Description
Exeter is situated within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which is renowned for having some of the best game-viewing in South Africa. There are no restricting fences between the game reserve and the Kruger National Park, enabling the animals to roam freely. The Sand River, which flows all year round, is a major source of water for the animals in the reserve and is home to hippo and crocodiles while the thick reed beds are a haven for many species of water birds and weavers. The reserve is also particularly famous for its leopard sightings.
The six spacious stone cottages of Dulini Lodge grace the banks of the Mabrak River in the western corner of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. As one of only 12 guests, you will feel instantly at home in this quiet retreat. The beautifully appointed suites boast generous plunge pools, shady decks and classic interiors that celebrate the signature style of the Reserve. From the privacy of their own plunge pools, guests enjoy watching game explore the dry riverbed just a few metres away.
The guest area is an elegant space filled with big welcoming sofas and interesting African sculptures. Dine under the ancient jackalberry tree where skilled chefs serve delicious Pan-African meals, or steal away for a romantic candlelit dinner in the well-stocked wine cellar.
The lodge offers family game drives and you can also enjoy bush walks with experienced rangers and trackers to explore the finer details of your surroundings.
Accommodation
Dulini Lodge has six air conditioned stone suites boasting generous plunge pools facing out toward the river bed, shady decks and classic interiors that celebrate the signature style of the Reserve. Bathrooms feature inviting claw footed tubs and huge glass windows accentuate the beautiful surroundings.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Dulini Lodge however children under six years cannot participate in game drives. The lodge is able to arrange baby sitting for younger children while parents go on game drives.
Facilities
Facilities at the Dulini Lodge include private plunge pools in each suite, outdoor dining deck, boma area for dinners under the stars a couple of times a week, a well-stocked wine cellar, sitting room and a lounge offering a wide selection of literature. There is also a curio shop. The lodge also offers in room massages.
Activities
Game drives, family game drives, interpretive bush walks and bird watching are all included at Dulini Lodge. The summer season (September to March) is a time when many species breed and prey is plentiful for lions, cheetah, leopards and other predators that roam the park. In the winter season (April to August), the animals concentrate at the perennial water sources and the grass is low, making game viewing easier. Although winter days are usually warm and clear, late afternoon and early morning temperatures are distinctly chilly.
When to travel
There is no bad time to go on safari in the Kruger National Park. The experience does, however, change from month to month. In the summer months (October to March), it gets very hot. The verdant vistas are all the more spectacular because of the rains, but this means that the foliage is denser, water is more abundant and game is therefore trickier to see. There are lots of beautiful migratory birds during the summer months. While the daytime temperature in the winter months (May to September) is ideal, it does get a little chilly at night and in the early morning.
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Location and directions
Exeter Private Game Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Dulini Lodge is ideally located in a private concession in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, South Africa. The Sabi Sands and the Kruger National Park share a fenceless boundary which allows for the free movement of game in this region. The lodge is located on the banks of the seasonal Mabrak River and is easily accessible from Johannesburg by road or air.
How to get there
Guests have a choice of flying to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport or Hoedspruit Airport on commercial airlines, which would be followed by a road transfer to Dulini Lodge. Alternatively, air charter flights can be arranged to an airstrip within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where a safari vehicle will take you directly to the lodge. The flight time from Johannesburg to the reserve is about 90 minutes. Road transfers can be arranged from local airports in Nelspruit and Hoedspruit.
