DescriptionStanding sentry over one of the reserve's largest lakes - which bids a silent summons at dawn and dusk to the ever-present Wildlife, including the Big Five - is Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge.
Originally a private family retreat, Chitwa Chitwa earned its name as an affectionate ode to the aging giraffe bull who shared the lakeside home as an extended member of the Brink family. According to the owner, Charl Brink, the majestic arrival of this regal relative was always signaled by the creaking of his old joints - and still today, his watchful essence is felt presiding over the lodge. Much like the giraffe around which this charming tale of Chitwa Chitwa is centered, the private game lodge is magnificent and graceful in appearance, yet humble enough to evaporate into the surrounding beauty of the unspoiled bush of the Sabi Sand. After its classic transformation into an eclectic blend of European style with African chic, Chitwa Chitwa has emerged as an exquisite balance between unbridled luxury and environmental harmony. We strive to achieve this through our ongoing efforts to maintain a holistic approach as a guest in the home of the African bush, thus ensuring the continued splendour and beauty of Chitwa Chitwa and its surrounds for generations to come. WELCOME TO CHITWA CHITWA - A UNIQUELY AFRICAN EXPERIENCE Originally a private family retreat, Chitwa Chitwa earned its name as an affectionate ode to the aging giraffe bull who shared the lakeside home as an extended member of the Brink family. According to the owner, Charl Brink, the majestic arrival of this regal relative was always signaled by the creaking of his old joints - and still today, his watchful essence is felt presiding over the lodge. Much like the giraffe around which this charming tale of Chitwa Chitwa is centered, the private game lodge is magnificent and graceful in appearance, yet humble enough to evaporate into the surrounding beauty of the unspoiled bush of the Sabi Sand. After its classic transformation into an eclectic blend of European style with African chic, Chitwa Chitwa has emerged as an exquisite balance between unbridled luxury and environmental harmony. LOCATION 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. Accommodation ACCOMMODATION AT CHITWA
AttractionsThere are a few that can't resist the call of the South African sunrise, or that of a magnificent fish eagle as it soars through the hazy, cloudless skies. But for the real African experience, nothing compares to the exhilaration of a game drive through the bush in an open-topped Land Rover, guided by our staff whose passion for the area is infectious Tracking the often-beautiful, sometimes-rare Wildlife is exciting, but never more so than when it is one of the elusive Big Five (Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros). They shared the ragged bushveld with cheetah, hyena, wild dog, zebra, wildebeest, baboon and antelope, in a primordical alliance that captures the heart of Africa. Safari Experience THE CHITWA SAFARI EXPERIENCEThe most thrilling and eagerly-anticipated part of any stay with us is undoubtedly the Chitwa Chitwa safari experience. For over a decade, our guests have been treated to spell-binding sightings of our abundant wildlife and have left with affectionate memories of the very best of the African bush. The experience is further enhanced by our desire to protect and sustain the local environment and improve the well-being of our resident communities. Located in the Sabi Sand which is the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in southern Africa, Chitwa Chitwa is highly acclaimed for its excellent game viewing, as all hunting in the area has been abolished for decades. As a result, the animals have grown accustomed to the presence of safari vehicles in their territory and we can boast some of the best opportunities to meet Africa's Big Five - being the five most dangerous animals to meet on foot: buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard and lion. Our highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers ensure an unforgettable African safari by enriching the experience with their profound knowledge regarding this animal kingdom and its complex habitat. LIVE YOUR GAME LODGE IN AFRICA! A sensorial experience which starts at sunrise and captures the very essence of the magnificent wildlife heritage and natural landscapes. CULTURAL VILLAGE EXCURSION Dixie is a small village situated close to the Gowrie Gate entrance of the Sabi Sand. Through our close associations with our neighbours and our love of the area in general, we have cultivated a unique partnership with the Dixie community in order to contribute to their general upliftment. The Cultural Village Excursion, headed by professional field guide Chris Sebuye affords the opportunity to slip unnoticed into a day in the life of the locals whilst tapping into the optimism and energy that is so much part of this little village's charm.The transfer will be in a Chitwa Chitwa open vehicle and will take about two hours from the time of departure from the lodge. WELLNESS Nothing typifies the ultimate in relaxation more than one of the oldest healing arts in the world: massage. The far-reaching benefits of massage such as stimulating circulation, removing toxins and relieving the stress and tension of everyday living can be experienced at Chitwa Chitwa with our resident masseuse. CHITWA CHILDREN ECO-EXPERIENCE The Chitwa Children eco-experience is designed to entice our younger guests into our world whilst encouraging a love for the African bush and her many secrets as well as a greater awareness of the environment in general. Activities include: - a daily bush walk within our enclosed camp area. Walks are guided by an educator who will offer the children the opportunity to learn about and identify the beautiful fauna and flora in the area. Basic bush skills are taught such as how to survive in the bush, what plants to eat and how to build a basic shelter. - A face painting session where children will enjoy a big five masquerade. - Making spoor moulds of animal tracks with plaster of paris. - Evenings spent roasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate whilst listening to the enchanting folk-tales as told by an "intokoto" (the Shangaan term used to describe a person with lots of life experience). - Chitwa Chitwa story books are placed on children's beds during turn down in the evenings. These fairy tales include traditional local bedtime stories such as "when the elephant was King" and " When the hippo was hairy". THE CHITWA CHITWA DAILY PROGRAMME General Programme (15 September to 31 May) 05h00 Wake up, meet at lodge for coffee 05h30 Depart for a safari (game drive) 08h45 Head back to camp for breakfast 10h00 Bush walk with your ranger or alternative activities and relaxation 13h00 Lunch 16h00 Afternoon tea at lodge 16h30 Evening safari and sundowners 19h30 Head back to camp 20h00 Aperitifs 20h30 Dinner Night Cap Winter Programme (1 June to 14 September) 06h00 Wake up, meet at lodge for coffee 06h30 Depart for safari (game drive) 09h30 Head back to camp for breakfast 10h30 Leisure time where bushwalks and activities are proposed 13h00 Lunch 15h30 Afternoon tea at lodge 16h00 Evening safari and sundowners 19h00 Head back to camp 19h30 Aperitifs 20h00 Dinner Night Cap.
FacilitiesFacilities MAIN CENTRAL AREA | ||||||||||||||