Southern Sands Eco Lodge

–Excellent location – show map
+20 photos
Scored 8.8
Rated excellent

Staff

9.5

Southern Sands Ecolodge offers tented accommodations 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 private 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 22 mi from Southern Sands Ecolodge, and the nearest airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, 27 mi 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 private 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 tranquility of the bush.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.2 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular amenities

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

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.0)

Free Private Parking Available On Site

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Availability

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2 twin beds
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1 king bed
2 twin beds
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1 king bed
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Guest reviews

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Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

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See what guests loved the most:

Olebogeng
South Africa South Africa
“We had an amazing time at this beautiful lodge. It's peaceful and tranquil. It's the perfect place if you want to truly experience nature. Falling asleep near the river is a truly wonderful experience.”
Khanyisa
South Africa South Africa
“Always a pleasure to visit here The owners are amazing”
Ruben
Netherlands Netherlands
“The place is amazing! The tent well furnished. The host was warm and helpfull. There are actually some options for food when reading the manual on location. Bed was very good and we've got provided with a childcot for our little one.”
George
Netherlands Netherlands
“Terry and Robina are wonderfull hosts!!! The tents are wonderfull with a gratis View on the river. We did a safari with Terry which was wonderful!!! Terry told us all about the Krugerpark and we saw an amazing amount of animals (4 out of the big...”
Rainer
Germany Germany
“Very nice tented camp, Terry is an excellent host and very helpful Pepared food was very tasty.”
Blessing
South Africa South Africa
“The breakfast was lovely😩Terry can cook. I enjoyed my pancakes more and my friend loved their omelette 🤭”
Vanessa
South Africa South Africa
“We had such a wonderful stay. The property was incredibly relaxing and peaceful, exactly what we needed to switch off from busy city life. The quiet surroundings made it easy to truly unwind, and we especially loved spotting different wildlife...”
Tswelopele
South Africa South Africa
“The location . The Olifants river and the sounds of flowing river. The swimming pool was clean”
Poroza
South Africa South Africa
“I loved the river view and the sound of it at night”
Matshwene
South Africa South Africa
“Terry was so helpful. Tent was clean n the bed was extremely comfortable”

Hosted by Terry and Robina

9.5
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

Area info

Amenities of Southern Sands Eco Lodge

Great facilities! Review score, 8.6

Most popular amenities

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

House rules

Southern Sands Eco Lodge takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
From 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected 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 & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

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

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

Crib and extra bed policies

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

Prices for cribs and extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

No age restriction
There's no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Payments by Booking.com
Booking.com takes your payment for this stay on behalf of the property, 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 need be quiet between 12:00 PM and 11:00 AM.

The fine print

Must-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 6.2 mi gravel road.

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

This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

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

Food and beverage services at this property may be limited or unavailable due to the 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.

FAQs about Southern Sands Eco Lodge