About Silvan Safari
Winner of the World's Leading Luxury Lodge in 2018 and 2019, this stunning contemporary ultra-luxury lodge in the Sabi Sand reserve is now available to South Africans at never-to-be-repeated prices!
The Sabi Sands is widely recognised to be the “Rolls Royce” of game reserves in South Africa and one of its newest luxury lodge offerings – Silvan Safari – has succeeded in matching the quality of the surrounding game viewing with the quality of its accommodation. And that’s not just empty talk either as the newcomer has been named winner of the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge award in both 2018 and 2019! Set beneath a Leadwood and Jackalberry forest, this is an opulently luxurious safari lodge boasting unashamedly contemporary styling and décor touches. If you’re looking for a safari experience that will truly impress your better half, this is definitely it!
Silvan is unashamedly contemporary in its styling and décor and we must admit to absolutely loving it! The architecture is pretty boxy, with the wall surfaces unusually clad in dark stained wood panels - it might sound a bit overwhelming and forbidding, but in fact, it works superbly and the lodge almost seems to disappear into the surrounding riverine forest. But its probably the numerous bright splashes of colour - whether it be from the gorgeous patchwork rugs, extravagant choices of fabric used to upholster the funky furniture, or indeed the numerous contemporary art pieces decorating the lodge - that really gives Silvan its vibrant charm and character! Very different, very classy and oh so desirable!!!
The overlying concept of the rooms has been inspired by the trees surrounding the lodge, with each of the lodge’s 6 hugely spacious suites named after the tree it takes inspiration from and, more often than not, the one it is built around. No two suites are alike and each space is individually decorated, much like a mini art gallery, with artwork from contemporary South African artists and with elements such as furniture and colour inspired by a specific species such as the Cassia, Knobthorn and Kierie Klapper.
The rooms here are some of the most luxurious and spacious in the country! A standalone closed fireplace separates the lounge area of each suite, complete with wonderfully comfortable sofa, from the bedroom area. You then walk through a large combined study/open-closet area through to the bathroom with its massive walk-in double shower, gorgeous standalone bath and dual vanities. We also love that every room here features its own private plunge pool, perfectly positioned for you to watch the animals in the Manyeleti riverbed below! Five of the Suites are double units perfected suited to a romantic getaway. But if you have your family in tow, the Leadwood Family Suite is perfectly split into two separate bedrooms connected by an open-air deck that is wrapped around the branches of a Leadwood tree.
The lodge’s public areas are similarly alluring with extensive wooden decks leading to hidden corners throughout the lodge where you can relax and unwind. Why not spend some time swinging in the handwoven chair-nests or head over to the main living areas complete with oversized daybeds fit for lazing about with a good book and a crisp G&T (the bar has more than 40 different gins available and they specialise in gin tastings!)
Dining too is a breakthrough experience and and one of the main draws to Silvan aside from its design and wildlife experiences – the fare on offer here is very much on a par with the very finest restaurants in the country. Each dish celebrates fresh and local produce inspired by the spectacular natural surroundings. That’s also backed up by superb service and hospitality from the hugely friendly team who are always on hand to attend to your every request.
An exquisite spa is also available to relax and unwind while the fully functional gym is there for those liking to keep physically active on holiday. Silvan also boasts a full length (25m) lap pool on the main deck if you’re looking to burn off all those extra calories. Or you could of course, just relax on one of the comfy day beds and enjoy the view over the (usually) dry river bed over to an open plain area on the opposite bank with its gorgeous backdrop of huge trees - we spotted numerous nyala in the riverbed as well as elephant and buffalo on the far bank when we stayed here.
Talking of animals, when you’re ready to do some exploring, the Sabi Sand offers a vast quantity and variety of game. The reserve shares an unfenced border with the Kruger, so while out on morning and evening 4x4 open safari vehicle game drives, keep your eyes peeled for prowling felines (the leopard sightings in this neck of the woods are probably the finest on the planet!) the “heavies” like buffalo, giraffe and elephant, not to mention a profusion of general plains game. And with just over 500 bird species in the area, bird-lovers will be in their absolute element.
After an exciting game drive, the Ansellia Spa is just the place to unwind - the massage therapists have designed their signature treatments using locally-sourced, indigenous ingredients, making this spa experience truly unique to the lodge. Keen photographers can head to the Silvan Studio, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with a professional media room, Apple computers and large-scale printers, ensuring you can return home with a perfectly edited gallery of shots!
A bush escape is also about being pampered and Silvan does this with absolute aplomb. Personalised service is something you would expect from all luxury lodges, however Silvan does it in truly effortless style - our only problem was expanding waist-lines from our wonderful butler insisting that we try yet another delicious morsel whilst also keeping our wine glasses constantly recharged! So, what are you waiting for – it’s time to book this once in a lifetime escape!
