The lodge has panoramic views over the Sand River, which attracts diverse and abundant wildlife throughout the year. &Beyond have just two properties in its exclusive private sector (Kirkman's Kamp being the other), which lies in the game-rich southern portion of the Sabi Sand Reserve.

The total game drive area covers 40-square-mile (105-sq-km) and the very low density of safari camps in such a large game-drive area means guests will enjoy an exclusive experience, free from any crowds at wildlife sightings.

Wildlife in the Kirman's sector includes all of Africa's Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), as well as a variety of other species, including zebra, giraffe, greater kudu, impala, spotted hyena, African wild dog, cheetah, black-backed jackal, nyala, waterbuck, bushbuck, hippo, crocodile, warthog, and others.

Main area at Tengile River, showing the indoor lounge and bar with a view to the dining room.

As is true throughout the Sabi Sand Reserve, but especially so for properties located along the Sand River, birding is very good, with a mix of grassland, forest, and water birds present. The species grows substantially when the migratory birds arrive to breed starting around October and remaining until the end of the rains in March.

Tengile River offers 8 very spacious and comfortable guest suites, one of which is a double unit designed for families (note the double unit can also be used as two separate standard suites, making 9 standard suites). Each guest suite includes sweeping views of the Sand River and designed with a modern, year natural look using wood, metal, river rock, and glass panels.

The guest suites include a large bedroom, a spacious indoor lounge, a private multi-level outdoor deck with plunge pool and sunken lounge, indoor and outdoor showers, heating for cold winter nights, and air-conditioning unit for the warmer days.

Tengile means "tranquil" in the local Shangaan language and the feeling evoked while sitting on your private veranda and looking out at the river, suggests the name was well chosen.

Guest suite interior at Tengile River Lodge.

The lodge's main living area includes a expansive dining room, lounge, library, and bar area, with glass panels that provide views to the campfire are and Sand River just below. The indoor spaces can be opened via glass-paneled sliding doors that lead to a large viewing deck that can also be used for al fresco dining. The custom-designed décor is modern and chic, but blends well with the natural surroundings. The spa, lap pool, and gym are just a short stroll away.

Activities offered at Tengile include day and night safari game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guided nature walks, cultural visits to one of the nearby communities outside the game reserve, and cooking with the chef in the lodge's interactive kitchen.

AndBeyond are one of Africa's leading safari operators and they strive to minimize energy consumption at all their camps. Tengile River Lodge is connected to the national grid with a backup generator available. Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the pristine ecosystem of the Sabi Sand Reserve.

Indoor dining buffet at Tengile River Lodge.

About the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

The Sabi Sand Reserve directly borders the Kruger National Park and is without question one of Africa's best safari destinations. There is no better safari area for seeing all of the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) in their natural habitat and it is not uncommon for visitors to see all five on a single game drive in the reserve.

The Sabi Sand is comprised of a diversity of habitats including open plains, rugged rocky outcrops, woodlands and riverine forests.

Wildlife in the reserve is diverse, and besides the Big Five, includes many other species, such as giraffe, zebra, impala, hippo, crocodile, spotted hyena, African wild dog (or painted wolf), cheetah, wildebeest, greater, kudu, warthog, and more. Both black and white rhino species are seen regularly. Common primates include chacma baboon and vervet monkey. Bird life is prolific and diverse.

The Sabi Sand is renowned for its leopards; here one is seen on a game drive in the &Beyond sector.

The reserve is named for the two primary rivers that flow there. The Sand River enters the roughly square-shaped reserve in the northwest, flowing east and then south through the heart of the reserve, where it joins the Sabie River, which forms a portion of the reserve's southern border.

Some of Africa's most established safari operators have had safari camps in the reserve going back to the late 1940s and the long history of safaris over many decades had habituated the wildlife to the safari vehicles, which means they carry out their lives paying little attention to the vehicles.

Game drive and lions in the &Beyond sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve.

The Sabi Sand is most renowned for being the best place in Africa to see leopards, which in most safari areas are known to be elusive and sometimes difficult to see. This is not true in the Sabi Sand, which has miles of forested areas that are prime habitat for these beautiful big cats.

There are a multitude of safari camps in the Sabi Sand, each of which manages their own parcel of land, and all of them offer an excellent safari experience for their guests. Some of the best properties are those located along the Sand River.

The Sabi Sand Reserve is contiguous with Kruger National Park and the animals move freely between the two protected areas (the fence that once separated them was removed in 1993) as one large and spectacular ecosystem.

Black rhino sighting on a game drive in the Sabi Sand.

Although Kruger and the Sabi Sand are a single uninterrupted ecosystem, the experience of staying at a camp in the national park is vastly different from that of staying in the private Sabi Sand Reserve.

Kruger National Park has strict regulations and far more visitors, with off-road driving prohibited, while camps in the Sabi Sand permit off-road driving to follow big cats or for a closer look at other unique sightings.

Click to learn more about the Sabi Sand Reserve.

ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES

Accommodation

8 guest accommodations in total comprising:

7 twin-bedded air-conditioned luxury suites, each with two three-quarter beds (separate mattresses with shared base). Mattress converters are available that transform the twin beds into a king size bed.
1 air-conditioned family suite consisting of two regular suites connected by a 40-foot (12-meter) covered walkway to create a double suite. Each of the suites has two three-quarter beds and en-suite facilities. Each side of the family suite has the same private outdoor areas as the individual suites, with deck, sunken lounge, and private pool. The family suite can accommodate two adults and two children (12 years and above only). Note that the double unit can also be used as two separate standard suites.

Each guest suite offers panoramic views over the Sand River. En-suite facilities include a double-basin vanity, indoor shower, outdoor shower, and separate toilet. Large wooden and glass sliding doors open onto a private multi-level deck with a sunken lounge area, daybed, outdoor shower, and rim-flow plunge pool.

The suites are connected to the camp's main area by sandy footpaths on the ground.

Guest suite showing bath and view to pool deck and bedroom.

The spacious and modern suites are designed using natural materials, including river rock, wooden beams, hardwood ceilings, and plenty of glass panels on the walls so provide views to the river. Each suite is an incredible 2 196 square feet (204 sq meters) in area. The distance between guest suites ranges between 35-100 feet (10-30 meters).

Other items and features in the guest suites include:

Large multi-level private outdoor deck with plunge pool.
Air-conditioning unit for warm summer days and nights.
Heating for cold nights.
Large indoor lounge area.
Private butler service.
Fully-stocked private bar and coffee station.
Complimentary pair of Swarovski binoculars (one per suite).
In-room Wi-Fi (also available in main guest area).
Ceiling fan.
Telephone.
Hairdryer.
In-room safe.

Tengile River can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 8 standard suites and 2 adults + 2 children (12 years and older) in the family suite.

Includes & Excludes

Includes:

All meals and local beverages including soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas, and coffees.
Safari experiences (game drives, walking safaris, birding, and local community visit) accompanied by an experienced guide.
Africa Foundation community visit.
Guides' Journal with featuring wildlife checklists and maps.
Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik CL Companion 8×30 binoculars per suite for use during your stay.
Emergency medical evacuation insurance.
Wi-Fi access.
Tourism Levy & VAT.

Excludes:

Purchases from the Safari Shop.
Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits, and cigars.
Spa / wellness treatments.
Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.

Single Supplement
A single supplement may apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.

Children

Families can rest assured that your children will always be safe and well cared for (both during activities and at the lodge) by the lodge staff.

Children aged 12 years and above are accommodated at Tengile River:

1 family suite available (2 suites linked by an enclosed walkway).
No triple suites available.
Safari walks for children at the discretion of the Lodge Manager.
For families with younger children, the nearby Kirkman's Kamp accommodates children from age 3 years.

AndBeyond’s WILDchild programme, designed especially for children, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family, but forges strong bonds between young guests, our planet, and its people.

Facilities

Architecturally stunning dining, bar, and lounge areas with a mix of open, indoor, private, and interactive areas. The expansive main area is elevated to give views overlooking the Sand River.

Main guest area facilities include:

Lap pool with deck and loungers situated at the spa and wellness sala.
Campfire area with comfortable lounge seating on the lawn overlooking the river.
Traditional boma for outdoor dining nights.
Interactive kitchen where guests may learn from and interact with the chef.
Healing Earth Spa offering massages and wellness treatments.
Well-equipped gym with treadmill, watt bike, yoga mats, exercise balls, and free weights.
Wine storage.
Safari Store.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access (also available in the guest suites).
Guest toilets in main area.

Activities

Activities included in the rate:

Day and night game drives in open 4x4 Land Cruisers.
The safari drive vehicles can accommodate 10 guests, but the lodge allows a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle for shared groups.
A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik CL Companion 10×30 binoculars per guest suite for use during your stay.
Guided one-hour walking safaris.
Birding.
Africa Foundation community visit.
Stargazing.
Cooking with the chef in the interactive kitchen.

Optional activities at additional cost:

Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked in advance).
Wellness treatments.

Example of a typical day:

Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
Return to camp for a meal and rest period.
Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
Enjoy a nightcap and/or discussion around the fire before retiring.

Great Good Fair Poor

WHEN TO GO

The Sabi Sand Reserve offers very good to excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, but summer (December through mid-March) rains may interfere when they set in, particularly during especially wet years.

The animals in the Sabi Sands and the other private reserves around Kruger National Park do not migrate, although some may range widely between Kruger and the private reserves. During the middle and later stages of the rainy season, the grass becomes tall and the bush becomes lush and thick, which makes for lovely colors, but makes spotting wildlife more difficult.

The winter (June through August) is dry and cool and wildlife may be easier to find as rain water is evaporating and the rivers and deeper waterholes become more frequently visited by the animals.

Tengile River Lodge is open year-round.

SUMMER & RAINS

Late spring and summer (from December into Mid-March) is the rainy season in this region and some rains can be heavy, so avoiding the months of January and February is a good idea if you want to avoid rainy days. Wildlife viewing can still be good during the rainy months and the landscape and dramatic skies make for exceptionally good photography.

Palaearctic migrant birds arrive to breed beginning in September and some herbivores (particularly impalas) time their birthing cycles to coincide with the rains so that the mothers have plenty of rich grasses and foliage to eat when they need to produce milk. Tourists may shy away from this season, so safari camp prices and availability is better.

The majority of rain comes between November and March, and January and February are the wettest months. Temperatures are hot and humid during the rains, with daytime temps averaging 90°F/30°C, but reaching as high as 104°F/40°C on some days.

WINTER / DRY SEASON

The winter months (June through August) are dry and the temperatures are comfortable during the midday, but chilly to cold overnight and in the early mornings. Game viewing gets better and better as the season progresses and the last of the rain-filled waterholes become drier and drier.

Once the temporary rain-filled waterholes dry up, the animals remain close to the permanent water in the rivers and scattered permanent water holes, making them easier to find. Warm clothing is advised for the chilly morning game drives in the open vehicles.

April and May are the transitional months between the end of summer and the start of winter. Morning temps are around 54°F/12°C and afternoons average 79°F/26°C.

June thru August are the middle of winter and rainfall is very rare. Mornings are quite chilly, averaging 48°F/9°C. The afternoons are clear and sunny, averaging 77°F/25°C. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with animals tending to congregate along the waterways and at the permanent water holes.

September is a lovely month in terms of both wildlife viewing and temperatures. A few brief rains may fall, but the days are typically beautiful, with afternoon temps averaging 82°F/28°C and mornings a comfortable 57°F/14°C. This is one of the busiest months for tourists and most lodges are booked out far in advance.

October is very dry, with much of the lush bush now in desperate need of the coming rains. Days can be blisteringly hot, but the game viewing is excellent.