Savanna Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands, South Africa - Tourism Corporation Africa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) July 16, 2009 -- Letter addressed to One of Savanna Private Game Reserves Owners: Mike Davis.16 July 01hrs39pm SAST.
General Manager: Paddy Hagethorn.

"Savanna Private Game Reserve Scores Top Ratings by African Specialist quotes, Andrew Shapand, The Rovong Ambassador:


Hi Mike

Have just returned from Africa and I wanted to immediately email you to thank you so much for our stay at Savanna Game Reserve – and in particular for your generosity in offering us the stunning 2 bedroom suite.

As you know I have seen hundreds of lodges all over Eastern & Southern Africa and have seen most of the lodges in South Africa – not only the Kruger & Madikwe areas but also the more obscure like Samara, Ecca Lodge (Kwandwe) and most of them in the Eastern Cape, all the Phindas, Thanda (Kwazulu Natal) and Tswalu (North West Province) but to name a few. What you should be very proud of is that Savanna stands well ahead of the vast majority. Not only is the accommodation excellent, as is the food and service (which you can get at other lodges) but it is the friendliness and warmth and enthusiasm of the staff that really sets Savanna apart. It is very rare for me to visit a lodge and not be able to fault anything or offer any suggestions to either improve the quality or make changes but Savanna is as close to the perfect lodge that I have seen. I guess it must be the fact you look after the staff so well – because that is what comes across – the staff love what they do.

I made a list of things that I felt were the key to Savanna compared to the other 891 lodges in Kruger, and I thought I would share that with you:


1. Immaculately clean

2. Food was superb, simple, well presented and good choice

3. Service was friendly, efficient, and staff GENUINELY wanted to make sure we had a good time

4. Staff were GENUINELY proud of the lodge and of their job role

5. Interaction between the staff was outstanding and genuine particularly between the white staff and the Africans

6. Staff quarters were amazing and is one of the reasons the staff are so happy

7. I felt that because the staff were so happy there would be a continuity with the staff – which again is rare

8. The lodge was unpretentious but still with a relaxed understated luxury that would suit any 5 star client

9. Attention to detail in the rooms was outstanding

10. Plenty of hot water (don’t laugh – that is a major let down with many many lodges)

11. Presentation of some of the toiletries – like the quail eggs for the bath oils

12. Guiding (the MOST important aspect for me) was excellent – friendly, informative, interesting, helpful and above all ENTHUSIASTIC (again this is becoming a rarity. (A lot of rangers talk by rote and whilst they can tell you the gestation period of a lion don’t necessarily have a passion for the bush – most are interested in showing the Big 5 so they get their tips)

13. The feel of the lodge was relaxed and unpressured – which I really liked

14. The excitement from the staff when we had breakfast in the bush was contagious – the staff were really happy everyone enjoyed the breakfast

15. The game is very good and it is a very pretty reserve

16. The lodge is the perfect size – not too big to be overwhelming but also not too small to feel hemmed in

I am sure other details will come to mind as well BUT I was so impressed with Savanna that I will be recommending it to the staff as the No 1 lodge to sell…. I may have mentioned I select 3 lodges in each category (5 star, 4 star, 3 star etc) as our preferred – and then out of each of those, I select a favourite – so for example in the 5 star category – Savanna, Leopard Hills, Royal Malewane – of which first choice would be Savanna.

What more can I say, Mike, except to say that Savanna was the greatest surprise I have had for years. It certainly surpassed my expectations and I will have NO hesitation in recommending this to all our clients and Agents. The ONLY negative was that we had 2 nights with you NOT 4 or 5 !!!!!

I will also be very happy to advertise Savanna – you mentioned maybe a special with a package in Johannesburg – so if you can send me that – I will start the ball rolling.

Again, Mike, Sue, Alex and I would all like to thank you very much for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Do say a big hello to Neil, Tash, Paddy and Lorna (in particular) from all of us

Regards

Richard

Richard Ruskin
Managing Director
African Travel Specialists
37 Seymour Ave
Armadale Vic 3143
Ph: (61 - 3) 9576 1980
Fax: (61 - 3) 9576 2590
email: richard@africantravel.com.au

More information can be found online at http://www.tourismcorp.co.za

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