At Sashwa, we are committed to creating a positive impact through our innovative social enterprise model. Unlike a traditional non-profit, a social enterprise generates profit to achieve specific social objectives. For us, this means supporting Koru Camp, a community engagement tented camp on our shared reserve dedicated to uplifting the previously disadvantaged through educational and empowerment programs.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and our operations are designed to serve the land, the community, and the wildlife. We provide employment and training opportunities for local residents, fostering economic growth and development. We are driven by our core purpose to deeply connect others to nature and wildlife, inspiring them to become positive change-makers in their own lives and the natural world.

Our mission is to drive positive change, creating a more equitable and sustainable world by harmonizing transformative travel with deep environmental and social responsibility.

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

By Air
There are regular daily flights from Cape Town International Airport or OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Eastgate International Airport in Hoedspruit. We are a scenic 1h15min drive from Hoedspruit. For flight schedules and bookings, please see Airlink and Cemair, our local air carriers.

Airport Transfers
Your road transfers to and from Eastgate International Airport, Hoedspruit to Sashwa can be arranged by us in advance at an additional cost. Our driver will meet your flight with a welcome board and a refreshment and you will be driven in an air conditioned vehicle through the Greater Kruger entrance gate enjoying some wildlife spotting en route to the lodge.

By Self-Drive
From Johannesburg it will take approximately 5-6 hours for you to reach Hoedspruit and then another 1,5 hours to reach the lodge.

There are two distinctive seasons in the Greater Kruger Park region each bringing their own set of highlights for a soulful safari at Sashwa.

The Dry Season May- September:
Mid May represents the end of summer and start of the drier winter months.The landscape begins to change to shades of burnt gold and earthy browns with many trees baring their silhouettes to the skies. Animals flock to the only sources of water available at waterholes and perennial rivers like the Olifants River at Sashwa, hippos wander around and sun themselves on the banks of the river.

Temperatures can drop to 10 degrees Celsius at night making early mornings very chilly but by midday it warms up to a very pleasant 27 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy Wilderness Walks, the most incredible sunsets and of course the infrared sauna at our Wholeness Center and Star Bath under the extra clear night skies.

We suggest you pack a warm jacket with a good pair of hiking/walking shoes and layer your clothing according to the time of day. Neutral colors are always best to blend into the environment. A warm hat and gloves are perfect for early mornings.

The Wet Season October- April:
As September moves into October the temperatures rise considerably and dark clouds build up day after day on the horizon until finally the first rains fall dramatically as afternoon thunder showers that usually clear quite quickly. The landscape transforms overnight into a palette of vibrant greens and the air is alive with the buzz of insects. Colorful migratory birds flock into Greater Kruger and the distinctive call of the Woodlands Kingfisher can be heard all along the banks of the Olifants River at Sashwa. Many animals give birth to their young during this season, so the bush is alive with baby animals and birds.

The temperatures and humidity can be very high over this season with night time temperatures around 18 degrees celsius and average day time temperatures of 32 degrees celsius rising to over 40 degrees celsius on occasion. This is the time of year to enjoy early morning safari drives, the paradise of birds in our gardens and our salt water swimming pool, retreating during the heat of the day to a blissfully cool air conditioned room for a siesta.

We suggest you pack light summer weight clothing in breathable natural organic/cotton fabrics, a long sleeve shirt and pants for the evenings and a sunhat and swimsuit to keep fresh.

Encounters may include some of “The Big 5”, but our focus is firmly on fostering connection and meaningful time spent with all the wildlife on the land. We believe the local Shangaan saying that “a leopard chooses to reveal him/herself to us, we do not choose to see a leopard”, and this is true for all wildlife. Our borders are open to the entire 2,6 million hectares of the Greater Kruger Biosphere allowing wildlife to roam freely onto and through our land.

All meals, beverages, safari drives and walks, daily guided yoga and meditation, homemade snacks from our 24 hour self-service snack bar, laundry and use of facilities including gym, infrared sauna, pool, relaxation lounges, meditation room, creative studio and wildlife hide within camp.

Our daily schedule at Sashwa River of Stars changes with the seasons and weather. We have created the ideal space within the fenced area of the lodge for you to just unwind, reset your natural biological clock and do as much or as little as you would like. Every day there are optional wilderness activities and immersions on offer for you to join.
In the summer months safari drives and walks start before daybreak to take advantage of the morning freshness followed by a later breakfast and then yoga inside our cool Sanctuary. During the heat of the day its time to relax in one of the many chill spots we have around the lodge with lunch in between. As the end of the day approaches there is another wilderness immersion option to enjoy such as a safari drive with quiet time to watch the sunset.
During winter months days have a slower start with yoga and breakfast first followed by a safari drive or wilderness walk. Return late morning to the lodge and enjoy some creative inspiration in our art studio or in the outdoor tranquility garden with lunch and then perhaps spend some quiet time at our resident Hide. In the afternoon there is another safari drive or wilderness immersion activity on offer with a campfire around the Boma to greet you on return and maybe a star bath before you say goodnight.