Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Reserve

Lodge accommodation in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Chitwa Chitwa Private Game ReserveChitwa Chitwa Private Game ReserveChitwa Chitwa Private Game Reserve

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Description

Standing 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.

Indulging in the clever design which brings the outside in, the magnificent bar and lounge area melt into the surrounding trees, rendering you invisible to the game gathering on the open plain in the cool of the evening

Food is a sensory delight, but at Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge it doesn't just tantalize the palate, eyes and nose. Here, meals are as much a social feast as a culinary one: savour the intriguing combination of African and Mediterranean dishes, accompanied by select wines from our extensive cellar and warm conversation from our rangers and friendly management team. Lunch is served next to the pool in the thatched lapa, while dinner is relished in the open-air boma, or in our elegant dining room.

Imagine a seamless blend of authentic African design with eclectic European elegance, and you will conjure up the unique style and character of this Lodge. Hidden among the lush gardens, each of the lovingly and individually crafted chalets exudes an air of bygone romance and a hint of adventure, all wrapped in unfaltering luxury.


Both the standard and luxury chalets and the relaxing pool and sundeck enjoy superb views of the lake, where the water runs cool and clear.

The most extravagant of the chalets, however, is Boulders, the honeymoon suite, which provides a private patio and dip pool, separate dressing room and restful lounge area.

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.  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
Chitwa Chitwa's distinctive charm is translated into the detailed finishings of our accommodation.  Natural colours and textures meld with the beauty of nature's paintbrush to replicate the serenity of the African bush indoors.  The mood is complimented by the passionate artworks of Maria Brink, who together with her husband Charl, has created the perfect environment of refined luxury and relaxation.

SUITES
Great care has been taken to balance unpretentious style with complete comfort in our beautiful chalets.  Each individually decorated suite has its own private plunge pool, framed by a spacious timber deck that overlooks the nearby lake - a popular drinking hole for our wealth of wildlife.

THE CHITWA HOUSE

In response to a growing demand for greater privacy and exclusive hospitality, we have created a treasured escape into unapologetic style in the form of The Chitwa House.  Here, guests can enjoy a bush experience tailored to their every whim with the assistance of an experienced house butler and the enthusiasm of a dedicated ranger.  Aside from the striking beauty of the African chic interior, the emphasis is on an element of familiarity as guests set the pace in their own private piece of Africa.

CHILD POLICY

Babysitting facility available at the lodge. This needs to be pre-arranged and booked.

We welcome children under the age of 12 by prior arrangement only
and the following conidtions apply:

 


- Children 3 years and younger stay free of charge.
- Children aged between 3 and 5 will be charged 25% of the adult rate.
- Children aged between 6 and 12 will be charged 50% of the adult rate.
- Children 12 years and older sharing with adults will be charged full adult rate.

Children under the age of 6 will not be allowed on game drives unless parents have the sole use of the vehicle.

Vehicle exclusivity must be pre-booked

 

Chitwa Chitwa Private Game ReserveChitwa Chitwa Private Game ReserveChitwa Chitwa Private Game Reserve

Attractions

There 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 EXPERIENCE
The 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.

Chitwa Chitwa Private Game ReserveChitwa Chitwa Private Game ReserveChitwa Chitwa Private Game Reserve


Facilities

Facilities

MAIN CENTRAL AREA
Nestling into obscurity around the largest lake in the reserve, one of Chitwa Chitwa's most endearing features is its seamless integration into the surrounding African bush through its ideal location and design.  Guests can be assured of superlative game viewing from the main lounge and dining areas as they are rendered invisible to the various groups of wild animals that congregate at the waters edge in the mornings and early evenings.

SUNSET DECK

Shaded by old Knobthorn trees, our large wooden lounging deck affords unrivalled wildlife sightings of the Big Five (leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros), who share the rugged bushveld with cheetah, giraffe, hippo, zebra and antelope.  Spacious viewing areas strewn with comfy daybeds and a rim-flow swimming pool further enhance the feeling of being a part of the beautiful scenery, whilst creating the perfect environment to relax, unwind and absorb the sights, sounds and scents of Africa.

LIBRARY

Chitwa Chitwa's cosy library offers a large selection of books - both for reference reading and relaxation.  The library is also equipped with an internet access point. 

CURIO SHOP
Our curio shop is situated at the entrance of the lodge and displays a selection of hand-made African memorabilia created by skilled local craftsmen together with various traditional ornaments and bush-wear.

FUNCTIONS AND WEDDINGS AT CHITWA
Imagine exchanging your vows in an African Dry River Bed at sunset, the bride being serenaded in by African dancers amidst tribal song. Few experiences can be as personalized as a wedding and we therefore realize that each experience will require attention to the finest detail. We can promise you unrivalled big game viewing, complemented by exquisite accommodation, sublime cuisine and above all, a day you will never forget. Your safari style wedding will be a celebration of love, tradition and lasting memories.
 
We do recommend that you book the lodge on exclusive use, so the we can ensure that our full attention is devoted to your function.
 
Arrangements can be as glamorous or as understated, according to the bride's wishes. Consideration needs to be given to weather conditions and the fact that we are in a nature reserve so certain restrictions do apply. Ministers from most denominations are easily accessible, as are photographers, cakes, hairdressers and florists. Special menus and dining venues can be set aside for the wedding party, when the lodge is booked exclusively.
 
All you need to do is sit back, relax and leave the wedding preparations to us whilst you enjoy massages, sunset cocktails and game drives. Our wedding venues are renowned for their beauty and excellent service.
 
HONEYMOONERS
The lodge is a fantastic romantic destination for honeymooners and your hosts will ensure that your time with us is an unforgettable experience. The honeymoon package includes an upgrade to a suite (subject to availability or supplement), special private deck dinners and honeymoon turndowns in the bedrooms.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

For celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or other milestones we would be delighted to be able to assist in creating a memorable experience.  All relevant information needs to be communicated to your reservation consultant in order for the lodge to prepare for it. Unique experiences like a private dinner in an African river bed, tribal dancers presenting a special treat or a hot air balloon with champagne breakfast can be arranged.