Sashwa River of Stars is on a private game reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park on the banks of the mighty flowing Olifants “Elephants” River.

We share our home, Mvuu Game Reserve, solely with our partner non-profit community education camp, Koru Camp. This allows for an exclusive and uninterrupted safari experience when staying with us, with no external vehicles or guests on our land.

With open borders to the renowned Kruger National Park, our neighbor to the east, the iconic wildlife of Africa roams freely over 2.5 million hectares of protected wilderness, allowing us the rare opportunity at Sashwa to witness their natural rhythms and passages throughout the seasons as they traverse our land.

Book your flight to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, South Africa, or OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Then, book another flight to Hoedspruit Air Force Base Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

There are regular daily flights from Cape Town International Airport or OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Air Force Base Airport (HDS).

Direct flights from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) take about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Direct flights take about 1 hour from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS).

We are a scenic 1h15min drive from Hoedspruit. Please see Airlink and Cemair, our local air carriers, for flight schedules and bookings.

Airport Transfers

We can arrange your road transfers to and from Hoedspruit (Eastgate) International Airport to Sashwa in advance at an additional cost.

Our driver will meet your flight with a welcome board and a refreshment. You will then be driven in an air-conditioned vehicle through the Greater Kruger entrance gate, enjoying some wildlife spotting en route to the lodge.

There are two distinctive seasons in the greater Kruger region.

The Green Season (October-April)

From October, temperatures rise, and dark clouds gather until the first dramatic afternoon thunderstorms clear the air.

The landscape transforms into vibrant greens, buzzing with insects and colourful migratory birds, like the Woodland Kingfisher. Many animals give birth, making the bush lively with baby animals and birds.

Temperatures can be very high, ranging from 18°C at night to over 40°C during the day. Enjoy early morning safari drives, birdwatching in our gardens and saltwater pool, and retreating to a cool, air-conditioned room during the heat.

Pack light summer clothing, such as a long-sleeve shirt and pants for evenings, a sunhat, and a swimsuit.

The Dry Season (May-September)

Starting in mid-May, the landscape shifts to burnt gold and earthy browns. Animals gather at water sources like the Olifants River, where hippos bask on the banks.

Night temperatures can drop to 10°C, but midday warms to a pleasant 27°C. This is ideal for Wilderness Walks, stunning sunsets, the infrared sauna at our Wholeness Center, and stargazing.

Pack a warm jacket, hiking shoes, and layers for different times of day. Neutral colours blend best into the environment. A warm hat and gloves are perfect for early mornings.

We are located in a low-risk malaria area. Please discuss with your care provider what precautions to take.

If you are visiting from a yellow fever zone, you will need a yellow fever vaccination.

Please consult with your health care provider on any recommendations and precautions before your travels.

In order to protect your investment, we strongly encourage our guests to take out sufficient travel insurance as the Operator and Venue do not take on the liabilities and risks associated with travel and cannot be held liable for delays, cancellations, or trip interruptions.

Gratuities

We often have guests ask for guidance regarding team gratuities. Gratuities are completely optional and given at your discretion, based on the service you feel was most meaningful to you.

Guidance on contributions

A tip is more than just a ‘ thank you’– it’s also in recognition of the hard work that makes your stay extra special. A suggested guideline for the overall tip is 10% upwards of the total amount of your stay, or R300 to R600 per guest per night.

How to pay gratuities

At reception at checkout, you’ll find a gratuity sheet with suggested categories (e.g., Team, Spa, Guides, Wellness, Behind The Scenes). You can leave your tip in the provided envelopes or add it to your final invoice to pay by credit card.

We're here to help! If you have any additional questions or need more details about the retreat, please email us at retreats@insighttimer.com, and we'll be happy to provide you with all the information you need.