More than just a lodge: Lion Sands’ Tinga lodge is classic

After a short drive to Skukuza – Kruger’s central hub – it’s a stone’s throw into Lion Sands Private Game Reserve. The Western flank of Kruger is synonymous with chic lodges, and in Lion Sands, the Family Collection has four lodges: two in Kruger, two in Sabi Sand, and two exclusive-use villas.

After an extraordinary experience at their sister property Marataba, I was hoping to experience the same hospitality here.

Before the Sabi River, a magnificently large Jackleberry tree stands charge over the lodge. At an estimated 300-years-old, the tree has witnessed not only centuries of natural drama, but also South African history.

Legend has it that Nelson Mandela  and FW de Klerk signed a memorandum of agreement under the tree. The deck spreads around the tree and the retreats from the riverside up to the main lodge,
offering several places for enjoying river-side views and al fresco bush-dining.

Tinga Lodge possesses a classic and utterly luxurious safari feel. With only nine suites, it often feels as though you have the lodge to yourself.

Lion Sands Tinga Lodge. Picture: Jared Ruttenberg

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The property closely hugs the  Sabi River, with unobstructed views out over the bush where the wildlife is the daily entertainment. The suites are supremely spacious, providing perfect views from the bed, bathtub, deck and private splash pool.

Lion Sands Tinga Lodge. Picture: Jared Ruttenberg

Suite one home for my stay was the furthest from the lodge and the five-minute walk along the boardwalk was a reminder of the wild surroundings.

I could hear the snorts of a nearby hippo and moments later a trumpeting elephant, both either unhappily protesting something or perhaps welcoming me to the bush. Naturally, I took it as the
latter.

Lion Sands Tinga Lodge. Picture: Jared Ruttenberg

Where asked if we were comfortable going out on a game drive, the four of us assigned a vehicle together responded with an immediate yes; the rain had hardly dampened our spirits.

Our first sighting was a journey of giraffe grazing on some low hanging acacia branches, and in the foreground the rain had caused a cloud of flying ants to rise. About two hours later the rain paused and we stopped to enjoy a sundowner on the raised river bank.

With spirits lifted by the ageold tradition of a bush G&T, we set off back to the lodge. Then we stumbled on what was for all of us, including the guides, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spectacle.

A cackle of hyenas had commandeered a little stream that had sprung up from all the rain, and the scene before us resembled a teenage pool party; they were diving in and out of the water, swimming about, even taking turns pulling each other  out of the water… and this went on for minutes.

Lion Sands Tinga Lodge. Picture: Jared Ruttenberg

With the rain pouring around us we sat transfixed at this rare sighting of some serious hyena hysteria. Back at the lodge, it was time for a luxurious bath in my suite before supper.

One of the novelties at Tinga Lodge is that every time I’d return  to my suite, my housekeeper, Ntomby, had left a message on the little chalkboard.

I’d leave her a message in return. One of the many marks of the completely personable service
of the Family Collection. One of the most exclusive ways to enjoy the park is, of course, by
staying at a private lodge.

You benefit from having a guide drive you about, and access to private roads. Tinga Lodge is no exception  and guests can enjoy exclusive traversing rights in Lion Sands Private Game Reserve with kilometres of wilderness – where trumpeting elephants and swimming hyenas are waiting to  welcome you.