Chitwa Chitwa Stories

The Dam That Never Sleeps

Chitwa Dam is one of the largest permanent bodies of water in the Sabi Sand. What comes to its edge has shaped the landscape and drawn life to its banks for decades. This is its story.

A Luxury Safari Honeymoon in Sabi Sand

Honeymoon. A thought as sweet as the word hidden within it. Living in this modern world calls for a chance to switch off our devices and tune in to each other. And what better way to do that than on a luxury safari honeymoon in the Kruger National Park? While the world is filled with idyllic honeymoon destinations, nothing quite compares to the intimate escape of the prestigious Sabi Sand Game Reserve. And in this reserve lies Chitwa Chitwa, the ultimate setting for a truly unforgettable honeymoon.

A Legacy Rooted in the Wild

Back in 1978, under the speckled shade of old leadwood and jackalberry trees, Carolus Brink stopped walking. He just stood there… still, quiet, listening to the hum of life in the Sabi Sand. Something about that place felt different. The trees seemed older. The air carried a calm that only the true wild can give. He knew, right then, that this was where his family’s story would take root.

Is a Luxury Safari Worth It?

Every time I think of Sabi Sand, my heart swells with joy. It’s the kind of memory that doesn’t fade. Instead, it deepens. For me, the greatest luxury is silence. And silence, as I’ve come to realise, is expensive.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Sabi Sand for a Safari?

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve holds a different kind of magic. While most speak of its wide-open bush, iconic wildlife, and extraordinary lodges, for me, it's something deeper. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Chitwa Chitwa every year since I was two years old. What began as my grandfather’s farm has since been transformed into a world-class safari lodge by my uncle, Charl. It’s more than just my favourite place; it's part of who I am.

The Wild Comes to You at Chitwa Chitwa

Thanks to a generous rainy season, the Chitwa Dam is once again near full capacity, a promising sign for winter safari travellers. In the dry season, when smaller waterholes dwindle, this permanent water source becomes a magnetic drawcard for wildlife. Elephants, buffalo, antelope, and even lions converge here, creating a show of nature that plays out in front of your suite.

Packing for Safari

New Lion Cubs at Chitwa Chitwa

Witnessing the start of a new, young cub’s life is magical. And we’re delighted to share that earlier in May, a lioness from the Nkuhumba pride has been confirmed to have given birth on one of our traversing properties!

Things You Only Notice on Your Second Safari

Returning to the bush is like reading your favourite book again. Each time, you notice underlying storylines, you get to know the psyche of the characters better, and you notice what the characters don’t say.