Witness the Big Five: Unforgettable Simba Safaris Adventure in South Africa!

Simba Safaris Private Game Lodge with Predators Ellisras South Africa

Simba Safaris Private Game Lodge with Predators Ellisras South Africa

Witness the Big Five: Unforgettable Simba Safaris Adventure in South Africa!

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, dusty, heart-stopping world of Witness the Big Five: Unforgettable Simba Safaris Adventure in South Africa! Forget the picture-perfect brochure, let's get real. This review is going to be less about pristine prose and more about the raw, unadulterated, zebra-striped truth.

First, the Big Picture (and My Stomach Growling):

So, you're thinking about a safari, huh? You're dreaming of roaring lions and sunsets painted in fire? Okay, good. Because Simba Safaris, they're mostly nailing it. I mean, the name alone – "Unforgettable Simba Safaris Adventure" – sets a sky-high bar. Let's see if they leap over it, right?

Accessibility: (Don't Panic, It's a Mixed Bag)

Right, so, Accessibility. This is where things got a little shaky. They say they have "Facilities for disabled guests," but I didn't see concrete details. I'm going to say they probably have some, but check specifically before you book. Don't just trust the brochure, call them! That's the real insider tip here, folks.

On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: No specifics mentioned, so same story as above. Contact them and confirm!

Wheelchair Accessible: See above.

Internet & Wi-Fi: (Because, Let's Be Honest, We Need it)

  • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? Yes! And it actually works! Praise the Wi-Fi gods! This is massive. In the middle of nowhere, being able to stream my guilty pleasure… well it's a sanity saver.
  • They have Internet access – LAN in rooms too.
  • Wi-Fi in public areas: It's there, and it's generally decent. Not lightning-fast, but enough to upload that lion selfie.
  • Internet services: They have it. Enough said.

Things To Do, Ways to Relax: (Spa Day or Dust Devil?)

Okay, so I'm not going to lie, I spent most of my time actually seeing the Big Five. But, when the sun finally dipped below the horizon and the thrill of the chase faded, I dipped into the relaxation options.

  • Pool with View: The pool. Oh, the pool! It feels like it was in the middle of nowhere, and there’s nothing quite like sipping something cold after a dusty day of tracking. Bliss. (And the view, by the way? Spectacular.)
  • Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: I'm not a huge spa person – the thought of a body scrub after a day of safari just felt… wrong. Like, a mud-caked lion deciding on a manicure. But the options are there and I'm sure it's wonderful. I just was more into a beer by the pool.
  • Fitness Center: Who exercises on safari? Seriously! Though, after all the amazing food, maybe it would be a good idea. I didn't try it. I was busy.

Cleanliness and Safety: (Because, you know, germs)

  • Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization between stays: They’re taking this seriously. Which is important, because, well, Africa. And COVID. It was comforting to know they are on it. Especially with all the shared spaces.
  • Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
  • Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes.
  • Safe dining setup: It's a buffet! But they did a good job of distancing and offering a lot of service for you.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Where My Inner Pig Found Paradise)

Okay, this is where Simba really shines. Prepare your taste buds.

  • Breakfast Buffet: Glorious. Omelets cooked to order, fresh fruit, pastries, the works.
  • International cuisine in restaurant: Dinner was also fantastic. Lots of variety. Always something I wanted.
  • Bar: A seriously beautiful bar. I spent some quality time there. Happy hour? Yes, please. After a day on safari, you earn that sundowner.
  • Coffee/tea in restaurant/Coffee shop: Good coffee. Crucial.
  • Happy hour: See above. Necessary.
  • Snack Bar: Convenient for a quick bite.

Services and Conveniences: (Because, Let’s Face It, We’re Spoiled)

  • Air conditioning: Essential. Africa is HOT.
  • Concierge: Super helpful. They arranged my transfers and gave great local advice.
  • Currency exchange: Convenient.
  • Daily housekeeping: My room always smelled amazing.
  • Gift/souvenir shop: Okay, full disclosure, I may have bought a ridiculously overpriced zebra-striped hat. But hey, souvenirs!
  • Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: They've thought of everything.

For the Kids: (Because Family Fun is Still Fun!)

  • Family/child friendly: Yes! There were families there.
  • Babysitting service: Important to note… I did not use this service myself however I was assured it was available
  • Kids meal: Absolutely!

Rooms: (Your Safari Sanctuary)

  • Air conditioning: Praise the AC gods!
  • Bathtub: Nice for relaxing.
  • Coffee/tea maker: Crucial for those early morning starts. Plus, free coffee!
  • Free bottled water: Hydration is key.
  • In-room safe box: Important for important belongings.
  • Private bathroom: Yes.
  • Wi-Fi [free]: (Did I mention that?)
  • Blackout Curtains: Perfect for that post-safari nap!
  • Everything-else: Comy bed, great toiletries - the works!

Getting Around: (Moving Around with ease)

  • Airport transfer: Smooth and efficient.
  • Car park [free of charge]/ Car park [on-site]: Parking is easy.

The Quirky Bits & Anecdotes (Because That’s What Makes a Trip)

Okay, so here’s the deal. One morning, I was heading out for the game drive. I had my camera, my binoculars, and my… my toilet roll? Yes. Apparently, you keep a roll in the car. Just in case. Well, two hours into the drive, we see a majestic elephant grazing and decide to stop. A photographer starts clicking away, when my driver looks at me and with a smile says “Do you need the toilet roll?” I looked around in shock. I had NO IDEA what he was talking about. He smiled again and pointed to a bush. I was SO embarrassed to tell you the truth, but I was also hysterically laughing. That’s the Simba experience. Little quirks, unexpected moments, and memories that stick.

The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)

Look, no place is flawless. One minor gripe? The hot water in my shower was a tiny bit inconsistent at different times of the day. Not a deal-breaker, but worth mentioning. And sometimes, the buffet could get a little crowded but the staff were all super friendly.

The Verdict & The Persuasive Offer! (Here’s the Money Shot)

So, is Witness the Big Five: Unforgettable Simba Safaris Adventure worth it? Absolutely. It's not just a trip. It's an experience. It's a chance to connect with nature, to be humbled by the power of the wild, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. Yes, some things might not be perfect BUT, don’t let that stop you. It's imperfectly perfect, and that's the beauty of it.

My offer to you:

Book your Unforgettable Simba Safaris Adventure NOW and get a FREE upgrade to a suite with a private balcony AND a complimentary bottle of South African Shiraz. That’s right, you can experience the Big Five in style, AND relax, and get your drink on! (This is only available for bookings made in the next 3 weeks.)

Why book Simba?

  • Unbelievable wildlife experiences: You will get to see the Big Five!
  • Delicious food and amazing drinks: The buffet is worth the trip alone!
  • Comfortable accommodations: After a long day out, it’s nice to have a cool shower and nice bed.
  • Amazing team: They will take care of everything.

Stop dreaming, and start packing! Visit Witness the Big Five: Unforgettable Simba Safaris Adventure! Get out there! Go on an adventure!

**Breathtaking Ajman Views: Your Dream 1-Bedroom Awaits!**

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Simba Safaris Private Game Lodge with Predators Ellisras South Africa

Simba Safaris Private Game Lodge with Predators Ellisras South Africa

Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your beige, perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is Simba Safaris, South Africa, through the filter of my gloriously messy brain. Prepare for a ride.

Simba Safaris: A Safari…and a Soul-Search (Probably) - Chaos in the Bushveld

Prologue: Pre-Trip Panic & Packing (or the Art of the Last-Minute Flail)

Right, so a safari! Dramatic sigh. I’m not one of those super-organized types. More like, “Oh crap, I leave tomorrow?!” type. Packing? A majestic ballet of panic and questionable choices. I’m pretty sure I packed six pairs of socks and, inexplicably, a sequined scrunchie. For a safari. Brilliant. Also, my luggage is currently a testament to the theory of entropy. I’m convinced it’s multiplying while I’m trying to jam it shut. Pray for me.

Day 1: Arrival & The Great Impala Ambush (or, I Almost Became Dinner…Maybe)

  • Morning: Fly (hopefully) into…wherever Ellisras even is. Honestly, I’m still not entirely sure. It may as well be Narnia. The flight itself was…long. My seatmate kept trying to tell me about the benefits of raw veganism. Note to self: pack earplugs next time.

  • Afternoon: Arrive at Simba Safaris. Oh. My. God. The lodge is gorgeous. Like, magazine-cover gorgeous. The staff? Utterly charming. They greet us with cold towels and…a welcome drink that tasted like sunshine and happiness. I immediately feel like I've won at life.

  • Early Evening: First game drive! My heart’s doing a drum solo. We load into the jeep. I’m all, "Oh, I'm a nature person! Bring on the magnificent wildlife!" Our guide (his name is Thomas, he’s dreamy, and I think he might actually be a lion whisperer) starts off with a cautious pace as we are on our way to the reserve in the outskirts of the lodge.

    • Snapshot: The first Impala. I lean in, I squint, I… nearly fall out of the jeep taking a photo. "Wow," I mutter as I am struck by the magnificent and powerful nature of Africa.
    • Near-Death Experience (Kinda): We’re tracking a herd of…something. I’m so busy snapping pictures I nearly walk right into a bush. Thomas yells, “Look out for the…!” (I didn’t catch it, I was too busy posing with the Impala) WHOOSH. Turns out, there was a rather large thorny bush. I emerged scratched and victorious (or, you know, defeated).
  • Evening: Dinner at the lodge. The food! Oh, the food! I’m pretty sure I had more than one plate, but it was so worth it. The stars out here are mind-blowing. Like diamonds scattered across black velvet. I’m starting to feel a profound sense of… peace? Serenity? Nope. Just full. Very, very full.

Day 2: Lion King Vibes & The Bug That Ruined My Life (Temporarily)

  • Morning: We wake up at 5 AM. What the actual hell? Coffee is a lifesaver. This time, we are actively looking for a Lion.
    • The Lion Encounter: And BAM! There they are. A pride of lions, lazing in the golden morning light. I’m speechless. Actually, I think I whimpered. Majestic doesn't even begin to cover it. I mean, my inner Lion King fangirl is freaking out. I even tried to sing along with a lion's roar (terribly, I might add).
    • Anecdote: One of the lionesses gives me the side-eye. I swear it. Like, “Are you even trying to be quiet, human?” I slink back in my seat, humbled.
  • Afternoon: Back at the lodge. Time for a swim! splish splash
    • Nightmare of a Bug: I wake up with a monstrous itch. My leg is now a crimson landscape of angry red. I AM BEING EATEN ALIVE. Turns out, some tiny, evil little whatever-it-was bit me. Suddenly, the safari feels less romantic and more “survival of the fittest.” I swear, this bug single-handedly tried to ruin my trip!
  • Evening: The staff is incredibly helpful and gives me some medicine the size of my arm. Dinner under the stars again. This time, I’m armed with bug spray and a healthy dose of paranoia. But the wine is still delicious, and the sunset is still breathtaking. I'm also pretty sure Thomas winked at me. Maybe. Probably. It was dark.

Day 3: Predators, Sunsets & The Day I Became Best Friends With a Baboon (Maybe)

  • Morning: Another game drive. Today we're focusing on predators. Leopards! Cheetahs! Hyenas! I'm hoping the bug bites have subsided by now. But, I am terrified by the possibility of another.
    • Predator Pursuit: We track the elusive leopard. It's like a real-life episode of "Planet Earth." The suspense is killing me.
    • Quirky observation: Thomas, with his dreamy eyes, spends what feels like hours perfectly locating the leopard, finally revealing the magnificence of the magnificent animal. His patience is unmatched, and I'm suddenly grateful for my time with him.
  • Afternoon: More time at the lodge. Relaxing by the pool (with a layer of industrial-strength mosquito repellent). My leg is still itchy. I also find myself in the unexpected company of a baboon.
    • Baboon Buddy: I'm sitting on the veranda, reading, when a baboon casually hops up, looks me dead in the eye and… starts picking up pieces of fruit I'd dropped. We share a moment. A weird, baboon-eating-my-banana moment. I'm thinking… this is real life.
  • Evening: Sunset! Oh. Em. Gee. The sky explodes in a riot of color. I swear, every single sunset out here is more stunning than the last. We toast the day with Amarula (delicious creamy alcohol). Life is good. Damn good. And even the giant bug bites can't ruin it. I'm a changed woman!

Day 4: Farewell & Forever Memories (and the Post-Safari Blues)

  • Morning: One last game drive. I feel a pang of sadness. I’m starting to get used to this life. This beautiful, wild life.
    • Final Reflection: We spot a giraffe. Its long neck reaches for the sky. I suddenly feel like I can do the same. Thomas smiles at me, just as the sun begins to descend. I'm sad.
    • Anecdote: I may or may not have shed a tear when we said goodbye to Thomas. He’s the best, and I will treasure these days in Africa forever.
  • Afternoon: Travel back.
    • Post-Safari Blues: The flight back home is excruciating. I’m already missing the vastness, the quiet, the sheer wonder of it all. The sequined scrunchie seems so… pointless now.
  • Evening: Back home. I vow to return. This trip… it changed me. And not just because of the bug bites.

Epilogue: The Aftermath (and the Future)

So, yeah. Simba Safaris. It was a mess. A beautiful, messy, overwhelming, exhilarating mess. The bug bites were a pain, but the rest of it? Pure magic. I laughed, I cried (mostly from the bug bites, but also at the beauty of it all), I almost died (maybe). And I wouldn’t trade a single itchy moment.

Africa, you have my heart. And I'll be back.

P.S. I’ve named the evil bug “Bartholomew.” Just because.

Escape to Paradise: Blue Mountain's Cape Town Gem

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Simba Safaris Private Game Lodge with Predators Ellisras South Africa

Simba Safaris Private Game Lodge with Predators Ellisras South Africa

Witness the Big Five: Unforgettable Simba Safaris Adventure - FAQ (Totally Honest Edition)

Okay, seriously, what *is* the Big Five, and why am I hearing about it everywhere?

Alright, so the Big Five... it's the rockstars of the African safari scene. We're talking lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos (both black and white!), and buffalo. Originally, I think it was a hunting thing (don't get me started on that!), but now it's all about seeing them in their natural habitat. And let me tell you, seeing a lion in the wild is WAY cooler than seeing it in a zoo. WAY cooler. It’s like… you're suddenly in a National Geographic documentary, except you have to pee a lot because you're drinking gallons of water from the heat. And the hype? It's deserved. Honestly, it’s a rush.

Simba Safaris… are they any good? Like, *really* good? I'm skeptical.

Okay, so, full disclosure: I’m generally cynical. I approach everything with a side-eye. But Simba Safaris? Yeah, they’re actually pretty darn good. My friend, Brenda (who’s convinced every tour is a scam until proven otherwise), even admitted she was impressed. They're not perfect, mind you. Like, sometimes the Wi-Fi in the lodge hiccups, and you get these tiny pangs of internet withdrawal. But the guides? Amazing. Our guy, Thabo, he could spot a leopard blinking in the shade from a mile away. Seriously. They really know their stuff, and they clearly care about the animals and the environment. That bit matters.

What's the accommodation like? I'm not about to sleep in a tent with a million insects, okay?

Look, I get it. Some people are into "roughing it." I am not one of those people. The accommodation? Pleasantly surprising! We stayed in lodges, not tents (phew!). They were comfortable, with proper beds, and real bathrooms. Some had plunge pools (heaven!). We did have this one mosquito encounter in the middle of the night, but after 2 seconds of thinking it was a giant spider, i woke up and remembered, "oh yeah, that's kinda normal" The staff were super friendly and helpful. Think of it as glamping, but with actual walls. Probably the best thing was the view from the porch. Waking up to the sounds of the bush... amazing. Well, until the monkeys started trying to steal my breakfast. Those little… (insert colourful language here).

The food! Is the food… good? I get hangry. Really hangry.

Okay, this is a big one for me. I am a food person. And the food was excellent! They had a mix of local dishes and international options, so there was something for everyone. The breakfast buffets were a highlight, with fresh fruit, pastries, and the best omelettes I've ever had. The dinners were usually three courses and the best part was, you could come back for seconds and thirds. For a person who gets hangry the food was an absolute Godsend. I spent the whole safari hoping they’d serve something truly terrible, if only to break up the trend. But no. It was all really, really good. And the sundowners? Cocktails with a view. Pure bliss. Just try not to eat all the biltong at once…

What's the trip pacing like? I don't want to feel like I'm constantly rushing.

The pacing was actually really good. We had morning game drives, then downtime to relax, eat, and maybe take a nap (highly recommended). The game drives themselves were a good length, usually a few hours. You weren't crammed into a vehicle for ages, which was great. There was also a lot of downtime to soak in the experience, which you'll need. It's overwhelming in the best possible way. You have time to process what you're seeing (and to actually take pictures without feeling like you're in a race against the clock, so yay!).

Tell me about one particular experience. The *best* one.

Okay, so this is going to be a bit of a ramble, because I'm still not quite over it. We were on a morning game drive, and we'd been tracking a leopard for hours. Thabo, our guide, was relentless. He knew the signs, the tracks, everything. We were bumping along this dirt track, and suddenly, he slammed on the brakes. "Leopard," he whispered. We all held our breath. And there, in the long grass, was this absolutely stunning leopard. It was maybe... ten feet away? The most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Its eyes... they were like molten gold. It just sat there, perfectly still, watching us. My heart was POUNDING. I fumbled with my camera (took like 50 seconds... felt like 50 years!), trying to get a decent shot. Finally, I got a few. Then the leopard lazily stretched, yawned, and sauntered away. Honestly, I almost cried. It was that powerful. That moment... it made the whole trip. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. Just that one moment made it all worthwhile!

Were there any downsides? Be honest.

Okay, yeah, there were a few very minor things. The Wi-Fi, as mentioned earlier, could be spotty at times. And, look, the early wake-up calls for the game drives are rough. REALLY rough. Especially when the sun doesn't come up fast enough, and the air is freezing. And I will never forgive the baboons at the lodge for stealing my favourite sun hat. But honestly? They're just blips. Minor inconveniences in an otherwise incredible experience. Oh and the prices, obviously. Safaris aren't cheap. But, as my friend Brenda admitted (again), it's worth it. It's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing, and you just suck it up.

What kind of clothes do I pack? I don’t want to look like a total idiot.

Okay, so, don't overthink it. Comfortable, neutral-colored clothing is best. Think khaki, olive, beige – stuff that blends in, and doesn’t scream, “Hey, I'm a tourist!" Avoid super bright colors (they attract bugs) and anything camouflage (some places have restrictions). Layers are key becauseBook Hotels Now

Simba Safaris Private Game Lodge with Predators Ellisras South Africa

Simba Safaris Private Game Lodge with Predators Ellisras South Africa

Simba Safaris Private Game Lodge with Predators Ellisras South Africa

Simba Safaris Private Game Lodge with Predators Ellisras South Africa