About
The wildlife-watching never stops at Exeter River Lodge, part of the high-standard &Beyond portfolio of safari properties and superbly well-positioned with the Sabi Sand reserve. As well as spying the Big 5 and lots of leopard on daily game drives, guests can admire elephants from their shower, or snap surfacing hippos while wallowing in a private plunge pool. Even the attractive – and recently refurbished – dining areas afford the chance to gasp at passing crocodiles.
Accommodation
Shaded by an ebony grove, these eight air-conditioned suites are romantically scattered along the seasonal Sand River’s banks with enough space to guarantee privacy. Luxuriously appointed, each is exquisite and spacious, and each boasts gobsmacking river views, indoor and al-fresco showers, bathtubs and a plunge pool and timber deck facing the water.
Facilities
Refurbished in May 2015, the guest areas also dramatically overlook the Sand River. Long, lazy lunches tend to be taken under a mammoth sausage tree, while dinners – plates from across the continent, plus celebrated South African wines – are gobbled in a traditional open-air boma under star-covered skies. If it’s cold, a log fire is lit. There are deep, slumpy sofas, too, and yet another river viewing deck. Massages can be ordered for those who overdo the neck-craning.
Activities
Included are day and spotlit night game drives, during which the photo opportunities are myriad. This is one of South Africa’s best places for both Big Five and leopard sightings. Also complimentary are birdwatching and bush walks, on which armed rangers share their vast knowledge – everything from identifying animal alarm calls to spotting leopard claw marks.
Child Policy
Children over the age of 8 are welcome at the lodge and will enjoy the family-focused drives and special children’s programmes make for an incredible few days.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
