Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge

Chitwa Chitwa is onomatopoeically-named in honour of an old bull giraffe who the hotel’s Brink family saw as an extended member. A regally beloved figure, he was always recognised by the creaking of his joints as he strode over to say hello.

Kruger National Park is a true natural wonder – a vast and ever-changing expanse of 7,500 square miles, incorporating mountains and tropical forests, bush plains and riversides. Chitwa Chitwa sits on the sun-drenched banks of one of the largest waters of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, on the park’s eastern side. A family-run operation, the lodge offers a warm and luxuriously comfortable welcome all year round. Dotted with artworks collected by owner Maria Brink, it is decorated in an opulent style that pays homage to the magnificent surroundings. Facilities include a spa, gym, library, sunset deck, and an inconceivably scenic outdoor swimming pool – meaning that boredom is simply not an option here.

The real star of any trip to this region is the game drive – an exhilarating vehicular journey through the South African savanna, with a guide and tracker on-hand to maximise your chances of spotting each one of the elusive and dangerous Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo). Organised at dawn and dusk, the trips provide a powerful bookend for each day spent in this awe-inspiring setting.

After a long day’s adventures, you’ll be ready to feast – luckily, the Chitwa Chiwa lodge has you covered. One particular highlight is the boma dinner – taken from the word for enclosure in the Shangaan language, this traditional-style communal meal is typically served al fresco under a great galaxy of stars. Make sure to visit the lodge’s striking underground wine cellar too – built into the granite rock, it is home to a fine stock of international and regional South African wines.