Following five years of planning and rehabilitation, Sandringham – based on what Managing Director Rod Wyndham describes as “probably one of the last pieces of great African bushveld part of the Greater Kruger that one could get hold of”, is now ready to share its story with the world. Previously a hunting reserve, it has been transformed into a protected area where nature can thrive, complementing the Sabi Sabi Collection’s offering with a brand-new luxury safari experience where those who appreciate the slower pace of the bush can immerse themselves in its narrative of renewal.
According to Wyndham, there is a huge sense of pride in seeing a dream like Sandringham come true. There was much more to this dream, though. For the Sabi Sabi Collection it was also about “watching historically neglected land being restored and seeing it returning to its true glory. All while taking the youth from a rural community and not only giving them a future, but a sense of pride.” Of course, watching the sun setting over the distant Drakensberg Mountains and the still waters in front of the lodge comes with its own sense of joy. Wyndham says: “Through Sandringham there is hope for both wildlife and mankind.”
Designed by architect Nick Plewman and interior designer Cate Simpson of Reflecting Africa, Sandringham evoked reactions of absolute awe as its first guests arrived. With a spacious main lodge area that boasts a beautiful bar, lounge and restaurant that overlook a vast expanse of water where four rivers meet, one easily gets lost in the mesmerising vistas whilst sipping on a glass of bubbly and letting the bushveld sounds wash over you. Framed by Shisaka and N’Weti Camps’ luxurious suites, and connected to both camps, a gym, spa, library, museum and bush boutique by an impressive timber walkway, the main lodge is where the essence of Sandringham’s colours and cultures converge and where guests gather to share the day’s safari stories.
For a more intimate bushveld setting, guests retreat to their respective camps’ uniquely designed suites. With its name derived from the Tsonga word for ‘nest,’ Shisaka Camp features nest-like rooftop salas from where one can enjoy how the light travels across the river and carries the eye to the Drakensberg Mountains in the distance. This camp also features two luxury villas with the same architectural language. N’Weti Camp – a luxury canvas camp – pays homage to the Tsonga culture, with its name referring to the view of the mountains on a moonlit night.
Further to these two waterside camps, Sandringham also offers an exclusive use 1,100m² residence which can host up to eight guests in its four elegant ensuite bedrooms. Sandringham House comes with a dedicated chef, butler, ranger and private vehicle and is perfect for multi-generational families or small groups looking for privacy, flexibility and comfort.
In addition to Sandringham’s stellar accommodation options and its five-star dining experiences, carefully crafted by Executive Chef Dion Von Wielligh and his team, the authentic safari experiences (even those armchair safaris from the lodge’s outstretched decks) create memories that will last a lifetime. The Sabi Sabi Collection’s ethos around caring for people and place is tangible, with its partnership with the Tracker Training Academy and Bushwise forming an integral part of its rewilding and conservation efforts.
Whilst brand-new to South Africa’s luxury safari scene, Sandringham builds on a brand that has been around for more than 45 years, bringing guests the familiar warmth of the Sabi Sabi Collection’s exceptional hospitality. Jacques Smit, Sabi Sabi Collection’s Marketing Director, says: “With this new destination under the Sabi Sabi Collection’s portfolio, we’re not only giving wildlife a second chance to thrive; we’re also bringing our guests Sabi Sabi’s hospitality in an exciting new place. The Sabi Sabi Collection’s longstanding, established hospitality impact ensured that Sandringham could enter the market with well-trained guides and experienced staff, offering guests the five-star service they expect from the brand.”
As one of the first guests so aptly put it: “Sandringham is not a place. It’s a feeling; an emotion.”
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