Tintswalo Safari Lodge

Luxury accommodation with excellent-quality safari and wildlife experiences.

Description

Tintswalo Safari lodge is situated along a seasonal river bed among an ancient sycamore tree grove. The exquisitely appointed main lodge overlooks a waterhole frequented by a large herd of elephant and other big game. The Explorer suites are all linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways.

With an exclusive collection of six, lavish suites plus a regal presidential suite, Safari Lodge offers the discerning traveler an opportunity to let go of the hustle and bustle of busy business life and take time out to relax and become one with nature.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge is located within the Manyeleti Private Game reserve
.
The reserve borders the Kruger National Park to the Eastern side, the Timbavati Reserve on the Northern side and the Sabi Sand reserve on the Southern side - each of these areas renowned in their own right for excellent-quality safari and wildlife experiences.

What makes Manyeleti unique, however, is the exceptionally low human : land density ratios. With only two commercially operated lodges, a maximum of 8 safari vehicles traverse the reserve. Each vehicle therefore has the equivalent of 2937 hectares to itself. It can therefore be said that this is one of the lowest vehicle density private reserves in the greater Kruger Park region.

The Kruger National Park is one of the most diverse national parks in the world. It houses a vast array of flora and fauna. There are no fences between the reserves, which means that animals are free to roam unhindered. Tintswalo Safari Lodge is situated in an ideal "catchment" zone which is attractive to a variety of wildlife species due to the high quality of the environment.

"As a bit of a Safari geek who has been to lodges throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I can confidently say that this is one of the best around. The staff were absolutely superb, and the accommodation was simply stunning. The food was also to a very high standard. The game viewing was outstanding, and the guides didn't simply rush you from one viewing to another, you actually got to spend 'quality' time at each viewing. Simply could not recommend this lodge enough."
- Steve

The unique aspects of the Tintswalo Safari Lodge experience can be summarised as follows:

• Tintswalo is an exclusive safari lodge under traditional grassing.
• Situated on the private Manyeleti Reserve concession, within the Greater Kruger National Park - a reserve with very low vehicle/ human density. Read more about the Manyeleti Reserve.
• Tintswalo Safari lodge is situated along a seasonal river bed among an ancient sycamore tree grove overlooking a waterhole frequented by variations of game.
• Big 5 Game with excellent quality and quantity of viewing offering clients the ultimate Safari experience.
• The 6 spacious & luxurious suites all with private decks and plunge pool are authentically decorated to recall the pioneering times of the nineteenth century African explorers
• A massive emphasis is placed on sublime service coupled with outstanding dining, offering an experience to savour forever.

The unique aspects of Tintswalo Manor House can be summarised as follows:

• Tintswalo Manor House is an intimate homely setting with complete privacy, within the same concession as Safari Lodge.
• 4 Luxury en-suite air-conditioned rooms (plus a kids inter-leading room) over look a water hole that often welcomes thirsty visitors of all kinds.
• Manor House is for exclusive use only and can take a maximum of 10 Guests; it comes with its own General Manager, Chef, Game Vehicle, and Ranger & Tracker.
• This Gem is Ideal for families, children and small group bookings at an incredible value rate, offering the same Safari experience as Safari Lodge.
• Manor house guests may enjoy the facilities of the Vital Source Spa & the Curio shop at the main Tintswalo Safari lodge.

Accommodation

Tintswalo Safari suites and lodge are all situated along a seasonal river bed among an ancient sycamore tree grove.

The exquisitely appointed main lodge overlooks a waterhole frequented by a large herd of elephant and other big game. The Explorer suites and Presidential are all linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways.

The Tintswalo suites are authentically decorated to reflect the pioneering times of the nineteenth century African explorers. The air-conditioned suites are situated along the banks of the seasonal Nwaswitsontso River. Providing supreme comfort, privacy and an opportunity for effortless birding, as well as the chance to view a large variety of big game from the privacy of each unit. The indoor/outdoor shower leads off from the spacious bathroom which opens out onto the deck. Luxuriate in a private plunge pool or just relax on a lounger under the African Sun.

Kingsley Suite – Mary Kingsley, a nineteenth century spinster, explored with humble resources collecting fish and insects samples for the Royal Geographic Society. An understated twin or double suite.

Livingston Suite – The most widely known explorer of Africa’s colonial history. A twin or double luxury traveller suite.

Burton Suite – Richard Burton, a controversial character donning a turban, historically he translated the Arabian Nights into English. A richly decorated twin or double suite.

Speke Suite – John Hanning Speke, a true gentleman, also in search of the illusive source of the Nile. A spacious luxury suite with large four-poster.

Stanley Suite – Originally a Welshman, Henry Morton Stanley was the man who found Livingston. A beautifully appointed double suite with a large sleigh bed.

Baines Suite – Thomas Baines, an engineer and artist. This suite is part of the Presidential Suite and accommodates four guests, either as part of the main lodge or privately.

Every suite has an extra length double or twin bed, en-suite bathroom, air conditioners, overhead fans mosquito nets, private deck with an intimate plunge pool overlooking a game-friendly river bed and
magnificent Sycamore groves.

The Presidential Unit is also authentically decorated to recall the pioneering times of the nineteenth century African explorers. This unit is especially suited for a family, or guests who prefer the ultimate exclusive safari and a flexible itinerary.

There are two air-conditioned suites which are connected by a spacious lounge, dining and open plan kitchen area. The individual indoor/outdoor showers lead off from the spacious bathrooms which open out onto the deck with a large private plunge pool.

Presidential is predominantly a suite booked exclusively, where guests enjoy their own private safari vehicle, private guide and tracker, private chef and butler. The team of staff is on hand to facilitate the discerning traveller's personalised itinerary.

The suite also has DSTV and a play station. For safety and convenience, the Presidential Suite is connected to the main Safari Lodge by a raised walkway.

Tintswalo Manor House

The Manor house is situated within the Tintswalo Concession.

A large thatched Manor boasting a crystal blue swimming pool, deep shaded patio and traditional boma. A minimum of 6 guests are required for Manor House bookings, with a maximum capacity of 10 guests.

The Manor House staff is flexible to your needs and one safari vehicle, a guide and tracker are allocated to you for the duration of your stay.

Down stairs the Manor has 3 en-suite air-conditioned twin or double bedrooms. One of the bedrooms has an optional child’s room which leads off it. Upstairs is the main double en-suite bedroom with a beautiful view of the surrounding bushveld.

Dining at the manor is enjoyed on the patio or in the open air boma under the awesome Manyeleti night sky. Manor house guests may enjoy the facilities of the Vital Source Spa & the Curio shop at the main Tintswalo Safari lodge.

Location

Tintswalo Safari Lodge is located in the Manyeleti Private Game reserve within the Limpopo Province of South Africa.
.
The reserve borders the Kruger National Park to the Eastern side, the Timbavati Reserve on the Northern side and the Sabi Sand reserve on the Southern side - each of these areas renowned in their own right for excellent-quality safari and wildlife experiences.

The Reserve is easily accessible via scheduled daily flights from Johannesburg, via road and via private charter.

Cuisine

From Ryno du Rand, Tintswalo's Group Executive Chef:

"It’s the passion and the love for food, the idea of creating something magnificent, to meet the guest’s expectations, and to give them the ultimate satisfaction. This is what Tintswalo food is about!

Our cuisine is about taste and flavour. I want people's taste buds to wake up by the taste of our food. I want them to get excited by the aromas’ of our food. I want them to feel as if the meal was made especially for them.

At Tintswalo, it’s almost as if each guest has their own personal chef to cater to their exact needs."

The style of cuisine at Tintswalo Safari Lodge is contemporary, with only the freshest of ingredients. The team enjoy using plenty of fresh herbs and spices to flavour their creations - including basil, rosemary, thyme, fragrant seeds and spices.

Guests may enjoy a variety of meals, such as served breakfast; brunch and "spade breakfasts" in the bush; bush picnics; a selection of plated and platter lunches; English high teas; plated dinner in the dining roopm; boma dinners; private dinners in the guest's suite - as well as bush dinners. Meal times are designed around the guest's needs, to create the ultimate dining experience.

Here are a few of Ryno's delectable recipes:

• Dark Chocolate, Cardamon and Pistachio Truffle Cake with a Saffron and Rosewater Ice Cream and Organic Rose Petal Sugar
• Seared Tuna
• Passionfriut,Vanilla and Lemon Panna Cotta with a
  Mandarin Coulis and a Saffron Sauce accompanied by a Tuile and Mint Sugar
• Herb Crusted Line Fish served with a Chilli Corn Cake and Pan Fried Asian Greens
• Grilled Marinated Garlic Prawns with a Courgette and Haloumi Fritter with a Marinated Cucumber Salad and a Coconut Foam

Attractions

Tintswalo’s schedule is arranged around you and a typical day could begin with early morning gameviewing, breakfast in the bush, more game-viewing , an al fresco lunch or high tea and leisure time at the
lodge.

You can browse around our small but exclusive library of rare books or relax completely in our Vital Source Spa.

Visits to surrounding areas and attractions can be arranged at an additional charge.

Afternoon game-viewing follows with a sunset sundowner stop , thereafter, your day will be completed with a superb candlelit dinner.

We go out of our way to allow guests to dine privately or with other guests and never in the same place!

Game viewing at Tintswalo takes place on foot or in individually seated open game vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with spot lights for night viewing, radios for communication, mosquito repellent,
poncho’s for wet weather and individual blankets for the night chill. A canvas bag containing binoculars, reference books and treats is also placed on each seat for your use.

Walks in the reserve are guided through the ever changing environment of the African bush. This experience allows the guest the opportunity to come away with information on wildlife, nature enlightenment and insight into the local Shangaan traditions ~ this is only obtainable with an ‘on the ground’ experience.

All our experienced & professional guides are accredited and they are always accompanied by skilled trackers who know their surrounding well.

The aim of the Tintswalo Children’s Program is to provide young visitors with a fun, educational perspective of the African bush, thus enriching their safari experience with us.

On arrival children will be introduced to their Field Guide or Children’s coordinator. They will be informed about the activities, workbook, and most importantly safety procedures. The children will each receive a “Brat Bag” with lots of goodies like pens, pencils, bino’s, water bottle and an activity workbook for them to take home.

Each day’s events will be divided into themes concentrating on different aspects of the bush. Each theme consists of a talk, game drive and an activity. The themes below are a guideline of what can be offered, and the program is flexible to suite individual booking requirements.

On each game drive snacks and drinks will be provided. Special children’s menus are also offered at the Lodge.

Game drives and walking activities will be conducted in accordance with Tintswalo Children's Safari Policies with particular emphasis on safety procedures.

All activities in the Children’s Program are age appropriate and the program has been compiled by a professional edu-care aupair with 8 years child care experience. The Activity Workbook is designed for children of school going age but activities for toddlers are arranged as well. Games and TV are also available. Childminding is available at additional cost, details provided on request.

Typical 5 day Experience:

DAY 1 – Theme SOUTH AFRICA AND SHANGAAN CULTURE

This theme concentrates on our country. The Field Guide will provide information on the area Tintswalo is in, its people, our flag and other relevant details.

Talk and Game Drive: This first game drive is used to introduce the safety guidelines (WHICH ARE VERY IMPORTANT), and also an Introduction to the Bushveld (Why it’s called Bushveld, what makes it unique).

Activity: Shirt painting with fabric paint. Older kids will paint the South African Flag on T-shirts; younger ones can use the flags’ colours to paint anything on their T-shirts. African Bead making is also an option (Manager discretion or Guest choice). Items such as key chains or necklaces can be made.

DAY 2 – Theme BUSH SUPERMARKET AND RESTAURANT

This theme concentrates on what humans can survive on in the bush and what animals eat.

Talk and Game Drive: The focus is on trees, shrubs, grasses, animal droppings, etc.

Activity: Younger children can collect plant items on the drive that can be used as substitutes for, amongst other things, toothbrushes, toilet paper and cups. Older children can also partake in collage making. They can collect different leaves, grasses, etc, paste them on a piece of cardboard and undertake an identification exercise; the completed collages can be used at their school for show and tell. Little ones can make leaf prints with paint.

DAY 3 and 4 – Theme TRACKING

This theme can run over two days. It concentrates on teaching children the different spoor (tracks) of animals and also tracking techniques. Professional trackers assist with this task. Children can be taught how to follow animals and look for distinguishing signs.

Game Drive: Very important for children to go out and experience real tracking in the bush.

Activity: Plaster of Paris footprint moulds can be made, which can then be painted. Little ones can do play dough. If the children want to do additional activities, alternatives such as a Treasure Hunt can be arranged. In this kind of activity children can use their new techniques to find a ‘Treasure’. The Treasure Hunt is arranged in a safe area as designated by the field guide. The guide will “make” spoor for children to follow in conjunction with various clues that will lead them to the treasure, which they can keep. This can also be an indoor activity.

NIGHT 3 or 4 – Theme STAR GAZING

This theme concentrates on our solar system, as well as showing children prominent stars in our spectacular southern hemisphere skies.
Activity: Painting of the planets and stars can be done using black paper, glitter, white paint, etc for good effect. “Mooncatchers” can be made with fishing lines, beads and also with selective natural options such as feathers and seed pods.

DAY 5 – Theme INSECTS AND BIRDS

This theme concentrates on our feathered friends and small creatures. The Small 5 can be sought out.

Game Drive: Go out to find our Small 5, as well as other smaller creatures such as butterflies, lizards, frogs, etc. Birds can also be identified, the field guide will explain how to do this from various visual aspects as well as from bird calls.

Activity: Mosaic pictures of little creatures can be made. Mosaic kits will be supplied for the children.

“Repair and healing always starts with one’s self. What appears on the outside is often a manifestation of what is happening on the inside. A clear mind, good rest and good nutrition are the first steps to a youthful skin.”

There is no better place to relax, unwind and let one’s mind, body and soul be pampered, than in the Vital Source Spa.

Situated in complete privacy and in a stunning setting at Safari Lodge, our internationally trained therapists will ensure you are thoroughly renewed after your visit.

Elemis and Africology products are used, and all guests are invited to indulge themselves.

A range of treatments are on offer at Tintswalo's Elemis Spa - including skin-care treatments; body treatments (massages; wraps; embalming & sloughing; hydrotherapy); hand & foot treatments; depillation; and vichy shower.

Activities

Tintswalo’s schedule is arranged around you and a typical day could begin with early morning gameviewing, breakfast in the bush, more game-viewing , an al fresco lunch or high tea and leisure time at the
lodge.

You can browse around our small but exclusive library of rare books or relax completely in our Vital Source Spa.

Visits to surrounding areas and attractions can be arranged at an additional charge.

Afternoon game-viewing follows with a sunset sundowner stop , thereafter, your day will be completed with a superb candlelit dinner.

We go out of our way to allow guests to dine privately or with other guests and never in the same place!

Game viewing at Tintswalo takes place on foot or in individually seated open game vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with spot lights for night viewing, radios for communication, mosquito repellent,
poncho’s for wet weather and individual blankets for the night chill. A canvas bag containing binoculars, reference books and treats is also placed on each seat for your use.

Walks in the reserve are guided through the ever changing environment of the African bush. This experience allows the guest the opportunity to come away with information on wildlife, nature enlightenment and insight into the local Shangaan traditions ~ this is only obtainable with an ‘on the ground’ experience.

All our experienced & professional guides are accredited and they are always accompanied by skilled trackers who know their surrounding well.

Facilities

What makes Manyeleti unique, however, is the exceptionally low human : land density ratios. With only two commercially operated lodges, a maximum of 8 safari vehicles traverse the reserve. Each vehicle therefore has the equivalent of 2937 hectares to itself. It can therefore be said that this is one of the lowest vehicle density private reserves in the greater Kruger Park region.

The unique aspects of the Tintswalo Safari Lodge experience can be summarised as follows:

• Tintswalo is an exclusive safari lodge under traditional grassing.
• Situated on the private Manyeleti Reserve concession, within the Greater Kruger National Park - a reserve with very low vehicle/ human density. Read more about the Manyeleti Reserve.
• Tintswalo Safari lodge is situated along a seasonal river bed among an ancient sycamore tree grove overlooking a waterhole frequented by variations of game.
• Big 5 Game with excellent quality and quantity of viewing offering clients the ultimate Safari experience.
• The 6 spacious & luxurious suites all with private decks and plunge pool are authentically decorated to recall the pioneering times of the nineteenth century African explorers
• A massive emphasis is placed on sublime service coupled with outstanding dining, offering an experience to savour forever.

The unique aspects of Tintswalo Manor House can be summarised as follows:

• Tintswalo Manor House is an intimate homely setting with complete privacy, within the same concession as Safari Lodge.
• 4 Luxury en-suite air-conditioned rooms (plus a kids inter-leading room) over look a water hole that often welcomes thirsty visitors of all kinds.
• Manor House is for exclusive use only and can take a maximum of 10 Guests; it comes with its own General Manager, Chef, Game Vehicle, and Ranger & Tracker.
• This Gem is Ideal for families, children and small group bookings at an incredible value rate, offering the same Safari experience as Safari Lodge.
• Manor house guests may enjoy the facilities of the Vital Source Spa & the Curio shop at the main Tintswalo Safari lodge.

The lodge has a small but exclusive library of rare books as well as a wine cellar from which wine can be chosen to enjoy with alfresco dining on the lodge deck, in the exquisite setting of the formal dining area, in the wine cellar or even under the stars in the African bush.

The Vital Source Spa is privately situated at the lodge and has Internationally Trained Therapists awaiting guests, ready to ensure removal of the last vestiges of city stress from body and mind.
The Spa specializes in hands-on treatment for both men and women utilizing Elemis and Africology Products to stimulate all the senses.