Amazing safari property? Looking for these is a constant quest for us. Elaine and I have been fortunate enough to experience them in many different countries and many diverse environments. As we’ve said elsewhere, we are safari crazy, and we find something to love about all of them. Usually, a place will be fabulous in several ways and maybe just okay in others. For example, the game viewing may be super, but the guide wasn’t great. Or the room was really opulent, but the game not so much. It’s rare to find a place that excels on every level, and we have become pretty picky, so we don’t gush without reason. And by the way – true to the spirit of It Takes 2 To Travel – we don’t always agree! Seems like we have found an exception.

This page may contain affiliate links. See our DISCLOSURE.

Chitwa pool overlooks a lake where wild animals are present all the time

A Place To Treasure

When we visited Chitwa Chitwa in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Elaine and I came to a consensus pretty quickly. This place is right up there at the top of all the safari properties we have ever stayed at. How did we arrive at this rare conclusion? By looking at all the many factors that go into delivering an exceptional safari experience. It starts with the little things, like the welcome you get at check-in. Chitwa Chitwa is immediately warm, welcoming and efficient, with the cool face towel and drink offered as you alight from the jeep. Luggage is whisked away immediately, and you are made to feel like you’re the only guests and that they are delighted to see you. Now, we must say, this type of greeting is common at most upscale South African safari lodges, but Chitwa Chitwa does it as well or better than anybody. And all the other stuff was just like that: top notch from the get-go.

To be sure we weren’t just imagining things (because we seldom agree on EVERYTHING), we spoke to several guests at Chitwa Chitwa to get their take. They all had pretty much the same Wow reaction. For example, Terence and Molly are Brits who have done safari in Kenya in style, and were now at Chitwa Chitwa, being similarly blown away (in a lowkey genteel British way).

The Setting

The lake attracts many wild animals, especially in winter when it’s dry.

Next, you observe the architecture. There’s an inviting gatehouse with a reception area and a very well stocked gift shop. From there a pathway runs through a lush garden to the main building, which comprises dining areas, bar, library, and pool deck which all face on to a lake. The lake is the centerpiece of the setting because that’s where animals are coming to drink all the time. So while you’re sitting relaxing on the veranda, or sipping a drink in the pool, there’s a passing parade of everything from elephants to lions.

This is something we look for in our preferred lodges – the view of the animals. It’s really restful to be able to read a book outside the library and observe the herds passing by. Or to be able to photograph elephants feeding nearby while you take a dip in the pool. By the way, the name Chitwa Chitwa comes from the sound of the creaking joints of a beloved old giraffe who used to visit the lodge every day.

Room With a Wild View

The “rooms” are really luxurious little houses that blend perfectly into the landscape

Next thing you notice is the room configuration. Each suite is really its own little house. Unobtrusively constructed of stone with the typical thatch roof, as you approach you’re not prepared for the opulence inside. There’s a private dining area, another reading area, and a large separate dressing room/closet space. The bed itself is a gigantic kingsize four poster with elegant mosquito net. and it was extremely comfortable. Spotlessly clean, and with impressive artwork on all sides. Elaine loved the massive bathroom with an extensive vanity and dual sinks. A powerful shower and a separate toilet room make it all seem extremely luxurious. It is.

The opulence doesn’t end there. As you step outside, there’s your own private small swimming pool waiting for you to take the plunge.  Around the corner from the pool is a large outdoor shower. We loved the feeling of freedom while showering surrounded by nature, so that was another big plus. Chaise longues wait on your private patio, which overlooks the lake, and is separated from the wild by a barely visible electrified fence.

Each room has its own private pool and patio. We heard elephants munching nearby while we swam.

So we were pretty much blown away by Chitwa Chitwa’s magnificent setting and room – and that was before we even experienced our first safari.

The Most Important Part

Elephant at Chitwa Chitwa. There are LOTS.

Lest you think we are slugs who just like to laze in the lap of luxury, let us assure that for us, the safari is the most important part. We have stayed in all kinds of accommodations and been happy if we had a good safari experience. And we once stayed in a spa safari lodge that was so over the top with butlers and masseuses that we couldn’t wait to get back to the point of it all – the safari.

What was different about Chitwa Chitwa is that they clearly strived for safari excellence first, balanced with amazing accommodations. We found that out when we met our guide and went out on our first game drive.

Our Guide, Surprise

Our guide, whose name really is Surprise, was a superior game ranger. And that came as no surprise once we heard about his rigorous training and experience. As we have said, we’ve been on many safaris, and the standard of guiding, especially in Botswana and South Africa, is extremely high. What makes a good guide, you say? Sometimes, this is indefinable: you just know from the presence of the guide they have a feel for the bush that is partly instinctive, part training and a good deal about their passion. The great guide understands the mood and interest of the guests and goes all out to deliver that unforgettable safari experience while doing it safely and without compromising the animals’ space.

Surprise was one of those guys who just confidently set out with an attitude that he will find and deliver because he really understands the rhythms of the bush and the “personality” of the animals, coupled with an encyclopedic knowledge. His sense of humor and amazing ability to track animals made it constant fun to be in his jeep. We rated Surprise in the top 3 of the more than 50 safari guides we have had over the years. Chitwa Chitwa delivered on that aspect of the complete safari experience as well. Check out some of his style in this short video:

The Terrain Matters

Another feature to consider when you’re choosing a safari experience is the terrain and the animal population. Different types of terrain in the reserve you’re in determine the types of animals you will see. For example, if you’re in a forested area, don’t expect to see cheetahs, who need lots of room to hunt. It’s also good to know whether you are going for the scenery and spectacle of herds of thousands of animals or a much closer and more personal encounter with individuals. Havings seen millions of wildebeest in the Serengeti, we found that the sight gets old. We’re much more interested in observing varied animal behavior at close quarters. Plus the thrill of being within spitting distance of a leopard or lion in an open vehicle is hard to beat.

Chitwa Chitwa is situated in the Sabi Sand game reserve, a private reserve adjoining the massive Kruger National Park in South Africa. Sabi Sand is widely acknowledged as having the best leopard viewing in the world, as well as the highest rated overall safari experience. For example, Chitwa Chitwa’s more famous neighbor, Londolozi, was named Conde Nast’s Reader’s Choice #1 Hotel in the World in 2014, as well as #1 Safari Lodge in Africa. The environment is the same, and the great thing about private game reserves is that are exclusively for the use of the very limited number of guests at the lodges. So, unlike a national park, you are pretty much alone in the bush with nature, and your guide has the freedom to drive off the road and follow animals, track them and generally put you right in the middle of the action. By the way, much as we love Londolozi (and we do), we rate Chitwa Chitwa an equally amazing experience.

How About the Food?

A “boma” is an outdoor enclosure where dinner is served under the stars

Okay, here’s another rave. It’s just amazing the quality of cuisine that is produced here.

Elaine enjoys these cleverly pegged tacos. One of the 6 meals a day served here.

Watch Elaine’s interview here with Chef Oscar and cuisine consultant Sheila Steenkamp to get an idea of what goes into it. Suffice it to say that the food is world class. So are the dining settings. They go to great lengths to provide different and exotic dining experiences outdoors. We loved that. Read more about our take of food on safari here.

Conclusion

After visiting Chitwa Chitwa, you’ll be filled with memories of terrific comfort, incredible food, a gorgeous environment and above all, great safaris. To be honest, we struggled to find negatives. Sure, it’s pricey. But less than so than many of the others in this top of the range class. And it’s worth it, because they manage to get it right on every level, and that comes from a strong owner and strong management. Plus they have a very small number of lucky guests. Hats off to Charl Brink and his team for delivering a superior safari experience.

By the way, we don’t have any affiliate relationship with Chitwa Chitwa. This article is just our opinion.

You can find out more and book directly at www.chitwa.co.za