Our Safari Team
At Inyati Game Lodge, our safari field guides and trackers are the heart and soul of your wildlife experience. During your stay, you’ll spend more time with these knowledgeable and passionate individuals than anyone else. With a dedicated guide and tracker, you’ll have unparalleled access to explore the wonders of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.
Our experienced and deeply committed team comes from diverse backgrounds but shares a common love for nature and conservation. Their contagious enthusiasm makes them true ambassadors for preserving our beautiful reserve.
George Hlongwane
George is a living legend in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. With over 40 years of experience, George continues to live and work on the reserve with his family. His ability to track and anticipate animal movements and behaviour is unparalleled, ensuring his guests are always where the action is.
Omega Godi
Like many top guides, Omega started his career as a tracker, which deepened his understanding of the animals he lives and works with. He quickly advanced and is now a trail guide at Inyati. Omega’s larger-than-life, bubbly personality brings tremendous energy to the team.
Diff Marimane
Diff is the elder brother in a family of legendary rangers and trackers. His father, a property manager in the Sabi Sand, passed on his extensive bush knowledge to Diff and his brothers from a young age, laying the foundation for their guiding skills. Diff has tracked and guided at many of the Sabi Sand lodges, continually refining his expertise. Despite his vast experience, Diff remains humble and friendly, making him a highly sought-after guide.
Gabriel Keet
Gabriel was introduced to the Sabi Sand by his uncle, a well-renowned guide, igniting a passion for wildlife that he turned into a career. Growing up in the beautiful Western Cape, Gabriel was always drawn to nature. After studying to become a guide, he began working in the same reserve where his uncle first introduced him to the bush. Gabriel has since joined the Inyati guiding team, bringing his energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm, which are contagious.
Roger Hlongwane
Roger began his career in hospitality, honing his excellent people skills, but his true passion has always been the field. His hard work and dedication quickly qualified him as a tracker and field guide. Roger’s combined experience in hospitality and tracking has shaped him into an outstanding guide. His gentle and attentive demeanour and bush skills make him a favourite among many guests at Inyati.
Solly Sibuyi
Solly is one of the most respected trackers in the reserve. His immense trailing talent is evident in his relaxed yet confident approach. Solly is one of the few trackers who achieved full marks on their first-ever tracking assessment, and he has only grown stronger since.
Joel Mkhabela
Joel has been with Inyati for over twenty years. His quiet, calm demeanour suits his profession perfectly. Joel loves every aspect of the bush, but tracking and spending time with guests are his favourites.
Lucas Hlahla
Like many trackers, Lucas Hlahla began his career in the hospitality department but honed his tracking skills whenever he had the opportunity. His dedication led to him becoming a qualified tracker. Today, Lucas’s passion and commitment are evident in his ability to find free-roaming game and his attentive care for guests.
Cliff Ndlovu
Cliff joined Inyati after finishing at the top of his class at the Tracker Academy. His exceptional tracking skills allowed him to integrate seamlessly into our experienced team. Cliff’s fresh and youthful perspective brings new energy and motivation to the seasoned members of our team.
Qolani Muhlanga
Qolani joined the Inyati team after tracking in the Kalahari and Central Kruger National Parks. He is passionate about tracking leopards and has become a master at finding these elusive cats. Qolani’s guests are always greeted with a bright, beaming smile.
Suprize Silawule
Suprize began his career in the bush as a conservation team leader in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. He worked on various conservation field projects and was soon recognised as a strong leader and capable tracker. Initially self-taught, Suprize formalised his tracker qualification shortly after joining the Inyati team. Now an experienced tracker, Suprize possesses skills well beyond his years.
Game Drives
Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is not open to the general public and is renowned for providing some of the best game viewing in Africa. At Inyati, we take a different approach—one rooted in ethical guiding and conservation, earning our safari vehicles the trust of animals in the reserve. Limiting the number of vehicles at sightings to a maximum of two (with rare exceptions for three), we can ensure undisturbed wildlife interactions allowing for extraordinary encounters with even the most elusive species.
We are proud to own the largest track of land and pristine river frontage in the western sector, which remains carefully preserved to further enhance the remarkable game viewing opportunities at Inyati. With only 11 luxury chalets, we prioritize intimate, authentic and truly unforgettable safari experiences tailored to what you want to see most. With over 9,000 hectares of traversing wilderness, no two game drives are the same.
Inyati Daily Safari Programme
At Inyati, we understand that nature has rhythms, so we adapt our daily program to enhance your experience. Here’s what you need to know about our seasonal adjustments:
Our summer and winter schedules are set out in the table below. These may change periodically due to weather conditions. Our team will appraise you on arrival of the current daily schedule.
| Activity | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Wake up & morning tea | 5:00 AM | 5:30 AM |
| Refreshments on the Patio | 5:30 AM | 6:00 AM |
| Morning safari departs | 6:00 AM | 6:30 AM |
| Return for Brunch Coordinate timing for these activities with your guide - Walking safari - Fishing - Village tour | 10:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Lunch is available for arriving guests | 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
| High Tea on the Patio | 4:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Afternoon safari departs | 4:30 PM | 3:30 PM |
| Pre-Dinner Drinks | 7:45 PM | 7:15 PM |
| Dinner | 8:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
Interpretive Bush Walks
Explore the wilderness on foot, walking among the Big five and a variety of usually illusive animals as your guide shares fascinating insights. Tailored to your preferences and fitness levels, these walks reveal animal tracks, dung, hiding spots, rare birds, and the area’s rich cultural history.
Birdwatching Paradise by the Sand River
Flowing in front of Inyati Game Lodge, the Sand River is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering the chance to spot the renowned “Big 5” of birding—Ground Hornbill, Martial Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork, Kori Bustard, and Lappet-faced Vulture. Additionally, you may encounter rarities such as the elusive African Finfoot, White-backed Night Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Purple Heron, African Black Duck, Half-collared and Malachite Kingfishers, and African Crake.
You’ll find mousebirds, turacos, woodhoopoes, sugarbirds, whydahs, guineafowl, Secretary Birds, and Hamerkop among the endemic families. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious novice, the avian diversity here will captivate you.
Fishing Adventures on the Sand River
The Sand River is home to over 37 fish species, offering a fantastic opportunity for fishing enthusiasts. Inyati supports fishing on a catch-and-release basis. We provide all the necessary fishing equipment, and a knowledgeable guide or tracker will accompany you to ensure a rewarding and safe experience.
Photography
