Royal Ingwe River Lodge Situated in the Gretaer Kruger National Park

Expeience the magic of the Greater Kruger while relaxing at Royal Ingwe River Lodge

Royal Ingwe River Lodge

Nestled along the unfenced western boundary of the legendary Kruger National Park, Royal Ingwe River Lodge is more than just a luxury retreat—it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the African wilderness.

Tucked away in the heart of the Olifants West Nature Reserve, this five-star sanctuary blends eco-luxe design, sustainability, and conservation-driven hospitality to create an unparalleled safari experience. Every detail, from the handcrafted décor to the lodge’s seamless integration with its surroundings, reflects a commitment to both indulgence and environmental harmony.

At Royal Ingwe River Lodge, every stay contributes to the preservation of South Africa’s most precious landscapes while uplifting local communities. It’s not just luxury; it’s luxury with a purpose. Come and discover the extraordinary—where the wild meets the refined.

Imagine arriving at Hoedspruit Airport and stepping into a world of unspoiled nature within just 45 minutes. Here, you’ll find yourself on the tranquil sandbanks of the Olifants River, embraced by the soothing sounds of the bush and the distant roar of a lion. It’s not just a getaway—it’s a soul-stirring adventure that will leave you forever connected to Africa’s wild heart.

Olifants West Nature Reserve, is a 24,000-hectare conservation area located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Situated on the western side of the Kruger National Park, and i part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The reserve is renowned for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich biodiversity. The name “Olifants” is derived from the Olifants River, which flows through the area, providing a vital water source for both the flora and fauna. The reserve is home to a variety of large mammals, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Visitors can also expect to see a wide range of antelope species, such as kudu, impala, and zebra. Bird enthusiasts will find the reserve particularly exciting, as it hosts over 200 species of birds, including raptors, hornbills, and eagles. The unique mix of habitats, from open savannas to riverine forests, supports a rich ecosystem. The reserve is a key part of the greater Kruger ecosystem and plays a significant role in wildlife preservation, offering a safe haven for both endangered species and a thriving natural environment..

Accommodation

7 luxury suites and a house overlooking the Olifants River

Each suite at the lodge is a unique haven of tranquillity, featuring hand-crafted furniture and one-of-a-kind South African artworks. Guests can indulge in the comfort of super king-sized beds, revel in spectacular river views, and enjoy the convenience of both indoor and outdoor showers.

The expansive wooden decks and outside daybeds invite relaxation amidst the sounds of the African bush, while the indoor fireplaces in select suites add a cosy touch to the evenings.

Royal Ingwe Cambridge House boasts over 450 m² of sophisticated living space, designed with handpicked art, bespoke furniture, and community-crafted woven ceilings above the beds from KwaZulu Natal. Accommodating up to 8 guests, the villa features four exquisite bedrooms, two in the main house and two freestanding units, each with its own deck and breathtaking views.

As food and drinks are an integral part of any experience you will enjoy meals served in different places of the lodge.

Lodge Facilities

Gym Maintain the balance between your body and mind at the gym, with a selection of state-of-the-art fitness equipment that caters to all fitness levels from cardio machines and strength training facilities to free weights. With round-the-clock access, you can work out at any time during your holiday.

Spa and Wellness The spa offers restorative health and beauty treatments, using premium beauty products. Indulge in time off from reality with a massage, body treatment, facial or nailcare treatment either in the tranquillity of the spa, the comfort of your suite or villa, or during your private hide excursion.

Hide excursion Time slows down during a private excursion to one of our three hides; no matter whether you want to see the animals through your telephoto lens or just relax and enjoy view, this is yet another way in which to engage with the natural world on your own terms.

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.

Safari activities

Game Drives As the sun begins its ascent over golden savannahs, the anticipation of what is to come dances in the air. Guided by the expertise of our FGASA-accredited guides and knowledgeable trackers search for the Big Five. The expert guides unravel the secrets of the African bushveld through their personal insights and stories, captivating the essence of being on an African safari.
Private Safari Vehicles Having a private vehicle at your disposal gives you unlimited time at game sightings and allows your private guide and tracker to curate your wildlife experience according to your special interests. Ask about availability and additional costs at the time of booking.

Making a difference

As part of our deeply-rooted conservation efforts, we created one home for the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit within an historical farmhouse on our private property within Olifants West Nature Reserve, this even preceded the opening of our lodge because we understand the importance of conservation as a precursor to sustainable responsible tourism. The least we could do is offer them a safe space, so that they may easily patrol the unfenced areas bordering the Kruger National Park. The Black Mambas are the world’s first all-female, anti-poaching unit comprising 36 unarmed tribal women, who demonstrate that community empowerment, engagement and education are powerful tools in their arsenal of grassroots conservation initiatives. Their approach extends beyond traditional law enforcement, instead, they cultivate a spirit of conservation within communities surrounding Hoedspruit and the Greater Kruger region. Their Bush Babies program empowers youth to recognize the long-term value of protecting the environment while inspiring a new generation of conservationists. Since their formation in 2013, the Black Mambas have reduced poaching activities in the area by 93%, and at the opening of Royal Ingwe in March 2024, we celebrated 400 days without a wild animal falling prey to poaching.

Saving the world’s most trafficked mammal is no easy feat. The Pangolin Collective is a dedicated team of researchers, wildlife experts, vets, rehabilitators and anti-poaching units who use scientific research, advocacy efforts and community engagement to save pangolins from extinction. The non-profit actively collaborates with law enforcement to dismantle global pangolin trafficking networks. Confiscated or rescued pangolins are rehabilitated, released back into the wild and monitored in what is a time-consuming and costly process. The group is building a critical body of knowledge on pangolin behaviour and ecology to further inform conservation efforts. Royal Ingwe River Lodge contribution is to support the Pangolin Collective and to raise awareness among our guests, as well as employees, about the threatening situation these animals are facing.