If ever there was a suitable naming, Saseka has it. Meaning ‘beautiful’ in Tsonga, everything you see and experience, taste and remember from this magical lodge in the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve is just that. The décor, wildlife, staff, food and atmosphere are all truly, deeply beautiful. Might we say, completely unique too.

Built on different levels – all elevated – and following a bend in the Monwana River, the main lodge and 10 suites of Saseka all have a sense of extraordinary space. Nine of the tented suites are each a vast 200 square meters each, and exclusive-use Leadwood Villa – ideal for families or small groups seeking privacy – is even bigger. Leadwood Villa also has a dedicated game-viewing vehicle and ranger-tracker team, and a private chef to conjure all your delectable meals. Dinners are often served lantern-lit, under a canopy of stars in the white sand riverbed. But wherever you dine at Saseka, sounds of the bush are the background music, and the greens on your plate are freshly picked from the community garden project.

The lauded dream team of luxury lodge designers, Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, created Saseka to be sexy and enchanting. Influenced by the romantic narrative of tented camps from yesteryear, the suites have been re-imagined to smoothly blend nostalgia and contemporary design. This is a luxury, bush immersion experience, with each suite having its own private sundeck, pool and outdoor shower. Inside is cool and air-conditioned and the colours reflect the palette of indigenous Lowveld flora and fauna. Look up and see local botanicals printed on the tented ceiling; look around and see hues of apple, sage and soft pink, ivory, green and grey – all reflecting the surrounding environment. Then note the effortless blend of old and new, riempie and rattan, vibrant banana rockers and plain plantation chairs, ball-and-claw baths and furniture, and clouds of pale grey mosquito netting. Now imagine being right there, bathed in the dappled light of ancient, shady trees. Request a tipple from your personal butler and game watch for the Big Five from your private deck. And there are twice daily game drives too.

Saseka only opened in early 2019, but repeat guests are plentiful already. It’s a special place with an energy that’s light and relaxed. Where living is easy, leopards are prolific, staff are remarkable in their attention and warmth and everything, just everything, about the lodge is fresh and unlike anything seen before. Nirvana for nature lovers, bliss for wildlife enthusiasts, enchantment for photographers. All without even crossing the border.

 Posted by Keri Harvey

What we love!

• chandeliers from metal, wood and rattan, and lampshades that resemble tree-pod blossoms
• the magical ceiling in the main lodge, that filters light like a tree canopy
• seeing so many leopards and predators on game drives, along with endangered wild dogs
• cosying up at the library fireplace in winter
• the exceptional service and hospitality of all staff
• a relaxed and rejuvenating atmosphere that’s difficult to explain

Need to know…

• South Africans enjoy special rates for an all-inclusive stay with game drives
• Children are welcome at Leadwood Villa, and there are various activities on offer for them
• Saseka and Leadwood Villa are both wheelchair friendly
• Kosher and Halaal cuisine is available on request