Leopard Sands, Kruger Park

While the resort is modern and what you would expect in your room for the price you pay, unfortunately the service is very sub par. I did reach out to the resort once we checked out, to provide them with the below information and just as I thought would happen no one bothered to reply. when we paid over $25k for 2 rooms over Christmas we would have expected at least a reply, given it is stated as a 5 Star Resort. these are the issues we faced, while nothing was life changing with all of this on a daily basis, it ended up being a bother being here in the end. - [ ] Christmas Eve dinner, sat at 6;40 and had to go to the bar to order drinks as no one served us. Then the drinks were forgotten and we had to recorder after 20 mins [so 40 minutes after seated we finally got our drinks which was only Coke Zero], mind you there was only a few other couples in the place when this happened. - [ ] Food came out after chef said he made sure my meal had no spice. Cauliflower and potato had chilli. Chef came out and I told him my steak was amazing but the potato and cauliflower had spice and he said oh yeh they both do have spice. I am confused why I was still served spice when only 20 minutes before I told him I don’t even eat pepper So the following night I only had Pumpkin Soup as an option in the middle of summer. -[] The menu was extremely limited when you are only offered 3 options for main, 2 for entree and a couple of items for desert. I assume this was because it's an all inclusive resort. The menu is on rotation every few days also. - [ ] Our laundry was taken without the sheet filled out, as normally when you have a washing basket it is not taken until you fill out what’s in there. The following night laundry was returned and wasn’t ours. I guess someone may have got our laundry, and took a further 36 hours to get ours back. - [ ] While the staff are all lovely you can tell they don’t have great training for what is expected in a 5 star resort. Both my husband and myself travel extensively and have stayed in a lot of 5 star hotels around the world. We know what to expect with a rating of 5 stars. The staff when the restaurant had more than 20 people were in a state of unorganised which we saw on Christmas Eve. - [ ] Many meals we had items forgotten, and we simply didn’t say anything in the end, as it looked like we were “just complaining” small things like breakfast ordering avocado and being forgotten when it is written down. - [ ] After saying no spicy food at all I was served up the chicken Kiev with chilli on top and in the sauce once again and there was no other non spicy options on the menu. I also heard a mother complain as there was no actual kids menu offered. - [ ] We paid for all guides, to be private in a private vehicle, and had to repeat ourselves several times when asked if we were joining for the next day or afternoon drive. We would say oh we have a private tour, and was asked “oh did you book it” and I had to say yes

I had a lovely stay on my solo trip at Leopard Sands. Staff/service The staff was very friendly and attentive. Upon arrival I greeted with smiles from the gate to check in. Everything was handled smoothly. I did not have to worry about anything. The experience with the staff felt personalised so they ensured they catered to my needs. However, I felt more attention and detail was given to the foreign guests. Rooms I cannot begin to describe how amazing my suite/pool villa was. The aesthetic and decor in the room is out of this world. It’s luxurious and so exquisite. The view from the room are something you have to experience. You wake up and get the chance to see elephants and hippos in the river. Amenities We had two game drives per day, one at 5:30am and another at 15:30pm. It was amazing because it gave us the chance to explore the Kruger National Park well and each drive offered a unique and authentic experience. We had Fumani as our guide. She was lovely and interactive. On one of the drives we had we were fortunate enough to see the entire 5 big five; what a thrilling experience. The drive also enable me to interact with other guests from the hotel. The beauty of the KNP sparked great and fun conversations. It was a fun way to form friendships and get to know new people. Restaurant Beautiful views from the restaurant. I had an all inclusive package and enjoyed every single meal. A big thank you to Ayanda. She was such a darling; so friendly and ensured my needs are attended to at the restaurant. I enjoyed our conversations. The meals were exceptional and flavourful. The chef was so proactive, he came to our tables to ask how we felt about the meal. I loved that. Location The lodge is located in a great area just outside Mkhuhlu, about 10 to 15 minutes away from the Paul Kruger Gate. It is situated along the Sabi river. This is great because you get to see wildlife as you enjoy your meals or while you take a dip in the infinity pool. It feels like Kruger is just at your doorstep. Overall I will be going back to Leopard Sands in the future. My stay was so memorable and special. As a local I would highly recommend it but it is quite costly. The hotel should consider separate rates for SADC residents. It is quite over priced.

My friend and I really wanted to visit Kruger National Park during our annual alternative thanksgiving trip and this year we chose South Africa! I usually make the bookings when traveling and when I saw this property, I knew I had to make it our home away from home, since I am a loyal Marriott member. Thankfully there was availability since there is less than 2 dozen suites available for booking. The property is just the right size and the customer service is AMAZING! Food was great and they try to switch it up everyday, which we really enjoyed. The dinner show was amazing as well - I would just recommend covering your food for a bit since they will kick sand towards your table (not intentionally but it happens since they are dancing). I cannot rave enough about the game drives - do as many as you can see and see all the beautiful animals. Just a one of a kind experience! Overall, I would recommend this resort due to its proximity to Kruger, the great food, relaxing environment, and how easy it is to get to from the Skukuza airport (they have a complimentary shuttle). The staff are just a joy to talk to and are very knowledgeable of the area. Shout out to Pastor, Fumani and Melissa. I am trying to hard to remember our driver to the game drives (front gate) and to/from the airport - HE WAS GREAT!

Room well appointed. Mini bar with soft drinks (free. For all inclusive). Plenty of tea/coffee. Insect repellent provided. View of river from room. Plunge pool (not heated). Mini bar filled with soft drinks only once per stay. Three night stay should have mini bar re-stocked every day for an all inclusive rate!!!!! Reception were surprised I even asked for a re-stock. Be prepared to pre-order your evening meal. Chef Sam very welcoming. Staff could be a little more attentive in the restaurant but I think they were low staffed. Only 18 rooms so quite intimate; not as intimate as some others we looked at with only 5/6 rooms. Game drives were great, we saw all of the big five; even if some were only from a great distance, and plenty more. We were not disappointed.

Words will not justify our magical 5 star bush experience at the incredible Leopard Sands Kruger Park. A huge shoutout to the most hospitable team that greeted us most enthusiastically after our long drive from Botswana, refreshing us with cold towels and exotic drinks. Van and his team made our stay most comfortable and memorable, we applaude your service and the warmth you have shown our family. Every meal from entrée to dessert was prepared exquisitely, we acknowledge the amazing and friendly chef, Sam- truly a palatable experience! We were mesmerized by the views of the majestic animals from the deck, a most tranquil experience. The rooms were beautifully designed to enhance your African experience, decorated with gorgeous Leopard photograph frames. The attention to detail in every aspect of Leopard sands was amazing 👏 we recommend booking your next bush trip with them and guarantee that they will not disappoint. We thank you and we will definitely be visiting again. The Bhamjee Family- Botswana

Can't recommend this hotel enough. It's about 7 months old with beautiful African inspired furnishing. The rooms are all well spaced and special , with sweeping views of the River and Kruger Park. But the most impressive part is the staff...absolutely world class. Hospitality at its best . Kudos to the entire team who made our stay very special