Letamo at Qwabi Private Game Reserve by Newmark

We are pretty well travelled but this surpasses anything we have done before. The most attentive staff, knowledgeable game guide (April) beautiful surroundings, gorgeous decor , delicious food, stunning wildlife. Well worth 90 mins on a bumpy track to get there.

What can I Say? The lodge is amazing the staff are amazing the rooms are amazing. We were 11 of us and we booked 5 luxury suites. The food was terrible. Sadly the food needs a lot of improvement. Everything is sweet. When it says beef bresola it’s actually beef pastrami. Fillet beef on skewers and lamb shoulder (which they said was lamb tikka chops but it wasn’t that) was over cooked and very sweet. We also ordered kids beef burgers and they took a beef patty and cut it into 4 and served one quarter of the patty. Who does that? I have enclosed a pic. My daughter ordered pancakes and they served the pancakes with the bubbles on top sprinkled with icing sugar. That’s the bottom of the pancake not the top. It’s cooking 101. You should know what side to put the pancakes on a plate. The kids club closed at 4:00 pm? What kids club closes at 4:00 pm? Also not much during Christmas , no Santa Claus or anything for the kids. If it claims to be a child friendly place they should do more things for kids. No board games either. One day it was raining all day and the kids were bored. There were no board games. They were kind enough to arrange a movie night for the kids though. They did do a cookie decorating class but honestly it wasn’t nice very small cookies with only white icing and some shaved coconut no sprinkles or colored icing. Also the lodge manager is way too chilled. She never came and introduced herself to us until we complained about it. I’m not sure what her responsibility is but she was hanging out with her family the first couple of days. Also when you are part of the hotel shouldn’t you be more presentable and dress appropriately? It should be a 5 star requirement. I would like to point out we are well traveled and have been all around the world. We have also been to the Kruger and it was amazing. And so was the food. They have a lot of work to do to get to a 5 star standard.

Situated in one of South Africa's newest game reserves, this is a stunning resort-like safari lodge not too far from Johannesburg. Our suite was spacious, comfortable and luxurious, and had a lovely balcony. We had some great game-viewing as well. Read my full review on my blog. Link in profile.

Unbelievable family holiday. Resort is geared for all ages. Staff are incredible, they couldn’t do enough for us. Kids club was great, excellent facilities. The chef catered for all our dietary requirements. The rangers were knowledgeable and were mindful of the kids and their experience. We could have stayed longer. We loved it!

What an incredibly beautiful place!! The staff was so friendly and welcoming. Meals were delicious and accommodations were lovely. Our guide Kayla, was FABULOUS!! She worked her magic each day and we saw beautiful animals. Thank you Letamo for a beautiful vacation!!

This is a very different model of game lodge. This is a fantastic family getaway and resort-like experience. The kids feel free and well-accommodated. We had a fun family game of padel. This lodge is welcoming of families which is wonderful. They take kids on their own extra drive or they take families on later morning drives to accommodate the little ones. Service is inconsistent but always with a smile. The rooms are superb and modern. Worth the upgrade to the suites for more privacy and quiet. The all-inclusive model is such a pleasure. The home-made ice-tea is superb. The pool is beautiful, and the spa and gym exceed expectations. Food is good and our bush mountain-top experience was spectacular and unforgettable. The game reserve itself is very young and unestablished, and we would expect it to improve as the years go by. At the moment, quality sightings are scarce. There are very few big game herds/prides/predators, so drives can be a little too quiet. Rangers are very good and enthusiastic. The terrain is magnificent, but the bush is thick, which makes the inability to go off-road more impactful. If you are a wildlife buff, this is not for you. Distance from Gauteng is a pleasure. Many teething problems can really negatively impact your stay here, so it is hit-and-miss. The focus of this property is still on its game reserve experience, and that unfortunately is what lets it down. But, my kids had the time of their lives, hence 4 star.