Accommodation at Senelala Lodge
Senalala Safari Lodge presents an exclusive and beguiling safari experience, accommodating a maximum of 16 guests at one time in eight spacious safari chalets.
Each of the eight chalets at Senalala is designed to exude both comfort and luxury. The chalets are equipped with air conditioning and fans to ensure a comfortable stay, regardless of the weather. Inside, you’ll find two beds and a private en-suite bathroom that includes a bathtub and shower.
Seven of the chalets feature three-quarter beds, while the eighth chalet offers a king-size bed, catering to different guest preferences. The king-size bed chalet also boasts both indoor and outdoor showers, adding an extra touch of luxury to your stay.
The en-suite bathrooms in each chalet are fitted with modern amenities, including a standing bath and an indoor shower, as well as complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. This attention to detail confirms that guests have everything they need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Senalala’s accommodation is ideal for a range of visitors, from those seeking a shared lifetime acquaintance to special events and family gatherings. The lodge furnishes an atmosphere of simple luxury that sets it apart from everyday life, allowing guests to fully delight themselves in the natural beauty and calmness of the African bush.
For larger groups or exclusive bookings, Senalala can accommodate up to 16 guests, making it perfect for group getaways or private events. Six of the chalets feature king-size beds, which can be converted to twin beds if needed, guaranteeing flexibility to meet the needs of all guests. Each of these chalets includes a large en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bath and shower, enhancing the sense of space and luxury.
Facilities at Senelala Lodge
Senalala Safari Lodge exhibits a range of amenities designed to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of guests during their stay. The centrepiece of relaxation is the spacious outdoor pool, a refreshing oasis amidst the African bushveld.
Whether taking a leisurely swim to disentangle after a morning safari drive or simply soaking up the sun on one of the poolside loungers, guests can revitalise themselves while surrounded by the natural beauty of the lodge’s surroundings.
For guests who prefer to maintain their fitness routines while on vacation, Senalala has a fully equipped gymnasium. Featuring a variety of cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment, the gym provides ample opportunities for guests to engage in invigorating workouts throughout their stay.
In addition to physical wellness, Senalala prioritises guest comfort and relaxation in its main lounge area. Here, guests can ease off with a book from the lodge’s library or simply enjoy the soothing feeling while sipping on a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea.
The lounge also features a refreshment centre stocked with a selection of beverages, to make sure that guests can stay hydrated and refreshed throughout the day.
- Free toiletries
- Toilet
- Bathtub or shower
- Towels
- Hairdryer
- Toilet paper
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Hand sanitizer
- Air conditioning
- Soundproof
- Private entrance
- Fan
- Dryer
- Desk
- Outdoor furniture
- Patio
- Socket near the bed
- Single-room AC for guest accommodation
Things to Do at Senelala Lodge
Senalala Safari Lodge provides a range of activities meant to fully charm visitors in the bushveld’s natural beauty and fauna.
One of the main attractions is the thrilling safari drives in open 4×4 vehicles. Knowledgeable trackers and guides lead these drives, which include chances to see a multitude of other wildlife species in addition to the Big Five: elephants, rhinoceros, lions, leopards, and Cape buffalo.
Because the behaviour of the animals varies throughout the day, drives in the morning and afternoon put forward distinct viewpoints and experiences.
Bush walks with guides are an option for those looking for a more personal and instructive event. Through foot exploration of the bush, guests can gain a unique perspective on the finer details of the ecosystem during these walks.
This is an interesting and fun activity where guides share their knowledge of tracking, plant identification, and animal habits.
Senalala is a popular destination for bird watchers, with over 300 different species of birds to be spotted thanks to its location in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Guests can look for raptors, colourful species like the lilac-breasted roller, and other avian wonders in their natural habitat.
Travel and Booking Information
Included in the Rate You Pay
- Accommodation in roomy en-suite chalets.
- Two game drives or walking safaris each day.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshments during game drives.
- Complimentary beer, a wide range of South African wines, spirits (both local and imported), soft drinks, hot beverages, and filtered water.
- Free Wi-Fi.
- 24-hour access to all beverages.
- Use of the gym, swimming pool, and other camp facilities.
Excluded from the Rate You Pay
- Flights and transfers to and from Senalala Safari Lodge.
- Any special alcoholic beverages not stocked at the lodge.
- Personal insurance and medical emergency evacuation insurance.
- A conservation levy of R450 per person per night for 2024, R480 per person per night for 2024, and R500 per person per night for 2025.
- Klaserie entrance fee of R280 per vehicle in 2024 and R300 per vehicle in 2024 (for self-drive).
- Laundry services.
Child Policy
Children aged 12 and above are welcome at the lodge but will be charged the full adult rate. When the entire camp is booked for exclusive use, there is no minimum age requirement for children, though.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing for hot days and layering options for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes for bush walks and exploring the lodge grounds.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection during game drives.
- Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other insects.
- Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for capturing wildlife sightings.
- Personal toiletries and medications, as well as any necessary travel documents.
Etiquette During Game Drives
During game drives, it’s essential to observe proper etiquette to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all guests:
- Listen to your guide’s instructions and follow their lead regarding wildlife viewing and behaviour.
- Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the animals and fellow guests.
- Refrain from standing up or leaning out of the vehicle while it is in motion.
- Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the wildlife.
- Always maintain a safe distance from the animals and never attempt to approach them for a closer look or photo opportunity.
- Remember to respect the natural environment and leave only footprints behind.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Xxx is during the dry season, which typically falls between May and September. During this time, vegetation is sparse, making wildlife easier to spot as they gather around water sources. Additionally, cooler temperatures make for more comfortable game drives and outdoor activities.
Getting to Senelala Lodge
By Air
For the most convenient and efficient travel, flying to Hoedspruit Airport is recommended. Hoedspruit Airport is approximately a one-hour drive from Senalala Lodge and is well-connected with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Airlines such as Airlink and CemAir operate these routes, providing a quick and easy way to reach the lodge.
Another option is to fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Mbombela (Nelspruit), which is about a three-hour drive from Senalala. While this option is slightly longer, it still provides a scenic drive through the South African Lowveld landscape.
Upon arrival at either Hoedspruit Airport or KMIA, guests can arrange for road transfers to Senalala Lodge. Transfer services are available and can be coordinated through the lodge for an additional cost. This verifies a smooth and comfortable journey from the airport to the lodge, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the start of their safari holiday.
By Road
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure and exploring the South African countryside, a self-drive option from Johannesburg takes approximately 6-7 hours, including stops for refreshments. Make sure that you depart Johannesburg no later than 08:00 to arrive in time for the afternoon game drive.
The journey is mostly on tarred roads, with the last 7 km within the Klaserie reserve on well-maintained gravel. It is crucial to use the map provided by Senalala after entering the park, as navigation systems do not accurately understand the private internal roads.
From Johannesburg take the N12 which becomes the N4 until you reach Dullstroom. From there follow the signposts to Lydenburg, Ohrigstad to Hoedspruit where you take the R40 south.
Follow the R40 until you see a sign indicating Timbavati/Eastgate. Turn left at this sign and travel east on this road for about 19 kilometres until you reach the Klaserie River.
Cross the river and you will arrive at the control gate for the Timbavati/Klaserie reserve. Here, you will need to pay an entrance fee of R230 per vehicle; make sure to keep your receipt as it will be required upon exiting.
Continue along the tar road until you see the 21 km distance marker. At this point, turn left at the sign indicating FIFE/Durham/Xanatseni/Senalala/Tulela onto a dirt road.
Proceed along the dirt road for 2.5 kilometres until you reach a fork. At this fork, keep left, following the signage for Xanatseni/Tilodi/Senalala/Tulela.
Continue straight for another 4.6 km, navigating through various gentle turns and dips, until you reach a four-way crossing marked by a Marula tree. Here, turn left, following the sign to Senalala. Drive approximately 300 metres further, then turn left at the Senalala sign to enter the lodge.
