Kuname River Lodge, Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa

Passion is the priceless ingredient that will make a stay at Kuname River Lodge exceed all expectations. All those associated with Kuname are driven by a passion for the land and the animals, for conservation, for food, and for service. In addition, Kuname demonstrates its passion for the local community by providing educational support for future generations and exposing them to career opportunities. This makes Kuname River Lodge a rather special place.

Set in 9,000 hectares of pristine African bush in the Karongwe Private Game Reserve in Limpopo, Kuname River Lodge is just 45 minutes’ drive from the world-famous Kruger National Park. Its holistic attitude to tourism ensures a well-rounded safari experience.

Here a bush walk turns out to be a nature expedition, with participants learning about medicinal plants, lesser-known flora and fauna and veld skills passed down from one generation to the next. On the game drives, too, you become a participant rather than simply a spectator of Africa’s wild animals and birds.

African animals always emulate the colours of the bush, but birds often sport much brighter hues. All these aspects are incorporated into the colour scheme of Kuname River Lodge and its five riverside chalets.

The subdued tones of the natural fibres, wood and thatch are enlivened by brilliant flashes of colour, from the bold pink of the poolside towels to the fiery oranges in the soft furnishings. Hand-selected artworks, gathered over time for exact spots in the lodge, complement the African decor and colour palette.

Cuisine is in the expert hands of an innovative chef who uses wild African ingredients to add an authentic and exciting twist to the menus. Basil pesto is made from wild basil collected fresh by the guests on morning excursions, and a coffee infusion for the chocolate mousse is made from the seeds of the weeping boerbean tree.