Sanctuary Retreats Adds New Safari Lodge in South Africa

This exclusive lodge, situated in the Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa's premier game-viewing destinations, joins the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio of 16 boutique safari camps and lodges across Africa on 1st August 2015.

Named after the African wild dog which can be found in the surrounding landscape, Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge has just eight glass fronted suiteshidden in lush riverside forest. Designed to have minimal environmental impact, the lodge was constructed from local stone, wood and thatch allowing guests to continuously experience the natural beauty of their surroundings. The stylish main lodge is on the edge of a ravine overlooking a waterhole frequently visited by game and has a spacious lounge and dining area which opens out onto a wide wooden outdoor deck, with spectacular views. There is also a spa offering massage and aromatherapy, air conditioned gym and a swimming pool.

Commenting on the new lodge Marco Rosa, Senior VP of Sanctuary Retreats Hospitality said, "We are delighted to expand our luxury collection of safari destinations with the addition of this stunning property in South Africa. Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge enables us to offer South Africa for the first time as a destination for a luxury safari with Sanctuary Retreats. It is also ideal to twin with one of our Botswana lodges making for a superb safari combination offering a range of experiences and differing landscapes in one holiday.”

The Madikwe Game Reserve is a 75,000 hectare malaria free destination which is home to the ‘Big Five', as well as the rare African wild dog, cheetah, giraffe, hyena and over 360 bird species. Activities on offer include morning and night game drives, guided walks, birding expeditions, bush dinners and sundowners.

Each air conditioned suite offers total privacy with its own private sun deck and outside lounge. The bathrooms are equally luxurious with roll-top bathtubs, double sinks, indoor and outdoor showers and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors which open the entire bathroom to the bush.

Guests also have the option to sleep under the stars surrounded only by the African wilderness at the lodge's raised ‘Star View Sleep-Out Hide'.

Sanctuary Retreats was established in 1999, when Sanctuary Olonana in Kenya was first opened. Today there are 17 boutique camps and lodges and 6 river cruise ships in the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio, all offering inspirational adventure travel experiences in stunning locations. From its beginnings in Kenya, a commitment to conservation and responsible tourism has been an integral part of the construction of Sanctuary Retreats' properties as well as its daily operations.

Sanctuary Retreats believe in building long lasting relationships with the rural communities where they operate. They sponsor long-term, viable and self-sustaining projects that are supported by visitors and staff. They work closely with communities in all their destinations to identify their needs and improve their general well-being through empowerment, improved infrastructure, skill development and the overall enhancement of health, education and welfare for the future.

Prices start from US $420 per person, per night, based on two people sharing.

For more information and to book, please visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com, contact reservations.europe@sanctuaryretreats.com or call + (44) 1242 546609