The 2025 Safari Awards Winners Announced:  Best Safari Operator in Africa - Jack's Camp ........ Best Safari Experience in Africa -  Sirikoi ..........Best Safari Property Location in Africa - Greystoke Mahale..........Best Family Safari Experience in Africa - Sirikoi ..........Best Marine Safari Experience in Africa - Azura Benguerra ..........Best Safari Guiding Team in Africa - Cottars 1920's Camp .......... Best Safari Cuisine in Africa - Chem Chem .......... Most Romantic safari Property in Africa - Jack's Camp .......... Best Safari Spa in Africa - Royal Malewane .......... Best Riding Safari Operator in Africa - Ride Botswana .......... Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris .......... Best Walking Safari Operator in Africa - Robin Pope Safaris .......... Best Value Safari Property in Africa - Flatdogs .......... Best New Safari Property in Africa - Onguma Camp Kala .......... Best Safari House/Villa in Africa - Mkombe's House Lamai .......... Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property in Africa - Grootbos Garden Lodge & Qorokwe Camp .......... Best Community Focused Safari Property in Africa - Singita Pamushana .......... Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation in Africa - Mara Elephant Project .......... Best African Tourism Board - Rwanda Tourism Development Board .......... 

Inyati Game Lodge

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Embark on an unforgettable journey in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.

Awards

Exciting news! 
Inyati Game Lodge has been named a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Winner for 2025!
We're honoured to be among the top 1% of listings worldwide. Thank you for your support!

-TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2024 – Best of the Best
-TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2023

-Booking.com Traveller Review Award 9.9 out of 10

-Travellers’ Choice (previously Certificate of Excellence)
-TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2022
-TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2020

Prior to 2020, this award was known as the Certificate of Excellence
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019
TripAdvisor Hall of Fame – 2015 to 2019

Lilizela Awards 2018 - Finalist South Africa:  Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters 

Lilizela Awards 2017 - Provincial Winner (Mpumalanga) Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters  

Lilizela Awards 2016 – National Winner – South Africa:  Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters  
Lilizela Awards 2016 - Provincial Winner (Mpumalanga) Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters  

Lilizela Awards 2015 – National Winner – South Africa:  Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters  
Lilizela Awards 2015 - Provincial Winner (Mpumalanga) Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters  

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame (2011- 2015) Five-Time Winner of “The Certificate Of Excellence”. This unique accolade is granted only to those businesses that have won the Certificate of Excellence for five years in a row.

Lilizela Awards 2014 - Provincial Winner (Mpumalanga) Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters  

 

What's Special About Inyati Game Lodge

Game Drives

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is not open to the general public and is renowned for providing some of the best game viewing in Africa. At Inyati, we take a different approach—one rooted in ethical guiding and conservation, earning our safari vehicles the trust of animals in the reserve. Limiting the number of vehicles at sightings to a maximum of two (with rare exceptions for three), we can ensure undisturbed wildlife interactions allowing for extraordinary encounters with even the most elusive species.

We are proud to own the largest track of land and pristine riverfrontage in the western sector, which remains carefully preserved to further enhance the remarkable game-viewing opportunities at Inyati. With only 11 luxury chalets, we prioritize intimate, authentic and truly unforgettable safari experiences tailored to what you want to see most. With over 9,000 hectares of traversing wilderness, no two game drives are the same.

Safari Awards

2019-Best Safari Guiding Team in South Africa: Runner up                                                                        
2019-Best Value Safari Property in South Africa:  
Third Place (3rd)                                                           
2019 - Best Walking Safari in South Africa:  
Third Place (3rd)     
2019 – Best Family Safari Experience in South Africa: 
Highly Commended           
2018 - Best Safari Guiding Team Finalist:  
Highly Commended                                                                     
2018 - Best Walking Safari Finalist:  
Highly Commended                
2017 - Best Safari Guiding Team Finalist:  
Highly Commended                                                                     
2017 - Best Value Safari Property Finalist:  
Highly Commended  
2017 - Best Walking Safari Finalist:  
Third Place (3rd)       
2015 Best Safari Guiding Team - 
Finalist   Highly Commended                                                                    
2015 Best Value Safari Property - 
Finalist  Highly Commended        
The Safari Awards:  2014 Best Value Safari Property - 
Finalist                                                                       
The Safari Awards: 2013 Best Safari Guiding Team - 
Nominee     
2015 Best Walking Safari - 
Finalist  Highly Commended 

Would you like to share your experience with us? Vote

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Embark on an unforgettable journey in the Western Sector of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, bordering Kruger National Park. Get close to Africa’s iconic Big 5, including the rare chance to spot elusive leopards in their natural habitat.

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All you need to know

Intro

Inyati Game Lodge is located in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, which is known for its high wildlife density and offers almost guaranteed sightings of the Big Five. Being in a private concession allows for ethical guiding and sensitive off-roading practices, enhancing wildlife interactions. Inyati accommodates up to 25 guests, ensuring a more personalized and intimate atmosphere. Each chalet is tastefully furnished with stunning views of the African bush and Sand River.

Highlights

From the thrill of a leopard sighting to the tranquillity of a bush walk or savouring a magnificent African sunset overlooking the Sand River, your time with us is more than just a vacation’s an unforgettable holiday.

Need To Know

Born from a diverse and rich tapestry of ancestry our guides and trackers are storytellers for the land. Some of whom are third generation at Inyati, building a lifelong bond with colleagues and guests alike.
Inyati is committed long term sustainability and to respecting the local community and environment in which we live. We care about our people and the communities around us. Inyati employs about 40 permanent staff, most of which are from the local community. Many of our staff has been with Inyati for more than 10 years making Inyati their home and creating that family atmosphere that the lodge has become renowned for.  

Safaris

Our Safari Team

At Inyati Game Lodge, our safari field guides and trackers are the heart and soul of your wildlife experience. You’ll spend more time with these knowledgeable and passionate individuals during your stay than anyone else. With a dedicated guide and tracker, you’ll have unparalleled access to explore the wonders of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.

Our experienced and deeply committed team comes from diverse backgrounds but shares a common love for nature and conservation. Their contagious enthusiasm makes them true ambassadors for preserving our beautiful reserve.

Wildlife

Game Drives

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is not open to the general public and is renowned for providing some of the best game viewing in Africa. At Inyati, we take a different approach—one rooted in ethical guiding and conservation, earning our safari vehicles the trust of animals in the reserve. Limiting the number of vehicles at sightings to a maximum of two (with rare exceptions for three), we can ensure undisturbed wildlife interactions allowing for extraordinary encounters with even the most elusive species.

We are proud to own the largest track of land and pristine river frontage in the western sector, which remains carefully preserved to further enhance the remarkable game viewing opportunities at Inyati. With only 11 luxury chalets, we prioritize intimate, authentic and truly unforgettable safari experiences tailored to what you want to see most. With over 9,000 hectares of traversing wilderness, no two game drives are the same.

Quick Facts

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms)
Average Stay

The average guest prefers 2-4 days, as this provides an incredibly enjoyable safari experience.

Average Price

The rates quoted are per person, per night sharing and priced in South African Rand : 

2025: The sharing rate applicable is R13,950 pp/pn for an en-suite chalet.

Rates quoted are per person, per night sharing and include air-conditioned en-suite accommodation, all daily meals and a house selection of beverages. Game drives in open 4-wheel safari vehicles conducted by experienced guides and trackers, refreshments on game drives, fishing and walking safaris. 

Child Policy

We regret that children under the age of twelve (12) are not permitted unless the same group or family has reserved the entire lodge.

The per-person sharing rate applies to children.

Accommodation

All Chalets Are Equipped With:

  • Comfortable Climate Control: Air-conditioning & overhead fans to keep you cool.
  • En-Suite Bathrooms: Complete with premium amenities for your convenience.
  • Refreshing Outdoor Showers: Available in our luxury chalets for a unique experience.
  • Essentials for Your Stay: Insect repellent and a hairdryer.
  • Personalised Refreshments: Mini bar fridge, stocked upon request.
  • Convenient Beverage Options: Tea & coffee facilities are available for your enjoyment.
  • Secure Storage: Mini-safe for your valuables.
  • Stay Connected: Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your stay.
Accolades

Exciting news! 
Inyati Game Lodge has been named a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Winner for 2025!
We're honoured to be among the top 1% of listings worldwide. Thank you for your support!

-TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2024 – Best of the Best
-TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2023

-Booking.com Traveller Review Award 9.9 out of 10

-Travellers’ Choice (previously Certificate of Excellence)
-TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2022
-TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2020

Prior to 2020, this award was known as the Certificate of Excellence
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019
TripAdvisor Hall of Fame – 2015 to 2019

Lilizela Awards 2018 - Finalist South Africa:  Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters 

Lilizela Awards 2017 - Provincial Winner (Mpumalanga) Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters  

Lilizela Awards 2016 – National Winner – South Africa:  Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters  
Lilizela Awards 2016 - Provincial Winner (Mpumalanga) Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters  

Lilizela Awards 2015 – National Winner – South Africa:  Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters  
Lilizela Awards 2015 - Provincial Winner (Mpumalanga) Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters  

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame (2011- 2015) Five-Time Winner of “The Certificate Of Excellence”. This unique accolade is granted only to those businesses that have won the Certificate of Excellence for five years in a row.

Lilizela Awards 2014 - Provincial Winner (Mpumalanga) Service Excellence – Visitor Experience Award for Wildlife Encounters  

Season

Inyati experiences seasons opposite those in Europe and North America. The reserve has two distinct seasons: a dry winter season and a wet summer season.

Dry Season (Winter): May to October

During the dry season, the vegetation thins out, and animals congregate around waterholes, making them easier to spot. Early mornings and evenings can be quite chilly. Pack warm layers for game drives, especially in June-August.

Wet Season (Summer): November to April

This is the ‘green season’ with lush landscapes, newborn animals and ample birdwatching opportunities. Pack light, breathable clothing and sunscreen as our summer can be quite hot and humid. Bring a raincoat for afternoon thunderstorms.

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms)
All inclusive rates
Validity 31-12-2024 to 30-12-2025

OUR RATES INCLUDE:

  • Air-conditioned en-suite accommodation.
  • All meals, local house wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks.
  • Twice-daily game drives in open game-viewing vehicles, walking safaris and fishing (accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers).
  • In-room Wi-Fi.

OUR RATES EXCLUDE:

  • All flights and transfers and applicable airport taxes.
  • Certain special meal requests.
  • Curio shop purchases.
  • Gratuities.
  • Laundry.
  • Premium alcoholic beverages.
  • Private safari vehicles.
  • Sabi Sand Nature Reserve gate entrance fees and SAN Parks conservation fees.
  • The Sabi Sand Guest conservation contribution levy (GCC).
Download

This transition to solar power aligns with Inyati Game Lodge’s mission to operate responsibly and sustainably in the safari industry. By embracing renewable energy, the lodge sets an example for others in the industry to follow and reaffirms its dedi

20-02-2024 @ 10:36am
Best Safari Property Location

INYATI GAME LODGE IS LOCATED ON AN OASIS , CAN,T GET ANY BETTER FOR A LOCATION . AND WITH SABI SANDS NEAR BYE . ITS A BIG WOW FOR SO MANY SPECIAL LOCATIONS ????

V
06-04-2025 @ 4:50pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

GUIDE TEAM & TRACKING GUY , WORK HAND & HAND ! BOTH ARE IMPRESSIVE AT THEIR JOB WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND SAFETY ISSUES FOR ALL THE GUESTS . TEAM WORK AT ITS BEST

V
06-04-2025 @ 4:50pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

WATCHED SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT WERE ON A WALKING SAFARI . LOTS OF INTERESTING THINGS WERE POINTED OUT AND SHOWN WHAT WAS IN THE AREA . A GREAT LEARNING LESSON OF AFRICA

V
06-04-2025 @ 4:50pm
Best Value Safari Property

ALWAYS THE VERY BESI IN PRICE AND VALUE . FIRST CLASS AND SO WELL PLANED FOR ALL GUESTS

V
06-04-2025 @ 4:50pm
Best Value Safari Property

Have stayed at Inyati before and returning this year it was the best experience. The staff went above and beyond to help make our stay memorable. Our guides were outstanding and so full of knowledge.

06-04-2025 @ 7:38am
Best Safari Property Location

The variety of Wild life took our breath away, the lodge was stunning

V
05-04-2025 @ 6:47am
Best Safari Guiding Team

Diff and Lucas, get two thumbs up on tracking, knowledgeable and memorable

V
05-04-2025 @ 6:47am
Best Walking Safari Experience

Diff, and our small group of 4 - braved the bush..exciting, educational and one of a kind walk

V
05-04-2025 @ 6:47am
Best Value Safari Property

The entire experience over exceeded my expectations. From start to finish - the entire staff made you feel at home. Chef Celia, kindly accommodated my specific vegan diet, Diff and Lucas awesome!

V
05-04-2025 @ 6:31am
Best Value Safari Property

Inyati Game Lodge

05-04-2025 @ 6:01am
Best Safari Property Location

At Sabi Sands with the abundance of animal life, how could a location be any better.

CK from Australia
04-04-2025 @ 11:53pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

I always try and book they same guides as they are so friendly and informative and when I take my disabled friend they just can’t do enough to make her holiday a memorable one.

CK from Australia
04-04-2025 @ 11:53pm
Best Value Safari Property

I will be going to Inyati for the 5th time in a few months, that should tell you how much I enjoy it there.

CK from Australia
04-04-2025 @ 11:47pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

Keith and his team guides and trackers do an amazing job finding animals to view on every outing.

04-04-2025 @ 5:18pm
Best Value Safari Property

Beautiful property and lodges, over looks river, meals in various locations on property

04-04-2025 @ 5:18pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Keith and his team, cooking & serving staff are wonderful and very friendly.

04-04-2025 @ 5:18pm
Best Safari Property Location

Lovely area with lots of terrain to view during the safaris.

04-04-2025 @ 5:18pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

We learned about the animals, plants, insects, Southern constellations and the Rhino anti-poaching team.

V
04-04-2025 @ 5:04pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

We walked out to the giraffes. Along the way we identified plant species, insects and tracks. Amazing.

V
04-04-2025 @ 5:04pm
Best Value Safari Property

It is a stunning safari experience

MD from United Kingdom
04-04-2025 @ 4:54pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

Excellent and informative.

MD from United Kingdom
04-04-2025 @ 4:54pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

They are the best ever.

MD from United Kingdom
04-04-2025 @ 4:54pm
Best Safari Property Location

It's beautiful on the river with huge lawns in front of eating area where yiu van watch elephants in the river amd warthog and monkeys running around. Even a leopard one evening.

MD from United Kingdom
04-04-2025 @ 4:54pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Omega and Joel fantastic, had them for 2 holidays

V
04-04-2025 @ 2:03pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

We had 5 nights at Inyati with Roger as our guide, very informative and a lovely human being. In fact all the guides and staff were amazing

V
04-04-2025 @ 1:17pm
Best Safari Property Location

Great wildlife viewing both on and around the property!

V
04-04-2025 @ 12:34pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Friendly, knowledge guides made our visit so much fun and memorable!

V
04-04-2025 @ 12:34pm
Best Safari Property Location

Incredible river frontage - best in the Sabi Sands - can regularly see big 5 from the lodge veranda

DP from South Africa
03-04-2025 @ 8:52am
Best Safari Guiding Team

A very experienced team with minimal staff turnover. Most have lived in the vicinity all their lives

DP from South Africa
03-04-2025 @ 8:52am
Best Value Safari Property

serengeti woodlands camp

V
11-03-2024 @ 12:32pm
Best Value Safari Property

Amazing team, accommodation and food

MW
10-03-2024 @ 8:36pm
Best Value Safari Property

Stayed 4 nights in late 2024 and was amazed by the quality and frequency of sightings. Gret value for Sabi Sands location.

10-03-2024 @ 5:17am
Best Safari Guiding Team

Never cease to impress with game viewing

JV
07-03-2024 @ 6:03am
Best Value Safari Property

Stunning views from the whole lodge

JV
07-03-2024 @ 6:03am
Best Value Safari Property

Price Quality with very good guides and nice looking property

ML
06-03-2024 @ 6:26pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

We stayed at Inyati and had the best experience across all areas, Guides were amazing and knowledgeable and it was the best

02-03-2024 @ 9:08am
Best Safari Guiding Team

I super enjoyed the Guiding team and felt so privileged to have Keith being our guide. It was perfect.

V
28-02-2024 @ 10:55pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

It was fun and exciting!

V
28-02-2024 @ 10:55pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

I love that they have solar panels and wells.

V
28-02-2024 @ 10:55pm
Best Value Safari Property

We had the best time at Inyati, it was absolutely wonderful and we got to experience the wild life above our expectations.

V
28-02-2024 @ 10:50pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Unbelievable guides who have a vested interest in not only the park and its animals but the visitors.

28-02-2024 @ 4:21pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Tough to beat Omega and Joel as a team ..... Every ranger/tracker team at Inyati is top of the line. Superstars one and all. Will be spending another 15 days in camp come July.

27-02-2024 @ 10:50pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

Lots to see and all the rangers are top shelf ..... love walking in the bush !!!!!!

27-02-2024 @ 10:50pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Anxious to see the new solar panels !!!!

27-02-2024 @ 10:50pm
Best Value Safari Property

Amazing place

27-02-2024 @ 7:53pm
Best Value Safari Property

Most beautiful property and great size

27-02-2024 @ 6:32pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Truly the best tracking and guiding group in Africa.

27-02-2024 @ 6:25pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

Best walking safari experience. Not your typical walking safari.

27-02-2024 @ 6:25pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

The knowledge and passion of Diff and Roger were absolutely outstanding!

V from Germany
27-02-2024 @ 5:15pm
Best Value Safari Property

What could I say more then that we saw 13 different leopard in just three days?

V from Germany
27-02-2024 @ 5:15pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Our guides did everything possible to provide us with good sightings and magical moments. From chasing a wild dog pack to their prey to keeping pace with a herd of running giraffes

V
27-02-2024 @ 4:43pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Everything is done with the environment in mind. Water conservation, recycling, sustainable products

V
27-02-2024 @ 4:43pm
Best Value Safari Property

Amazing location by the river and open for animals to wander through. Beautiful

V
27-02-2024 @ 4:43pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

We were able to see a rhino sleeping on our walking tour with Omega

27-02-2024 @ 3:48pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Truly an educational experience!

MA from United States
27-02-2024 @ 3:38pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

I felt safe and wished it could have been longer.

MA from United States
27-02-2024 @ 3:38pm
Best Value Safari Property

Comfortable rooms, excellent food and beautiful views!

MA from United States
27-02-2024 @ 3:38pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

My best walk in the reserve after 20 years is still at inyati

V
27-02-2024 @ 3:09pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Great safari experience on two weeklong occasions

27-02-2024 @ 3:08pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Love that the lodge uses its own solar power, recycles water bottles, uses eco friendly mosquito control

27-02-2024 @ 3:08pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

We have taken friends from the USA three times and been thrilled to have George be our guide each time. Our friends dream of going back to South Africa but only if it includes a trip to Inyati.

27-02-2024 @ 2:51pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

We stayed with our family of 15 and the most wonderful experience!

27-02-2024 @ 2:50pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Inyati

V
27-02-2024 @ 2:49pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Omega and Roger were the best!!!

27-02-2024 @ 2:48pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Inyati

V
27-02-2024 @ 2:47pm
Best Value Safari Property

K

27-02-2024 @ 1:55pm

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