Sashwa River of Stars is located on a private game reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park, which has open fences with the Kruger National Park. Together, the area spans over 2 million hectares where wildlife can roam freely, allowing for an authentic wilderness experience.

There are daily flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Airport. From there you can get a road transfer to the lodge which is about a 1h20min scenic drive through the Greater Kruger Park.

Each and every month and season at Sashwa brings unique highlights to see and experience from the dry colder winter season between May-September where the waters of the Olifants River flow clear and the hippos spend time sunbathing on its banks to the hot wet season between October- April where a paradise of migratory birds arrive and many animals have their young. December - February are the hottest months with temperatures close to 40 degrees celsius but we have a swimming pool and many air conditioned spaces to retreat to during the heat of the day.

Encounters may include some of “The Big 5”, but our focus is firmly on fostering connection and meaningful time spent with all the wildlife on the land. We believe the local Shangaan saying that “a leopard chooses to reveal him/herself to us, we do not choose to see a leopard”, and this is true for all wildlife. Our borders are open to the entire 2,6 million hectares of the Greater Kruger Biosphere allowing wildlife to roam freely onto and through our land.

We recommend a minimum of 3 nights, but ideally 5 nights or longer to truly relax into nature’s rhythm and to enjoy all the experiences that Sashwa River of Stars has to offer.

Absolutely, if you are seeking a slow and soulful safari experience, you will love Sashwa. We are not about chasing sightings of the big 5, or spending hours upon hours in a game viewing vehicle, rather we embody a holistic approach to safaris.

Yes, our chef is incredibly knowledgeable and able to cater for a variety of dietary requirements, please just let us know ahead of time. Our kitchen is majority plant-based, with optional addition of eggs.

Yes, our water goes through a specialized filtration system on site and is mineralized and healthy for you. It runs through the entire system at the lodge so every shower or bath you take or tap you open is optimal for your health. We bottle our still and sparkling water on site.

We are located in a low risk malaria area, please discuss with your care provider what precautions to take. You will need a Yellow fever vaccination if you are visiting from a yellow fever zone. Please consult with your health care provider on any recommendations and precautions before your travels.

Sashwa subscribes to a medical team and evacuation service; however please ensure you have medical emergency coverage on your travel insurance policy prior to arrival.

There is wifi in dedicated areas of the lodge, but we do encourage you to unplug as much as possible during your stay and be mindful if talking on your phone in common areas.

You will find charging points in all of our rooms. We have USB and USB-c SA and European round and two pin plug points.

Children over the age of 16 are welcome at Sashwa. If you have booked the lodge exclusively, children of all ages are welcome. Please keep in mind that we have an unfenced swimming pool and electric fencing surrounding camp.

Staff and guide gratuities are at your own discretion. We encourage consideration of all the team involved in making your stay as comfortable and special as possible. A token of your appreciation goes a long way towards recognition and pride in their work. There will be a gratuity info sheet with space to allocate staff gratuities should you wish by c/card or cash upon check out.

All meals, beverages, safari drives and walks, daily guided yoga and meditation, homemade snacks from our 24 hour self-service snack bar, laundry and use of facilities including gym, infrared sauna, pool, relaxation lounges, meditation room, creative studio and wildlife hide within camp.

Apart from our home made range of herbal iced and hot teas, kombuchas and healthy mocktails we also have a selection of Painted Wolves organic conservation wines and select special spirits. Please note that our focus at Sashwa is on holistic wellness in the wilderness, and we are not the appropriate place for heavy drinking and raucous behavior.

Spa treatments and holistic offerings, extra or private activities, creative art sessions, airport transfers, purchases from our shop, guide and staff gratuities at your discretion.

We do not charge a reserve concession fee or a compulsory community levy. We encourage you to rather make a voluntary donation to our children’s environmental community educational camp located inside the reserve.

Although we do not conduct tours to the children’s educational community camp as this would be disruptive to their daily rhythm you may see them out and about enjoying a safari drive. Should you genuinely be interested in becoming a donor and getting more involved a visit can be arranged during your stay.

We would love to assist you in arranging something special, please enquire in advance.

You may book the entire lodge for your retreat or special occasion. Please see our rates sheet for more information.

Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 10am.

Our daily schedule at Sashwa River of Stars changes with the seasons and weather. We have created the ideal space within the fenced area of the lodge for you to just unwind, reset your natural biological clock and do as much or as little as you would like. Every day there are optional wilderness activities and immersions on offer for you to join.
In the summer months safari drives and walks start before daybreak to take advantage of the morning freshness followed by a later breakfast and then yoga inside our cool Sanctuary. During the heat of the day its time to relax in one of the many chill spots we have around the lodge with lunch in between. As the end of the day approaches there is another wilderness immersion option to enjoy such as a safari drive with quiet time to watch the sunset.
During winter months days have a slower start with yoga and breakfast first followed by a safari drive or wilderness walk. Return late morning to the lodge and enjoy some creative inspiration in our art studio or in the outdoor tranquility garden with lunch and then perhaps spend some quiet time at our resident Hide. In the afternoon there is another safari drive or wilderness immersion activity on offer with a campfire around the Boma to greet you on return and maybe a star bath before you say goodnight.