Experiential Encounters

Embark on an unforgettable safari experience, where the wonders of African wildlife meet luxurious hospitality in breathtaking settings.

Game Drives

As the sun begins its ascent over golden savannahs, the anticipation of what is to come dances in the air. Guided by the expertise of our FGASA-accredited guides and knowledgeable trackers, riverine woodlands and rocky outcrops reveal the Big Five, offer guests the chance to see endangered pangolins or packs of African wild dogs, their painted coats a blur of movement, as they chase down prey.

Our expert guides unravel the secrets of the African bushveld through their personal insights and stories, captivating the essence of being on an African safari. Sunrise and sunset safaris through the 8 000-hectare Olifants West Nature Reserve is what defines a stay at Royal Ingwe River Lodge.

Private Safari

Explore the nature reserve in your own time and at your own pace during a private safari that is curated to your needs, whether you want to spend the morning bird watching along the banks of the Olifants River followed by a gourmet bush breakfast on the riverbank, or go in search of elusive nocturnal species after dinner.

Having a private vehicle at your disposal gives you unlimited time at game sightings and allows your private guide and tracker to curate your wildlife experience according to your special interests. Ask about availability and additional costs at the time of booking.

Personalised Day Trips and Excursions

While Hoedspruit is the gateway to unrivalled wildlife experiences, beyond the embrace of the greater Kruger region another world awaits. Our concierge can curate personalised day trips and guided extensions to your safari holiday to showcase some of South Africa’s most spectacular landscapes and historic treasures, across Limpopo and Mpumalanga province.

Explore the immensity of the Blyde River Canyon and look through ‘God’s Window’ during a road trip along the Panorama Route, or immerse yourself in the 19th century gold rush during a visit to the historic settlement at Pilgrim’s Rest.

Experience the Earth’s primordial past as you traverse the Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where time’s secrets are showcased through some of the planet’s oldest rock formations.

God's Window - Day Trips Royal Ingwe River Lodge

Hide Excursions

Time slows down during a private excursion to one of our three hides; no matter whether you want to see the world through your telephoto lens, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, read to the sound of birdsong, or savour a meal overlooking a waterhole.

This is yet another way in which to engage with the natural world on your own terms.

Fine-Dining Cuisine

As food and drinks are an integral part of any experience and offer us a deeper sense of place, Royal Ingwe River Lodge strives to only use sustainably-grown and locally-sourced produce and products that prioritises quality and seasonality.

The private kitchen in the villa One of our kitchens adheres to kashrut guidelines for guests who keep kosher. Our executive head chef and his team design their fine-dining menu around availability, while infusing it with visual creativity when it is plated.

Our meals are defined by interplay of the ambiance and surroundings – the experience is as much about the environment as it is about each quality ingredient. This is why our meals are not solely structured around space, whether a meal is eaten in our dining area or wine cellar.

Instead, a rustic bush breakfast becomes a natural continuation of a sunrise game drive, a gourmet packed lunch is laid out alongside the riverbank, or high tea follows your spa treatment during your exclusive bird hide excursion.

Curated Wine Cellar Experience

For those wanting to explore our wine cellar collection – beyond our selection of seven inclusive house wines – the wine cellar hosts premium wine tastings and pairings. The intimate venue opens up onto the water making it ideal for uninterrupted romantic evenings, exclusive dinners, or business meetings.

Spa and Wellness

Our spa offers restorative health and beauty treatments, using premium beauty products. Indulge in time off from reality with a massage, body treatment, facial or nailcare treatment either in the tranquillity of the spa, the comfort of your suite or villa, or during your private hide excursion.

Gym

Maintain the balance between your body and mind at our 24/7 gym, with our selection of state-of-the-art fitness equipment that caters to all fitness levels from cardio machines and strength training facilities to free weights. With round-the-clock access, you can work out at any time during your holiday or ask for a yoga mat to be brought to your suite.