Silvan Safari is a luxury safari lodge set in one of the most renowned game reserves in South Africa, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park and is celebrated for having the richest game population in the country and over 500 bird species. The reserve is well known for its awe-inspiring wildlife sightings, particularly those of the elusive leopard.
While you need 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. Game drive times mimic the movements of the wild, so you will go in search of wildlife when the animals are most likely to be on the move (early mornings, late afternoons, and evening) and you will retreat to the shade as they do for respite from the midday heat. Experienced guides bring guests closer to nature and their knowledge and appreciation of the African bushveld is captivating. Blankets and state-of-the-art Swarovski binoculars are available for guests use in all game viewing vehicles.
The safari lodge features modern and bold architecture, with vibrant bursts of colour throughout, and redefines a luxury safari experience. Accommodation is in 6 unique safari suites, each of which has its own private plunge pool. Their design has been inspired by the indigenous species of trees found around the lodge, and includes individually handcrafted masterpieces throughout.
The lodge also boasts a lap pool overlooking the Manyeleti riverbed and which is also sometimes visited by the resident elephant herds who dip their trunks in for a quick drink before wandering off back into the bush. There is also a state-of-the-art photographic studio, an excellent bar plus a wine cellar. The lodge also has a nearby waterhole.
Meals are typically served in the main lodge, but can also be enjoyed privately on your deck or shared with a group in a specially chosen location.
The Ansellia Spa blends seamlessly into the bush and offers bespoke signature treatments that integrate local rituals and indigenous ingredients to create a truly immersive experience.
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Rates Include
Three meals per day; all drinks; 2 game drivers per day with a qualified guide; game drive refreshments and snacks; walking safaris; return road transfers between the Silvan airstrip and the lodge; and a laundry service are included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change).
Children Policy
Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under 12 years can only be accommodated if the lodge is booked exclusively.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on walking safaris. The final decision on whether a guest can join a walking safari remains with the guide and lodge manager.
Directions For Drivers
From Johannesburg via Nelspruit: take the N12 to Emalahleni (Witbank) At Emalahleni (Witbank), take the N4 to Nelspruit.
Directions once on the R531: Continue straight for 30 km. Once you have passed the South African Wildlife College (on your left), after 100m turn right onto a gravel road. Follow this road for 3 km, then turn left (the turn is 50m past a soccer field on your right). Drive down a narrow road for 400m, turn right on to a wide sand road, and continue for another 7.8 km. Continue on this gravel road until you reach a T-junction. At the T-junction you will see the Hluvukani Viva petrol station in front of you. Turn left onto the tar road to Gottenberg/Manyeleti and follow the tar road for 6.1 km. Turn right onto a dirt road, and follow this for 6.4 km until you see the Uthar Clinic on your left. Turn left onto the gravel road (Utha Store will be on the right) – and travel 7.3 km to the Gowrie Gate.
From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park via the Orpen Gate and travel along the R531 towards the R40. About 10 km on the tar road, before the South African Wildlife College, you will see a gravel road to your left. Turn left (helpful hint – if you pass the South African Wildlife College, you have gone too far). Follow this road for 3 km, then turn left (the turn is 50m past a soccer field on your right). Drive down a narrow road for 400m, turn right on to a wide sand road, and continue for another 7.8 km. Continue on this gravel road until you reach a T-junction. At the T-junction you will see the Hluvukani Viva petrol station in front of you. Turn left onto the tar road to Gottenberg/Manyeleti and follow the tar road for 6.1 km. Turn right onto a dirt road, and follow this for 6.4 km until you see the Uthar Clinic on your left. Turn left onto the gravel road (Utha Store will be on the right) – and travel 7.3 km to the Gowrie Gate.
ONCE AT THE GOWRIE GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change and please note that the gate opens at 06:00 and closes at 19:00). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit. Once inside the gate, follow signs to Silvan Safari Lodge.
Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Please DO NOT follow your GPS 'quickest route' co-ordinates for the lodge. This route inevitably leads guests through the incorrect entry gates (Kruger National Park and into the Sabi Sand Reserve) which do not service the lodge. Furthermore, many of the prescribed roads are not navigable in a normal vehicle. Following GPS co-ordinates can result in getting lost in the middle of the bush, or un-necessary delays of up to 3 hours.
General Information For Guests
The lodge boasts a spa, lap pool, bar, dining area, living boutique, photographic studio and a wine cellar.
The living areas feature oversized day beds set around the viewing deck and pool.
Activities that are available include morning and afternoon game drives, bush breakfasts/dinners and walking safaris.
State-of-the-art Swarovski binoculars are available in each of the game vehicles.
The Knobthorn suite is wheelchair-friendly.
The Silvan Studio has large scale printers, Apple computers, a media room for photographers and artists alike, and is fully-equipped with supplies.
The Ansellia Spa offers a range of different treatments and massages (additional cost).
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.
A laundry service is included.
Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club credit cards are accepted.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on walking safaris. The final decision on whether a guest can join a walking safari remains with the guide and lodge manager.
