Tintswalo Safari Lodge

MANYELETI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

ABOUT TINTSWALO SAFARI LODGE

The magnificent Tintswalo Safari lodge lies within the 23 000-hectare Manyeleti Private Game Reserve, nestled in-between the boundaries of the Kruger National Park, Timbavati and Sabi Sand game reserves.

Boasting one of the lowest vehicle densities in the Greater Kruger, Tintswalo Safari Lodge guests are spoiled to uninterrupted game viewing experiences in an untouched African wilderness

Tinstwalo – in the indigenous Shangaan language – refers to an intangible feeling of love, gratitude and peace which one bestows upon someone who has given you a meaningful and worthy gift.

Tinstwalo Safari Lodge bestows this gift on its worthy guests.

ABOUT MANYELETI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

The magnificent Manyeleti Private Game Reserve, situated in the eastern part of the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa, is home to Tintswalo Safari Lodge and Tintswalo Manor House. Both these exquisite African safari destinations are perfect for global nature lovers in search of an off-the-beaten-track bush experience.

Manyeleti shares boundaries with Sabi Sand, Timbavati and the Kruger National Park. With 23 000 hectares of traversing wilderness, a rich diversity of wildlife species roams freely here. Home to the iconic Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard, as well as elusive species such as the African wild dog – once-in-a-lifetime sightings up close will create lasting memories. This reserve is also well-known for its exquisite leopard sightings.

Manyeleti is also a birder’s haven, with more than 300 recorded species, and also offers avid photographers’ excellent opportunities to capture the perfect picture of their favourite species.

ACCOMMODATION AT TINTSWALO SAFARI LODGE

Six luxurious and well-appointed suites and one presidential suite, authentically decorated to reflect the intricate luxuries of colonial times, evoke the adventures of the early explorers of this wild land, after which they are named.

Connected by elevated wooden walkways, these suites are all strategically positioned along the banks of the seasonal riverbed. All the suite decks overlook the riverbed and the magnificent sycamore groves.

The lodge suites are authentically decorated to reflect the intricate luxuries of colonial times and evoke the adventures of 19th-century explorers after which they’re named.

All the suites are equipped with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, mosquito nets, a ceiling fan, and minibar and boast an en-suite bathroom with claw-foot bathtubs and in- and outdoor showers. Each has its own private plunge pool.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge Luxury Suite Facilities:

Air-conditioning
Deck
Bath
En-suite bathroom with claw-foot bath and in- and outdoor shower
Electrical outlets
Fan
Fireplace
Hairdryer
Lounge area
Minibar
Private pool
Pure cotton linen
Safe
Tea / coffee-making facility
Television

Each luxury explorer suite reflects its own story and personality:

• Baker Suite: Samual and Florence Baker embarked on a romantic exploration of the African wilderness, which was unheard of at the time. This suite radiates romance and intimacy anb boast a magnificently carved four poster king-size bed.

• Kingsley Suite: Mary Kingsley, a 19^th century spinster collected – with humble resources – fish and insect samples for the Royal Geographic Society. This is an understated but luxurious twin- or double suite.

• Livingstone Suite: The well-known explorer of Africa’s colonial history, David Livingstone’s notorious adventures into deepest Africa, has captured the imagination for decades. This regal twin or double luxury explores suite is reminiscent of his life and times.

• Richard Burton Suite: This controversial character, donning a turban, historically translated the iconic “Arabian Nights” into English. This suite offers a richly decorated twin or king-bed layout.

• The Speke Suite: John Hanning Speke was a true gentleman, in search of the elusive source of the Nile River – an explorer’s “holy grail” quest. This is a spacious luxury suite with a magnificent four-poster bed.

• The Stanley Suite: Originally of Welsh decent, Henry Morton Stanley gained fame for a discovery of a different kind – finding the then ailing and lost David Livingstone. This is a beautifully appointed double suite with a large sleigh bed.

The Explorer Suite Rates Include:

• Accommodation for up to two people, on a per person sharing rate

• Full board – all meals and house beverages

• Two safari activities per day

• Laundry

• Wi-Fi at the main lodge

• A 15-minute back and shoulder massage

The Exlorer Suite Facilities Include:

• Breathtaking views of the African bush

• Private plunge pool

• King or twin beds

• Luxury en-suite bathroom with claw-foot tub and in- and outdoor shower

• Tea/coffee station.

The Baines Presidential Suite

John Thomas Baines was a British artist who explored the African and Australian wilderness and captured the images of his adventures on canvas as he travelled.

Sleeping four people, the Baines Presidential Suite is perfect for for families, or two couples. Fully inclusive, Presidential Suite guests have access to their own private safari vehicle, complete with ranger and tracker, as well as private butler and chef.

The Presidential Baines Suite Rates Include:

Accommodation for up to four people in two luxurious suites
Full board – all meals and house beverages
Two safari activities per day
Private safari vehicle
Private guide and tracker
Private chef and butler
Personalized children’s programme
Wi-Fi at the main lodge
Laundry
A 15-minute back and shoulder massage.

The Baines Presidential Suite Facilities includes:

Breathtaking views of the African bush
Private plunge pool
Two opulent, private king or twin suites
Two luxury en-suite bathrooms with claw-foot tubs and in- and outdoor showers
Luxury amenities
Exclusive lounge and full kitchen
Private boma for fireside dinners.

GRANT SUITE

James August Grant, a Scottish explorer, spent most of his days traversing the African continent with the renowned Johan Hanning Speke, in search of the origin of the Nile.Grant was known for his resilience, loyalty and commitment to Speke’s voyage.

The Grant Suite is a spacious villa home comprising two luxury suites that can accommodate four people. Each as a lavish en-suite bathroom boasting beautiful views of the bush. The home has a lounge and deck with large plunge pool, and is connected to the main lodge by a elevated wooden walkway that meanders through the vegetation.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge caters for the guests of Grant Suite, and the suite comes with its own private game viewing vehicle, tracker and guide. It also accommodates children age 9 and upwards.

The Grant Suite Rates Include:

Accommodation for up to four people in two luxurious suites
Full board – all meals and house beverages, served at the Main Lodge
Two safari activities per day
Private open safari vehicle
Private tracker and guide
Personalised children’s programme
Wi-Fi at the main lodge
Laundry
A 15-minute back and shoulder massage.

The Grant Suite facilities include:

Breathtaking views of the wilderness
Deck and private plunge pool
Two opulent, private king or twin suites
Two luxury en-suite bathrooms with claw-foot bath tubs and in- and outdoor showers
Luxury amenities
Private lounge.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES AT TINTSWALO SAFARI LODGE

MAIN LODGE

Situated next to a seasonal riverbed in an ancient sycamore tree grove, the exquisitely appointed main lodge overlooks a waterhole frequented by a wide variety of wildlife species such as elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and lion, to name but a few.

The grand fusion of rich earthy materials, such as wood, leather, stone and thatch, and tones of rich browns and beiges, create a nostalgic ambience of days gone by. The opulent lounge and dining area open onto the deck with its pool and views of the riverbed. The magnificent wine cellar also offers an intimate and luxurious space in which to dine and relax. The library boasts a selection of rare publications, and those who appreciate personal attention can opt for a spa treatment or massage by fully trained therapists in the lodge spa.

The boma creates a dramatic setting in which to enjoy fire-lit dinners under the African sky where you can share stories of your bush adventures while sipping on a fine red.

All the spaces at Ngala Safari Lodge have been designed with luxury and relaxation in mind.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge Facilities

Bar
Barbeque Facilities
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Kiddies Club
Library
Pool
Boma
Restaurant
Wine Cellar
Curio shop
Spa

Tintswalo Safari Lodge Services

24-Hour front desk
24-Hour security
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Meal on request
Complimentary Internet connectivity
Laundry service
Babysitting service
Card facilities.

CUISINE

Tintswalo Kruger’s passionate chefs have a flair for creating authentic and scrumptious dishes brimming with traditional African flavours. They are well-trained in both South African and international cooking cuisine.

Dishes are prepared from only the freshest of ingredients and will appeal to all palates.

Plated meals are served in a wide variety of locations, such as the lavish dining room, on the deck, in the boma under the African sky, or even as an intimate dinner for two in the magnificent wine cellar.

From the scrumptious bush breakfasts to casual lunches and hearty barbeques prepared around the boma fire, to lamp-lit dinners served in the riverbed, dining at Tintswalo Safari lodge is a culinary delight!

Should you have a specific dietary requirement, you are requested to inform management accordingly, prior to your arrival.

• Weddings at Tintswalo Safari Lodge

Located in the heart of Mpumalanga in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Tintswalo Safari Lodge offers a unique wedding venue where guests can experience absolute tranquillity while enjoying elegant and stylish accommodation. Tintswalo takes pride in offering the couple the ultimate wedding-day experience and the most romantic honeymoon ever. Make your wedding day a truly memorable one at Tintswalo Safari Lodge.

• Honeymoons

The six air-conditioned, luxury explorer suites, and the regal Presidential Suite at Tintwalo Safari Lodge, provide the ultimate in romantic accommodation in which the couple can relax in utmost privacy while savouring the views of their beautiful bush surrounds.

With a number of luxurious packages available throughout the year, booking your honeymoon with Tintswalo Safari Lodge might just be the start of a beautiful anniversary tradition.

• Corporate functions

The unspoiled surrounds of Tintswalo Safari Lodge are as far removed from a stuffy corporate boardroom as you can get. However, this doesn’t affect our appreciation for professionalism and unparalleled service when it comes to booking your corporate retreat or team meeting.

Personal care and attention to detail will ensure the success of your event. For more detail about the facilities, kindly enquire with us when booking.

• Private functions

Whether you’re celebrating a momentous birthday, a special anniversary, an engagement, or any private celebration that calls for that extra luxurious touch, Tintswalo Safari Lodge invites you to celebrate your special occasion with us.

ACTIVITIES AT TINTSWALO SAFARI LODGE

TINTSWALO SAFARI LODGE ACTIVITIES

Life at Tintswalo centres around its game-viewing safaris. The Manyeleti Private Game Reserve is home to a magnificent array of wildlife species, including the Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant. With more than 23 000 hectares of traversing wilderness, guests can expect to see iconic species such as the African elephant, spotted hyena, giraffe buffalo, the endangered white rhino, as well as lion and the elusive leopard. A wide variety of antelope species and smaller game such as bush pig and civets, also roam the plains of Tintswalo.

Children are allowed on game drives – at the discretion of the guide, but not on bushwalks.

Game drives

Daily game drives – in the early morning and late afternoon/early evening – are undertaken in open safari vehicles under the expert guidance of Tintswalo’s highly trained guides, and accompanied by expert trackers. Vehicles are equipped with radios and spotlights, and ponchos, blankets and mosquito repellent ensure a comfy outing into the bush. An added surprise is a goody bag, containing binoculars, reference books and tasty treats on each seat.

Before departure on a drive or walk, the guides will orientate guests on safety aspects, the area and habitats to be traversed, as well as the wildlife species you can expect to see.

The early morning game drive departs at dawn, and the evening drive in the late afternoon, directly after High Tea.

In the early morning animals are most active as they prepare for the heat of the day when they have to take refuge in the shade. The guards will wake you at dawn where you can join the other guests for morning refreshments in the lounge, before setting out into the bush. Upon your return to the lodge you can indulge in a scrumptious brunch.

During the afternoon drive, the possibility for great sightings increases again, as the animals quench their thirst after the heat of the day and prepare to seek shelter for the night. After sunset, the nocturnal beasts come out to play, changing the bush dynamics completely. This is the time to take out the spotlight in search of an elusive pair of eyes in the bush. It is the ultimate thrill and the perfect way to work up an appetite for dinner in the boma upon your return to camp.

Each game drive is unique, as no sighting is ever the same. The passionate guides will share their wealth of knowledge in an informative and spell-binding manner, whilst the trackers will teach participants about the different animal tracks and how to go about tracking game.

Guests are also welcome to request a late-night drive after dinner.

Bushwalks

Manyeleti Private Game Reserve is renowned for its numerous walking trails through a wide variety of habitats. Exploring the wilderness on foot is exhilarating, as it involves all the senses. It offers a whole new dimension to your bush experience.

Manyeleti’s highly trained and experienced guides will take you into the most amazing sycamore fig groves and open savannah plains, where you can explore and appreciate the smaller animals and intricacies of this wilderness. Due to safety regulations, no person under the age of 16 is permitted on a bushwalk. A pair of comfortable boots is essential.

Bushwalks are conducted early in the morning when the animals are most active.

Private safari

As guests to Manyeleti have a wide variety of interests – from mammals and birdlife, to entomology and photography, a private safari vehicle is available for safaris focussing primarily on any of these fields. This affords enthusiasts the opportunity to indulge in their specific interests. All the Manyeleti guides are fully trained to tailor an interesting and knowledgeable safari according to guests’ preferences.

A private safari vehicle can be arranged for the duration of your stay. This service comes at an additional charge and is subject to availability. Please contact the lodge manager, should you want to make use of this service.

Birdwatching

The magnificent Manyeleti Private Game Reserve Kruger is a birder’s have as it boast a rich diversity of species. Therefore, birding excursions under the expert guidance of our resident bird specialist can be arranged upon request.

* A private vehicle is needed for this activity, subject to availability. An additional charge apply.

Spa treatments

The relaxation of body and mind is high on the priority list at Tintswalo Safari Lodge Apart from relaxing on the deck next to the pool, guests can also opt for a rejuvenating treatment at the on-site élan Vital Spa.

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE TINTSWALO PRIVATE GAME RESERVE AREA

• Hoedspruit Cheetah Research Project

This is a three-hour excursion during which you can view the beautiful king cheetah, and other endangered species up close.

• Manyeleti Cultural Excursion

This is a 2-3-hour informal excursion into the neighbouring Shangaan community villages where guests will have the opportunity to meet some of the indigenous people, watch African crafters at work, or even visit a local school and sangoma (traditional healer). This visit gives a surprising insight into local customs and traditions.

• Panorama Tour

A full day excursion to visit scenic sites such as the beautiful God’s Window, the Three Rondawels and the nearby towns of Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest. The tour includes a picnic lunch.

• Hot-air Ballooning

During this early morning excursion, you can view an African sunrise and the magnificent wilderness from a hot air balloon and enjoy light refreshments post-flight. This activity is weather dependent and bound to thrill.

• Kruger National Park

An excursion in a closed air-conditioned vehicle into this world heritage site. Expect beautiful wildlife sightings as the iconic Kruger is home to most of Africa’s magnificent wild beasts. Your expert field guide will share this beautiful wilderness’ secrets in an informative and highly entertaining manner.

• Moholoholo

During a guided tour of this animal rehabilitation centre, you will discover interesting information on conservation an might even get the opportunity to handle some of the animals. Done in a closed air-conditioned vehicle.

• Hoedspruit Town Tour

This is a 60-minute drive to the nearest town, Hoedspruit, to introduce you to some local flavours! The Kamagelo Tourism Centre boast numerous shops and restaurants for your enjoyment. En route back you will also visit the Bombyx Mori Silk Farm, where you can delight in beautiful local crafts and enjoy a tour of the silk factory, where silk duvets and linen are produced for the global export market. Please note that this excursion is done in a closed air-conditioned vehicle.

• Jessica, the hippo

The home of Jessica, the hippo, is about an hour’s drive from Hoedspruit. This lively 9-year old has a sweet nature which has brought her international fame. Jessica likes to pose for the camera and even allows her visitors to stroke her. She is an absolute must-see! A closed air-conditioned vehicle is also used for this excursion.

• Elephant Whispers

The Elephant Whispers sanctuary is dedicated to securing the future of the African elephant, and offer guests up-close-and-personal encounters with these gentle giants.

Each of the six elephants at the sanctuary has his/her own unique personality. You can meet little Lindiwe, test Medwa’s remarkable memory and have a thrilling interaction with Tembo. Exchanging trunk greetings and offering them tasty treats will give you insight into these fascinating creatures. Experienced elephant handlers will share amazing facts about these wildlife ambassadors and their role in protecting their own kind. The more adventurous can even enjoy a ride on one of them into the bush – this is a privilege fit for a king!

* Advance bookings for all the above-mentioned activities are essential.