Tag: Kruger

Kruger Untamed: Private Walking Freedom

Posted on by James

To have the freedom to explore South Africa’s most iconic national park, outside of normal operating hours and on foot if walking safaris are your thing, is a luxury almost without price.
Kruger Untamed is about more than just a safari – it’s a profound reconnection with the wild. In their camps, nature is not curated or controlled but encountered on its own terms. They exist to preserve the art of true exploration, honour the wisdom of indigenous trackers, and offer an unfiltered experience that leaves no trace on the land but a lasting impact on those who walk it.

With just 15 comfortably appointed safari tents each, Satara Plains Camp and Tshokwane River Camp both hark back to the golden age of safari, with nods to the early bush camps of old, touching the earth lightly and leaving no trace behind when camps close at the end of the season. So well do Kruger Untamed manage their impact that they have received not one but seven 100% scores in their environmental impact audits, a first in the history of the Kruger National Park.
Perfect for those seeking authentic wilderness experiences, the camps can be expanded to 30 tents each to accommodate groups and special events on an exclusive use basis in the heart of one of the world’s most prolific wildlife destinations.

Kruger Untamed offers the chance to connect with the soul of Kruger, redefining the meaning of remote in secret sanctuaries where untouched landscapes beckon and wild Africa awaits, far from the madding crowds and bustle of life in the concrete jungles of our towns and cities. Through expertly guided game drives, walking safaris and wilderness experiences, and the magic of sleeping under canvas with the lions roar in the night a constant reminder of your setting in the wilds, their safaris will change the way you view the world and open your mind to the importance of protecting the last precious wilderness areas and the incredible wild fauna and flora that call them home.

In an enviable location near the iconic Tshokwane picnic spot in the heart of the Kruger National Park’s central region, easily accessible via Skukuza, Tshokwane River Camp is set on the seasonal Ripape River which is dry during the winter months. The game viewing in this area is outstanding all year round, with a wealth of antelope drawing in Kruger’s rapacious predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard, painted wolves (African wild dog) and spotted hyena.

Kruger Untamed has a rich legacy, founded in the traditions and culture of the Shangaan people who have a deep and intimate relationship with the wilderness that is the Kruger National Park and the surrounding private game reserves that together make up the Greater Kruger region.

Master trackers and incredible guides with a wealth of knowledge and generational wisdom handed down over the ages, the Shangaan are inspirational and at Kruger Untamed they honour the phenomenal impact they have had on the eco-tourism world, and the role they play as ambassadors for the Kruger wilderness.

The majority of the staff come from the local communities around the Kruger and are happy to share their culture and the stories of their past with our guests. Indeed, it’s the people who make Kruger Untamed what it is and who have brought their dream of offering unique, authentic safari experiences in one of the world’s most sought after wildlife destinations to life.

If unfettered access to one of the Kruger National Park’s most game rich areas is what you seek, get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start the conversation…

Lion Sands Tinga: Private Kruger Park

Posted on by James

Lion Sands Tinga is nestled on the banks of the Sabie River,  one of the Kruger Park’s most iconic. The softly burbling water flows under enormous jackalberry and fig trees, and provides some of the most scenic game-viewing habitat imaginable. In winter when water resources are scarce, everything has to drink at the river, so a slow meander along the riparian roads will reveal a myriad of delights.

The lodge consists of nine suites as well as the exclusive two-bedroom Hinkwenu Residence.
Each room, blending vintage style with modern luxury, provides stunning views that make you feel as if the outside reserve is simply an extension of your living quarters, ensuring an intimate connection with Africa’s beauty.

The suites are joined by elevated wooden pathways that wind their way through the lodge, also connecting the spa and main lodge area, where a bar lounge, pool, and boma also feature. Here, you can share a delicious glass of some of South Africa’s finest wines, refelct on the day’s sightings, or simply relax in a quiet moment alone, with only the background ambience of the birds as your company.
The suites all feature their own private plunge pool and deck, providing a personal sanctuary where you can bathe in opulence, spend your time bird watching or check on the hippos in the river below.

The Lion Sands Game Reserve is essentially a combination between their Kruger National Park concession where Tinga is found, and their property in the world-famous Sabi Sands; one of the best places in the world to see leopards. Vehicles are allowed to traverse both sections, ensuring full access to the bast sightings.

Lion Sands Tinga Lodge has tailor-made experiences for children aged 6 to 11, so the lodge ensures that every member of the family has the freedom to explore and have fun.
A dedicated playroom, coordinated by a qualified activity leader, offers a range of engaging activities from sports and crafts to baking sessions with the chef. Family game drives, bush orientation, dung tracking, spoor casting, and nature scavenger hunts are just a few of the adventures that families can enjoy together, making every day a new discovery.

 

Safari experiences are of course the central reason why people visit, and Lion Sands boasts some of the best. Game drives depart the lodge at dawn and then again in mid-afternoon, facilitated by experienced field guides. These drives aim to capture the essence of an African safari as you go in search of the Big Five. Feel how your senses swiftly become attuned to the slightest rustle in the bush. Walking safaris are another great way to explore the landscape; most are conducted after breakfast, as you set out on foot to enjoy a true bush immersion, with your guide and tracker interpreting event eh faintest signs for you.

If it’s more of a relaxation or a spiritual experience that you are after, the our spa provides treatments featuring Africology products, ethically sourced and inspired by traditional African healing practices.
Additionally, for those dreaming of sleeping under the star-laden African sky, Lion Sands offers optional treehouse sleep-outs, which provide an unforgettable night surrounded by the sounds of the wild (activity is at an additional cost).

 

Between 4 January and 19 December 2025 & 2026, Lion Sands is offering incredible specials.

Pay for 3, Stay for 4, as well as a 50% rate for Honeymooners.

If you are after amazing game viewing, superb opulence and some of the most scenic terrain in the whole of the Kruger National Park, Lion Sands Tinga might be just what you’re looking for.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more…

 

The Outpost: Perched on the Rim of the World

Posted on by James

The northern corner of the world-famous Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s most breathtaking areas. Elephant herds wander through ageless fever tree forests, hundreds of buffalo spread like oil across the Limpopo floodplain, and through it all runs the Luvhuvu River, the lifeblood of the region.

Perched on a hill high above the Luvhuvu riverbed, with indescribable views of the African bushveld, sits The Outpost, your gateway into one of the most biodiverse regions in Southern Africa.

The Outpost operates within the 26 500ha Makuleke concession, a unique partnership in the Kruger Park in that the land is owned by the Makuleke people, and the lodges within the concession are staffed almost exclusively by the tribe.
Warm smiles greet visitors to this spectacular corner of Africa (which boasts over 80% of the Kruger National Park’s biodiversity), and guests can explore the bush through guided drives conducted by experienced rangers, or – even better – through immersive bush walks. This is truly the best way to experience the magic of the African wild, as one can get a far greater appreciation for the minutiae of the wilderness by fully grounding oneself on foot.

The Outpost accommodates 24 guests in 12 open plan, en-suite luxury spaces cantilevered on a hill overlooking the Luvuvhu River. The private, free standing spaces are inter-connected to each other and the central lodge area by 500 metres of Zimbabwean teak walkway. Contemporary architecture makes use of concrete and steel with state-of the-art retractable, remote-controlled screens offering 180º of uninterrupted views.

Ultimately, at The Outpost you are looking at the top lodge in the most spectacular region of South Africa’s most famous national park. The combination is ideal for almost anyone and everyone, from the adventurous to the birders, the walkers or the romantic honeymooners.

There is no one who won’t feel utterly enchanted both with this unique section of South Africa’s greatest wilderness, and this stunning hilltop lodge within it.

Get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your safari…

Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge

Posted on by James

Named after a nineteenth century chieftaness of the local Shangaan tribe, Shalati was one of the most anticipated lodges coming out of the Kruger Park region. Comprised of a series of train carriages permanently situated on an old railway bridge of the Selati railway line, the lodge’s concept is itself more than enough to pique the visitor’s interest. Combine this with some of the most spectacular opulence to be found in the Kruger National Park, a dining experience to compare to any of the country’s top restaurants, and a superb game viewing offering tailor-made by seasoned guides, and you have a recipe for enormous success.

Perched high above the Sabi River just downstream from Skukuza Restcamp, Shalati offers uninterrupted views over the splendour of the African bush. Leopards slink through the riparian vegetation and hippos snort from their pools in the river below, whilst you sip a cool gin and tonic from your vantage point amongst the swallows, fish eagles, and other avian species that flit or soar above the majesty of the river.

The site of the lodge marks the spot at which the first visitors to the Kruger Park would spend the night. Pulling the train onto the bridge, they would carouse around a fire on the riverbank before retreating to the safety of the train to sleep, and then continue with their journey the next day.

The bridge stood practically unused for many years after the railway line through the park was dismantled, and it wasn’t until 2016 that a tender process was announced for interested parties to bid their proposals for tourism use of the Selati Bridge and Station.

Finally in 2020 Kruger Shalati reignited the experiencing of sleeping in a train on this bridge filled with a wealth of history.

Each room is a refitted carriage which makes the most brilliant use of the space available to it. From the outside the carriages appear limited in size, but upon entering you will be greeted by the most surprisingly large panorama out over the African bush; swallows swoop out from under the bridge and the chances are high that an elephant herd will be slaking their thirst somewhere down below.

Shalati offers 31 rooms – 24 Train Carriage Suites and 7 Bridge House Suites – all of which are tailored for immersive comfort. The utterly unique positioning of the train places the visitor on a constant plane of awe.

Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, an enthralling break or to simply unwind while surrounded by earth’s finest creations, Kruger Shalati looks forward to welcoming you on a journey of discovery with nature in the most extraordinary way imaginable.

Get in touch to find out about pricing and availability, and let us help you plan the safari of a lifetime…

 

Notten’ Bush Lodge: the Sabi Sands’ Best Kept Secret

Posted on by James

Down towards the south-east corner of South Africa’s world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve lies one of its hidden gems.

Unobtrusively nestled between the old bed of the Selati railway line to the west and the Sand River to the east lies Notten’s Camp, a small, family-run bush lodge that redefines what it means to feel at home in the wild.

Owned by the Notten family since 1963 and open as a commercial lodge since 1986, this land has seen almost four decades of conservation-focused safaris conducted upon it, and the experience of the staff reflects that.

Like the rest of the Sabi Sand Reserve, Notten’s is a leopard paradise, and the greater area boasts the highest density of these magnificent cats yet recorded on the African continent. It is not at all uncommon to spot a leopard sauntering past the deck of your chalet, or even to catch a glimpse of one ducking off the camp walkways. Sightings are common out on game drive, and the Notten’s guides are well practiced in getting photographers into the right position for the shot.

Two young leopards spar playfully. Despite already possessing fiercely sharp claws, their play sessions generally cause no harm, and are important in developing the skills they will need in later life.

The rest of the Big 5 are sure to fill your frame just as fast, and elephant, buffalo, rhino and lion are also plentiful in the area. The waterhole situated in the open clearing directly in front of the lodge’s main area attracts a plethora of wildlife throughout the day, particularly during the dry winter months, and one simply has to glance up during breakfast to see herds of impala, stately kudu or the resident bull waterbuck sauntering by.

Lions are regularly encountered on safari at Notten’s…

It’s certainly not only about the larger stuff though, and it is the sheer diversity of life here that will astound you. Over 2000 species of mammals, birds, trees, insects, reptiles and amphibians have been recorded on the reserve; an incredible amount of biodiversity which makes game drives, bush walks, or even a simple stroll through the camp a constant stimulation.

The Notten’s camp is unfenced, and wildlife is regularly encountered on the lawns around the swimming pool in particular.

The rooms at Notten’s are what make the place truly special. Lit by candlelight and paraffin lanterns, they retain the feel and charm of an old-school bush camp, whilst sacrificing none of the comfort. The rooms are air-conditioned and charging facilities are available, so there’s no danger of running out of power for your battery or cellphone.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway you are after or a Big 5 photographic experience, Notten’s ticks all the boxes, and with their current specials there is no better time to visit. The winter months offer some of the best game viewing on the continent, and when summer starts rolling around again, visitors will be treated to the most remarkable changes as the bush flushes green once more, the migrants return, and the lodge comes alive with the buzz of cicadas and the galavanting of newborn antelope.

Click here to find out more about Notten’s Bush Lodge or to make a booking…

 

In Pictures – Singita Castleton

Posted on by Lexi Hall

Singita is a name synonymous with the best in African luxury safari and their all-encompassing lodges live up to the accolade/praise. This star-covered bucolic country getaway is nothing short of decadent, full of historic charm acquired over generations and one of the Sabi Sands’ most sought-after destinations.

Steeped in history, Castleton Camp is the original family home of Singita’s founder Luke Bailes’ grandfather built in the mid-20th century. The newly refurbished family property has since been transformed into a homestead characterised by it spacious and graceful relaxation areas, unforgettable experiences and world-class interior design.

The lodge displays a palette of warm, earthy tones, and dried grass colours complement a series of South African botanical art etchings commissioned exclusively for the house, each one reflecting an example of local indigenous flora. The house also has a collection of botanical installations with historical references that adds an element of nostalgia to the décor.

Sometimes the only way to truly unwind is a well-deserved luxury escape to the majestic wilderness, and Singita Castleton is the perfect place to do this. This blissful and beautifully decorated lodge is Africa’s perfect combination – it encompasses everything you dream the bush to be; luxurious safari experiences, romantic, a wellness retreat and a home-away-from-home for those travelling with the whole family.

What could be more perfect than spending time with your closest family and friends in your own exclusive-use luxury villa, in the heart of the Sabi Sands Private Game reserve? Castleton Camp gifts you this rare treasure of spending uninterrupted time in the lap of luxury, away from the distractions of ‘life’ in a surrounding that is infinitely peaceful and secluded.

It was listed as the Best Safari Lodge/Property under Best Resorts (by Cigar Aficionado in 2010), and here’s why:

Singita Castleton Kruger Park