When European explorers encountered and named the Sand River it must have been the dead of winter when the ground dries up after months of blue skies; the bush thins out and the animals congregate around any water source they can find.
But the Sand River is very much a Water River for most of the year bringing life and enrichment to one of Africa’s greatest game parks: the Kruger National Park. And along this river is a string of sensational safari lodges not least of which is the Dulini River Lodge in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
At the heart of the lodge, an open-plan guest area spills out onto an expansive viewing deck, where guests can relax with a drink. A library and indoor lounge offer cosy retreats on cooler days, while the multi-level dining area will take you from breakfast and lunch at the riverside deck to a refined dinner on the airy dining deck, overlooking the wilderness.
The contemporary, elevated suites offer a great vantage point from which to spot the resident wildlife. Designed with clean lines and calming earth tones, these exclusive spaces create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow through floor-to-ceiling glass windows that frame the natural surroundings, bathtubs that look out into the bush, and a private deck with a heated plunge pool and outdoor shower.
In-between game drives and bush walks, guests can work out in the well-equipped gym, which offers a range of Bodycraft and Lifespan training equipment, or in the outdoor training pool, which comes complete with an elastic swim tether. An in-house massage therapist is on standby for body treatments using a bespoke range of natural body products and African massage oils – in your suite or, weather permitting, on your private terrace.
Famed for its leopard and the so-called Big 5 plus the rarer African wild dog and cheetah, Sabi Sand is a private game reserve that shares its eastern border with the Kruger Park allowing the wildlife free movement in and out of this ancient wilderness. The 65,000ha reserve has both browsing and grazing habitats and is considered to be one of the best game reserves in South Africa.
Daily safaris are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles, with morning and late-afternoon departures tailored to the rhythms of the bush. Sabi Sand is renowned for its predator sightings, in particular leopards, and Dulini River’s location ensures access to a wide range of habitats. Expertly guided bush walks offer a thrillingly different perspective, and photography-focused drives can be arranged on request. You might also be treated to a romantic bush breakfast on a remote riverbank during your morning drive.
"A dream come true"
We had the most amazing family holiday, everything worked so perfectly, the arrangements and accommodation was spectacular!
"Unforgettable trip to Namibia – Thank you Namibia Tours & Safaris!"
We are a group of four from Romania and spent 3 unforgettable weeks in Namibia. We can't recommend them enough, and for any future travels in Namibia or other parts of Africa, we will definitely use their services again.
"We had a great experience"
From the time we put the key in the ignition till we boarded the plane in Windhoek nothing went wrong.
"Unforgettable bird photography trip in Namibia"
It was a fantastic experience, everything was very well organised, went smooth and according to expectations. It was our first self drive in Africa and it was a great, unforgettable time.
