Chitwa Chitwa enjoys a place of pride on the banks of the largest lake in the exclusive Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Family owned and run this is an intimate ultra stylish game lodge in the unspoilt bush that will exceed your safari desires.
Watch hippo from the lodges deck
Rise at dawn for some enthralling game drives
Quirky African inspired décor
Have a siesta by your private plunge pool
Each of the eight individually decorated retreats have a private plunge pool framed by a spacious timber deck overlooking the lake – a popular drinking hole for an abundance of wildlife. The decor is a simple, yet extremely sophisticated, a blend between classic bush style and contemporary African design. For the ultimate exclusive experience, Chitwa Private House, complete with private vehicle and where your group will be treated to great hospitality, fine food and tailor your bush experience to the last detail with your dedicated ranger.
Chitwa offers one of South Africa’s most impressive wildlife encounters including the big five. Their qualified guides and expert Shangaan trackers ensure an unforgettable safari and the Lodge takes a holistic approach to hospitality with specific emphasis on wildlife conservation as well as supporting their local community. Game drives, walking and night drives are all on offer as well as cultural visits to experience local life in the small village of Dixie, situated close to the Gowrie Gate entrance of the Sabi Sands learning about their ongoing conservation projects.
The guest areas all overlook the beautiful lake as well as an infinity swimming pool - all of which offer the chance to spot flora, fauna and birdlife from wherever you choose to relax. Time to unwind, stop a while and absorb the sights, sounds and scents of Africa and time to make use of a wide range of photographic equipment and a large format canvas printer. Savour different treats and surprises that enhance the experience at Chitwa including a one-of-a-kind pizza truck or bush dining.
Chitwa have recently added solar panels which has enabled them to go off grid and have a reliable source of electricity. They have also removed single use plastic water bottles and supply guests with reusable water bottles and opportunities to refill their own.
There's a library with a decent selection of books, gym, gorgeous swimming pool and a spa offering a range of holistic treatments to relax and unwind the mind, body and soul. The curio shop at the entrance sells a selection of hand-made African memorabilia created by skilled local craftsmen, together with various traditional ornaments and bush-wear.
When to visit
Steal a moment alone with your camera at the watering hole, right in front of the lodge. Game passes by here on a regular basis, you're bound to see something!
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Spa
Nestled in a pristine golden triangle of African fauna, the luxury lodge basks in the sun on the banks of one of the largest lakes of the exclusive 63,000 hectare Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, which forms part of the greater Kruger National Park. This area, in turn, is incorporated into the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park - a world-class eco-tourism destination managed to optimize benefits for the sustainable economic development of local communities and biodiversity conservation.
11-hour international flight to Johannesburg. The lodge is comfortably accessible by air directly from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) with a flying time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Transfers from the Airstrip at Chitwa can be arranged. Alternatively, the road transfer from Johannesburg to Chitwa Chitwa takes approximately 5 hours.
Activities at Lion Sands
Activities at Lion Sands are a fantastic way to take full advantage of the African bush. From game drives to adventurous sleep outs, you will go home feeling like you have fully experienced what the famous Sabi Sands region has on offer.
Activities at Garonga
Enjoy a variety of game drive and bush walks at Garonga in the Makalali Conservancy. The property also hosts a variety of unique experiences such as sleep outs over a water hole and bush baths, perfect for a romantic retreat or honeymoon.
Sleep Out Experience
Spend a night sleeping under the stars on a beautiful deck overlooking the Veldt.
Search for leopard in the Sabi Sands
The Sabi Sands is widely regarded as one of the most rewarding regions for spotting leopard in Africa. With good populations and the ability to go on night game-drives which coincides when these big cats are most active, all you need is good timing!
4WD Game Drives
Go on private or shared game drives in the world famous Greater Kruger Area, South Africa to see the Big 5 - lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino - and a host of other animals. The Kruger is also a brilliant spot for birders so pack some binoculars.
Spend a night in a Treehouse - Lion Sands
Lion Sands offers an experience in the heart of the Sabi Sands that is like no other: the opportunity to spend a night high above the ground in one of their magical treehouse platforms in the bush.
Cascades and Canyon Helicopter Experience
Experience an exhilarating flight over the Sabie River Valley and along the edge of the escarpment as you swoop over winding rivers, sheer cliffs, deep gorges and cascading waterfalls.
Activities at &Beyond Ngala
Enjoy a variety of game drives and bush walks at Ngala in the Timbavati. &beyond’s fabulous guides will teach you everything there is to know about the bush and there is even the chance to go on a night safari, a definite must.
