Wish I could rate Sausage Tree an 11/10. We had an absolutely magical stay and couldn't have asked for anything more. The lodge is incredible and exactly as pictured. The terrace and pool with the sky deck were so relaxing to sit at during the day - once I even came up for air from a swim and there were 5x giraffes right there - coming to drink at the watering hole right out front. The tents are very nice and well furnished also, we found them spacious and relaxing. The food was also really nice, some really nice meals and we loved eating out under the stars around the fire with our fellow guests.
The Balule reserve itself is awesome - it's not as well known or established as some of the other private reserves which is actually great as it's less crowded, but still full of wildlife (we saw lions, leapords, white and black rhinos, hippos, elephants, giraffes, zebra, warthogs, hyena - you get the picture) and beautiful terrain (hills, plains, rivers, watering holes etc.).
What really should be mentioned and which is tough to describe though is how incredible the staff is. As it's a smaller lodge (only 5 tents), the staff is really like a family, and each and every one of them we formed a bond with. They were so gracious as hosts and helped us at every point. The owner James is also full of stories and super friendly. Special shout out though of course to Themba (our safari guide) and Jimmy (our tracker) for the amazing game drives every morning and night. We saw and learned so much - but most of all we laughed a TON. Everyone working at the lodge are such great people and we would love to come back one day.
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