South Africa luxury safari property update
By Elena del Valle
Under normal circumstances our articles are based exclusively on the experiences and photography of our contributors at a destination and voyage. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have halted all travel. For those ready to travel now we are offering limited updates about destinations, properties and services featured in our pages in the past and whose representatives have responded to our questions and requests for updates. This series of updates began in 2021. We paused during the omicron surge. This is the first update in 2022.
Photos taken during pre-pandemic stay at Chitwa Chitwa
“Chitwa Chitwa’s outstanding combination of a stunning waterside location, beautiful room, Big Five game viewing and luxury features made it a Sabi Sand favorite,” summarizes our team’s impression of Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge in 2011 in South Africa’s famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve near Kruger National Park when we first profiled the property that year. Several years later our team was also pleased with the property. “We would recommend the lodge to friends and acquaintances who are fans of boutique safari properties, fine meals with a liberal dose of hot spices, and Big Five game viewing,” they said in our most recent profile of Chitwa Private Game Lodge 2015 published in 2016 following a three night stay late the previous year.
Photos taken during pre-pandemic stay at Chitwa Chitwa
Matthew Brink, marketing director, Chitwa Chitwa
In October 2021 Matthew Brink, marketing director at Chitwa Chitwa, replied to our questions about the property via email. Earlier this month he confirmed the information is still current.
LTR: Are you are welcoming international guests?
MB: Yes, our source markets are now able to travel to South Africa with better ease. This includes the likes of Europe, UK, and the US.
LTR: What policies and safeguards have you adopted in response to Covid-19?
MB: We have adopted new policies for Covid-19, I have attached our Covid protocol and policy below. (LTR readers can reach out to the property to request a copy – email information appears in the property profile on SimonAndBaker.com)
LTR: What is the maximum number of guests per game viewing vehicle?
MB: 6 guests per safari vehicle
LTR: Do you clean common areas, guestrooms daily?
MB: Yes, stringent health and hygiene protocol are followed
LTR: Is there a water shortage/drought or other conditions affecting facilities, guests amenities, etc?
MB: None
LTR: Are there any other updates to the property you care to share such as redecoration, refurbishment?
MB: We have been proactive throughout the various lockdowns and have maintained where necessary with skeleton crew at all times. All of the special Chitwa Chitwa experiences as if the environment was still normal, are offered in the safest way.
LTR: Do you offer private accommodations for those guest that want a private or isolated stay?
MB: All suites at Chitwa Chitwa are very exclusive and private, however for the very best exclusivity and privacy that money can buy, we offer the Chitwa House which is our Private Villa.
LTR: If you offer extended stay packages such as weekly or monthly rates provide details.
MB: We offer a pay 3 stay 4 special which offers free accommodation to one child under the age of 12, and it is applicable to one child per family sharing and children of all ages are welcome.
Photos taken during pre-pandemic stay at Chitwa Chitwa
Our teams stayed in rooms 1, 5 and 9. The 2016 property profile includes many photos of their rooms, common areas, meals, game vehicles, staff and some of the birds and game they sighted as well as their website address and contact information: Chitwa Private Game Lodge 2015
