Dulini River Lodge - The Details
In a corner of the
Sabi Sand Game Reserve; Dulini River Lodge sits on the edge of the Sand River in the shade of a grove of ebony trees. The river attracts a plethora of bird and wildlife whilst the river itself offers spectacular views no matter where you are in the lodge.
Dulini River Lodge comprises of six luxurious suites that are spread out along the river bank with views into the river itself. Each room is generously spaced from each other and contains an en-suite bathroom, mini-bar and has its own private deck with plunge pool. At the main lodge, a gym, spa and bigger pool can be enjoyed during time in between game drives.
Mirroring the other Dulini properties, no children under the age of eight are allowed here which helps create the sophisticated ambience that makes Dulini such a special place to visit. The guest sitting and dining areas overlook the Sand River which provides the perfect back-drop whilst enjoying some of the culinary delights that the chefs at Dulini produce.
A giant sausage tree provides shade for afternoon lunches where Pan African meals, with a selection of South African wines, are shared in the open air. A sandy boma is also a favourite dinner location where guests and guides can exchange the day's stories under the stars and around a roaring fire.
Game drives in this area are renowned for their prolific leopard activity and with excellent guides and trackers, finding the 'Big 5' is generally not an issue during a stay here. The Sand river provides the perfect habitat for these spotted felines and the open plains in the South of the concession is perfect for wild dogs and cheetah which are also seen regularly.
Whilst Dulini River Lodge shares its traverse with
Dulini Safari Lodge and
Dulini Leadwood as well as Richard Branson's
Ulusaba, the likelihood of seeing the another vehicle is quite slim as the traversing area is so large.
As with most South African safari destinations, the perfect time for game viewing is in the dry season when the water sources deplete and the foliage is at its thinnest. During the summer months, the dry bushveld gives way to a lush and fertile land. The migratory birds like woodlands kingfishers arrive from late November adding extra colour and splendour to the landscape making for some beautiful photographic opportunities.
If you have the time, combining Dulini with another safari destination after a short break in Cape Town would make a great itinerary. Other game reserves like
Tswalu Kalahari and
Phinda's Vlei Lodge would compliment a stay at Dulini beautifully. The variation of habitats and game viewing would make the perfect all-round safari experience.
Combining a trip to the Sabi Sands with a few nights in Cape Town is the perfect way to spend a week to ten days in South Africa. Due to South Africa's great transport links, getting from your safari to Cape Town is very easy and can be done in a matter of hours.
Cape Town is a vibrant and energetic city full of culture and natural wonders and if you have time, heading into the winelands for a couple of nights and indulging in some of the world's best food and drink is the perfect way to end a holiday or honeymoon.