ANDBEYOND TENGILE RIVER lODGE

AndBeyond Tengile River Lodge is one of the premier safari lodges within the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.

Situated in a perfect position on the banks of the Sand River, with sweeping river views from every vantage point, lies Tengile River Lodge.

Meaning ‘tranquil’ in the local language, the lodge certainly has an advantage over all others in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve benefits from a great diversity of wildlife including, the Big Five as it neighbours and shares a 50 km (31mi) unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park. World-renowned for its prolific leopard sightings, strict vehicle limits at sightings ensure the exclusivity of an up-close game viewing experience with game drives traversing an area of 10,500 hectares (26,000 acres).

Accommodation at AndBeyond Tengile River Lodge:

This magnificent lodge features nine enormous, air-conditioned, secluded suites, dotted in the dappled shade of the bushveld, each with panoramic river views.

In addition to a master bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower, there is a lounge, dining area, fully stocked bar, coffee station and outdoor seating and dining area that guaranteed to take your breath away.

A private lap pool on your spacious private deck comes complete with sunken outdoor lounge looking out onto the famed Sand River.

For families, two of the lodge’s suites are joined by a covered walkway to create a family suite.

The lodge’s guest area offers a mixed selection of open, interactive and private places. 

The viewing deck is an incredible highlight, and the library is a fascinating treasury of curated objects and interesting books.

Bespoke furniture, lights and unique décor pieces have been created from skilled local artists and striking fabrics have been masterfully hand-painted.

A massage and gym area offers guests a space of well-being and tranquillity and a Safari Shop is stocked with beautiful, handcrafted items. 

Choose from a variety of exciting activities such as twice-daily game drives and evening safaris, interpretive bush and nature walks, photography lessons, birdwatching, star gazing, private and photographic safaris.

Safari Activities at AndBeyond Tengile River Lodge:

Before setting out on your first game drive, the trained guide will ask you about your favourite wildlife species and will do their best to ensure that your preferences are met, whether it is tracking a particular animal or spending more time enjoying each sighting and getting to know the habits of the animals.

The guide and tracker will also tell you about the vegetation of the region and will explain the behaviour of the animals that you come across.

In some cases, the guides will be able to identify individual animals and let you know about their history and habits.

While wildlife is the biggest drawcard for most travellers, the guide and tracker teams are also equipped with a wealth of knowledge about the area’s vegetation, including the traditional and medicinal uses of various plants. 

Birding enthusiasts can ask their guide to identify birds that are specific to the region as well as notable migrant species.

Guests with a special interest in photography should let their guide know, as he will then take extra care to position the vehicle to make the best possible use of the available light at wildlife sightings.

Most trackers come from the areas immediately surrounding the game reserve and, as such, will be full of interesting information regarding the region’s culture, language and traditions, as well as local folklore.

Game drives in the Sabi Sand can go off road in search of exceptional sightings, include the members of the Big Five, when not in environmentally sensitive areas or after excessive rain. Afternoon game drives may also continue after dark, with a specially filtered spotlight used to illuminate wildlife that remains active at night. 

For those looking for an active thrill beyond the excitement of Big Five sightings on a game drive vehicle, a walking safari offers an opportunity to connect with the African bush, interacting with all its inhabitants, from largest to smallest. 

Embark on an adventure where your feet tread in the tracks of zebra and buffalo, your nostrils fill with the scent of crushed wild grasses, and you push through the brush and all six senses re-awake as Africa touches you and you touch Africa. 

At one with nature, experience a range of natural wonders in the company of your experienced professional guide.

Learn how to track, seeing how close you can come to smaller game like impala or nyala antelope without them being aware of your presence.

Crouch behind a bush to catch a glimpse of a passing elephant or rhino.

Smell and taste wild herbs, learning their traditional uses, and explore the smaller marvels of the bush, from the magnificent tapestry of a spider’s web to the microscopic world of the dung beetle.

Watch a multitude of colourful birds as they flit from branch to branch, trilling out their sweet songs.

Engage all your senses as you discover an unexpected world where each sound and scent and every bent blade of grass have a meaning.

Each bush walk is accompanied by an expertly trained and qualified guide, who follows strict protocols to ensure your safety and comfort.

Your guide will point out the finer details of your environment, from tiny insects to interesting trees and shrubs, as well as animal tracks and dung.

Together you will explore the beautiful bush savannah or browse the thickets of the Sand River. Bush walks do not attempt to come close to big game and are safe for guests from the age of sixteen and older.

Getting to AndBeyond Tengile River Lodge:

Airlink offers daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Skukuza airport, which is followed by an easy 20-minute drive to the camp.

Connect AndBeyond Tengile River Lodge to Johannesburg, Cape Town, AndBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, and AndBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve.

It is a five-hour drive from Johannesburg, on very good roads, in a two-wheel-drive vehicle.