In the wild heart of Greater Kruger, where the Olifants River winds through ancient mopane woodlands and starlight floods the night sky, stands Sashwa River of Stars — a sanctuary for rest, renewal, and reconnection.

Here, dawn begins with the hum of life awakening: lion calls rolling through the mist, hornbills gliding over acacia crowns, and the first glow of sunlight rippling across the water. Sashwa is more than a retreat — it is a return. A place where time slows, and the wilderness speaks in the language of stillness.

Born from a deep reverence for nature and its power to heal, Sashwa embodies harmony between human and wild. Twelve carefully designed suites — some overlooking the Olifants River, others embraced by the quiet bush — open onto private decks where guests can watch the river flow or hear the calls of the wild. Interiors blend organic luxury with earth tones and natural textures, letting the architecture settle softly into the landscape.

“As a social enterprise, Sashwa is guided by a simple truth: nature gives, so we give back,” says Peter Eastwood, Founder of Sashwa River of Stars. “Through our conservation work and partnership with Koru Camp, we protect the land, uplift local communities, and create a haven where people can reconnect to themselves through nature.”

A Different Kind of Safari

At Sashwa, safaris unfold at nature’s pace — slow, immersive, and intimate. Guests move quietly through the private wilderness with expert naturalists, learning to see with curiosity rather than urgency. A leopard drapes itself across a marula branch at sunset. Elephants gather along the Olifants River, the air humming with dust and light. Lions call from distant koppies, their voices threading through the twilight.

But the true wonder lies in the quieter moments — the shimmer of a carmine bee-eater’s wings, the play of vervet monkeys in morning light, the scent of rain on dry earth. Every experience is a meditation in presence.

The Spirit of Sashwa

Between safaris, guests sink into stillness: floating in the saltwater pool overlooking the river, wandering through the Permaculture Garden, or surrendering to the warmth of the Himalayan crystal sauna. Morning yoga on the riverside deck invites a gentle awakening as wildlife wanders past, while the Riverside Spa restores body and mind with treatments drawn from African botanicals.

Sashwa’s plant-based cuisine, curated by Chef Arabella Parkinson, is a tapestry of colour and flavour. Ingredients from the permaculture gardens and local family farms come together to create dishes that nourish the body and soul. Evenings unfold around the fire circle, where conversation drifts beneath constellations so bright they seem close enough to touch.

Whether one comes seeking a soulful safari, a wellness retreat, or a moment of quiet renewal, Sashwa River of Stars offers more than escape — it offers a homecoming to the wild heart of Africa.

T: +34 711 093 735
W: Sashwa

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