A ballerina in the bush - Silvan Safari
The Leading Luxury Lodge in the World
Silvan Safari opened its doors towards the end of 2017, and by 2018 had already been crowned the leading luxury lodge in the world, not just Africa, at the World Travel Awards. So naturally we were eager to see what all the fuss was about and arranged to stop by when we were in the area last month. To say we were not disappointed would be an understatement. We were greeted warmly by a charming lady called Accolade (or Accs for short) who welcomed us with a refreshing Rock Shandy (if you’re not familiar with this drink, we highly recommend you try it on your next safari) and our inspection began.
A Contemporary Safari Lodge in a Natural Setting
The lodge has been built in a contemporary style, angular blocks clad in strips of black wood, which may sound at odds with the natural setting, but it honestly works. There are bright splashes of blues, yellows and greens in the sofa and cushion fabrics – a visual assault at first but when its explained that the colours are those of the European bee-eater then it all slots into place. The main lodge has a long, open deck, a lounge area, a 25 metre lap pool (for those who simply must exercise), an enclosed dining room, a well-stocked wine cellar and a bar with an amazing metal display of bee-eaters on the ceiling (and an enviable collection of gins).
Personal Touches and Attention to Detail
‘Silvan’ means spirit of the trees, so each of the rooms is built around a tree and named after it. There are only 6 rooms and they’re huge. Each has a lounge area and a big bed, a log burner, minibar and tea & coffee station with snacks. Walk through to a separate dressing area and on to the bathroom where there’s a large freestanding bath, a huge double shower and an outdoor shower. Step outside onto a spacious deck with a decent size pool and loungers. The little details here are just beautiful – it’s the only lodge we’ve seen where they’ve thoughtfully placed a painting kit in each suite so that those so inspired by their surroundings can indulge their inner Picasso – a nice touch.
A Wellness Haven in the Bush
When you can bring yourself to leave your suite, there is a beautiful spa offering couples facials and massages, yoga and Pilates.
Not to mention the main event – the game drives themselves where there is a maximum of 6 people per vehicle. And of course the location, in the Sabi Sand Reserve, where the wildlife is among the best you’ll find anywhere.
So where does the ballerina come in?
An Exceptional Safari Experience
Well, she came in the form of recently arrived camp manager Modal. Not only is she a seasoned safari professional whose back catalogue includes managing some of Africa’s leading safari camps, but she was, once upon a time, a professional ballerina. She’s also an accomplished pianist (there’s a piano at the bar) and a Pilates teacher, and she is busy preparing some lovely additional experiences that will enhance any stay at Silvan. With the renowned ballerina’s attention to detail and a staff to guest ratio of 1:1, Silvan will most certainly deliver an exceptional safari.
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Call us on 01904 866 033 or email: africa@knightonreeve.co.uk to plan your African holiday.