BirdieNine
April 14, 2025
Staying at the Sunset Ridge room was truly special—the view of the vast open land right from the room was breathtaking. We even spotted elephants from afar while relaxing on the deck! We came in April, which was surprisingly much colder than Cape Town. Unfortunately, the heater in the room didn’t quite do the job—we still felt cold inside. Still, most of the staff were incredibly service-minded and made us feel very well cared for throughout our stay. The stay included both breakfast and dinner, with two game drives each day that made the experience unforgettable. Our game drive guide was knowledgeable and passionate—we had so much fun learning about the animals. We didn’t get to see any leopards, but he explained they’re very rare in the area. The reserve itself is quite large, and you’d need at least two days to really see and enjoy it all. The meals were beautifully presented and absolutely delicious, and the made-to-order breakfast was a lovely touch. It would’ve been perfect if drinks like water and espresso were included—especially considering the room rate. Filter coffee was included, though, which was appreciated. One thing that did put a slight damper on the experience was the strict checkout policy. Morning game drives finish around 9:00 a.m., and with checkout at 10:30 a.m., it felt a bit rushed to fit in breakfast and packing. When I asked if we could check out just 30 minutes later, the reception declined rather curtly, citing that new guests were arriving. While I understand the need for turnaround, the response could have been more polite and empathetic. All in all, it was a fantastic stay with a great mix of comfort, nature, and adventure. With just a few tweaks, it could be absolutely perfect.