Silvan Safari

Silvan Safari is the newest luxury lodge in the Sabi Sand region of the Kruger National Park. No indulgence was ignored, or level of luxury overlooked to create the world’s grandest safari experience. Silvan Safari is located in the northern section of the spectacular Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where the roar of the lion is your morning wakeup call and the cry of the fish eagle your hourly reminder that every heart and soul on earth beats with the connected rhythm of these historic lands.

Silvan Safari redefines luxury safari in Africa and the inspirational Leadwood and Jackalberry forest provides the ideal canvas for this ground-breaking lodge. The contemporary, modern architecture at Silvan Safari is slick and bold. The pure, calming energy of the Manyeleti River flows at Silvan’s doorstep, nourishing the trees and bringing life to the area. The design and décor are state-of-the-art, yet elegantly understated.

The overlying concept has been inspired by the trees surrounding the lodge, with each of the lodge’s 6 hugely spacious suites named after the tree it takes inspiration from and, more often than not, the one it is built around. No two suites are alike, and each space is individually decorated, much like a mini art gallery, with artwork from contemporary South African artists and with elements such as furniture and colour inspired by a specific species such as the Cassia, Knobthorn and Kierie Klapper.

Five of the Suites are double units perfected suited to a romantic getaway. But for families, the Leadwood Family Suite is perfectly split into two separate bedrooms connected by an open-air deck that is wrapped around the branches of a Leadwood tree. Each Suite has its own private plunge pool where you can watch elephants stroll by. Other room facilities include ceiling fans, aircon, fireplaces, numerous outdoor and indoor sitting areas and en-suite bathrooms with both a shower and a bath.

Silvan Safari's public areas are similarly alluring with extensive wooden decks leading to hidden corners throughout the lodge where you can relax and unwind. Why not spend some time swinging in the handwoven chair-nests or head over to the main living areas complete with oversized daybeds fit for lazing about with a good book and a crisp G&T (the bar has more than 40 different gins available and they specialise in gin tastings!).

Dining too is a breakthrough experience and one of the main draws to Silvan aside from its design and wildlife experiences. The majestic Jackalberry tree with a lower breakfast deck, outdoor gazebos and the Modjaji dining room are living spaces for gathering and sharing. We encourage a relaxed dining experience and as such allow our guests to set the rhythm and routine of their day. Meals are typically served in the main lodge but can be enjoyed privately on your deck or shared with a group in a specially chosen location. Personalised wine and food pairings are a particular favourite for food and wine connoisseurs alike and can be selected to suit your individual taste. Each dish celebrates fresh and local produce inspired by the spectacular natural surroundings. That’s also backed up by superb service and hospitality from the hugely friendly team who are always on hand to attend to your every request.

While you need to look no further than the riverbed below Silvan to spot wildlife, game drives offer you the best chance to experience the incredible variety of animals which the Sabi Sand is so famous for. An early wake-up call at dawn will see you rise with the bush and its residents. Silvan mimic the movements of the wild, going in search of wildlife when they're most likely to be on the move (early mornings, late afternoons, and evening) and retreating to the shade as they do for respite from the midday heat. Blankets and state-of-the-art Swarovski binoculars are available in the vehicles. Silvan also offers the opportunity to discover the wildlife of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve on foot.

An exquisite spa is also available to relax and unwind while the fully functional gym is there for those liking to keep physically active on holiday. Silvan also boasts a full length (25m) lap pool on the main deck. Keen photographers can head to the Silvan Studio, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with a professional media room, Apple computers and large-scale printers, ensuring you can return home with a perfectly edited gallery of shots! The Silvan Living boutique is home to all kinds of Silvan memorabilia, from prints of the commissioned artwork adorning their walls to the Swarovski binoculars in their vehicles and signature clothing embellished with the Silvan logo.

About Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is famed for its intimate wildlife encounters, particularly leopard viewing. Home to a host of animals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), the Sabi Sand is part of a conservation area that covers over two million hectares (almost five million acres), an area equivalent to the state of New Jersey.

With no boundary fences between the Sabi Sand and the Kruger National Park, this reserve benefits from the great diversity of animals found in one of the richest wildlife areas on the African continent, along with the additional benefits experienced on a private game reserve.

Game drives traverse an area of 10,500 hectares (26,000 acres) and strict vehicle limits at sightings ensure the exclusivity of the game viewing experience. Sensitive off-road driving ensures that guests have the best possible view of any exceptional sighting and rangers are constantly in touch with each other to keep track of animal movements.