opted for the drinks package which is a must as there was some confusion at the end of the stay with others, that didnt take the package. Such a high standard. Thank you to everyone at Elephant Lodge who made us feel welcome and contributed to our amazing experience!! Seeing the Cheetah, Elephants, Rhino, Zebras, Giraffes, Warthogs and any others was amazing and no fence to be seen. Everybody in our group had nothing but praise for our stay at Sebatana. We stayed at the Lion Lodge which has a small stream running behind it and where antelopes, baboons and vervet . Now the trips we plumped for the full package at 349 euro pp . Own or manage this property? Food was exceptional, and we opted for the drinks package which is a must as there was some confusion at the end of the stay with others, that didnt take the package. Natalie the chef couldnt do enough for you and catered for any dietary requirements. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Food excellent. We couldn't of wished for better barmen . light your world and see matswani for the last time things change now and then and welcome again we give away a smile on your face. We will be back and can`t wait!! Overall experience was amazing, but did think we would have seen more animals. The group of people we were with(19 in total) too our guide Carel and Basil were fabulous, including the staff that fed us and kept us in drink and to all the other staff were out of this world. This allows you to focus on the "big 5" when you travel to the other game parks. . This allows you to focus on the "big 5" when you travel to the other game parks.The three trips to other game parks were all great and a necessity if you want to see the "big 5". The "optional tour packages" should really be compulsory and really you should go for the lot. Aidan Rademeyer shared the images with . Please see our partners for more details. Knowledgable beyond what you would expect and attention to detail - superb. It is still in relatively good condition and the service with a smile is unparalleled from all the friendly staff. Why did we not have pre-booked seats together? I would definitely suggest this trip to anyone and I hope that one day I can make it back and do this again. On our tour most people took all the optional extra activities. All pricing and payments are in Euros and is paid using credit card. Up until our last drive we hadn't seen any lions but our rangers made every effort to locate them and we were very fortunate to see the western pride out in the open range. Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay. biggest surprise of the tour was the optional Tribal night. Thank you to everyone at Elephant Lodge who made us feel welcome and contributed to our amazing experience! For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in South Africa. We had Josh as our guide and wow he is so passionate about his job not to mention funny and always ready to get the best for you. Simultaneously, Pilanesberg offers "the Big Five" - lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard - in addition to giraffes, hippopotami, cheetahs, 300 species of birds and so much more. All three lodges are full service lodges with all amneties included, ensuring a personalized experience for all. So no need for bathing suits in winter. The reserve is situated in an idyllic location, we have all gotten memories for life. The cleaners kept our rooms so clean and turned beds back each day , and were always chirpy and friendly thanks guys . However remember its a bit of pot luck, these parks are huge and animals are not constrained to certain sections.The biggest surprise of the tour was the optional Tribal night. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It's hard to pick out highlights but possibly the mother rhino coming out of the bush right in front of us with her little baby trotting behind. Also the staff were genuine and a happy family to spend our time with. After a bumpy ride we arrived in breath-taking surroundings. The Lodge and the staff were fantastic and we have been spoiled with great food (and lots of it). Such a high standard. The group of people we were with(19 in total) too our guide Carel and Basil were fabulous, including the staff that fed us and kept us in drink and to all the other staff were out of this world. Are there opportunities to exercise at Sebatana Lion Lodge? Just returned after an amazing week at Sebanta Rhino lodge. Josh was our tour guide and he made our holiday, he has a great knowledge of the animals and wildlife. Drinks at the bar were on the higher end of South African price standards but not horribly bad. Our driver CAITLYN was absolutly AMAZING !!!!!!! Wonderful Time in this beautiful oasis in the bush. The location only 270 kilometres north of Johannesburg allows for smooth travel arrangements and easy access to the Reserve. Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our. So why did we not get the original flights booked? We were unable to upgrade these rooms booking through TripaDeal. Sebatana Private reserve is one of the best and most unique wildlife experiences in South Africa. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm. Which languages are spoken by the staff at Sebatana Private Reserve? Initially booked to fly as advertised with my preferred airline Virgin, this was later changed to BA with no explanation. The food was so good and was lovely to try new things. The food was lovely, although there was little choice for vegetarians, which in todays world feels disappointing. The water is bore water and no one on our group had any sickness.The food was fantastic! Quiet, relaxing, exciting. Contacting Newmarket upon arrival to resolve the issue on the return journey i was informed the issue would be looked into within 28 days, 18 after our return! Guests staying at the reserve are able to enjoy an extensive list of services, ranging from traditional game drives and Big Five safaris to cultural and historic tours. There was generous quantities of food with plenty of food left over. The bar staff were incredible, Patrick, Solly and Gillean were incredible and made the evening at the bar all the more enjoyable. We have had memories we will never forget, thanks to you all! Sebatana game reserve was fantastic and this review does not reflect on their fantastic service. I cannot praise the staff in the lodge enough for their great service, always smiling, helpful and on hand . All three lodges are full service lodges with all amneties included, ensuring a personalized experience for all. I will be back ! A couple of things to note; There are optional drives/activities that cost 300. The game drives were good although rain made sightings difficult as animals seek shelter in the bush and are more difficult to spot. I will be back ! The same goes for the staff that fed us and kept our rooms nice and tidy every day. This holiday was for my 50th Birthday & I will never forget it thank you to Sebatana. We later found that all 14 guests staying at the lodge had also split and seated throughout the BA Flight. However remember its a bit of pot luck, these parks are huge and animals are not constrained to certain sections. This was such an incredible trip and we will be taking in laws and others to this resort, in the near future. Stunning to see the milky way , the Southern Cross as well as all the others in a cloudless sky, a sight I will surely never forget. Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our. extremely!!! With amazing panoramic views, Sebatana Elephant Lodge will be your home away from home. Feedback from the others was that night Safari was terrible and finished late. The managers, guides and all of the staff looked after us so well and after a week there, we were so blown away by how much we saw, and experienced.There was crazy amounts of food, and it was all amazing. Book Sebatana Private Reserve, Vaalwater on Tripadvisor: See traveller reviews, 3 candid photos, and great deals for Sebatana Private Reserve, ranked #30 of 56 Speciality lodging in Vaalwater and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor. The location only 270 kilometres north of Johannesburg allows for smooth travel arrangements and easy access to the Reserve. We were in the two rooms closest to the pool and they were tired run down and very dark. when paying over 9K for this holiday I expected a better service. Left a sour taste in what was otherwise a wonderful experience. Be careful to clarify what you are getting with your extra options. Are there opportunities to exercise at Sebatana Private Reserve? calm and professional at all times , also on the safaris through all the game reserves was always on the look out and did not give up looking for animals , he was very interesting and a fountain of knowledge. Our guide was CASPER . Josh was our tour guide and he made our holiday, he has a great knowledge of the animals and wildlife. We went out on all the excursions missing nothing and we got to see the big 6 as the cheetah was an added bonus. For The Safari Seeker. Overview. I reccomend to upgrade to an all inclusive bar package whilst you are there. The food was fantastic! All the staff were friendly and happy. Carel, our guide, was interesting and made the 3 hour trip to the lodge a delight. Our tour was booked through Tripadeal Australia and 12 of the 14 people on the tour was Australian. The only critical comment of the food was that there was too much and it was so delicious it was difficult to resist ! Everybody in our group had nothing but praise for our stay at Sebatana.The "optional tour packages" should really be compulsory and really you should go for the lot.There are plenty of non "big 5" wildlife at Sebatana which are relatively easy to find. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details. Antonia was a lovely addition to the team. We stopped at the Elephant Lodge, this place is amazing & relaxing. Sebatana Private reserve is one of the best and most unique wildlife experiences in South Africa. Our group was fortunate to have the wonderful Shumba as a guide/driver, we loved him. We were also fortunate to see the big five on our first try, plus numerous other animals day and night. Hermanusdorings Road, Vaalwater 0530 South Africa. Located in the malaria free Waterberg mountains, just a short drive from Johannesburg airport makes it the ideal place for everybody from senior travelers to families with children of all ages. The days were full on with no time to sit around, although abit of down time would of been nice. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Incredible Trip with amazing staff and facilities. The reserve was in idiliic location, with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you are a nature lover, a safari enthusiast or simply looking for getaway from the city, Elephant Lodge is the ideal choice for . | An incredible new wildlife week captured on the Ranger Cam & Guest Cam! The beds were a bit short for some of the long-legged Norwegians, but very comfortable. soft drinks package. Does Sebatana Private Reserve offer any business services? Had the wow factor. Sebatana Private reserve is one of the best and most unique wildlife experiences in South Africa. Antonia was a lovely addition to the team. OK, i need to say i am an experienced safari traveller to many African countries. What are some of the property amenities at Sebatana Private Reserve? It would have been nice if the guides had a mic handset, as it sometimes was hard to hear at the back of truck what was said. Everything was great. One cook is very good at making V-dishes. TOP TIPS The early morning drives were very cold so pack a hat and scarf especially in winter months. There was impalas and sables just off the deck every morning and all throughout the day, it was just beautiful everywhere you looked. Tribal night was enjoyed by some and thoroughly disliked. 5* always so well presented. I would recommend it highly. The price, it is simply amazing but hurry as dates are selling out fast.www.tvtravel.shophttps://www.facebook.com/tvtravelshophttps://www.instagram.com/tvtravel.shop My only regret that I am not still there. We as a group all made a speech to say how exceptional his staff were, but unfortunately he was nowhere to be seen so didn't hear it . I (and our group) would certainly recommend Sebatana Lodge! Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Hope the leftovers were not thrown away.. We were advised not to opt for the drinks package and regretted that. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details. Arriving to cold towels from staff at the Lodge, we were greeted by a collection of Kudu and impala from the dining area - then lunch! Including Things that we would never be able to try elsewhere (Impala, Kudu etc). Matswani Safari Lodge,a place to remember. Located within a stone's throw from the entrance to the world famous Udawalawe National Park, Elephant Lodge is a boutique resort built along the spillway of the Udawalawe Reservoir. The optional tour package was 350 euro. Is parking available at Sebatana Private Reserve? Room types may vary. Had an outstanding trip to Sebatana Private Reserve staying at the Lion Lodge. However our time at Sebetana was filled with laughter, animals and good food - staff are brilliant and we'd love to visit again. Recommended gratuity was 80 euro which I had no issues with paying.I (and our group) would certainly recommend Sebatana Lodge! The service for the rooms and the bar, nothing bad I can say here either. On our tour most people took all the optional extra activities. Sebatana game reserve was fantastic and this review does not reflect on their fantastic service. when paying over 9K for this holiday I expected a better service. Yes, free parking is available to guests. Management needs to listen to their guests. Own or manage this property? The days were full on with no time to sit around, although abit of down time would of been nice. A lioness relaxing at a waterhole was unexpectedly chased off in a rather funny lioness and elephant encounter. The week just got better and better - only con I can quote was that booze prices are pretty high, as are the goods in the gift shop. 5 star Lodge primarily sold as package tours from scandinavia including flights, transfers, meals and acitivities. Subsequently the same issue occurred on the return journey, not acceptable on a 10+ flight! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Thank you , Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Vaalwater. We had an amazing guide, Megan, and formed bonds that will last a lifetime. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. . Yes, Sebatana Lion Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. All we wished for and more. If you don't manage to do it before you arrive then definitely do it whilst you are there . Everybody in our group had nothing but praise for our stay at Sebatana. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details. Only other recommendation to the reserve is if the guides had a mic handset as we could not always hear at the back of truck what was said. If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience at a safari, this is the resort to visit. Despite all this I would recommend this reserve/lodge, esp if you get a good price. Sebatana has been welcoming guests for the past 20 years and our experience and expertise in South Africa ensures our guests the best possible nature and safari experience. Special thanks must go to our rangers, especially Caitlin and Jacques, who were very knowledgeable and accomodating. Great thanks to our guides Shumba, Carel and Megan, they were all fabulous. and the best bit? The food was delicious and nicely presented all of the time, the lodge itself you could not fault very clean and our room was amazing . A great holiday ! The chefs and cooks made amazing meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are a couple of triple rooms but the majority are doubles (twin beds only). Which room amenities are available at Sebatana Private Reserve? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. more. In between we were waited on 24/7 by the fantastic staff, always with a smile on their face. We got to see 4 out of 5 of the big 5 as the cats were nowhere to be found. Thank you . What food & drink options are available at Sebatana Private Reserve? Some flexibility is needed to truely accomplish guests needs and wishes. We were fortunate to see them plus a cheetah! Initially booked to fly as advertised with my preferred airline Virgin, this was later changed to BA with no explanation. !One tip would be to pack all toiletries and essentials needed as you are a few hours away from any shop etc. This was a problem for most. There are more places to choose from in the, Frequently Asked Questions about Sebatana Elephant Lodge. If you don't manage to do it before you arrive then definitely do it whilst you are there . Natalie,the chef, did an amazing job and we sampled lots of different and unusual things.all very tasty. Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool. Recommended gratuity was 80 euro which I had no issues with paying. I have been to a lot of "tribal (native)" nights over the years and had quite low expectations. Recommended gratuity was 80 euro which I had no issues with paying. We were so fortunate to see the big five plus numerous other animals day and night. He was excellent and very professional, and helped a great deal when needed something sorted out in the lodge. Why did we not have pre-booked seats together? Staff were amazing Sully the barman was 2nd to none. The. We were fortunate to see them plus a cheetah! We stayed at Lion Lodge where the staff were amazing and facilities good. Yes, it offers wheelchair access. We had a lovely group at the lodges, we all got on so well and had lots of laughs! The guides were extremly knowlegable and fun to be with. Our room was so beautiful with a walk out, private porch we could sit and watch the river and animals. Sebatana Private Reserve, Hermanusdoringsroad, 0530 Vaalwater, South Africa info . There are three lodges on this game reserve, Lion (photo), Elephant (hunting) and Rhino (under restoration) located separately in the reserve. Amazing safari lodge. All rooms are equipped with a fridge and this is refilled every day by housekeeping. Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Yes, it offers wheelchair access. We stayed at Lion lodge. The staff were amazing and couldn't do enough for us. Sebatana Private Reserve is a wildlife paradise with a unique collection of 3 seperate 5 star lodges, Rhino, Elephant and Lion. Additionally guests will find more than 300 different species of birds, 270 flowers and more than 100 different trees. thanks for taking your time reading this welcome, welcome. The bar staff, the kitchen staff , the gardener, and all the back house or not public facing work tirelessly to ensure everyone had a great stay. A great holiday ! I didn't purchase any drinks package as I only drink limited alcohol and am not a fan of sugary drinks (mocktails etc). This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. extremely!!! I didn't purchase any drinks package as I only drink limited alcohol and am not a fan of sugary drinks (mocktails etc). Sebatana Private reserve is one of the best and most unique wildlife experiences in South Africa. I have been to a lot of "tribal (native)" nights over the years and had quite low expectations. See more questions & answers about this hotel from the Tripadvisor community. There are plenty of non "big 5" wildlife at Sebatana which are relatively easy to find. The optional tour package was 350 euro. The location, rooms, set up. I will be back ! Wow what an amazing holiday from start to finish. Amazing Memories from Sebatana Elephant Lodge My first African safari experience, with my 22 year old daughter, my sister and her husband. One tip would be to pack all. We saw rhinos, hippos, giraffes, elephants, and more. "With no herd, they tend to be the most aggressive and unpredictable." All three lodges are full service lodges with all amneties included, ensuring a personalized experience for all. We were 12 Australians new to Africa and everything about the trip was handled well. A fleece/jacket was needed for the early mornings and night safari. The facilities at the lodge were of. Holiday of a lifetime that didn't disappoint, What a wonderful experience! This holiday was for my 50th Birthday & I will never forget it thank you to Sebatana. The tour programme is quite busy as it involves a lot of transportation. Was the change of flight and random seating Newmarket's way of saving a few pennies ??? We recommend calling ahead to confirm details. Only other recommendation to the reserve is if the guides had a mic handset as we could not always hear at the back of truck what was said. WOW what a fabulous experience. Yes, free parking is available to guests. Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay. So why did we not get the original flights booked? We bought a few drinks and 3 wine bottles and paid more for this for 7 days than the price for the package, so that is a must. Is parking available at Sebatana Elephant Lodge? Additionally guests will find more than 300 different species of birds, 270 flowers and more than 100 different trees. Feedback from the others was that night Safari was terrible and finished late. There are a lot of animals close to the lodge, we saw so many giraffes and impalas. Loved the giraffes, walking like a long-legged model and looking at us with the eyes with thick and long eyelashes beautiful! Had an outstanding trip to Sebatana Private Reserve staying at the Lion Lodge. The rooms were immaculate and cleaned daily, refreshing in todays climate. What are some of the property amenities at Sebatana Elephant Lodge? The manager yan welcomed us on arrival but was not on resort enough to support his staff , he seemed to be there for special events , and payment days, apart from that just flits in and out but was definitely not hands on ,which was disappointing as he doesn't see truly what amazing hard working staff he has. Very fishy behaviour and totally deceptive. The staff, the food, the surroundings is amazing. Some hanging room, for drying clothes, would be a good addition to the rooms, as no laundry service is provided Our guide, Carel, was an absolute positive. With no public access, and only a limited number of guests having access to the reserve at any time, guests are ensured the best possible wilderness experience, up close and personal. Asked politely if they could be attended toNo attention was paid to my request. There are more places to choose from in the, Frequently Asked Questions about Sebatana Private Reserve. TOP TIPS The early morning drives were very cold so pack a hat and scarf especially in winter months. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details. Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. .. A great time away from modern distractions. All the staff were friendly and happy. I went with a group of 6 and we could not fault one single thing. Some flexibility is needed to truely accomplish guests needs and wishes. The lodge features natural gardens, patio's and a lookout lounge overlooking the vast open plains of the Eastern Cape. Natalie was in charge of the kitchen during our stay and she did a brilliant job.