Tintswalo Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park Vacations, Safari Tours and Luxury Travel Packages

Tintswalo is an exclusive safari lodge under traditional grassing. Situated on a private Manyeleti Reserve concession, within the Greater Kruger National Park.

A pristine wilderness reserve nestled between the Sabi Sand, Timbavati and Kruger Park, abounding in big five game and spectacular bird life. Manyeleti is unique for its minimal vehicle density and so offering a true exclusive safari experience.

Tintswalo Safari lodge is situated along a seasonal river bed among an ancient sycamore tree grove. The exquisitely appointed main lodge overlooks a waterhole frequented by a large herd of elephant and other big game. The Explorer suites are all linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways.

Tintswalo Manor house, an intimate homely setting with complete privacy is also within the concession. Luxury en-suite air-conditioned rooms over look a water hole that often welcomes thirsty visitors of all kinds.

Tintswalo in the Shangaan language means the intangible feeling of love, gratitude and peace that you bestow upon someone who has given you a meaningful and worthy gift. This is what our guests experience!

Explorer Suites

The Tintswalo suites are authentically decorated to recall the pioneering times of the nineteenth century African explorers. The air-conditioned suites are situated along the banks of the seasonal Nwaswitsontso River. Providing supreme comfort, privacy and effortless birding, as well as the opportunity to view a large variety of big game from the privacy of your suite. The indoor/outdoor shower leads off from the spacious bathroom which opens out onto the deck. Luxuriate in a private plunge pool or just relax on a lounger under the African Sun.

Baker Suite - Samuel and Florence Baker romantically travelled together through the African Wilds, an unusual occurrence for their era. This suite has a romantic feel with a beautiful hand carved four-poster bed.

Kingsley Suite - Mary Kingsley, a nineteenth century spinster, explored with humble resources collecting fish and insects samples for the Royal Geographic Society. An understated twin or double suite.

Livingston Suite - The most widely known explorer of Africa's colonial history. A twin or double luxury traveller suite.

Burton Suite - Richard Burton, a controversial character donning a turban, historically he translated the Arabian Nights into English. A richly decorated twin or double suite.

Speke Suite - John Hanning Speke, a true gentleman, also in search of the illusive source of the Nile. A spacious luxury suite with large four-poster.

Stanley Suite - Originally a Welshman, Henry Morton Stanley was the man who found Livingston. A beautifully appointed double suite with a large sleigh bed.

Baines Suite - Thomas Baines, an engineer and artist. This suite is the Presidential and accommodates four guest as part of the main lodge or privately.

Presidential Suite

The Baines Presidential Suite has two full suites joined by a spacious living area and open plan kitchen. Dining at the presidential can either be experienced in the privacy of the suite, served by a Tintswalo chef or guests may enjoy any of the main lodge dining venues.

Guests in the presidential can remain in quiet seclusion with private guided activities or can make use of the main lodge facilities.

Children are welcome in this suite, main lodge facilities are however for adults only, unless prior arrangement has been made.

The wizardry of dining al fresco with a fusion of the unique tastes and spices of Africa is a challenge readily accepted by our chefs. Enjoy unique dining venues, expect an adventure. Our imaginative wine cellar and well-stocked bar complete our concerns over your taste buds.

Tintswalo’s chefs are trained in both South African and international cooking styles. Plated meals are served in sophisticated dining areas, including the romantic cellar and under the star scape of the African night sky. Private dining is available on request, and we will cater for any special dietary requirement when informed in advance.

A perfect combination! After a long day's exploration in the bush, moments of supreme relaxation, inner peace and rejuvenation of one's spirituality. Elan Vitál spa specializes in hands-on treatment for both men and women utilizing concentrated plant-based Clarins and Jessica products to stimulate all your senses.

Tintswalo's schedule is infinitely flexible. The day's activities are planned around you, the guest. A typical day would start with an early morning game drive and perhaps a picnic breakfast. Followed by an al fresco lunch on the main lodge deck and afternoon leasure time to allow for a relaxing spa treatment. The evening drive continues into the night and your day is rounded by a crystal candlelit dinner.

Game Drives and Walks

Game viewing at Tintswalo takes place on foot or in individually seated open landrovers.

The vehicles are equipped with spot lights for night viewing, radios for communication with the lodge and other guides and of course mosquito repellent. Individual blankets are always provided for the night chill.

Walks in the reserve are guided through the ever changing environment of the African bush. This experience allows the guest the opportunity to come away with information on wildlife, nature enlightenment and insight into the local Shangaan traditions; this is only obtainable with an 'on the ground' experience.

Star Gazing

Manyeleti, in the Shangaan language means place of the stars. Tintswalo's guides have extensive knowledge of the night sky and are equipped with a Meade telescope to plot the southern hemisphere constellations.

Birding

The Manyeleti is in a unique central geological location. It enjoys both the northern and southern bird species of this wilderness region. It is well known for its huge diversity, well over 400 species, from large raptors to the resident kingfishers that frequent the hand railings and trees at the lodge.

Cultural Activities

The surrounding community is predominantly from the Shangaan tribe. Historically settled within the Lower regions of Southern Africa this tribe was defeated in the 1800s by Shaka Zulu. The chief Shoshangana fled over the Lebombo Mountains and settled once again in areas reaching across the Mozambique border and South Africa.

The Shangaan have largely retained their culture, being rich in folk lore and story telling. Strongly spiritual people they believe in the presence of their ancestors.

A visit to the local community is not a tourist related activity, but rather an experience to see the dynamics of our local communities. How life in Africa is lived.

VH

These hotels are Virtuoso members and offer special amenities and upgrades that are ONLY available when you book with us. Our Virtuoso travel consultants will assure you incredible value and recognition on your luxury vacation.