Chitwa House Safari Kruger National Park South Africa

Chitwa House
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.
Chitwa House is our 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.
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.
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.
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.
Chitwa Chitwa Accolades collected over the years. The acknowledgement from several prestigious organisations and publications inspires us and drives us to be even better, to offer our guests the best experience possible in the African wilderness.
• Singapore Airlines: A MUST destination 1999
• Food & Home: Most Exclusive Safari Taste Destination 2001
• Paris Match: Chicest Destination in Southern Africa 2002
• World Luxury Hotel Awards: Best Safari Lodge 2008
• Tatler Travel Guide 2010, 101 Best Hotels for Families in the World
• World Luxury Hotel Awards: Best Game Lodge 2010
• Africa Freak Safari Guide: Top Ten Most Romantic Lodges in South Africa
• World Luxury Hotel Awards: Best Safari Lodge 2008 and 2011
• Design et Al 2011 Cannes: Best Design Hotel Under 50 Rooms
• World Luxury Hotel Awards: Best Game Lodge 2012
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.
From the cotton sheets you’ll sleep on to the delicious dishes you’ll indulge in, luxury and a sense of passion touches everything you experience here.
Venture deep into the wilderness on game drives or on bush walks to witness the Big 5 and Africa’s other magnificent animals right up close. Look out for the elusive leopard and wild dog for a truly memorable safari experience. You’re going to want to bring the camera for this!
Enjoy drinks under the African stars, meals in the traditional boma, cooling dips in the lodge swimming pool or your private plunge pool, alongside harrumphing hippos and crocodiles in the dam and soothing massages and treatments in the Spa.
Chitwa Chitwa welcomes you to experience Africa in luxury.
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 our 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 our 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 we’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. Our elaborate, authentic boma dinners are accompanied by a sought after wine-list to complete a unique Chitwa Chitwa culinary experience.
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, 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.
Children at Chitwa:
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.