A transformative journey of self-discovery and oneness during a sustainable safari
Indulge all of your senses in the untamed rawness of the Greater Kruger Park region during your luxury stay at Royal Ingwe River Lodge.
Royal Ingwe River Lodge
As dawn crescendos with birdsong, the morning sun awakens Earth’s creatures – big and small – that await you on game drives, guided walking safaris and private bird hide excursions. As you immerse yourself in Africa’s wilderness, each moment becomes a life-defining experience. Come nightfall, nature serenades you beneath its celestial canopy.
Our five-star lodge and private villa are sanctuaries that prioritise sustainability through their use of locally-sourced natural resources and handmade furnishing using local craftsmanship, while curating a sense of peaceful serenity.
Your private retreat promises an immersive odyssey into the self and Mother Nature, whether you’re on an intimate getaway or family adventure. As a family-owned and run establishment, we are defined by our warm-hearted team whose genuine hospitality and intimate knowledge of South Africa honours all that we do.
As stewards of this land, our commitment to conservation, community engagement and sustainable tourism extends beyond the borders of Olifants West Nature Reserve; it defines our innate ethos to promote wildlife conservation and biodiversity, while advocating for mindful exploration of the natural world while on safari.
Royal Ingwe River Lodge Suites
Royal Ingwe River Lodge prizes its prime location along the bend of the mighty Olifants River, deep in the embrace of the Greater Kruger region.
Royal Ingwe Suites
Each of our seven suites honours African conservationists, who much like us are passionately driven by wildlife conservation and habitat rehabilitation. Nature is as much part of the location, as it is part of the lodge.
Cambridge House
Our eight-sleeper private villa, Cambridge House, allows you to experience the epitome of luxury coupled with world-class hospitality, while directly contributing to conservation.
Sustainability is our standard
Our thoughtfully selected stakeholders and suppliers mirror our sincere intention to do good by nature, not because it is expected of us, but because it is an innate part of how we engage with the world in all we do.
South African Splendour
Situated along the unfenced western boundary of the Kruger National Park, Olifants West Nature Reserve is an 8 000-hectare Big Five private nature reserve located within one of Africa’s largest, free-roaming conservation areas. You can be on safari within 45 minutes of arriving at Hoedspruit Airport, when you stay at Royal Ingwe River Lodge. Take the time to reacquaint yourself with the restorative properties of nature on the sandbanks of the Olifants River, surrounded by the African bushveld.
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.
Guided Nature Walks
Jump out of your open-air safari vehicle to undertake a guided walking safari alongside our armed game rangers and trackers. This is an opportunity to meet nature at eye level, to experience it from up close.
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 the 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 that prioritises quality and seasonality.
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.
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.
Guest Reviews
Explore the heartfelt reflections of our guests as they recount their unforgettable stays at Royal Ingwe River Lodge, where the wild beauty of the African bush meets refined luxury.
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