Silvan Safari Lodge
Bohemian-luxe contemporary — art-forward, maximalist in palette but architecturally minimal. Think copper bars, oversized daybeds, patchwork rugs, hand-woven chair-nests hanging from jackalberry trees, and a gin bar with over 100 bottles.
Book the Cassia suite if leopard-spotting from your deck is the priority — resident female Tiyani frequents this area most often
Why It Matters
Six-time winner of the World Travel Awards World's Leading Luxury Lodge (2018–2023), a Relais & Châteaux member, and now holder of 2 Michelin Keys. Only 6 suites, so a maximum of 12 guests share the entire 110 sq km northern Sabi Sand concession. A resident leopard named Tiyani famously gave birth in the spa before it was finished — and elephant herds regularly wander into camp to drink from the pools.
Six standalone suites on the banks of the seasonal Manyeleti River in the northern Sabi Sand — and not a thatch roof in sight. Silvan is deliberately different: bold contemporary architecture, polished cement floors, clean glass lines, and rooms packed with handwoven textiles, vivid contemporary South African art, and sculptural furniture. The whole lodge reads more like a modern gallery that happens to have elephants walking through the parking lot than a classic safari camp.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Blue Guarri Suite
From ZAR39,995 / nightA calmer, more tranquil suite — soft nature-inspired tones with turquoise and blue accents, custom artworks, and a sense of serenity that sets it apart from the bolder palette suites. Same generous footprint as the other standard suites: private plunge pool, four-poster king bed, large lounge, fireplace, and both indoor and outdoor showers.
Four-poster king
Cassia Suite
From ZAR39,995 / nightGolden yellows and deep greens mirror the Cassia (golden rain) tree's summer bloom. An L-shaped deck gives excellent sightlines over the riverbed, and the hand-painted mosquito nets draped over the four-poster bed echo the tree's cascading flowers. Resident leopard Tiyani is spotted most often around this suite's deck. Private plunge pool, separate lounge with hand-woven details, and a bathroom that stuns on arrival.
Four-poster king
Kierie Klapper Suite
From ZAR39,995 / nightThe furthest suite from the main lodge — ideal if seclusion is what you're after. Inspired by the bushwillow tree, famed for its copper-coloured seed pods, with rich teal accents drawn from the bee-eater bird. A hand-painted watercolour and ink line drawing adorns the wall. Excellent vantage point over the Manyeleti riverbed; elephant and wild dog use the dry river as a natural pathway. Private plunge pool, private deck, four-poster king bed, indoor and outdoor sitting areas.
Four-poster king
Knobthorn Suite
From ZAR39,995 / nightUnderstated elegance in soft grey tones and delicate yellow — drawn from the knobbly bark and fluffy yellow blooms of the Knobthorn acacia. The most accessible suite at the lodge: wheelchair-friendly with easy access to the main building. Refined design with polished cement floors, custom artworks, private deck, and plunge pool.
Four-poster kingLeadwood Family Suite
From ZAR139,000 / nightThe only suite designed for families or groups — two separate bedrooms connected by an expansive open-air deck, with a majestic ancient leadwood tree literally growing up through the planks. The stone archway entrance is a statement in itself. Larger plunge pool than the standard suites, and enough deck space that elephants passing through have been known to reach up and drink from the pool. Sleeps up to 4 guests.
Multiple (two bedrooms)
Tree Wisteria Suite
From ZAR39,995 / nightVivid purple fabrics and wildlife-themed décor inspired by the Tree Wisteria's flowing blooms. A vibrant, personality-filled suite with a private plunge pool and the same commanding Manyeleti riverbed views as the other pods. Indoor and outdoor sitting areas, four-poster king bed, fireplace, and en-suite with double shower and central bathtub.
Four-poster kingThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Roy's Dam on the property has a 24-hour live wildlife camera streaming in real time via africam.com. Even before you arrive — or after you leave — you can watch game at the waterhole.
Meals served in a specially chosen bush location — a forest clearing, a dry riverbed, or under the stars. Coordinated by the team and adapted to weather and wildlife. One of the most memorable parts of the Silvan experience according to repeat guests.
Curated tasting flights through the lodge's 100+ gin collection from around the world. More than just a sundowner — the team guides guests through the collection to find new favourites. A signature Silvan experience at the copper-clad bar.
Personalised wine and food pairings from the lodge's private premium wine cellar. Selected to suit individual tastes. A particular favourite for food and wine enthusiasts.
Bush walks with armed rangers on foot. Included in the all-inclusive rate. A private game reserve means access beyond the main roads — tracking game on foot is a very different experience from the vehicle drives.
Twice-daily game drives in open-air 4x4 vehicles with expert guides and trackers. Swarovski binoculars provided. The northern Sabi Sand is famous for Big Five sightings, particularly leopard and lion. Blankets provided for early morning cold. Guides mimic wildlife movements — active at dawn and dusk, resting at midday.
Night drives across the private Sabi Sand concession with a spotlight — possible because Silvan is a private reserve (no such drives in Kruger National Park). Some of the best nocturnal cat sightings in Africa.
A dedicated post-processing facility for photographers. Equipped with state-of-the-art Apple computers, professional editing software, and large-scale canvas printers. Rangers trained in photography assist with editing. Guests can return home with a fully edited, printed, and framed gallery of safari shots.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Free weights, squat rack, stationary bike, and treadmill. Open 24/7 with a porter available to escort guests after sunset or before sunrise. Bush views from the windows.
Full-length 25m lap pool on the main lodge deck, occasionally visited by elephants who drink from it. Separate from the private plunge pools in each suite.
Each of the 6 suites has its own private plunge pool positioned to face the Manyeleti riverbed. The Leadwood Family Suite has a larger pool.
A tranquil private pool adjacent to the spa treatment room, accessible to spa guests.
Personal butlers assigned to each suite. Guests are escorted between buildings after dark. The butler learns individual preferences quickly and manages meals, drinks, and experiences throughout the stay.
Lodge boutique stocking signed prints of commissioned artworks, Swarovski binoculars (the same model used on game drives), signature clothing, and curated African objects — with worldwide shipping available.
Round-trip road transfers between the lodge and the Silvan Safari airstrip are included in the all-inclusive rate.
BUILD YOUR SILVAN SAFARI LODGE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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