Chitwa Chitwa is a stylish and luxurious safari lodge situated in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, with the most unique of settings overlooking the largest perennial lake in the 63,000 ha, Big 5 game reserve.
The six stylish and spacious suites are individually decorated offering ultimate privacy ideal for honeymooners and couples.
In addition to the six suites, there is a family suite – the Charlsy Suite which consists of two interlinking suites. Chitwa Chitwa is one of the few luxury lodges in the Sabi Sand to accept children of all ages.
Chitwa House is the exclusive use villa which sleeps 4 people in two en-suite bedrooms.
While catering for the most discerning traveller Chitwa Chitwa retains a very homely atmosphere, a place where you can be who you are! You need not worry about a thing as a very dedicated staff team, most of whom have been with Chitwa for over a decade, look after your every whim.
THE STORY
Originally a private retreat of the Brink family, Chitwa Chitwa has been in the Brink family for over 40 years and in 1991 was transformed into the private game lodge it is today by owners Charl and Maria Brink, who still remain very present and dedicated to the lodge.
It now stands as a jewel of South African hospitality, an emblem of the savanna’s most authentic and refined luxury. Charl is dedicated to wise land management, aiming at preserving an African paradise for future generations.
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 Charl, the majestic arrival of this regal relative was always signalled by the creaking of his old joints.
Still today, his watchful essence is felt presiding over the lodge. Much like this giraffe, the 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, an oasis of conservation.
THE LOCATION
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 optimise benefits for the sustainable economic development of local communities and biodiversity conservation.
The area shaded in blue represents the traversing area of Chitwa Chitwa – some 5,500ha – this is the area over which they take guests on game drives.
Chitwa Chitwa offers two types of loges, like Chitwa Chitwa and Chitwa House.
Great care has been taken to balance unpretentious style with complete comfort when it comes to the Chitwa Suites.
The Charlsy Suite in particular is a superb solution for families or friends travelling together! It consists of two splendidly appointed inter-leading en-suite rooms joined by a comfortable living area. A fabulously spacious common lake view deck with a swimming pool completes this unique unit.
In response to a growing demand for greater privacy and exclusive hospitality, they 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.
Each of the six individually decorated suites open onto a private lake-view deck with its own private plunge pool, framed by a spacious timber deck that overlooks the nearby lake – a popular drinking hole for their wealth of wildlife.
The luxury suites are very spacious, varying from 130 to 180 square metres, and can accommodate up to 2 extra beds for children under the age of 12 yrs only.
The Charlsy Suite in particular is a superb solution for families or friends travelling together! It consists of two splendidly appointed inter-leading en-suite rooms joined by a comfortable living area.
A fabulously spacious common lake view deck with a swimming pool completes this unique unit.
In response to a growing demand for greater privacy and exclusive hospitality, Chitwa Chitwa has 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.
Chitwa House consists of two beautifully appointed en-suite rooms with private decks and out-door showers.
The common areas include a spacious common lounge and dining area and a lake-view deck with swimming pool. You can go on exciting Big 5 game drives in your own private safari vehicle with a guide and tracker.
Enjoy delicious meals, either served by us or a private chef who can cook up delights in Chitwa House’s fully-equipped kitchen.
During down time, enjoy drinks from the fully stocked mini-bar and coffee/tea facilities or watch the private television in your lounge.
At Chitwa Chitwa, meals are as much a social feast as a culinary one, designed to create a relaxed atmosphere for sharing in the day’s excitement.
Lunch and breakfast are served next to the pool in the thatched lapa overlooking the lake, while dinners are served in the open-air boma around a roaring fire or in their elegant and stylish dining room.
Dining experiences are varied according to your stay duration. You can also enjoy drinks in the lounge bar or rummage through their rather unique, underground wine cellar built around the natural granite rock floor.
It stocks selected South African and imported wines, adding to the unique Mediterranean and African cross-culture cuisine that they’re famous for.
A typical day in the African bush is often concluded by a sumptuous feast in the ‘boma’, which is the word for ‘enclosure’ in Shangaan. Dine under the stars by the enchanting glimmer of fire and candle light and share in an integral part of traditional African culture.
Their elaborate, authentic boma dinners are accompanied by a sought after wine-list to complete a unique Chitwa Chitwa culinary experience.
Chitwa Chitwa is more than just a luxury private game lodge in the bush. It’s a holistic and sensorial experience which starts at sunrise and captures the very essence of the magnificent wildlife heritage and natural landscape of Africa before sunset.
GYM
With all the great food you’ll be enjoying at Chitwa Chitwa, fitness enthusiasts might want to spend time training in their gym, which comes fully equipped with treadmill, spinning bike, pilates ball, dumbbells, aerobic mats and the all-in-one weight gym.
SPA
Nothing typifies the ultimate in relaxation more than one of the oldest healing arts in the world: the 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 their resident masseuse.
Massages, wraps, masks, exfoliations and a variety of other treatments are offered.
With all the great food you’ll be enjoying at Chitwa Chitwa, fitness enthusiasts might want to spend time training in the gym.
CHITWA ART
An impelling aspect of the Chitwa experience is the display of the original contemporary art pieces by owner Maria Brink.
Chitwa Chitwa comes alive with Maria’s personal choice of bold art pieces and sculptures. The African wilderness never looked so stylish! Chitwa’s art exudes both a masculine and feminine feel and combines an eclectic blend of European style with traditional African chic.
With a lifelong career in the international fashion, luxury jewellery and art, Maria’s precursor creations have attracted interest and acknowledgement globally. Her work has been also inspired by her love of Francis Bacon’s works and life.
“The creative process is a cocktail of instinct, skill, culture and a highly creative feverishness. It is not like a drug; it is a particular state when everything happens very quickly, a mixture of consciousness and unconsciousness, of fear and pleasure; it’s a little like making love, the physical act of love.” - Francis Bacon
LIBRARY
Chitwa Chitwa’s cosy library offers a large selection of books for your reference reading and relaxation. The library is also equipped with an internet access point.
BOUTIQUE
The boutique 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.
CENTRAL AREA
Built 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 superb 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 water’s edge.
SUNSET DECK
Shaded by old Knobthorn trees, the large wooden lounging deck affords amazing wildlife sightings of the Big Five (leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros).
Spacious viewing areas strewn with comfy daybeds and a rim-flow swimming pool enhance the sense of unity with the surroundings – the perfect environment to relax, unwind and absorb the sights, sounds and scents of Africa.
CHITWA SAFARI
The most thrilling and eagerly-anticipated part of any stay with us is undoubtedly the Chitwa Chitwa safari experience. For over a decade, guests have been treated to spell-binding sightings of the abundant wildlife and have left with affectionate memories of the very best of the African bush.
The experience is further enhanced by the desire to protect and sustain the local environment and improve the well-being of the 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 they 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.
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.
HONEYMOONERS
Chitwa Chitwa 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 special private dinners and honeymoon turndowns in the bedrooms, among other romantic touches.
SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS
For celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or other milestones Chitwa Chitwa 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 riverbed or tribal dancers presenting a special treat can be arranged.
WEDDINGS
Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge is the ideal location for a unique and romantic African wedding.
Imagine exchanging your vows in an African dry river bed at sunset, being serenaded in by African dancers amidst tribal song. Few experiences can be as personalised as a wedding and each experience requires attention to the finest detail.
Chitwa Chitwa promises unrivalled big game viewing, exquisite accommodation, sublime cuisine and above all, a day you’ll never forget. Your safari style wedding will be a celebration of love, tradition and lasting memories.
VILLAGE TOUR
When you’re not embarking on wild game drives and bush walks, you can try something more cultural and go on a guided village tour at the nearby Dixie Community. It’s a truly memorable and eye-opening experience, especially for those coming from abroad.
Dixie is a small village situated close to the Gowrie Gate entrance of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Through the close associations with their neighbours and love of the area in general, they have cultivated a unique partnership with the Dixie Community in order to contribute to their general upliftment.
The Cultural Village Excursion affords the opportunity to slip unnoticed into a day in the life of the locals, while tapping into the inspiring 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 takes about two hours from the time of departure from the lodge.
The boutique is situated at the entrance of the lodge and displays a selection of hand-made African memorabilia.
Built around the largest lake in the reserve, one of Chitwa Chitwa’s most endearing features.
The most thrilling and eagerly-anticipated part of any stay with us is undoubtedly the Chitwa Chitwa safari experience.
Chitwa Chitwa is a fantastic romantic destination for honeymooners.
Chitwa Chitwa’s cosy library offers a large selection of books for your reference reading and relaxation.
For celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or other milestones.
Shaded by old Knobthorn trees, the large wooden lounging deck affords amazing wildlife sightings of the Big Five.
When you’re not embarking on wild game drives and bush walks, you can try something more cultural.
Chitwa Chitwa has the pleasure of welcoming children of all ages.
From the age of 6 onwards, upon the dedicated guide approval, children will be permitted to participate with the adults on safari. For the younger children, dedicated activities will be offered to the family during the arrival briefing.
CHILDREN POLICY
Children who have not yet turned 3 by the date of arrival stay free of charge.
Children from the age of 3 up to their 6th birthday will be charged 25%.
Children from the age of 6 up to their 12th birthday will be charged 50%.
Children 12 years and older sharing with adults will be charged full adult rate.
Children under 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
Sabi Sand Game ReserveSouth Africa