Savanna Lodge
Savanna Lodge Is A Superb Luxury Lodge In The Western Part Of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Savanna Lodge is an intimate and really well-run lodge that offers high levels of comfort but maintains a very personal, friendly feel. The accommodation is luxurious, especially in the executive suites, but the pricing and ethos of the lodge is not trying to compete with the very top lodges in Sabi Sand. The lodge has established management, super guides and well-trained staff, a combination that invariably leads to very happy guests.
Rooms
The lodge caters for a maximum of 18 guests, is in four Luxury (standard) Suites, three Executive Suites, and the two bedroom Savanna Suite. The Luxury Suites are all built onto a solid base with a tented roof. Each has en suite facilities including a bath, double vanity, both indoor and outdoor showers and a separate loo, fan, tea/coffee making facilities, mini-bar, air-conditioning and private plunge pool. The Executive Suites are significantly larger, but of similar design under canvas with private plunge pools also. The Savanna Suite (built under thatch) overlooks a waterhole and comprises two executive size units (each with en suite facilities and a plunge pool – which can be sold as individual Executive Suites if required), linked together by a private lounge/diner and central verandah. There is a small kitchen to the rear allowing for private dining, and the Savanna Suite also includes a private vehicle and guide.
Central Areas
The lodge’s central areas contain an open plan lounge with fireplace, a bar, a wine cellar and dining area (dining in the evening is mostly communal). There is an upstairs library (with computer facilities) and a games room which overlook the lodge swimming pool. There is a curio shop, a small air-conditioned gym and a library. Massage treatments can be arranged in guest rooms.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming Pool – Yes (and plunge pools)
Habitat & Wildlife
The Sabi Sand Nature Reserve lies on the western edge of the famous Kruger National Park with which it shares an unfenced boundary. The reserve is made up of a consortium of old farms, which over the last 40 years, have reverted back to nature and created the wildlife haven it is today. Many of these old properties are individually owned and host some of the best known safari lodges in Africa.
The Sand River flows through the reserve and provides a welcome source of water year round. The habitat of the region is predominantly mixed woodland (from dense riverine forest to acacia-combretum bushveld), with open grassland plains and rocky outcrops. Animal species likely to be seen include elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, impala, duiker, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, zebra, hippo, warthog and wild dog. Sable antelope are also returning to the region.
During your stay at any of the safari camps, you’ll no doubt have the opportunity to experience the bush after dark. Using a spotlight on the vehicle, you may have the luck to see some of the many nocturnally active species of wildlife – honey badger, leopard, civet, serval, genet, aardvark, pangolin, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, and hyaena. The birdlife of South Africa is exceptional, and Sabi Sands is no exception. Birds likely to be seen include the beautiful rollers (Lilac Breasted and European), various kingfisher species including the woodland, as well as a variety of species usually associated with the bush – shrikes, widowbirds, babblers, starlings, vultures and raptors.
Activities
Game viewing activities include game drives (by day and night) in open four-wheel drive vehicles, and guided bush walks (walking conditions are more favourable in the winter months from May to early October, when it is dry and cool enough to walk after breakfast. Savanna has traversing rights with other lodges in the western Sabi Sand area.
Seasons
Savanna is open all year. Game-viewing is superb all year round, though you could experience rainfall from late October through to early April.
Children over the age of 8 years are permitted in the luxury and executive suites, and the executive suites are large enough for one child to stay in with their parents.
The Savanna Suite is ideal for families and accepts children of all ages. The suite comprises of two executive suites, each with their own en-suite facilities and linked together with a private lounge/diner and central verandah. There is a small kitchen to the rear allowing for private dining.
Guests visiting the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve contribute directly to critical conservation efforts through the Sabi Sand Guest Conservation Contribution (GCC). This initiative supports the ongoing sustainability of the Reserve and neighbouring communities, ensuring that both the wildlife and wilderness continue to thrive for generations to come. The GCC helps fund vital programs aimed at habitat preservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and community partnerships that align with the Reserve’s holistic approach to conservation.
In addition to employing 90% of their staff from the communities surrounding Sabi Sand, The Savanna Trust was established to help build more resilient communities, which empower vulnerable individuals, especially young and elderly people, to meet their basic needs and secure a better future.
Projects include the support of Tiyimiseleni, a home-based care centre in the nearby village of Mabarhule, to provide daily care and support for 300 orphans and vulnerable children.
The Trust partnered with a local resident to build the first permanent nursing home in the area. The Hlayisekani Nursing Home is now able to provide 24/7 care to all elderly residents living at the centre, with caregiver staff and a professional nurse on site at all times.
Savanna supports the Mabarhule Youth in Action Choir. Not only is this an employment opportunity for the youth choir members, but it also provides them with a constructive way to avoid the drug and alcohol abuse that is all too common amongst their peers. They have supported the choir in building a youth centre in Mabarhule to keep these youth off the streets and encourage various income-generating activities.
The Trust also works with Khumba Ncila (Touching Tales in Shangaan) which helps the neighbouring community and their animals by giving support, education and care for all their livestock and pets, as well as aiding homeless animals in need.
