The Tinga Experience and Summerfields Villa

as featured and advertised in the November 2009 issue of Skyways, Airlink's inflight magazine

The Tinga Experience

Tinga Private Game Lodge is in the heart of the world famous Kruger National Park, on the banks of the Sabie River. Tinga’s exclusive 5 000-hectare private concession within this prime wildlife area makes it the perfect location from which to experience the best that this world famous National Park has to offer, while affording guests the most accessible luxury experience in the Kruger National Park.

Located on the banks of the Sabie River, Tinga’s two five-star graded lodges, Legends and Narina, have been developed with luxury and exclusivity in mind. World class facilities at each lodge include a river deck overlooking the Sabie River, wine cellar with premium wines, wellness treatments with professional health and skin care therapists, library with an array of African literature, traditional boma, lounge and bar and safaris conducted by experienced, professional guides.

Each luxurious, spacious suite is complete with its own private heated plunge pool, located on a private wildlife viewing deck perfectly positioned to ensure total privacy, with unspoiled views of the Sabie River and its resident wildlife.

Wildlife can be viewed from open safari vehicles and on bush walks with professional guides, and from the private wildlife viewing decks of the suites at Tinga Legends and Tinga Narina. Tinga safari vehicles have access to the entire Kruger National Park road network, allowing guests to view areas of historical significance and aesthetic beauty that the Southern Kruger has to offer.

Luxury, exclusivity and five-star wildlife experiences combine to offer the Intimate Kruger Safari at Tinga Private Game Lodge in the Kruger National Park.



Intimate Kruger Safari

See all that wildest Africa has to offer on a sunrise or sunset safari in one of Tinga’s open safari vehicles where guests are limited to a maximum of six guests per safari vehicle, or more exclusively request a private safari vehicle with a private guide. Advance booking is required.

Observe a host of wildlife and hundreds of bird species in the Kruger National Park which has one of the highest biodiversity ratings in the world, offering an array of interesting fauna and flora including 147 mammal species, over 500 bird species, close to 340 tree species, and a plethora of reptiles, grasses and insects to enhance every safari and bush walk.

Tinga’s private concession is situated between the Sabie and Sand rivers, with 37 km of river frontage. This is a premier wildlife area, offering the Big Five, and due to the riverine habitat and large numbers of prey animals such as impala concentrated in the area, the Sabie River boasts the highest recorded density of leopards in Africa.

With water permanently available in the Sabie River, the area is big cat territory with frequent sightings of lion and leopard. The Sabie River is said to have the richest biodiversity of any South African river, and the area has one of the highest predator densities in Africa, offering guests the chance to see all the major predators.

Safaris conducted within the exclusive private concession provide Tinga guests with the privilege of viewing two of Africa’s most endangered mammals, the African Wild Dog and the Black Rhino. The African Wild Dog is Africa’s second most endangered carnivore, the first being the Ethiopian Wolf. The Kruger National Park hosts Africa’s largest resident population of Black Rhino, which has dwindled over the last 30 years from 65 000 in Africa in 1970 to a mere 4 000 today.

The Sabie River attracts herds of elephant and buffalo which move through the landscape, particularly during the dry season from March to October, while hippo are plentiful in the river. Common game species include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog and a variety of antelope such as kudu, nyala, bushbuck, impala, duiker and steenbuck.

Sweet lowveld bushveld is the dominant vegetation type, supported by shallow soils. Where soils are deeper these are usually saturated with sodium, leading to the occurrence of sodic sites on the concession. In these areas the vegetation has elevated levels of sodium, which is a great attraction to wildlife. Such areas tend to be impermeable to water, leading to the formation of wallows, which rhino find particularly appealing. Tinga’s concession is home to one of the best preserved Marula forests in the Kruger National Park, in the Selati section near Tinga Legends.

Observe hundreds of bird species, with over 330 species recorded on the Tinga Concession and over 500 recorded in the Kruger National Park. Special sightings of African Fin Foot, Narina Trogon, Pels Fishing Owl and Osprey, with regular sightings of the critically endangered Southern Ground Hornbill, make Tinga a bird watching paradise. The Kruger National Park is one of the last secure refuges for the Southern Ground Hornbill, with more than 60 confirmed nesting sites and 145 groups identified.

The focus on bush walks is to look at those aspects of the bush which are less visible from the safari vehicle. Reading the signs, listening to the calls and feeling the textures of the wild, bush walks at Tinga encourage use of all the senses. In keeping with the Kruger National Park policy on guided walks, no children under 16 years are allowed on a walk.



The guides

Professional guides in South Africa are registered with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT). Tinga’s professional guides also undergo the Kruger National Park’s stringent rifle proficiency assessments in order to carry a rifle and conduct bush walks in the Kruger National Park. This assessment is valid for three years, where after the guide is re-assessed.

Tinga prides itself on offering bush walks conducted by Professional Guides with Kruger National Park Advanced Rifle Proficiency.

For these guides, guest safety and respect for wildlife is of paramount importance. While off-road driving is permitted, operations are conducted in such a manner that the environment is never compromised. Guides return to offroad sites after the safari to rehabilitate the area, thus eliminating a permanent footprint on the earth.

Environmental commitment

The National Parks are the cornerstone of nature-based tourism in South Africa, and ecotourism is a key component to achieve growth and employment in South Africa. Tinga’s Private Concession within a National Park generates a range of social and economic benefits without compromising the ecological integrity of the National Park. These benefits include capital investment, foreign exchange generation, employment creation, stimulation of support industries and development of small, medium and micro enterprises, ensuring that the local community benefits from the Concession’s activities. Tinga’s guests play a vital role in contributing to achieving these objectives.

An independent Environmental Control Officer, in conjunction with the Kruger National Park, conducts a bi-annual Environmental Audit. This is unique to Concessions in National Parks and does not apply in the private reserves. Tinga achieved an overall 97.5% rating in the May 2009 environmental audit.

Social and empowerment commitment

Tinga uses all appropriate opportunities to support the empowerment of historically disadvantaged groups by creating business and employment opportunities for the communities living in the vicinity of the Kruger National Park. This support includes, but is not limited to, employment of Tinga staff from the local community, training and upskilling of these staff, and outsourcing of staff meals and staff transport.

Tinga has established a Charitable Trust whose beneficiaries are underprivileged and deserving causes in the vicinity of Tinga and the Kruger National Park. The Trust ensures that funds are applied effectively and the Trust is audited annually by appointed auditors of the Trustees.

Conservation commitment

Tinga supports the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) Large Bird Project within the Kruger National Park, and most recently sponsored the production of a Large Bird identification booklet for the field rangers employed by the Kruger National Park. The Large Bird Project falls under the Birds of Prey Working Group (BoPWG), which ensures an environment in which healthy populations of raptors and vultures live in harmony with mankind.

Tinga supports the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) Saddle billed Stork Project within the Kruger National Park, and most recently sponsored the production of posters and brochures for a photographic competition and census within the Kruger National Park.

Tinga also supports the EWT’s Carnivore Conservation Group, which teams up with South African National Parks to conduct a census of Wild Dogs and Cheetahs in the Kruger National Park, contributing to the long-term conservation of these mammals. The Kruger National Park is home to one of the only viable populations of Wild Dogs and Cheetahs in South Africa due to the protected environment. Both species are the rarest of the Park’s large carnivores.

Tinga Legends

Tinga Legends exudes the style, elegance and luxurious comfort of a classic safari lodge, and is named in honour of those whose vision and foresight ensured that one of the world’s greatest natural treasures exists today, the Kruger National Park. The elegant thatched entrance leads through to the luxurious comfort of the lounge on the open terrace, which flows to the wooden deck below, embracing an ancient Jackalberry tree. The deck affords magnificent views of the Sabie River and surrounding bushveld, with frequent sightings of a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five.

Tinga Narina

Narina has a distinctly more African feel. Built on stilts and nestled between the leadwood trees on the banks of the Sabie River, the private wood and thatch suites make Narina the romantic hideaway of your dreams. Like the Narina Trogon, the bird after which it is named, Narina is unobtrusive yet undeniably beautiful, blending perfectly with the riverine vegetation that ensures exciting Big Five viewing.

Wellness treatments

Lift your spirits, relax and recharge with an indulgent wellness treatment chosen from a luxurious selection, and conducted by a professional health and skin care therapist. Professional therapists are available to spend time restoring, revitalising and renewing the senses in the treatment room at Legends, or in the privacy of the suites overlooking the Sabie River. Advance booking is advised.

Cuisine

The Tinga culinary experience focuses on the aromatic offerings of Africa and is enhanced by the tranquil settings in which the meals are served, with brunch on the river deck under the shade of an ancient Jackalberry tree and High Tea on the terrace overlooking the Sabie River. Evening meals are serenaded by the eerie call of the hyena, as the tantalising aroma of a traditional boma barbeque drifts through the bush.

There is a note of envy from the hippo grazing on the riverside vegetation as a romantic dinner for two is enjoyed by honeymooners on the deck of their suite under the African night sky. Tinga caters for specialised dietary requirements and recommends advance notice at least 14 days prior to arrival.

Executive Boardroom

Tinga’s Executive Boardroom, located in a grove of indigenous trees at Tinga Legends, provides the perfect bushveld setting for inspired executive decision making.

Activities

Skukuza Golf Course
Play golf on one of Africa’s most unique and scenic courses in the heart of the Kruger National Park and expect to share the fairways on a course where wildlife roams freely. In close proximity to Tinga Legends and Tinga Narina, the Skukuza Golf Course offers guests an exciting opportunity to enjoy a round of golf on a unique course. Advance booking is advised.

Selati Railway Line
Construction on the Selati Railway Line began in 1892 with the intention of linking the Selati goldfields of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga regions and the railway line from Komatipoort to Delagoa Bay, now Maputo, in Mozambique.

When the Kruger National Park was opened to the public in the mid- 1920s, the Selati railway line was used for tourist traffic. Decades later Park authorities decided the railway line conflicted with nature conservation and in 1972 the line was used for the last time and then lifted. The last engine to travel through the Park, number 3638, is now a monument at Skukuza and one of the original carriages is home to the bar in the Selati restaurant in Skukuza rest camp.

A section of the historic Selati railway line and the Selati Railway Bridge can be seen on the Tinga Concession.

Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Library and Campbell Hut Museum
The memorial library is one of the great attractions of Skukuza, housing a fine collection of rare Africana, paintings and photographs and a wealth of memorabilia used by rangers. On display is the lion skin and pocket knife that delivered the death blow to the lion in 1903 during Ranger Harry Wolhuter’s epic drama in the early days of the Kruger National Park.

The Campbell Hut museum preserves the oldest hut in Skukuza as an example of tourist accommodation in 1929, together with the first fuel pump.

Lake Panic Bird Hide
Lake Panic Bird Hide offers exceptional photographic opportunities of a diversity of birdlife, being the major bird hide in southern Kruger. Among the less common Kruger birds recorded at Lake Panic are the Osprey, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black Crake and African Rail. Tinga is a member of the African Pride Portfolio of hotels, lodges and country houses.

Stay at Tinga

Hire a car and stay for R8 470 per person sharing

Rate includes:


Rate excludes:

Fly in and stay for R8 550 per person sharing

Rate includes:


Rate excludes:


Terms and conditions are applicable. Rates are subject to availability and subject to change due to tax fluctuations. This offer is applicable to new bookings only. Offer expires 30 November 2009. To book a stay at Tinga, contact eHolidays Tours on 011-502 3304 or e-mail enquiries@eholidays.co.za

How to get there:

Airlink offers regular, convenient daily direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to Nelspruit Kruger. Airlink also connects Nelspruit Kruger with Livingstone on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Book online at www.flyairlink.com or call +27 11-978 1111.

Summerfields Villa

The ultimate in Lowveld lodging

Set on a plateau with breathtaking 360 degree views over dazzling green forest, the ultra-luxurious new Summerfields Villa has been opened on Summerfields Rose Retreat near Hazyview, Mpumalanga.

For those seeking exclusivity and privacy, this is as good as the Lowveld gets. With neo-modern interiors defined by earthy tones to create a dramatic sense of place, a private butler and chef are at your disposal while a dedicated driver is at hand to pop into the countryside.

The Kruger National Park is a short distance away, as is the beautiful Panorama Route which leads to God’s Window with views to the Mozambique border. Back at the Villa, guests can allow themselves to indulge in the other facilities, including a private lap pool, gym and a personal therapist.


Safari spa

With its luxury lodge accommodation, destination spa, gourmet restaurants and scented, sub-tropical farm within which to wander, Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa– set on the Sabie River – is the ultimate sanctuary for the senses. Its original luxuriously-appointed safari-style tents are positioned beneath the soulful reverence of jackalberry and tambotie trees, with bathrooms open to the cascading sounds of the river. Inside the tents, aircon deals with the sultry Lowveld heat while high thread count percale cotton sheets and bed-side ipods lend contemporary comfort.

Slightly down-stream, reached by wooden board-walks, the Spa Pavillions skyfreedom.

The ultimate in Lowveld lodging have an air of indoor-outdoor sensibility within which treatments take place surrounded by forest fever trees and aromatic shrubs.

Fine dining

Word spreading like wildfire on the Lowveld gourmet circuit, Summerfields’ Kitchen is where country-chic culinary style is fashioned into a menu influenced by seasonal fresh produce supplied by local farmers and from the restaurant’s own garden, with everything from chutneys to mayonnaise and bread being homemade.

Other new developments at Summerfields include the River Café, which presents itself as a glorious new Lowveld culinary space.

In idyllic surroundings, with hippos often in sight, the River Café is open for breakfast and light lunches for all visitors and for intimate set-menu candlelit dinners lodge guests. While all the Lowveld’s scenic stars are nearby you will, however, be forgiven if you wish to stay put and smell the roses.

Info

Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa:
www.summerfields.co.za

Summerfields Villa – lodging:
Accommodates six guests in two king size and two single beds. Equipped with 2x TV’s, DVD, DSTV and WiFi. Children over 16 welcome.

How to get there

Airlink offers regular, convenient daily direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to Nelspruit Kruger. Airlink also connects Nelspruit Kruger to Livingstone on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Book online at www.flyairlink.com or call +27 11-978 1111.