Originally a private family retreat, 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 the owner, Charl Brink, the majestic arrival of this regal relative was always signaled by the creaking of his old joints - and still today, his watchful essence is felt presiding over the lodge.
Much like the giraffe around which this charming tale of Chitwa Chitwa is centered, the private game 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. We strive to achieve this through our ongoing efforts to maintain a holistic approach as a guest in the home of the African bush, thus ensuring the continued splendour and beauty of Chitwa Chitwa and its surrounds for generations to come.
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All Meals
All Beverages (excl. premium alcoholic beverages)
Two open vehicle safaris a day
Daily walking safaris
Laundry service
Return transfers from the Chitwa airstrip to the lodge
Main Lounge
Swimming Pool
Boma
Dining Area
Spa
Gym
Library
Sunset Deck
Plunge Pool
Private Lake-View Deck
Boutique
Laundry service
Return transfers from the Chitwa airstrip to the lodge
6 hrs drive to Chitwa Chitwa
1 hr flight to Hoedspruit Airport followed by 2hrs drive to Chitwa Chitwa
1 hr 30 min direct flight to Arathusa Airstrip followed by 20 min drive to Chitwa Chitwa
At Chitwa House 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 outdoor 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 a tracker.
An exciting solution for families or groups of friends travelling together! The Charlsy Suite offers two beautifully appointed spacious en-suite rooms united by a comfortable living area. The units share a splendid deck framing a plunge pool and one of the most beautiful views at Chitwa!
Great care has been taken to balance unpretentious style with complete comfort when it comes to the Chitwa Suites. 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 water – a popular drinking hole for our wealth of wildlife. The luxury suites are very spacious, varying from 130 to 180 square metres, and can accommodate 1 extra bed for children under the age of 12 yrs only.
Originally a private family retreat, 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 the owner, Charl Brink, the majestic arrival of this regal relative was always signaled by the creaking of his old joints - and still today, his watchful essence is felt presiding over the lodge.
Much like the giraffe around which this charming tale of Chitwa Chitwa is centered, the private game 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. We strive to achieve this through our ongoing efforts to maintain a holistic approach as a guest in the home of the African bush, thus ensuring the continued splendour and beauty of Chitwa Chitwa and its surrounds for generations to come.
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A team of dedicated chefs ensure that every meal at Chitwa Chitwa becomes a special occasion. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea-time treats, prepared by the team of chefs, are of unparalleled quality and incorporate flavours from around the globe complemented with an African flair.
Main Lounge
Swimming Pool
Boma
Dining Area
Spa
Gym
Library
Sunset Deck
Plunge Pool
Private Lake-View Deck
Boutique
Nestled in a pristine golden triangle of African fauna, 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 optimize benefits for the sustainable economic development of local communities and biodiversity conservation.
6 hrs drive to Chitwa Chitwa
1 hr flight to Hoedspruit Airport followed by 2hrs drive to Chitwa Chitwa
1 hr 30 min direct flight to Arathusa Airstrip followed by 20 min drive to Chitwa Chitwa
The most thrilling and eagerly-anticipated part of any stay with Chitwa Chitwa is undoubtedly the safari experience. 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 providing 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. Chitwa Chitwa's 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.
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. Take some time to soak up the art located around Chitwa Chitwa.
Chitwa Chitwa welcomes 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.
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. Dixie is a small village situated close to the Gowrie Gate entrance of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Through close associations with their neighbours and Chitwa's 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.