Chilo Safari Lodge

Set on the banks of the Save River in a truly wild area away from the primary tourist circuits. The views are stunning, whether it is looking down the river from one of the many viewing spots or balconies within the buildings, or walking through the lovely gardens.

Local stone and wood form the core of this charming lodge which has large, airy windows and doors bringing the outside inside. With ten all-inclusive chalets and a spacious communal area, there are plenty of spots to relax and rejuvenate before and after experiencing the many activities that are on offer.

Food is locally sourced – fresh, wholesome and beautifully presented. Meals are an adventure from dinners on the viewing deck, to drinks on the beach or by the waterfalls. The Shangaan community take a joyous part in entertaining guests with vibrant and uncommercialised dances and songs.

A real highlight of visiting this lodge is spending time with the professional guides who not only showcase the excellent wildlife of the area but weave a background tale of the history of the Shangaan people and their lives in this vast wilderness.

Surrounding the accommodations are thousands of acres of trees including many baobabs, thorny scrub and red sandstone cliffs. Big cats, buffalo gathered around waterholes, hippo wallowing in the rivers and wild dog packs populate Gona-re-Zhou National Park. The Tembahata and Machanu Water Pans host a plethora of spectacular birdlife. The presence of the elephants is everywhere – on the ground and the vegetation as they travel along ancient elephant paths in search of food and water.