3 minute read
SA Golf Trader - July/Aug 2021, Game for Golf: The ultimate 5 star experience
We were extremely fortunate to receive an invitation from Marc Lindsey-Rea (Africa Direct Tours and Travel) to go and experience first-hand, the affordable 5-star package that they have put together with Savanna Lodge in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Oliver’s Guest house in White River Country Estate as well as White River Country club.
Having grown up with most holidays based around golf and game viewing, I was really looking forward to this experience. Never did I think it would be this good, being treated like royalty for five days had never crossed my mind. From the moment my wife and I arrived at Oliver’s we were bowled over.
This 5-star lodge has the most spacious, luxurious rooms you could wish for. We were privately hosted by Marc and Mike from Africa direct, both renowned South African guides, for the duration of our two-night stay at Oliver’s.
The restaurant here has been ranked in the top 100 in South Africa and you can choose delicious mouth-watering dishes from their seasonal a-la-carte menu which are complemented with a selection of fine South African wines found in their well-stocked wine cellar.
The golf course was in great condition and Marc, who is also a top amateur golfer, hosted us on -course accompanied by Barry Broadbent, golf director at Whiteriver CC. This was a completely different round of golf and I can recommend this to any golfer out there.
The round is all about having fun but also teaching the golfer proper course management which I think all golfers need to apply more. After a thoroughly enjoyable stay at Oliver’s it was time to move to our next destination.
Savanna Private Game Reserve is located in the Western sector of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and is privileged to traverse approximately 9 000 hectares of beautiful bushveld. The area offers a diverse landscape from the open Savannah grasslands up to the thick riverine bushveld.
Savanna safaris provide exceptional opportunities to see the ‘Big 5’ – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – as well as cheetah, wild dog, hippo, crocodile, an abundance of general game and over 400 bird species.
The emphasis at Savanna is, first and foremost, on the safari experience, on the activities of the many rare and beautiful creatures encountered in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. We had numerous sightings of the big 5 including a mating pair of Leopards next to the vehicle.
Our ranger Kevin and his tracker Lawrence’s knowledge of the bushveld had no limits, from the game itself to the trees, plants and birdlife to the smallest of insects, all of which made our game drives the most enjoyable we’ve ever had.
Savanna has nine beautifully appointed suites and each are the epitome of elegance and comfort, the decor combines a colonial and classic mix of colours, fabrics and textures. All suites have WIFI, air-conditioning, fans, en-suite bathrooms, inside and outdoor showers, mini bars, tea & coffee making stations, covered patios and private heated plunge pools looking out onto five waterholes that surround the lodge and offer fantastic views of game drinking and bathing.
Gourmet dining is an essential part of the Savanna experience with traditional local dishes adding spice to the best international fare. Dynamic menus are complemented with award winning wines from their well stocked cellar. This exclusive 5-star lodge delivers exceptional levels of personal service and great attention to detail.
Sabi Sand and Lowveld Golf Package
Savanna Lodge and Olivers Golf Lodge and Spa
Hosted Golf. Price R13 000pp 4 nights. Contact Marc: 084 581 7200 marc@africadirect.co.za
Special ends 20 December 2021
