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#2 Sabi Sands Luxury Private Reserves--follow-up question

#2 Sabi Sands Luxury Private Reserves--follow-up question

Old Aug 12th, 2012, 04:48 AM
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#2 Sabi Sands Luxury Private Reserves--follow-up question

The replies to my earlier topic have been very helpful….thanks to all!! Obviously, there is a lot of experience among you.

This added question may sound silly; forgive me. This is partly an anniversary celebration; and we want to balance group time with some quieter time to ourselves. Main concern—meals. In some camps, I gather the norm is the entire group eating at a large table, or smaller groups with their ranger at tables. We would like to often eat alone at a table for two; but we don’t want to seem so out of the customary that we are “shunning” the group. I know in room dining is one solution, but sometimes the atmosphere of a dining room is romantic as well.

Do you know if any of the lodges lean towards more “open seating” dining? Thanks again.
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Old Aug 12th, 2012, 08:11 AM
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The only camps in the Sabi Sands that I have been to that seem to have communal dining tables would be in the western sector. I haven't had that experience at Mala Mala or any other camp in the eastern part.
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Old Aug 12th, 2012, 01:21 PM
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Try Kirkman's Kamp. They offer ala carte dining. Alternate it with Boma dining but will serve you on the outdoor patio every night. Also Arathusa for dinner.
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Old Aug 12th, 2012, 02:22 PM
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You have your whole lives to eat alone together. I love communal dining and learning about the lives of people from all over the world, especially the rangers. Enjoy the experience with others, it's part of what makes safari special. On a special occasion we bought a bottle of bubbly for the afternoon sundowners for the group. It made it all the more special.

There was not communal dining at Ngala (not tented) in 2006. I didn't like it.

You can arrange for a private dinner in the bush at most camps in advance.
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Old Aug 12th, 2012, 06:25 PM
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I have to agree that I love and prefer communal dining. Many camps do this, however it is very easy to arrange for a private table if it is requested. It just isn't a big deal at all. And many camps can arrange for a private dining experience in your room or out on your porch.
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Old Aug 12th, 2012, 09:07 PM
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I agree with the replies above.
regards - tom
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Old Aug 14th, 2012, 04:06 AM
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I have celebrated my anniversary in the bush. Having chatted to the lodge manager at Sabi Sabi's Selati Lodge she arranged a private bush dinner for us on one evening and on the other a private dinner in our suite.

Friends of mine stayed at Bush Lodge on honeymoon, were discreetly upgraded to a Presidential Suite where they were given a private safari and an entirely private stay. Meals served in the suite and private boma.
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Old Aug 16th, 2012, 09:03 AM
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cobyblack

Excellent advise above.

If you want a private dinner just ask the manager and they will go out of their way to accommadate you. For my beloved partner we celebrated one of her significant birthdays on the island in the middle of the dam at Ngala Safari Lodge in total privacy. It blew us away.

Get your TA or if you are booking direct, to request Special Arrangements beforehand.

Make it a time to remember!

Yours on Safari
Mark
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Old Aug 20th, 2012, 04:47 AM
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Three of us had a marvelous time at Lion Sands Ivory a few years ago. We were always seated at our own table--just the three of us with no ranger.

We also had one private dinner in our rooms; you an do this with no added charge.

You also have the option of spending the night in their Treehouse....I wish I had done this!

They will be happy to accommodate your seating preferences if you make these clear on arrival.
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