This was my second time at Sandibe (first time May 2013 before the remodel). Wow. Wow. WOW. I loved the lodge before, but it had more of rustic charm. The new lodge simply blows your MIND. The rooms are gorgeous, spacious, and designed with a tip top luxury experience in mind. The private plunge pools, the massive bathrooms, gigantic beds etc...I felt spoiled rotten! :) The main area is also stunning, with a eco, chic, lux feel to it. For those worried about lodge podge, they even have a nice small gym close to the main area.

But while the luxury traveler will be 1000% happy with the lodge, the wildlife adventurist will be 1000% happy with the game viewing (as well as 1000% happy with the lodge). Both times I've been there, the game viewing at Sandibe has been fantastic. The specialist guide who I often travel with said that Sandibe is always "hot hot hot", not in temperature, but in game. This most recent trip we saw so many amazing things. But a few of the most special were - 1) a baby elephant, just a few hours old (!!!); 2) lioness with four, 6 week old cubs playing in the morning, two mornings in a row; and 3) and thrilling encounter between a lion, elephants, and buffalo. In regards to the latter, a lioness was stalking some buffalo (her lazy brothers were laying down letting her do all the work), she chased the buffalo, they ran, they chased her back, which repeated several times. At one point, the buffalos went running into a small herd of elephants that started trumpeting like crazy b/c they were not pleased, and they formed a tight circle around their young. What an exciting stream of events to unfold!

The managers Greg and Raquel do a fantastic job at Sandibe, and are very hands on and personable. The rangers there are wonderful as well. Both times I had Tshabo (what a legend!) who is the head ranger and has an amazing amount of knowledge about all things in the bush, as well as knowing exactly how to position a vehicle for photographers like me.

If I could give Sandibe 10 stars, I would. Cannot WAIT to return!

Exceptional design. The whole lodge is based on the shape of a pangolin. Huge luxurious suites. Very private and overlooking the delta. A 180* view of the outside while lying in your bed. A crackling fireplace for those cold nights. An out door shower and a plunge pool for the hot days. Large seating outdoors. The best game viewing we had out of the four lodges we did.

A wonderful warm welcome by our hosts when we arrived and every time we came back from our game drive we were greeted with cold towels and a new refreshing drink. Our guide Palo and tracker Trust were exceptional. Morning drives start at 6 30 am mid morning we break for some snacks and coffee. A wonderful table is laid out with nibbles like muffins and cookies and you have an option of tea or Coffe. My favourite was the coffee with Amarula. Game drives in the evening start at 4 30 pm. Sundowners in the bush at 6 30pm with Gin and tonics, wine � whisky or whatever your heart desires. Then a slow winding drive back to the lodge.

Housekeeping is impeccable. The food was fantastic. They catered to my gluten, starch and sugar free diet. Not an easy one to do. The food was fantastic! Breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. Too much food!

The ambience is stunning. The whole lodge is lit with lanterns omitting the need for much artificial light. There is a boma. Even if there is no fire to sit around planned for the evening, they oblige you and build one especially for you.

The alcohol selection is great with some superb South African wines.

All in all, Don't blink, just go for the experience of a life time.