In a secluded corner of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve’s western sector, &Beyond‘s Exeter River Lodge rests amidst a grove of ebony trees situated at the edge of the Sand River. Guests will delight in the freedom of being immersed in one of Africa’s most pristine and wild settings while enjoying all the comforts of home deep in the African bush.
Eight luxurious thatched cottages line the shady bank of the Sand River offering spectacular close up views of the picturesque setting and wildlife. Admire elephants, baboons, impala and even jaguars through the glass walls of your lavish bathroom or relax in your private plunge pool while enjoying the sight of a herd of elephant drinking or perhaps hippo surfacing in the river below.
The cozy guest sitting and dining areas overlook the Sand River, and provide guests with a peaceful spot to socialize, read, sip wine by the fire or just enjoy a lazy afternoon lunch under the shade of a magnificent sausage tree.
Adjacent to Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is known for its intimate wildlife encounters, particularly leopard viewing. Home to a host of animals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), Sabi Sands is part of a conservation area that covers more than two million hectares (almost five million acres). As part of the stay, guests are offered twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles with expert guides and trackers from the local Shangaan tribe; interpretive bush walks; and birdwatching excursions.
Days wind down with a traditional boma in the open bush. Savory Pan African meals, complimented by the finest selection of South African wines are shared around a blazing fire under a star strewn sky. (On one or a few nights of your stay, you will most likely be surprised with a drawn bubble bath and romantic candlelit dinner prepared thoughtfully by your personal butler.
Through the &Beyond Foundation, Exeter River Lodge has built classrooms, ablutions and a computer center and library for several local schools. It has also provided tertiary education bursaries; established water tanks and planted
vegetable gardens in local communities; conducts ongoing career guidance & HIV/AIDS workshops in the communities; and offers conservation lessons for children in neighboring areas.
Stay
Contact: andbeyond.com
Airstrip: Ulusaba Airstrip Coordinates are: S24Ëš47 and E31Ëš21 (width 18 m, length 1 360 m, elevation 432 m, tarred)
GPS co-ordinates: S 24°46.217′ E 031°23.914′
Malaria: Exeter River Lodge is situated in a malaria area and necessary precautions should be taken.Children: Children are welcome, although triple rooms are not possible. Regretfully, children 5 years and younger cannot participate in game drives. Childminders are available at an additional cost. Children aged 6 to 11
years can only participate in game drives at the lodge manager’s discretion.
Lodge closure: Open year round
Photos via &Beyond