Wildlife roams free between Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park, and Narina Lodge is best placed to allow you to enjoy the spectacle.

Raised off the ground by stilts amid riverine trees over a century old on the Kruger side of the reserve, Narina’s location on the banks of the Sabie River also gives you access to the Sand River and over 5,000 hectares of private game reserve.

Wonderful wildlife

Here lives a wide variety of wildlife both on the ground and in the air, including the Big 5 who are regular visitors. So much so that some guests reveal that they saw the Big 5 multiple times during their first 24 hours of staying at Narina.

For your chance to follow in their footsteps, you can book a place on twice daily safaris, or choose a guided bush walk, night drive or one of the off-road adventures. A skilled ranger/tracker will take you to the places in the bush where you’re most likely to spot the wonders of nature you’ve flown here to see, with leopards among the most frequently sighted animals in the area.

9 Suites

Privacy prevails, whichever of the nine suites ends up being yours. All of the thatched lodges have a private lounge area and viewing deck with plunge pool from where you can enjoy views of the river, even while you take a bath in the freestanding tub or refresh under the outdoor shower. Suites are air conditioned, so you’ll always feel comfortable and never sticky, no matter how hot it gets, and there’s a minibar to dip into whenever you feel thirsty.

To share

It’s just a short walk along a raised walkway from your suite to the main lodge where you can dine South African style in the open air boma, or in the restaurant, it’s up to you. Your food will be of the same high quality wherever you sit.

Perhaps head to the bar afterwards to take your pick of the drinks from the wine cellar and enjoy a glass or two in the main lounge before heading back to your suite for stargazing on your private viewing deck. It’s easy to fall into a routine of luxuriousness at Narina Lodge, with the swimming pool and spa likely to be places you’ll want to visit daily, before or after heading out on safari.

The treehouse experience

Although it could be said that all the nine lodges resemble luxury treehouses, there’s one at Narina that takes the experience to another level. It’s a platform high up in the branches on which you can sleep out under the stars and really feel at one with the nature all around you. Of course, this is a popular experience with guests, so make your reservation early.