Savanna Private Game Reserve

The beautifully appointed suites nestle amongst indigenous bush and trees that provide privacy, quiet and a haven for birds. The epitome of elegance and comfort, the décor is a blend of colonial and classic with hand crafted furniture, fine linen and beautiful artwork. Three Executive and four Luxury Suites offer a unique 'Out of Africa' experience with canvas roofs above draped ceilings set on permanent structures. All have magnificent bathrooms and decks looking onto waterholes in the bush. In addition, the larger Executive Suites have plunge pools.

The thatched Savanna Suite is tailor-made for families, with two in-suite bedrooms on either side of a spacious, elegant lounge and large covered patio. The bedroom suites with their individual bathrooms, can also be booked separately, in which case they would not include the lounge, private vehicle and guides which are part of the Savanna Suite package.

Savanna Suite
The Savanna Suite is an opulent home away from home under thatch. Two large, beautifully furnished bedrooms lie on either side of an inter-connecting lounge. Each has an outsized bathroom with free-standing bath, double vanities, double shower and toilet. The bathrooms open onto paved outdoor showers. The bedrooms have glass doors with screens leading out onto covered patios, plunge pools and private waterholes in the bush.

The lounge is a harmonious meld of elegance and comfort with couches grouped around a television and DVD center, and a cozy reading nook in front of the fireplace. Step through sliding glass doors onto a large covered patio where candle-lit dinners or private pre-dinner cocktails may be enjoyed. An attached fully equipped kitchen and guest restroom complete the impression of being in one's own exquisite home.

Executive Suites
The three large Executive Suites have canvas roofs for an authentic safari ambiance and the romance of sleeping in Bedouin-style tents. Canvas roofs are set above solid walls for comfort, privacy and security as well as efficient air-conditioning and fans.

Each Executive Suite has an outsized bathroom with free-standing bath, double vanities, double shower and toilet as well as outdoor shower atrium. The bedrooms have plush sitting areas and glass doors that open onto covered patios with private plunge pools facing waterholes in the bush. Quite and secluded, they offer a sanctuary of peaceful relaxation after the adrenalin rush of an exciting game drive. 

Luxury Suites
Four Luxury Suites under canvas nestle amid beautiful indigenous trees that attract a variety of birds. They have the same facilities as the larger suites in a more compact space and are furnished and decorated to the same superb standard. The bedrooms have draped ceilings creating an atmosphere of romance and intimacy. Tented roofs blend into the African bush while solid walls provide quiet and security, ensuring a restful night's sleep.

Each Luxury Suite has an en-suite bathroom with free-standing bath, double vanities and both indoor and outdoor shower. The bedrooms open onto private decks with sweeping views of the bush and waterholes. Tucked away with large stands of natural shrubbery separating them, the luxury suites are the ultimate in cozy, private hideaways.

Relaxation between game drives is important and what better way to unwind than with an invigorating massage. Savanna's own qualified therapist offers guests a range of treatments in the privacy of their suites. And, if a little retail therapy is called for, a visit to the curio and gift shop should do the trick.

Savanna offers excursions to nearby places of interest and scenic beauty including the spectacular Panorama route and an African village. Here guests visit the school and a traditional healer or medicine man and learn about Shangaan culture and food. Golf can be arranged at Skukuza or the magnificent Leopard Creek course. These activities, with the exception of golf at Leopard Creek, take place between game drives so no meals or drives are missed.

Game Drives: Land Rovers have been specially modified for guests' comfort and safety with bucket seats separated by large storage boxes. In order to maximize photographic opportunities, there are never more than two people in a row unless guests request otherwise. The vehicles are set up to seat seven but can easily be adapted to seat 10 guests if required. In addition, there are never more than two vehicles at a sighting, except with very relaxed animals in open terrain, in which case three vehicles are allowed. The afternoon game drive includes a stop for sundowners while marveling at the splendor of an African sunset, and the absolute tranquility of the bush. On the morning drive there is a tea/coffee stop with the famous Savanna Amarula hot chocolate or coffee a highly recommended alternative for the more adventurous at heart.

Game Walks: Optional game walks are offered to guests who would like to experience the fauna and flora on foot. Led by an armed ranger and tracker, they provide fascinating insight into the geology and botany of the area. Trackers who have grown up in local villages impart a wealth of information on the uses of bushveld trees and plants in tribal customs and rituals, as well as their herbal and medicinal properties and practical applications. A peeled twig from one tree, for instance, makes a good toothbrush while the silky leaves of another provide the softest toilet paper.

Walks generally take place in the area around Savanna Lodge in between game drives and meals but if guests prefer, a longer walk can replace a drive or be incorporated as part of a drive. The thrill of quietly approaching game while on foot, of close encounters with the smaller creatures and the myriads of wild flowers and beautiful butterflies they attract in summer, brings an added dimension to the magic of an African safari.