I couldn't recommend Sable Mountain enough, it's a truely unique experience far removed from the hussle and bustle of crowds.

We took the train from Dar which was great arriving at night we didn't see any game but the last hour of the journey goes through Selous Reserve and so if it's bright you may spot some game.

The staff and service at Sable were both fantastic, the food was great and the beer cold. Each member of staff was very knowledgeable in thier area and made us feel informed and welcome. The safari was fantastic, we met only one car on our full day drive.

Sable Mountain has fresh spring water and so you can drink directly from the taps and there is a spring water swimming pool.

Everyone working at Sable made a real effort to make our stay enjoyable. It was my birthday during our visit and they even prepared a birthday cake especially, which was delicious.

we travelled up from Dar on the train - an experience not to be forgotten - sadly no white wine (ho ho) but surprisingly lovely cold beer! Dave who's been working at Sable Lodge for a long time was in the next carriage to us and checked on us from time to time to give us an update as to how far we'd go to go (it's a long journey - 5 hours ish) Arrived in pitch dark and travelled by Jeep to the lodge. Were given a very warm welcome by Mia, the Manager, and had a much longed for cold gin & tonic and a very nice supper which was most welcome. There were only two other guests there so we all ate together and after spending the night in our lovely luxury tent (with very comfortable bed) arranged a whole day safari with "Stan the Man". This was fantastic - as we only really had one full day there - we did the safari - the game was great - it's not a densely populated part of the game reserve - as in not many lodges - so there's a great air of exclusivity about it. We saw all sorts of game (apart from that elusive leopard!) and it was good to be the only vehicle observing. Loads of fantastic birds too. We had a packed lunch which we ate with Stan in the middle of Lake Tagalala. Stan caught a flying fish by default is it literally jumped into our boat. We, on the other hand, had a yet another great supper and stayed up late as we were having such a great time. The next day, sadly, we had to leave to fly to our next destination. I would so recommend this place, and wish we'd had longer there.

I visited the Sable Mountain Lodge and the Selous game reserve in February 2009 as part of a small group booked through the Adventure Company.
We took the five hour train ride from Dar Es Salaam which was a complete adventure in itself. We travelled through part of the reserve and were able to spot animals en route. We got off the train in complete darkness, in the middle of the bush and were driven by jeep to our accomodation.
I have visited Africa before and been on several safaris so I had an idea of what to expect. What I did not expect to do was to stay in a place so comfortable and well presented as the Sable Mountain Lodge. It consisted of several stone Bandas which were very spacious and private. Most of them had stunning panoramic views. There was also a swimming pool which was much better than I had anticipated. The water from this was later used as drinking water for the animals at their watering hole. It was apparent from many things that the place had consevation and green issues in mind.
There were two covered outside restaurants and bars. Staff were always friendly and helpful and made you feel very welcome. All meals were always of a high quality. ( They made a good cup of tea - very important to the English traveller)
One of the highlights for me was the fact that Selous is not well visited. It is not common to see a lot of other people on game drives. Most of the animals are not used to seeing thousands of visitors in safari vehicles either as exhibited by their skittish behaviour. It is great to see animals behaving as they trully should in the wild. However, this does pose problems for the amateur photographer ; lots of shots of behinds! Selous is also incredibly lush and green.
I only stayed at the Sable Mountain Lodge for a few days but saw numerous species of animals and birds including Fish Eagles, Carmine Bee-eaters, Elephants, Lions, Wildebeest, Buffalo and a group of about ten rare Roosevelt Sable Antelope. It is also a good place for the giraffe enthusiast but I understand that Saadani is better (visit www.saadani.com).
Overall, a fantastic place to visit

This mountain retreat simply has to be experienced... an amazing location on the edge of the Selous Game Reserve. Wonderful staff, well appointed accommodation and great food - plus access to some of the most prolific wildlife viewing you are likely to experience anywhere.

Highly recommended!