A Place of Second Chances

Where four rivers converge beneath the silhouette of the Drakensberg Mountains, along the bend of the Timbavati River, a once-forgotten wilderness is stirring back to life. Sandringham Private Game Reserve is a place of stories - of survival, resilience and, in its darker chapters, the impact of human interference.

But now, a new story is being written. Five years ago, the Sabi Sabi Collection team began to rehabilitate and renew the reserve. Hidden pockets of wilderness that were left abandoned now hum with life. The animals are relearning trust, realising that our presence no longer signals danger, that we are not here to harm, but to coexist. Our mission was simple: to restore Sandringham Private Game Reserve to what it was always meant to be - a place where nature thrives on its own terms, protected and conserved.

Bordering the Timbavati and Thornybush Game Reserves, Sandringham Private Game Reserve forms part of a thriving, interconnected ecosystem. As our neighbours, they remind us that conservation knows no borders - and that the true inhabitants of the land are the animals that roam it. Sandringham Private Game Reserve is home to two elegant camps, Shisaka Camp and N’weti Camp – each with six luxury suites designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape. In addition, Shisaka Camp offers two Luxury Villas, offering exclusive spaces for multi-generational travellers. A central main lodge area connects the camps and serve as a place to gather, dine, relax and prepare for unforgettable safaris. With a private gravel airstrip, guests arrive directly in the heart of the bush or a scenic 45-minute drive from nearby Hoedspruit.

Main Lodge Overview

Set on a gentle curve of the Timbavati River, the main lodge at Sandringham Private Game Reserve beautifully reflects the themes of its neighbouring camps: N’weti Camp, which refers to the silhouette of the distant Drakensberg Mountains under a moonlit night, and Shisaka Camp, which translates to ‘nest’ - inspired by the elevated architectural designs resembling nest-like rooftop salas on each suite. Both names are drawn from the Tsonga language, which is deeply embedded in the region’s heritage. The architectural vision for the lodge emphasises a seamless integration with the surrounding environment.

The reserve is a protected area, allowing wildlife to move freely within a conserved environment. Materials such as screed and stone are thoughtfully chosen to reflect the river, and a thatch-like structure echoes the dense riverine bush. Elements like quartz stone, reminiscent of granitic soils of Sandringham Private Game Reserve, enhance the tactile, earthy feel of the design. On one side, the lodge features a bar and dining area with retractable stacking doors, leading to a timber deck with cafe-style seating. This spot captures the warm afternoon sunlight, ideal for pre-dinner drinks. The exclusive nature of this area allows for private dining by N’weti Camp guests. Adjacent to the bar, the restaurant unfolds onto an expansive, all-weather dining deck where guests enjoy meals – from sumptuous breakfasts and nourishing lunches to elegant dinners. A unique wine cellar houses an exclusive collection of South Africa’s hidden gem fine wines, creating an intimate setting for private dinners. For an unforgettable evening, the outdoor boma offers a dining experience under the vast night sky and the nearby firepit lounge is a snug spot for nightcaps where tales of wildlife encounters are shared.

A timber walkway connects the dining areas, leading to a gym and a spa, promising invigorating workouts and relaxing pampering sessions. A curated museum presents the rich history of the reserve. This narrative will be complemented by a library housing a collection of historical and contemporary books which give insight into this remarkable reserve. Additionally, a bush boutique offers a bespoke selection of bush-inspired clothing and unique souvenirs – tangible reminders of your stay. With every detail thoughtfully planned by the Sabi Sabi Collection team, the main lodge invites guests to experience not only the beauty of nature but also the heritage of Sandringham.

N'weti Camp

This canvas camp is perched on a hill and overlooks the Timbavati River, with the Drakensberg Mountains etching a dramatic silhouette against the sky. The name ‘N’weti’, refers to this view under a moonlit night.

It captures the stark beauty of this majestic mountain range, inspiring a place where adventure and the luxury of modern safaris converge. Each of the suites reflect the tones of the surrounding wilderness with a palette of earthy browns, soft greens and calming neutrals. Wooden floors, hand-selected textures, mortared natural stone and timber finishes, create a tactile and grounded atmosphere. Upon entering, a welcoming foyer leads to a master bedroom centred around a king-sized bed, perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the views of the river right in front of you. To the left, a half-moon lounge nook with a built-in seating area invites relaxation, while floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors bathe the space in natural light, opening onto a timber deck.

Beyond the bedroom is a spacious dressing area and an elegantly appointed bathroom, complete with double vanities and a freestanding bathtub placed beside sliding glass doors - ideal for long, contemplative soaks with views of the wild. The circular indoor shower, designed with architectural flair, opens to an outdoor shower - screened on one side for privacy, yet open to the unfiltered beauty of the bush on the other. The curved timber deck wraps around each suite, intentionally designed to maximise light and exposure to the landscape. Whether enjoying the shift of sunrise colours, sipping wine at the golden hour of sunset, or listening to the sounds of the African wild, this space presents a front-row seat. A lowered deck section draws you even closer to nature, while a stoneclad infinity pool offers respite from the summer heat. N’weti Camp offers a modern-day safari under canvas, where the adventure and authenticity of Africa meet, framed by the mesmerising mountains in the distance - a reminder of the timeless call to explore.

Shisaka Camp

Positioned in a Tamboti thicket along the banks of one of the many tributaries flowing into the Timbavati River, Shisaka Camp features six luxury suites designed to blend with the natural surroundings. A distinctive feature of these suites is the ‘rooftop salas’ that are nest-like structures situated on the roofs, which provide a unique space for relaxation, leisurely naps or quiet time in nature. From this vantage point, guests can observe the vibrant birdlife during the day and a star-studded sky at night. Accessed via a staircase from the timber deck below, the ‘salas’ epitomise a nest in the treetops, true to the Tsonga meaning of ‘shisaka’. The interiors are designed with calming blues and greys that reflect the river waters, complete with cool wooden floors underfoot. An indoor/outdoor lounge area extends each suite onto a timber deck shaded by a pergola, which includes a private infinity pool that reaches towards the river.

The presence of the river shapes every aspect of the Shisaka Camp experience. The suites’ semi-circular design maximises the views of the flowing water and the distant Drakensberg Mountains, framed by expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors. The bedroom, with its luxurious king-sized bed, adjoins a spacious bathroom with a double vanity and a strategically positioned free-standing bath that offers spectacular views through the sliding doors. A large dressing room adds to the expansive feel. The glass continuity is evident as the indoor shower opens to an outdoor shower on the timber deck, allowing guests to feel immersed in nature, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the river and the gentle breeze. The architectural language of the Shisaka Camp luxury suites and their placement along the river not only elevate each stay but also deepen guests’ connection with the seasonal dynamics of the river and the surrounding Tamboti forest.

Drawing inspiration from the elegant design of each Shisaka Suite, its two luxury villas are created for families or groups of friends travelling together. To the left of the entrance, the first bedroom features an en-suite circular bathroom with a double vanity and a centrally placed shower. Large sliding doors open onto the timber deck, merging indoor comfort with the natural beauty outside. The second bedroom, slightly larger than the first, includes a spacious dressing room followed by a generously sized bathroom with a double vanity, free-standing bath and a dual-access shower that leads to an outdoor shower on the timber deck. Between the bedrooms, an expansive lounge serves as the heart of the Villa. The versatile indoor lounge space can easily be converted to accommodate additional sleeping arrangements and opens onto a pergola-shaded timber deck – perfect for family gatherings or quiet moments of relaxation. The extensive outdoor deck features a sunken lounge and a large infinity pool, reinforcing the exclusivity of the space. A private game drive vehicle comes included with each Villa, promising unforgettable safari excursions. The architectural sophistication, combined with the use of stone, cement and timber, creates villas that are both striking and authentically attuned to the natural surroundings. The Villas are the quintessential choice for families and groups seeking a refined wilderness escape.

Sandringham House

Set upstream from the main lodge, Sandringham House offers the ultimate expression of privacy and exclusivity. Conceived as an exclusive-use House, the 1100m² residence accommodates up to eight guests across four en-suite bedrooms and is supported by a dedicated chef, butler, ranger and private vehicle. The experience allows for days to be shaped around individual preference, whether that means sunrise game drives, leisurely mornings overlooking the bush, or unhurried afternoons spent beside the pool. The generous scale of the home is a defining feature, with connected volumes creating both flow and separation. The structure unfolds through a series of linked wings and multiple living areas. The bedroom suites are thoughtfully separated from the central entertaining spaces, while wide passageways and open thresholds establish an effortless sense of flow throughout the home. It allows different parts of the house to be used simultaneously, which is relevant for families or groups travelling together.

Drawing inspiration from the architectural language of the N’weti and Shisaka Camps, the interiors adopt a richer, more residential interpretation. Timber-lined ceilings, exposed beams and natural stone are softened by layered textiles, handcrafted furnishings and carefully curated finishes. Spacious lounges and elegant dining areas are anchored by substantial timber tables, inviting seating and sculptural lighting, while a palette of muted greens, washed blues and warm earth tones reflect the surrounding bush.

The main living areas extend directly onto the outdoor terrace, where the pool sits slightly elevated above the landscape and takes advantage of the expansive, near 360-degree views across the Timbavati River and the reserve. Adjacent to this, a sunken fire pit provides an intimate gathering place, inviting long evenings beneath African skies as the transition between indoors and outdoors becomes almost imperceptible. Sandringham House is positioned for families or small groups seeking privacy, scale and flexibility. It offers a more personal alternative to the traditional lodge format while maintaining the timeless hospitality associated with the Sabi Sabi Collection.

A Proud Member of the Sabi Sabi Collection

Sandringham Private Game Reserve is the latest chapter in the legacy of the Sabi Sabi Collection, standing alongside the internationally celebrated Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve – renowned for over 45 years of excellence in conservation, responsible tourism and world-class safari hospitality. Now, Sandringham Private Game Reserve builds upon this foundation - not to replicate, but to complement.

A place with its own character, its own rhythm, its own story.

Welcome to Sandringham Private Game Reserve, where wilderness has been given a second chance, and every safari becomes part of its continuing story.

Welcome to a place of second chances.