Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                

Chitwa WebBook

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 14

A UNIQUELY AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

WELCOME TO CHITWA CHITWA - A UNIQUELY AFRICAN EXPERIENCE


Originally a private family retreat, Chitwa Chitwa earned its name as an affectionate ode to the aging
giraffe bull who shared the lakeside home as an extended member of the Brink family. According to
the owner, Charl Brink, the majestic arrival of this regal relative was always signaled by the creaking
of his old joints - and still today, his watchful essence is felt presiding over the lodge.
Much like the giraffe around which this charming tale of Chitwa Chitwa is centered, the private game
lodge is magnificent and graceful in appearance, yet humble enough to evaporate into the surrounding
beauty of the unspoiled bush of the Sabi Sand.
After its classic transformation into an eclectic blend of European style with African chic, Chitwa Chitwa
has emerged as an exquisite balance between unbridled luxury and environmental harmony. We strive
to achieve this through our ongoing efforts to maintain a holistic approach as a guest in the home
of the African bush, thus ensuring the continued splendour and beauty of Chitwa Chitwa and its
surrounds for generations to come.

LOCATION
Nestled in a pristine golden triangle of African fauna, the luxury lodge basks in the sun on the banks
of one of the largest lakes of the exclusive 63,000 hectare Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, which
forms part of the greater Kruger National Park. This area, in turn, is incorporated into the Great
Limpopo Transfrontier Park - a world-class eco-tourism destination managed to optimize benefits
for the sustainable economic development of local communities and biodiversity conservation.

ABOUT THE LODGE


ACCOMMODATION AT CHITWA
Chitwa Chitwa's distinctive charm is translated into the detailed finishings of our accommodation.
Natural colours and textures meld with the beauty of nature's paintbrush to replicate the serenity of
the African bush indoors. The mood is complimented by the passionate artworks of Maria Brink, who
together with her husband Charl, has created the perfect environment of refined luxury and relaxation.
SUITES
Great care has been taken to balance unpretentious style with complete comfort in our beautiful
chalets. Each individually decorated suite has its own private plunge pool, framed by a spacious timber
deck that overlooks the nearby lake - a popular drinking hole for our wealth of wildlife.
THE CHITWA HOUSE
In response to a growing demand for greater privacy and exclusive hospitality, we have created a
treasured escape into unapologetic style in the form of The Chitwa House. Here, guests can enjoy a
bush experience tailored to their every whim with the assistance of an experienced house butler and
the enthusiasm of a dedicated ranger. Aside from the striking beauty of the African chic interior, the
emphasis is on an element of familiarity as guests set the pace in their own private piece of Africa.

ACCOM MODATION
MAIN CENTRAL AREA
Nestling into obscurity around the largest lake in the reserve, one of Chitwa
Chitwa's most endearing features is its seamless integration into the
surrounding African bush through its ideal location and design. Guests can
be assured of superlative game viewing from the main lounge and dining
areas as they are rendered invisible to the various groups of wild animals
that congregate at the waters edge in the mornings and early evenings.

SUNSET DECK
Shaded by old Knobthorn trees, our large wooden lounging deck affords
unrivalled wildlife sightings of the Big Five (leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant
and rhinoceros), who share the rugged bushveld with cheetah, giraffe, hippo,
zebra and antelope. Spacious viewing areas strewn with comfy daybeds
and a rim-flow swimming pool further enhance the feeling of being a part
of the beautiful scenery, whilst creating the perfect environment to relax,
unwind and absorb the sights, sounds and scents of Africa.

LIBRARY
Chitwa Chitwa's cosy library offers a large selection of books - both for
reference reading and relaxation. The library is also equipped with an
internet access point.

FACILITIES AT CHITWA
CURIO SHOP
Our curio shop is situated at the entrance of the lodge and displays a
selection of hand-made African memorabilia created by skilled local
craftsmen together with various traditional ornaments and bush-wear.

FUNCTIONS AND WEDDINGS AT CHITWA


Imagine exchanging your vows in an African Dry River Bed at sunset, the
bride being serenaded in by African dancers amidst tribal song. Few
experiences can be as personalized as a wedding and we therefore realize
that each experience will require attention to the finest detail. We can
promise you unrivalled big game viewing, complemented by exquisite
accommodation, sublime cuisine and above all, a day you will never forget.
Your safari style wedding will be a celebration of love, tradition and lasting
memories.
We do recommend that you book the lodge on exclusive use, so that we can
ensure that our full attention is devoted to your function.
Arrangements can be as glamorous or as understated, according to the
bride's wishes. Consideration needs to be given to weather conditions and
the fact that we are in a nature reserve so certain restrictions do apply.
Ministers from most denominations are easily accessible, as are
photographers, cakes, hairdressers and florists. Special menus and dining
venues can be set aside for the wedding party, when the lodge is booked
exclusively.
All you need to do is sit back, relax and leave the wedding preparations up
to us whilst you enjoy massages, sunset cocktails and game drives. Our
wedding venues are renowned for their beauty and excellent service.

FACILITIES AT CHITWA
HONEYMOONERS SPECIAL OCCASIONS

The lodge is a fantastic romantic destination for


honeymooners and your hosts will ensure that For celebrating special occasions such as birthdays,
your time with us is an unforgettable experience. anniversaries or other milestones we would be
The honeymoon package includes an upgrade to delighted to be able to assist in creating a
a suite (subject to availability or supplement), memorable experience. All relevant information
special private deck dinners and honeymoon needs to be communicated to your reservation
turndowns in the bedrooms. consultant in order for the lodge to prepare for it.
Unique experiences like a private dinner in an
African river bed, tribal dancers presenting a special
treat or a hot air balloon with champagne breakfast
can be arranged.

FACILITIES AT CHITWA
CHITWA ACTIVITIES - LIVE YOUR GAME LODGE IN AFRICA!
A sensorial experience which starts at sunrise and captures the very essence of the magnificent wildlife
heritage and natural landscapes.
CULTURAL VILLAGE EXCURSION
Dixie is a small village situated close to the Gowrie Gate entrance of the Sabi Sand. Through our close
associations with our neighbours and our love of the area in general, we have cultivated a unique
partnership with the Dixie community in order to contribute to their general upliftment. The Cultural
Village Excursion, headed by professional field guide Chris Sebuye affords the opportunity to slip
unnoticed into a day in the life of the locals whilst tapping into the optimism and energy that is so
much part of this little village's charm.The transfer will be in a Chitwa Chitwa open vehicle and will
take about two hours from the time of departure from the lodge.
WELLNESS
Nothing typifies the ultimate in relaxation more than one of the oldest healing arts in the world:
massage. The far-reaching benefits of massage such as stimulating circulation, removing toxins and
relieving the stress and tension of everyday living can be experienced at Chitwa Chitwa with our resident
masseuse.
CHITWA CHILDREN ECO-EXPERIENCE
The Chitwa Children eco-experience is designed to entice our younger guests into our world whilst
encouraging a love for the African bush and her many secrets as well as a greater awareness of the
environment in general.

Activities include:
• a daily bush walk within our enclosed camp area. Walks are guided by an educator who will offer the
children the opportunity to learn about and identify the beautiful fauna and flora in the area. Basic bush
skills are taught such as ho w to survive in the bush, what plants to eat and how to build a basic shelter.
• A face painting session where children will enjoy a big five masquerade.
• Making spoor moulds of animal tracks with plaster of paris.
• Evenings spent roasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate whilst listening to the enchanting
folk-tales as told by an "intokoto" (the Shangaan term used to describe a person with lots of life experience).
• Chitwa Chitwa story books are placed on children's beds during turn down in the evenings. These fairy tales
include traditional local bedtime stories such as "when the elephant was King" and
" When the hippo was hairy".

CHITWA ACTIVITIES
THE CHITWA CHITWA DAILY PROGRAMME
General Programme (15 September to 31 May)

05h00 Wake up, meet at lodge for coffee


05h30 Depart for a safari (game drive)
08h45 Head back to camp for breakfast
10h00 Bush walk with your ranger or alternative activities and relaxation
13h00 Lunch
16h00 Afternoon tea at lodge
16h30 Evening safari and sundowners
19h30 Head back to camp
20h00 Aperitifs
20h30 Dinner
Night Cap

Winter Programme (1 June to 14 September)

06h00 Wake up, meet at lodge for coffee


06h30 Depart for safari (game drive)
09h30 Head back to camp for breakfast
10h30 Leisure time where bushwalks and activities are proposed
13h00 Lunch
15h30 Afternoon tea at lodge
16h00 Evening safari and sundowners
19h00 Head back to camp
19h30 Aperitifs
20h00 Dinner
Night Cap.

CHITWA ACTIVITIES
THE CHITWA SAFARI EXPERIENCE

The most thrilling and eagerly-anticipated part of any stay with us is undoubtedly the Chitwa Chitwa
safari experience. For over a decade, our guests have been treated to spell-binding sightings of our
abundant wildlife and have left with affectionate memories of the very best of the African bush. The
experience is further enhanced by our desire to protect and sustain the local environment and improve
the well-being of our resident communities.

Located in the Sabi Sand which is the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in southern Africa,
Chitwa Chitwa is highly acclaimed for its excellent game viewing, as all hunting in the area has been
abolished for decades. As a result, the animals have grown accustomed to the presence of safari
vehicles in their territory and we can boast some of the best opportunities to meet Africa's Big Five -
being the five most dangerous animals to meet on foot: buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard and lion.
Our highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers ensure an unforgettable African safari by enriching
the experience with their profound knowledge regarding this animal kingdom and its complex habitat.

SAFARI EXPERIENCE
CHITWA CHITWA COMMUNITY PROJECTS
We founded The Chitwa Trust in 2008 with the purpose of meeting two of South Africa's greatest
challenges: unemployment and lack of education. The Trust is a registered non-profit organization
that provides aid to underdeveloped areas of Mpumalanga in a way that involves both conservation
and community upliftment.
Should you wish to become a part of Chitwa Chitwa's community initiatives, please email us at
chitwatrust@chitwa.co.za - The following is a brief summary of the projects currently on the Chitwa
Trust agenda:
Dixie Cultural and Skill Development Center
This center will be dedicated to the local community and homeless orphans, sadly of which there are
many. The idea is to create a place of colour, music and joy for the community - a safe and comfortable
area where children are invited to spend their afternoons acquiring a skill by learning to paint, draw,
dance and sing. Ultimately, we would like to have four full time art teachers employed for this service.
In addition, a section of the centre will be dedicated to equipping the women of the community with
practical skills such as embroidering, weaving and gardening - all activities that can assist in producing
an income, and so uplift the local community in general.
We would like to build a centre of approximately 600 square meters for this purpose. The cost required
to build, furnish and recruit the staff is about R6 million.
Dixie Shelter for the Homeless
The Trust intends to build a dormitory for the Dixie children who have been orphaned as a result of
Aids. The dormitory will accommodate twelve orphans in four rooms, which will include bathroom
facilities. The dormitory will also be equipped with a large kitchen where the children will receive
meals and a living space for them to relax in.
The cost of this project to build, furnish, recruit and feed the children is estimated at approximately
R3 million.
a hundred years from now it will not matter
what my bank account was,
the sort of house i lived in,
or the kind of car i drove.
but the world may be different
because i was important in the life of a child.
(unknown author)

COMMUNITY PROJECTS
CONTACT CHITWA CHITWA
PO BOX 26291, STEILTES 1213, NELSPRUIT, MPUMALANGA, SOUTH AFRICA
TELEPHONE + 27(0)13 744 0876 FACSIMILE +27(0)13 744 3748
RESERVATIONS@CHITWA.CO.ZA WWW.CHITWA.CO.ZA
GETTING THERE
Arriving at Chitwa by air.
• The lodge is comfortably accessible by air directly from Oliver Tambo International Airport
(Johannesburg) with a flying time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Direct connecting flights are also available from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (35
minutes flying time) and Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit) with 25 minutes flying time.
Charter Air Shuttle Services provided by: Federal Air: www.fedair.com CFA: www.cfa.co.za
Road transfers from the airport can by arranged by Eastgate Safaris: http://www.eastgatesafaris.co.za
Arriving at Chitwa by road.
• The road transfer from Johannesburg to Chitwa Chitwa takes approximately 5 hours. The lodge is
situated in the northern area of the Sabi Sand and access is via the Gowrie Gate (near the Orpen
Gate of the Kruger National Park).
• Chitwa Chitwa is a scenic three hour drive from Nelspruit.

CONTACT CHITWA
From Johannesburg travel East via the N12 to Witbank
From Pretoria travel East via the N4 to Witbank
• It is approximately a 6 hour drive to Chitwa
• The distance is approximately 500km in total with a 25km stretch on
gravel roads which are are good condition
• From Acornhoek onwards there are signs: “Sabi Sand” follow these signs
• Please do not get out of your vehicle once inside the reserve
• Once inside the Sabi Sands, look out for the ‘FOLLOW THE HERD’ signage
which will lead you all the way to Chitwa Chitwa lodge.

CHITWA MAP
DATE BASIS RATES IN ZAR

CHITWA SUITES SHARING SINGLE


Valid 1 Jan 2009 to 30 April 2009 Per person, per night, R 6,000.00 R 7,200.00
Valid 1 May 2009 to 31 Aug 2009 Per person, per night, R 4,600.00 R 5,500.00
Valid 1 Sep 2009 to 30 April 2010 Per person, per night, R 6,000.00 R 7,200.00
Valid 1 May 2010 to 31 Aug 2010 Per person, per night R 4,600.00 R 5,500.00
Valid 1 Sep 2010 to 31 Oct 2010 Per person, per night, R 6,000.00 R 7,200.00

WHOLE LODGE (Eight Suites)


Valid 1 May 2009 to 31 Aug 2009 per night R 57.400,00
Vaild 1 Sep 2009 to 30 April 2010 per night R 74.880,00
Valid 1 May 2010 to 31 Aug 2010 per night R 57.400,00
Valid 1 Sep 2010 to 31 Oct 2010 per night R 74.880,00

THE CHITWA HOUSE - Exclusive Private retreat with two suites sleeping four guests
Valid 1 Jan 2009 to 30 April 2009 per night R 35.000,00
Valid 1 May 2009 to 31 Aug 2009 per night R 26.400,00
Valid 1 Sep 2009 to 30 April 2010 per night R 35.000,00
Valid 1 May 2010 to 31 Aug 2010 per night R 26.400,00
Valid 1 Sep 2010 to 31 Oct 2010 per night R 35.000,00

THE CHITWA HOUSE AND EIGHT SUITES


Valid 1 May 2009 to 31 Aug 2009 per night R 82.800,00
Vaild 1 Sep 2009 to 30 April 2010 per night R 108.000,00
Valid 1 May 2010 to 31 Aug 2010 per night R 82.800,00
Valid 1 Sep 2010 to 31 Oct 2010 per night R 108.000,00

CHITWA CHITWA ACTIVITIES


Dixie Shangaan Village Tour R 350,00 PP
Chitwa Chitwa signature african massage R 450,00 PP
Walking Safaris with professional Game Ranger and Tracker No charge

CHITWA RATES 2009


TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• Rack Rates are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) and are inclusive of the 14% VAT
• Rates are subject to change without notice.
• Rates inclusive of luxury accommodation, all meals, soft drinks, teas and coffees, Chitwa select wines and local beers,
two open vehicle safaris a day, daily walking safaris, laundry service, return transfer from the Chitwa airstrip to the lodge
• Rates exclusive of: premier cellar wines, telephone calls, purchases from the Chitwa Boutique air and road
transfer to and from the lodge
• All airport taxes and applicable Sabi Sand entrance fees (R. 80.00 cash per vehicle) are for the clients own account.

THE CHITWA HOUSE


• The rate for The Chitwa House is inclusive of accommodation, private meals, private game drives,
local beverages and laundry.
• When booking The Chitwa House guests are offerred 4 complimentary Chitwa activities per stay.
• The hospitality at The Chitwa House is serviced by a private butler.

Note: when booking The Chitwa House & the whole lodge the service of a private butler will not be included.

CHECK IN TIMES
• Chitwa Chitwa Check in Time: 14:00
• Chitwa Chitwa Check Out Time: 11:00

CANCELLATION POLICY
• 25% of booking value charged if cancellation is 45 to 31 days prior to arrival
• 50% of booking value charged if cancellation is 30 to 15 days prior to arrival
• 100% of booking value charged if cancellations is 14 days or less prior to arrival

All reservations, amendments or cancellations are valid only if advised and accepted in writing.

PAYMENT POLICY
• A deposit of 50% of the total accommodation booking is required to confirm the reservations.
• All credit cards accepted with a 4% surcharge for credit card payments.
• All transfers of fund are to be made nett of any charges

CHILDREN POLICY
• Children who have not yet turned 3 by the date of arrival stay free of charge
• Children from the age of 3 up to their 6th birthday will be charged 25%.
• Children from the age of 6 up to their 12th birthday will be charged 50%
• Children 12 years and older sharing with adults will be charged full adult rate.
• Children under 6 will not be allowed on game drives unless parents have the sole use of the vehicle.
• Vehicle exclusivity must be pre-booked.

Please note that the rates for the period from 10 June 2010 to the 15 July 2010 are on request.

CHITWA TERMS AND CONDITIONS

You might also like