Sashwa River of Stars, South Africa | Wellbeing Escapes
Wellbeing Escapes, The Wellbeing Holiday Experts

Sashwa River of Stars

Greater Kruger, South Africa

The sun sets over the South African wilderness while a group enjoys the view from a wooden deck
Group participate in a class on a wooden deck overlooking a river and thick greenery
Group in safari attire walk through the African wilderness as the sun dips
Swimming pool as seen from above, surrounded by greenery and with a river in the background
Building with outdoor seating, rattan lantern-style ceiling lights, a grassy lawn and steps down
Table laid up with glassware, white napkins and candles with a view of the riverbank
Tortilla wrap folded over in half on a white plate drizzled with a white sauce
Battered vegetables on an orange puree-like sauce with edible flowers on a dark grey plate
Bitesize dessert on a white plate, with a white seeded covering and edible yellow flowers
Hotel room with white walls and a wardrobe, a rattan headboard and green and white bedding, plus nature-inspired wall art above
Stylish hotel room with floral wall art, white bedding and a cushioned headboard, a wooden floor, ceiling fan and white walls
Luxe rustic bathroom with white walls, a freestanding bath, wooden sculptures, an arched mirror and floral wall murals
Olifants River in South Africa, with grassy banks and leafy hills in the background at sunset
Wooden hut-style buildings showcasing open-air spa treatment rooms surrounded by greenery
Woman lies on her front under a blue towel as a therapist in white uniform prepares for her spa treatment
Group on yoga mats in brown blankets sit cross legged on a wooden deck overlooking the African wilderness
Man works out on a wooden deck with views of the African greenery and river
Gym with a wood-beamed ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows, equipped with treadmills, benches, bikes and weights
Airy studio with rattan lighting, a wood-beamed ceiling and floor-length windows set up with yoga mats and cushions ready for a class
Group in camo attire and sunglasses in a red truck in the African wilderness
Line of people walk through the African wilderness
Woman with long hair in a clip takes pictures with a large professional camera in the African wilderness
Two women in an art studio, one walking past another sat painting at a table
A staff member and female chat in a leafy garden under a blue sky
Triangular-roofed huts in a row surrounded by greenery as the sun dips behind the trees
Wooden deck with hanging rattan chairs and white cushions, overlooking the river bank and water
Rectangular swimming pool with striped cushion loungers and a wooden canopy, and rattan domed shelters next to a grassy lawn
Retreat entrance with a triangular-shaped roof, wooden walls and stilts and soft lighting among thick greenery
Low-rise terracotta building in a lawned area with trees, and a deer walking past
Lounge with a wood-beamed ceiling, rattan lantern lights, neutral sofas and shelves stacked with artisan decorations
The sun sets over the South African wilderness while a group enjoys the view from a wooden deck
Group participate in a class on a wooden deck overlooking a river and thick greenery
Group in safari attire walk through the African wilderness as the sun dips
Swimming pool as seen from above, surrounded by greenery and with a river in the background
Building with outdoor seating, rattan lantern-style ceiling lights, a grassy lawn and steps down
Table laid up with glassware, white napkins and candles with a view of the riverbank
Tortilla wrap folded over in half on a white plate drizzled with a white sauce
Battered vegetables on an orange puree-like sauce with edible flowers on a dark grey plate
Bitesize dessert on a white plate, with a white seeded covering and edible yellow flowers
Hotel room with white walls and a wardrobe, a rattan headboard and green and white bedding, plus nature-inspired wall art above
Stylish hotel room with floral wall art, white bedding and a cushioned headboard, a wooden floor, ceiling fan and white walls
Luxe rustic bathroom with white walls, a freestanding bath, wooden sculptures, an arched mirror and floral wall murals
Olifants River in South Africa, with grassy banks and leafy hills in the background at sunset
Wooden hut-style buildings showcasing open-air spa treatment rooms surrounded by greenery
Woman lies on her front under a blue towel as a therapist in white uniform prepares for her spa treatment
Group on yoga mats in brown blankets sit cross legged on a wooden deck overlooking the African wilderness
Man works out on a wooden deck with views of the African greenery and river
Gym with a wood-beamed ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows, equipped with treadmills, benches, bikes and weights
Airy studio with rattan lighting, a wood-beamed ceiling and floor-length windows set up with yoga mats and cushions ready for a class
Group in camo attire and sunglasses in a red truck in the African wilderness
Line of people walk through the African wilderness
Woman with long hair in a clip takes pictures with a large professional camera in the African wilderness
Two women in an art studio, one walking past another sat painting at a table
A staff member and female chat in a leafy garden under a blue sky
Triangular-roofed huts in a row surrounded by greenery as the sun dips behind the trees
Wooden deck with hanging rattan chairs and white cushions, overlooking the river bank and water
Rectangular swimming pool with striped cushion loungers and a wooden canopy, and rattan domed shelters next to a grassy lawn
Retreat entrance with a triangular-shaped roof, wooden walls and stilts and soft lighting among thick greenery
Low-rise terracotta building in a lawned area with trees, and a deer walking past
Lounge with a wood-beamed ceiling, rattan lantern lights, neutral sofas and shelves stacked with artisan decorations

Overview

Sashwa River of Stars gives guests a front-row view of the wildlife of Greater Kruger National Park. Set within an unfenced wilderness on the banks of the Olifants River (Elephant’s River), it’s a natural corridor for elephants, hippos, crocodiles and antelope. You can watch the animals moving through the landscape from your private deck or the saltwater swimming pool. That is, when you’re not out exploring on the morning and afternoon game drives or immersive bush walks. Both of these activities are part of the daily 'flow', and combine expert-led wildlife watching and informative talks with the likes of journalling and quiet reflection.

True to its setting, the lodge embraces a back-to-nature philosophy, encouraging mindfulness, reflection and connection to the environment. Retreat programmes combine daily movement with relaxation. When you're not out in the wild, there’s a dedicated Wholeness Spa with an infrared Himalayan crystal sauna (you’re encouraged to enjoy a treatment early on to adjust to ‘Sashwa time’), space for yoga, meditation and art workshops, and a plant-based menu that’s as sustainable as it is creative. 

When to go

October to March brings the hottest temperatures and is the most popular time to visit. Between April and September, expect crisp mornings and evenings, clear skies, and more comfortably warm daytime temperatures.
33
Jan
33
Feb
31
Mar
28
Apr
24
May
20
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20
Jul
20
Aug
23
Sep
27
Oct
28
Nov
29
Dec

What we love

  • Wake to the distant sound of elephants at dawn, move through the day accompanied by birdsong, and fall asleep to the steady calls of hippos and lions after-dark
  • The Star Bath experience lets you soak in essential oils beneath a starry African sky, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness
  • The lodge follows a Circular Gastronomy approach, which means any waste including food waste is used to regenerate soil.

Who should go

  • Nature and wildlife lovers  
  • Anyone looking to combine unforgettable safari adventures with wellness and relaxation
  • Families with grown up children, couples or solo travelers looking for a wilderness escape

Escape the ordinary at Sashwa River of Stars
Take a sneak peek at daily life at Sashwa River of Stars, a luxury lodge in South Africa's Greater Kruger region.

Offers

  • No single supplement on the Standard suites
  • Complimentary Revitalise or Serenity treatment (60 minutes; choose from the treatment list) 
Have a question?

Wellbeing Booster

Wellbeing Booster retreats at Sashwa River of Stars combine rest and relaxation in a serene wilderness setting. On this three-day retreat, enjoy massages, daily yoga and meditation and guided drives and walks in search of the Big Five.
£843
per person
What’s included

Comprehensive Wellbeing Booster

Wellbeing Booster retreats at Sashwa River of Stars combine rest and relaxation in a serene wilderness setting. On this five-night retreat, enjoy massages, daily yoga and meditation and guided drives and walks in search of the Big Five.
£1,406
per person
What’s included

Stay at Sashwa River of Stars

Enjoy a two-night stay at Sashwa River of Stars, a rustic safari lodge in the Greater Kruger. You’ll enjoy guided walks and drives in the wilderness, time to relax at the on-site spa, and daily yoga and meditation sessions.
£520
per person
What’s included

Wellness

Wellness at Sashwa River of Stars is guided by a simple philosophy – slow down, breathe, and let nature do its work. The approach is holistic and non-prescriptive, with space to rest and move at a pace that suits you.

You can choose from a range of retreat programmes with varying lengths, but all of which feature therapies, daily movement, and time exploring the great outdoors on expert-led game drives and bush walks. These morning and afternoon safari experiences go way beyond wildlife spotting, and incorporate wellbeing activities like journalling and meditation. While sightings of the Big Five can happen, the team's priority is respecting the animals and their habitat.


The Wholeness Center has a state-of-the-art infrared Himalayan crystal sauna complete with an outdoor waterfall shower, a well-equipped gym facing the river, and intimate solo and couples cabins for soothing treatments that use organic local ingredients. Elsewhere, you’ll find yoga and meditation studios, a Zen-like Tranquility Garden and a saltwater swimming pool.


Example treatments at Sashwa River of Stars
  • Massages
  • Bodywork
  • Reflexology
  • Star Bath experience


Activities

Activities available at resort
  • Guided wilderness walks
  • Dawn and dusk guided game drives
  • Sound Safari (an in-depth introduction to animal sounds)
  • Saltwater swimming pool
  • Sunset deck with fire pit
  • Permaculture garden
  • Creative art studio
  • Library
  • Stargazing
  • Birdwatching
  • Boutique

Typical Group Classes

  • Yoga (Yin and Vinyasa)
  • Meditation


Sample Weekly Class Schedule

Please note - Classes are subject to change and seasonal adjustments

Rooms

Sashwa River of Stars has just 12 spacious, tented suites which are elevated on timber decks located on the waterfront or in gardens filled with blooms and birdlife. These African-inspired lodges are done out in earthy shades with high thatched ceilings, chic bathrooms with antique mirrors, woven textures and vibrant artworks. 

Laundry service is available on request, and each suite is equipped with an umbrella for rainy days.



Hotel bedroom with wooden furniture and blue bedding, black bedside table lamps, a rattan chair and white wardrobe
Standard Suite
Size: 18 square metres. 

Tucked beneath the trees, Standard Suite have a king-size or twin beds, an en-suite bathroom with a shower, a screened garden and a private deck with views of the bush. 
Facilities include air-conditioning and an overhead fan, a charging station, Himalayan salt lamp, organic hospitality station, and a hairdryer. Additional amenities include yoga mats and meditation cushions.

Hotel bedroom with white and green bedding, a nature-inspired picture on the wall, a white storage area and hanging straw hats and tote bags
Garden Suite

All of these suites have unique rounded bedrooms and private decks.

Carmine (30 square metres) is wheelchair-accessible and tucked away in a private garden, with an extra-length king-size or twin beds, an en-suite bathroom with shower and a deck with a hammock.

Dung Beetle and Aardvark (21 square metres) share a secluded courtyard garden with a water fountain. Dung Beetle has an extra-length king-size or twin beds, Aardvark has an extra-length king size. Both have an open-plan bathroom with shower.

Bee Eater (35 square metres) has a botanical theme, and an extra-length queen-size bed and an open-plan bathroom with shower. Lastly, Rockfig (25 square metres) has an extra-length king-size bed and an open-plan bathroom with shower.

Facilities include air-conditioning and an overhead fan, a charging station, Himalayan salt lamp, organic hospitality station, and a hairdryer. Additional amenities include yoga mats and meditation cushions.

Woman in a blue robe lights candles in a white bathroom with a freestanding bath, large arched mirror and floral wall mural
Luxury Garden Suite
Size: 38 square metres

These spacious suites are nestled in a garden rich with birdlife. 

Each comes with an en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bath and separate rain shower, and a deck overlooking the surrounding greenery.

Facilities include air-conditioning and an overhead fan, a charging station, Himalayan salt lamp, organic hospitality station, and a hairdryer. Additional amenities include soft cotton bath robes and luxurious toiletries, yoga mats and meditation cushions.

Hotel bedroom with white walls, earthy-toned bedding and a grand padded headboard, nature-inspired wall art and a black ceiling fan
Luxury Riverfront Suite
Size: 30 square metres

These suites are nestled on the riverbank with views of a majestic Fever Tree and the flowing water beyond.They either have a queen-size bed, or extra-length king or twin beds. Rooms are en-suite bathroom with a shower and private decks.

Facilities include air-conditioning and an overhead fan, a charging station, Himalayan salt lamp, organic hospitality station, and a hairdryer. Additional amenities yoga mats and meditation cushions.


Wooden deck with white-cushioned hanging chairs overlooking a grassy bank and Olifants River
Premier Riverfront Suite
Size: 50 square metres

The riverfront suite is ideal for couples and comes with an extra-length king or twin beds, two bathrooms – one with a freestanding bath, one en-suite with a rain shower – and a deck that’s just footsteps from the water, with cosy hanging chairs and views of the floodplain.

Facilities include air-conditioning and an overhead fan, a charging station, Himalayan salt lamp, organic hospitality station, and a hairdryer. Additional amenities include soft cotton bath robes and luxurious toiletries, yoga mats and meditation cushions.

What’s on the menu

The menu at Sashwa River of Stars is designed by Chef Arabella Parkinson from the Eat to Thrive Consultancy, with a deep commitment to health and sustainability. Meals are plant-based, colourful and created using local, indigenous and organic produce from the on-site garden, free from processed sugar, refined carbs and seed oils. The lodge follows a Circular Gastronomy approach, which means any waste is used to regenerate soil.


Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served along with nourishing snacks that are available throughout the day. Dishes are designed to support energy and balance, complemented by herbal teas, wellness tonics, kombucha, organic wines and a small selection of spirits.


Round black plate topped with circular vegetables, tomatoes, herbs and dollops of white sauce
Dining at Sashwa
The main dining venue’s floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the wilderness views. Guests can also enjoy al fresco meals on the patio or pergola, and, weather permitting, a romantic candle-lit dinner under the stars on the riverfront deck.

Location

Sashwa River of Stars is in South Africa’s Greater Kruger region, overlooking the Olifants River. This stretch of water is a well-known wildlife corridor, and a hotspot for elephants, hippos, crocodiles and birdlife. The lodge sits within a 2,000-hectare private unfenced reserve, where the animals can move freely through the landscape.


Nearest airport

The lodge is around a 90-minute drive from Hoedspruit, with scheduled flights available from Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Families, Children & Infants

Children over 16 years are welcome at Sashwa River of Stars.


Why Wellbeing Escapes?

Wellness experts
Logo for flexible pricing
Our team of wellness travel experts have visited the retreats themselves and include trained holistic therapists and yoga teachers. Their expertise in the wellness field and the retreats allow them to match you with the best retreat and programme for your individual needs.
Value added benefits and discounts
Logo for value added benefits and discounts
As the most established specialist wellbeing travel company we are able to provide excellent added value with our exclusive benefits including reduced prices for single travellers, free spa credits, complimentary transfers plus free nights and additional benefits for our repeat clients.
Award winning service
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With over 15 years of experience, we have come to understand what our clients need from a wellbeing holiday. We treat each client as an individual and provide a personalised concierge service organising all aspects of your stay from spa and treatment programmes, transfers and flights with an efficient and friendly approach. Our continuous awards for customer service speak for themselves.
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