Inyati Game Lodge

What a magical place. It was our first lodge on a multiple week safari and it was perfect. Room was good size, clean, full amenities, large bathroom area and outdoor shower. The common areas were just like the pictures, great food and meals, Fun bar. Most importantly the staff was great, specifically our guide Roger. We saw so many animals and he was very knowledgeable. Trip of a lifetime and the Inyati team made every moment count.

Staying at the Inyati Game Lodge gets you fully immersed in the Sabi Sands private game reserve from the moment you arrive. An elephant hanging out between the lodges during the day, a rhino behind our lodge in the evening. These are just a few examples that make you realize that you are a guest to the wilderness. Many wild animals cross the property. The staff takes all precaution to ensure you are safe, which includes not walking on the property alone in the dark. And we never felt unsafe. The lodge is spacious, the veranda offers a view over the river and the wildlife. The rooms are luxurious and very comfortable. Food and wines choices are excellent. It is very relaxing to enjoy dinner and breakfast on the veranda, and the staff does everything to make your stay an unforgettable experience. The game drives were the best we experienced in Southern Africa. Keith, our ranger and Surprise, our tracker brought us to vantage points, where we were extremely close to the wildlife, leaving roads and bringing us very close to the animals. Keith shared how to read and follow tracks, and gave us a lot of insight with his conservation background. The staff made the winter morning game drive very comfortable with hot water bottles and blankets. One of the highlights was the bush walk, following Keith through the bush in a small group and walking to excellent spots to watch the animals. Unfortunately our stay was only for two nights. We would have loved to stay longer.

I have just returned from the Lodge. What a great experience. I couldn’t find fault. The morning and evening Safari drives were excellently marshalled by Ranger Omega and Trekker/Spotter Joel. I was at the Lodge for 3 nights, I saw the big 5 twice (at least) and a whole host of other wildlife. Omega not only helps you enjoy the Safari but his excellence in passing on his education of the animals and wildlife you see is first class. Also a bush walk was an awesome education. Sabi Sands as a Private Game Reserves allows you to get closer to seeing these lovely animals, but is also done carefully and with respect to the animals. After leaving Inyati Game Lodge I went to another Lodge in the state run Kruger National Parks. Sadly, there are bigger restrictions in Kruger so I would strongly recommend Sabi Sands every time. The Lodge itself is very good, you often see Kudu and Impala on the grounds, together with the odd Rhino!. Elephants too. The rooms in the Lodge are excellent too. Huge comfortable Beds, his and her sinks, more than ample storage. The food choices were a plenty and their willingness to give different experiences is a pleasure. On two evenings we had a big open fire and a South African BBQ known a s a brain. The staff were all very helpful and nothing was an issue. In addition to Omega and Joel, Keith was always helpful, as was Samantha in the dining area and Esmarie in reception and the shop. My last day at the Lodge was Wednesday 10th July. My birthday was the Saturday, 13th. They even surprised me leaving a birthday card and a bottle of Champagne in the room, and it wasn’t needed. So kind and it really topped off a lovely few days. I cannot fault the Lodge, the staff and the whole experience. If you’ve never been on a Safari you will be very hard pressed to beat the Inyati experience. On top of the above, I met many beautiful and nice people from other parts of the world, American’s, Australian’s Canadian’s and others from the UK.

Magical place. The staff treats you as if you own the entire reserve. Life changing experience. If you enjoy the discovery channel and simply incredible scenery - then this adventure is for you. Probably the most expensive vacation we ever took - but totally worth everything. I thought Africa a one and done type trip - but this place changed that.

My father and I had an amazing four night stay at Inyati. The food, the lodging and of course their exceptional staff all combined to make our stay a memorable one. And of course the animal sightings... you can't get much better! While all of the staff were warm and welcoming, I must specifically mention Reason for always keeping my father's afternoon glass of Pinotage or Amarula topped off while he read and watched the endless ballet of waterbuck, impala, and kudu grazing, jumping, and dashing across the well manicured lawn overlooking the Sand river. The vervet monkeys and bee-eaters filled the gaps between antelope visits. Our ranger, Roger, and tracker, Qolani, not only found most of the animals we had hoped to see, but also provided valuable insights into the animals' behaviors to give us a more well rounded experience on our game drives. Upon our arrival at Inyati, our goal was to see the African Wild Dogs, and sure enough, on the very first game drive, Roger and Qolani delivered. And not only did we see the dogs, but we got to watch them with a kill, and defend their food from a hyena! It was so exciting! During our four night stay, I believe we saw the big five three times over, including seeing all of the big five during one morning game drive! It was such an amazing experience. Finally, I wanted to mention that I used their fitness facility as well, which was stocked with plenty of equipment and free weights to burn off all of those calories I was eating from their delicious meals!

As a South African who has experienced a few awesome lodges, this was the best experience we have had. The Inyati team delivered on every level, even the animals seem to be as happy and friendly as the Inyati staff. Thank you so much for a legendary weekend.