Sashwa River of Stars

South Africa

PERSONALITIES

Mindfulness practitioners. Ethical Explorers. Soul searchers. Solo Travellers. Plant-based eaters. Yogis. Wildlife lovers. Bird watchers. Stargazers.

MOMENTS

Sunrise meditation and breathwork. Africa’s iconic wildlife in its most natural and unrestricted form. Starlit sky. Celebrating the wild. Reconnecting with the natural world at your own pace.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

At Sashwa, every month and season offers something truly special, inviting you to experience nature's ever-changing wonders in a unique way. From the dry, cooler winter months between May and September, where the perennial Olifants River draws in an array of wildlife to its banks, to the vibrant wet season from October to April, where migratory birds flock and many animals welcome their young, each time of year has its own charm.

The Winter Season (May - September):
Mid-May marks the transition from summer to winter, bringing with it a landscape that shifts into warm shades of golden yellows and earthy browns. With many trees shedding their leaves, the silhouettes of branches stretch towards the sky. Wildlife gathers at the remaining waterholes and the perennial rivers, like the Olifants River - where you’ll have the chance to marvel at hippos basking in the sun on the banks, elephants quenching their thirst, antelope grazing nearby, and birds dancing over the water’s surface.   While night temperatures can dip to 10°C, the days warm up to a pleasant 27°C, offering the perfect conditions for scenic Wilderness Walks, breathtaking sunsets, and indulgent moments in our infrared sauna at the Wholeness Centre. The starry skies above Sashwa invite you to unwind with a soothing Star Bath.

The Green Season (October - April):
As the season shifts in September, the days grow hotter, and the skies darken with the anticipation of afternoon thunderstorms. When the rains arrive, they transform the landscape overnight, painting the surroundings in vibrant shades of green, and filling the air with the hum of new life. This is a time of abundance—migratory birds flock to the area, and the distinctive call of the Woodlands Kingfisher echoes along the riverbanks. It's also when many animals give birth to their young, adding a sense of joy and excitement to the bush. While the days can be warm and humid, with temperatures soaring above 40°C at times, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Early morning safari drives offer refreshing coolness, while the saltwater swimming pool provides a welcome retreat during the hotter hours. Air-conditioned spaces offer a tranquil escape for a mid-day siesta, ensuring you remain comfortable no matter the temperature.

Whether you're drawn to the tranquil serenity of the dry season or the lush vibrancy of the wet season, Sashwa invites you to immerse yourself in the rhythm of nature, with all its beauty and contrasts.

COST

WHY STAY

Sashwa River of Stars is a landscape hotel set along the banks of the Olifants River in the heart of Greater Kruger Park in South Africa. Named for the way its shimmering waters reflect the brilliance of the Milky Way above, this secluded sanctuary offers an unparalleled connection to the rhythms of nature. With no borders separating it from the vast Kruger National Park, wildlife moves freely across 2.5 million hectares of protected wilderness, providing guests with a rare and intimate view of Africa’s most iconic species. Whether it’s watching elephants wade through the river, spotting vibrant birdlife in the lush gardens, or listening to the distant roar of lions under a starlit sky, every moment at Sashwa is a celebration of the wild.

The lodge features twelve elegantly designed suites, each thoughtfully crafted to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Guests can choose from premier riverfront, luxury garden, and traditional rondavel suites, all equipped with organic amenities, meditation cushions, and private outdoor decks for quiet reflection. The Eagle Premier Riverfront, Butterfly, and Lioness Luxury Garden Suites offer added indulgence with freestanding bathtubs and plush cotton robes. For those seeking a direct connection to the river, only three suites—Eagle Premier Riverfront, Owl Luxury Riverfront, and Sunbird Luxury Riverfront—offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of the water. From sunrise to sunset, the ever-changing scenery invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural world in absolute comfort.

Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Sashwa offers an unparalleled wellness experience. Guests can unwind in the infrared sauna, take a dip in the saltwater pool while elephants wander nearby, or enjoy yoga and meditation sessions in peaceful studio spaces. The Wholeness Centre provides spa treatments and a fully equipped gym, while an art studio inspires creativity amidst the wild beauty of the African bush.

Sashwa proudly welcomes all travelers and celebrates LGBTQ+ inclusivity, creating a safe, affirming space where everyone can feel truly at home. Every aspect of the lodge is designed to create a meaningful and immersive retreat, where relaxation, adventure, and the wonders of the wilderness come together in perfect harmony.

Koru Camp

“At Sashwa, we believe in the inherent power of nature and profound wildlife experiences to heal, inspire, and transform. We are committed to creating a positive impact through our innovative social enterprise model. Unlike a traditional non-profit, a social enterprise generates profit to achieve specific social objectives. For us, this means supporting Koru Camp, a community engagement tented camp on our shared reserve dedicated to uplifting the previously disadvantaged through educational and empowerment programs.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and our operations are designed to serve the land, the community, and the wildlife. We provide employment and training opportunities for local residents, fostering economic growth and development. We are driven by our core purpose to deeply connect others to nature and wildlife, inspiring them to become positive change-makers in their own lives and the natural world. Our mission is to drive positive change, creating a more equitable and sustainable world by harmonizing transformative travel with deep environmental and social responsibility. “

WHY WANDER

Sashwa is set just outside of Hoedspruit, a hidden gem in South Africa’s Lowveld region, where the untamed beauty of Kruger National Park meets the breathtaking landscapes of Blyde River Canyon. Surrounded by vast wilderness, the area offers a rare combination of lush riverine forests, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping savannas. The Olifants River, which runs through the reserve, attracts an abundance of wildlife, creating an ever-changing spectacle of elephants, hippos, and birdlife. With open borders to Kruger, this pristine location allows guests to experience Africa’s iconic wildlife in its most natural and unrestricted form, while also offering a sense of tranquility away from the crowds.

The landscape surrounding Sashwa is as diverse as it is awe-inspiring. The towering cliffs and verdant slopes of Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest green canyons, provide a striking contrast to the golden grasslands and dense acacia woodlands that define the reserve. Guests can embark on guided hikes, scenic drives, and immersive bush walks, discovering panoramic viewpoints, hidden waterfalls, and ancient rock formations. Whether gazing at the dramatic Three Rondavels, exploring lush gorges, or simply soaking in the shifting hues of the African sky, every moment in this landscape fosters a deep connection to nature.

At Sashwa, experiences are designed to engage all the senses, from exhilarating game drives tracking the Big Five to peaceful moments in the lodge’s creative and wellness spaces. Guests can observe wildlife up close from the River of Stars Hide, join a guided yoga or meditation session overlooking the river, or unwind in the Wholeness Centre’s infrared sauna. The lodge also nurtures creativity, offering an open-air studio where guests can paint or sketch inspired by the scenery. As night falls, the magic of the African wilderness takes center stage, with stargazing sessions, fire-lit gatherings, and the distant calls of lions echoing through the landscape.

INDULGE IN

Rooted in a garden-to-table philosophy, Sashwa’s plant-based kitchen prioritizes sustainability, health, and culinary artistry. Led by Chef Arabella Parkinson of Eat to Thrive Consultancy, the food program follows a Circular Gastronomy approach, celebrating local, seasonal, and indigenous ingredients while ensuring that food waste is reintegrated into the ecosystem to regenerate soil. Every dish is carefully crafted to be both vibrant and nourishing, using high-quality whole foods free from processed sugar, refined carbohydrates, and seed oils. Guests are invited to explore the organic permaculture garden, where fresh produce is grown using regenerative techniques, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional value of each meal.

Dining at Sashwa is designed to be as immersive as the surrounding wilderness. The main dining area features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering uninterrupted views of the Olifants River and its ever-changing wildlife activity. For those seeking a more intimate experience, outdoor dining spaces provide the perfect setting for leisurely lunches under the pergola or candle-lit dinners beneath the stars. A self-service bar stocked with vegan-friendly wines and thoughtfully curated non-alcoholic beverages enhances the dining experience, allowing guests to sip and savor in harmony with nature.

Sashwa’s dining program reflects a deep commitment to conservation and responsible food practices. By sourcing locally and minimizing waste, the lodge reduces its carbon footprint while celebrating the flavors of the region. Guests are encouraged to engage with the process, whether by learning about permaculture from the lodge’s head gardener or simply experiencing firsthand how food can be both nourishing and regenerative.

GETTING THERE

Sashwa is easily accessible by air and road, offering a seamless journey into the heart of the Greater Kruger wilderness. Daily flights operate from Cape Town International Airport and OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport. From there, the lodge is a scenic 1 hour and 15-minute drive away. Travelers can check flight schedules and make bookings through local carriers, Airlink and Cemair.

For a hassle-free arrival, Sashwa offers pre-arranged airport transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport to the lodge at an additional cost. Along the way, the journey through the Greater Kruger Park entrance offers the opportunity to spot wildlife, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay.

For those who prefer to drive, a self-drive option from Johannesburg takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to reach Hoedspruit, followed by an additional 1.5-hour drive to the lodge.

WILD INITIATIVES

“We don’t own the planet Earth, we belong to it. And we must share it with our wildlife.” - Steve Erwin

Sashwa operates as a social enterprise, using its profits to drive meaningful change rather than following a traditional non-profit model. A key initiative is Koru Camp, a community-focused tented camp dedicated to uplifting disadvantaged individuals through educational and empowerment programs. Committed to sustainability, Sashwa integrates environmental and social responsibility into every aspect of its operations, from providing local employment and training opportunities to fostering a deep connection between guests, nature, and wildlife.

At the core of Sashwa’s mission is conservation. Since acquiring the reserve, it has transitioned from a former hunting concession into a thriving sanctuary, restoring biodiversity and ensuring wildlife protection. Recognizing nature as a healing force, Sashwa is dedicated to preserving the land for future generations while promoting a harmonious coexistence between all living beings. Koru Camp plays a vital role in this effort by introducing local communities to their natural heritage through immersive wilderness experiences, conservation education, and sustainable living skills, inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards.

Sustainability is a fundamental pillar of Sashwa, shaping its approach to hospitality and daily operations. A plant-based kitchen and organic permaculture garden provide locally sourced, nutritious meals while minimizing the lodge’s ecological footprint. The property runs entirely on solar power, filters its own water, and prioritizes biodegradable products to reduce waste and pollution.

Photos property of Sashwa, Maike, @douda_bis, fat dassie