This was our first safari, and truly one of the best travel experiences of our lives! We miss the lodge so much already. We stayed for 3 nights at the end of November/beginning of December. To start, communication was superb which stood out when picking from many accommodations that were rated highly. They made the entire process very smooth and welcoming. We arranged our airport transfers through them from 2 different airports (hoedspruit and nelspruit), and we were able to pay online prior to our arrival. They were able to accommodate our dietary restrictions (we requested Halaal meat) and made amazing meals out of it. For 2 of the nights the meal was held in the boma with a beautiful table set up and delicious 3 course meal. Our last night was rainy, and we all ate together at the dining table at the lodge. It was very cozy and a wonderful experience. They serve coffee/tea and biscuits before the game drive. Then we’d stop for another coffee/hot drink break while on the drive. A full breakfast including your choice of eggs is served after arriving back to the lodge. We would usually nap during the day, and lunch would be served around 3:30. The afternoon game drive would begin shortly after that and then dinner would be served a short time after arriving back from the drive. We were very well fed and did not go hungry. The room was beautiful. The AC worked perfectly in the bed area which is where we needed it. Housekeeping would come twice a day while we were on our game drives. There were plenty of plugs, including one on each side of the bed. The game drives were superb. We were able to do 5 game drives and saw elephants, lions, giraffes, Cape buffalo, white rhinos, monkeys, warthogs, wild painted dogs, hippos, a crocodile, zebras, impalas, and even 2 sightings of leopards! Plenty of birds and smaller species as well. Theres a watering hole at the lodge and we had many interesting visitors including a herd of elephants there as well. We are beyond happy with our decision to choose Waterbuck as our first safari experience. The small lodge lends to wonderful conversation with fellow guests from all over the world, with plenty of privacy and space to spread out as well. Safaris are not a cheap experience, and Waterbuck delivered beyond expectations. Overall, cannot say enough good things about the lodge. Already dreaming of coming back! Thank you to the wonderful staff who made the place as magical as it was…