New South African safari brand to expand portfolio in December

Nine-suite safari property Khensani River Lodge is set to open on the banks of South Africa’s Sand River this December.

The lodge will become the flagship property of Tengile MalaMala Collection, an owner-led portfolio of six safari camps and lodges that debuted in March within Kruger National Park’s MalaMala Game Reserve.

All the properties sit along a 16-mile stretch of the Sand River in the province of Mpumalanga and are co-owned and run by the Saad family and local communities.

All nine suites at the latest addition to the portfolio will feature open-plan living areas, private plunge pools and viewing decks.

The main building at Khensani River Lodge is set to incorporate lounges, a library, wine cellar and dining areas where live-fire-cooked dishes using local ingredients will be served.

Overlooking the river, a wellness centre will contain a gym, yoga space, sauna, cold plunge and two treatment rooms.

Twice-daily game drives will be offered to all guests, along with guided bush walks. 

The “design-led” property will combine contemporary features with “safari nostalgia”, incorporating locally sourced stone, terracotta tones, woven grass and South African artworks.

Tengile MalaMala Collection partners with local communities to support employment, skills development, water access, habitat management, ecological research and rhino protection.