Tengile River Lodge (Sabi Sands)

9 Luxury Suites – 18 Guests

Meaning “tranquil” in the local Tsonga language, & Beyond Tengile River Lodge holds an idyllic private position on a bend of the Sand River, with serene river views from every vantage point. Space and flow are the heroes of this inspired lodge design, while the unrivaled game viewing area traverses over 10 500 hectares (26 000 acres) of the celebrated Sabi Sand Reserve.

Adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is famed for its intimate wildlife encounters, particularly leopard viewing.

Home to a host of animals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), the Sabi Sand is part of a conservation area that covers over two million hectares (almost five million acres), an area equivalent to the state of New Jersey.

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one of the most prestigious wildlife sanctuaries in the world, with unfenced borders neighboring the Kruger National Park. It is famed for its leopards and incredible wildlife. The unique lodge is ideally positioned on the Sand River and boasts exclusive access to the riverbed.

Activities

With no boundary fences between the Sabi Sand and the Kruger National Park, this reserve benefits from the great diversity of animals found in one of the richest wildlife areas on the African continent, along with the additional benefits experienced on a private game reserve.

Game Drives

Hosted by expert guides and trackers in specially adapted 4×4 safari vehicles, you will have the opportunity to enjoy early morning game drives and spot-lit night drives. Set off in search of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino) and an array of other fascinating creatures such as wild dog, hippo, cheetah, and many bird species.

Game drives accommodate a maximum of six guests and usually include refreshment stops along the way that allow you to stretch your legs and admire your breathtaking location. Your guide has been expertly trained on the intricacies of the park and its surrounds, offering interesting anecdotes along your journey.

Safari guides are trained in sensitive off-roading practices to allow close-up game sightings. This adventure offers the perfect introduction to South Africa’s wildlife and is a must for first-time safari-goers.

Early morning and late afternoon game drives continue beyond nightfall. These are highlights for guests at Tengile River Lodge. In addition, when conditions are favorable, guests can join interpretive nature walks and walking safaris to track big game, including elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

Morning Game Drives: The morning game drive leaves between 5:30 am, and 6 am. Your guide will select a spot to enjoy the stunning views while enjoying a morning refreshment.

Afternoon Game Drives: The afternoon game drive leaves between 4 and 5 pm. After sundowners and snacks, your guides will use the spotlight to find nocturnal animals before returning to the lodge for Dinner.

Reasons to love Tengile River Lodge (Sabi Sands):

• Spacious private deck, each with a sunken outdoor lounge and private plunge pool
• Family suite available
• Safari Shop, massage sala, and gym

What sets Tengile River Lodge apart?

Following the curve of the riverbank, each area of the lodge has been specially designed to ensure magnificent river views from all angles. Also, the location in the reserve is famed for its leopard sightings. Apart from the Big 5, other wildlife includes spotted hyena, various antelope, hippo, and over 300 bird species.

Accommodation 

The lodge features nine secluded suites in the dappled shade of the cool riverine forest, each with soothing river outlooks. Space is taken to an unprecedented level in these guest suites.

In addition to a master bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower, there is a lounge, dining area, and bar, together with a private deck, swimming pool, and outdoor seating and dining area.

The guest area offers an eclectic selection of open, interactive, and private spaces. The design of this common area ensures a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, with the viewing deck a highlight point. In addition, the massage and gym area offers guests yet another haven of well-being and tranquillity.

Strict vehicle limits at game sightings ensure the exclusivity of the wildlife experiences. With twice-daily game drives, interpretive bush walks, birdwatching, and river outlooks from all guest suites and the extensive viewing deck, guests are guaranteed a feast of undiluted and unforgettable wild-magic moments.

Getting to Tengile River Lodge

Tengile River Lodge is an easy five-hour drive from Johannesburg in a two-wheel-drive vehicle on good roads. If you prefer, we can arrange for:

• Daily Airlink flights from Johannesburg to Skukuza airstrip, followed by an easy drive to camp.
• Connect &Beyond Tengile River Lodge to Johannesburg, Cape Town, &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, Vilanculos, and Livingstone

* Entry and exit to the reserves via self-drive will need to happen through the same gate

Itinerary

A typical summer day at Tengile River Lodge:
(Kindly note, times may vary slightly, and winter timings are different)

• 05h30 Wake-up call at the room
• 06h00 Light breakfast in the central area
• 06h30 Depart for your morning activity: game drive, nature walk, mokoro
• 10h30 Return from the morning activity
• 11h00 Brunch
• Afternoon at leisure – possible activities: Swimming pool, curio shop, spa
• 15h30 Afternoon Tea
• 16h00 Depart on afternoon game drive
• 19h30 Return from the game drive
• 20h00 Dinner under the stars (weather permitting)

Rates at Tengile River Lodge

Suite
R31625.00 PPPN

Family Suite
R110 685.00 Villa of 4 Guests per night

Fully inclusive of:

• Accommodation
• Three meals daily
• Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees and refreshments on game drives
• Laundry
• Safari activities
• One hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability)
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance
• VAT
• Transfers to and from Skukuza Airport
• A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars per room for use during your stay

Rates exclude:

• Telephone calls
• Safari shop purchases
• Gratuities
• All items of a personal nature
• Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits and cigars
• Government bed levy
• Conservancy or park fees
• Landing fees
• Administration fee

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