Southern Sands Eco Lodge

–Great location - show map
+20 photos
Scored 9
Rated superb

Staff

9.7

Property highlights

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About this property

Southern Sands Ecolodge offers tented accommodation within the Ndlovumzi Nature Reserve, located on the banks of the mighty Olifants River. Set apart to offer privacy, these well appointed tents each have an en suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, a fire pit and a fully equipped outdoor kitchenette. They also each have a furnished deck area overlooking the river. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. For our smaller guests there is a dedicated splash pool. On advance request, the lodge can provide meal options, subject to availability. The reserve is home to a range of plains game, including giraffe, wildebeest, zebra and a number of antelope species. Guests at Southern Sands Ecolodge can enjoy organized tours into the Kruger National Park and the celebrated Panoramic route as well as guided game drives on the 1000 hectare Ndlovumzi Nature Reserve in an open game drive vehicle. Running, walking and cycling is possible on the reserve. Hoedspruit is 35 km from Southern Sands Ecolodge, and the nearest airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, 43 km away. Nestled on the banks of the Olifants River within the peaceful Ndlovumzi Nature Reserve, Southern Sands Ecolodge offers an authentic bush experience that blends comfort, nature, and family-friendly freedom. Each tent is privately positioned to ensure peace and space for every guest. The well-appointed tents feature an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, a furnished deck overlooking the river, a fire pit, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchenette, perfect for relaxed evenings under the stars. Southern Sands Ecolodge is primarily self-catering, featuring private braai areas, outdoor kitchens, and a shared kitchen in the communal area. For guests who prefer not to cook, we’re happy to prepare meals on request — from traditional South African braais to vegetarian-friendly options (advance notice required). The fenced-in lodge area makes it a safe and open space for children to play, explore, and connect with nature while parents unwind. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool and a smaller splash pool for little ones. The Ndlovumzi Reserve is home to giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and several species of antelope. Guests can explore on self-drives, guided walks, runs, or cycling routes within the 1000-hectare reserve. On request, we also arrange guided tours and full-day excursions to the Kruger National Park or along the scenic Panorama Route. Free Wi-Fi is available in the communal area for those who wish to stay connected, while the tents themselves invite you to switch off and enjoy the tranquillity of the bush.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular facilities

  • 2 swimming pools
  • Free WiFi
  • Free parking
  • Family rooms
  • Airport shuttle
  • Non-smoking rooms

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.9)

Free private parking available on-site

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Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

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Room type
Number of guests
 
1 extra-large double bed
and
2 futon beds
1 extra-large double bed
and
2 futon beds
or
2 single beds
and
2 futon beds
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Guest reviews

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Value for money
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Guests who stayed here loved

Irene
Netherlands Netherlands
“Nice location, nice view, and comfortable tent. Real Back to the bush experience with very few other guests. Very friendly owners who really want you to feel at home and are very helpful.”
Alan
South Africa South Africa
“Great setting on the Olifants. It is a perfect space for romance and connection. Braai facilities at each unit and around pool. Private and quiet.”
Elna
South Africa South Africa
“The view and the sound of the river flowing was magical. It's a very tranquil area, and you can rest and rejuvenate! We felt safe, and the tent was comfortable, especially with the bathroom inside.”
Grove
South Africa South Africa
“Absolutely love this place. Love the peaceful atmosfeer in the reserve and the outside shower was fantastic. The host was also very friendly and went out of their way to help us”
Nico
South Africa South Africa
“Stunning Location next to the river, The running water makes for such a peacefull atmosfere. The tented room was comfortable and the Beds comfortable. It is Camping without the hassle. Cant wait to go back.”
Nosipho
South Africa South Africa
“The property did not disappoint. The property looks exactly as it does on pictures. We had a wonderful experience and the sounds of the flowing river did wonders for my sleep.”
Mariana
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“We loved staying there - friendly host, lovely animals and great overall”
Anouk123
Netherlands Netherlands
“So friendly and lovely place, go!!! Terry is the best guide and host you can wish for. Book a game drive with him he knows so much.”
Refiloe
South Africa South Africa
“Terry and Robina are great hosts! Enjoyed the sound from the flowing river at night. Facilities were great, and the pool was lovely. Great location for a really private getaway!”
Juan
South Africa South Africa
“The tented room is unlike any modern unit. It really puts you in touch with nature, and is something out of the ordinary. This was our second stay, and it was amazing as always!”

Hosted by Terry and Robina

9.7
Host review score
Terry and Robina
Come, relax and enjoy our very special bush retreat. We have two very well appointed safari tents set on the banks of the Olifants River. We are located in the Ndlovumzi Nature Reserve near Hoedspruit town. Our special reserve is home to a range of plains game including giraffe, wildebeest, zebra & sable. The reserve is perfect for those wanting to walk, run or cycle with animals and if you are looking for the big 5 we are close enough for a day trip to Kruger Park (45 minutes to Orpen gate). As well as being perfect for couples we are a family friendly lodge. We are able to provide everything from a cot to high chair to help you and your family enjoy your stay. The tent can be configured in a number of ways to accommodate 2 adults in singles or a queen size bed. We can then add up to 2 extra beds (stretchers) to accommodate infants and children. Each tent has it's own braai area, fully equipped kitchenette & fire pit. Cooking & braai facilities are also available at the pool/communal area. On advance request, the lodge can provide meal options. “I offer guided tours, safari drives, bush walks, birding experiences, and transfers, just ask me about adding amazing activities to your stay!”
We're very passionate about the bush and are fortunate to live on a nature reserve. Now that we have retired from the 'corporate world' we have decided to make Southern Sands Eco lodge our home. Terry has many years of experience in the bush. As a guest you are free to explore the reserve by yourselves or you can join us on a safari drive or bush walk. “I offer guided tours, safari drives, bush walks, birding experiences, and transfers, just ask me about adding amazing activities to your stay!” Our aim is to make your stay relaxing & comfortable.
Hoedspruit town is less than 45 minutes away where you will find supermarkets, restaurants, curio shops, etc. If you do not want to head in to Hoedspruit there are other options for eating, coffee shops and curio shops closer to the reserve. Hoedspruit Reptile Centre, Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre & Blyde River dam are some of the attractions that are close to the reserve.
Languages spoken: Afrikaans,English

Property surroundings

House rules

Southern Sands Eco Lodge takes special requests - add in the next step!
Check-in
From 15:00 to 21:00
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out
From 10:00 to 10:30
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Damage policy
If you cause damage to the property during your stay, you could be asked to pay up to ZAR 1,000 after check-out, according to this property's Damage Policy.
Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

Children 18 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

0 - 2 years
Extra bed upon request
ZAR 400 per child, per night
Cot upon request
Free
3 - 17 years
Extra bed upon request
ZAR 400 per child, per night

Prices for cots and extra beds are not included in the total price, and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cots allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.

All cots and extra beds are subject to availability.

No age restriction
There is no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Payments by Booking.com
Booking.com takes your payment on behalf of the property for this stay, but make sure you have cash for any extras once you get there.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
Parties
Parties/events are not allowed
Quiet hours
Guests must be quiet between 12:00 and 11:00.

The fine print

Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please note that a compulsory park fee per stay is applicable and excluded from the rates. This amount is payable in cash at the entrance gate.

Please note, the property is accessible via a 10 km gravel road.

Please inform Southern Sands Eco Lodge in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.

Quiet hours are between 12:00:00 and 11:00:00.

Food & beverage services at this property may be limited or unavailable due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you cause damage to the property during your stay, you could be asked to pay up to ZAR 1,000 after check-out, according to this property's Damage Policy.