Comfortable, welcoming main lodge with bespoke locally crafted touches

From its elevated position, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, commands spectacular panoramas over the Save River and the Gonarezhou National Park – one of the few true wilderness areas remaining. This property is unique with a strong focus on wilderness and conservation which stems from owner and professional guide Clive Stockil, founding father of the award-winning CAMP FIRE Project.

10 luxury rooms have private balconies with a seating area and stunning views. Savour meals in the dining room or on the deck, sundowners in the informal bar, or unwind in one of a variety of lounges, whilst appreciating the scenery. Enjoy guided game drives in the park, or a sensory guided game walk.

The Tambahata Pan is great for birding and guests can experience the local Shangaan way of life with a Mahenye Village visit. Additional activities include short boat cruises on the Save River (water-level dependent), a walk to Chivilila Falls, fishing (water-level dependent) and a full day excursion to the iconic and beautiful Chilojo Cliffs.

Details

Inspired by nature, interiors are simple and elegant with bespoke locally crafted touches. Double-storey central spaces are large, open and constructed of stone, timber and thatch. 

  • Commands spectacular panoramas over the Save River & the Gonarezhou National Park
  • 10 rooms with private balconies & simple, elegant interiors inspired by nature
  • Unique property with an elevated gorge location & a strong focus on wilderness & conservation
  • Comfortable, welcoming main lodge with bespoke locally crafted touches
  • Spectacular river & park vistas
  • Authentic tribal village: fascinating people & lifestyle

Trips featuring Cape Town

There are thousands of ways our travellers can experience Africa. Our bespoke itineraries are created to ensure your trip is just right for you.

10 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Namibia Self-Drive and Private Guided Safari

11 days from $5,885 per person

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Exquisite Namibia Fly-in Safari

12 days from $11,019 per person

10 nights featuring the best of Southern Africa

Cape Town, Vic Falls & Botswana

11 days from $6,254 per person

8 nights featuring the best of South Africa

Family Cape Town, Winelands & Safari

9 days from $6,985 per person

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Battlefield Bush and Beach

10 days from $3,149 per person

9 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Duba, Zarafa and Jacks

10 days from $18,965 per person

12 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Cape Town, Kruger and Mozambique

12 days from $9,035 per person

13 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Namibian Guided Safari for Families

14 days from $9,235 per person

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Cape Town, Overberg, Kruger and Mozambique

14 days from $10,305 per person (based on 8 people sharing)

15 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Cape Town, Mana Pools, Kariba and Vic Falls

16 days from $16,345 per person

15 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Cape Town, Karoo & Eastern Cape Safari

10 days from $5,269 per person

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Luxury Namibia Fly-in and Private Guided Safari

7 days from $8,125 per person

12 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Ultimate South Africa

13 days from $13,405 per person

8 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Namibia’s Desert Wanderers of the North-West

9 days from $9,535 per person

12 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Enchanting Botswana

13 days from $9,195 per person

7 nights featuring the best of

Livingstone and Lower Zambezi

8 days from $6,299 per person

8 nights featuring the best of South Africa

Cape Town, Winelands & Safari

9 days from $8,869 per person

title icon

Alternative stays in Zimbabwe

Discover our other world-class accommodation options.

The Private Hide At The Hide Safari Lodge
The Private Hide At The Hide Safari Lodge
Tembo Plains Camp
Tembo Plains Camp
Vundu Camp
Vundu Camp
Nyamatusi Camp
Nyamatusi Camp
Fothergill Island
Fothergill Island
Bumi Hills
Bumi Hills
Matusadona
Matusadona
Amalinda Homestead
Amalinda Homestead
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Matetsi
Matetsi
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Palm River Hotel
Palm River Hotel
Somalisa Camp
Somalisa Camp
title-icon

Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
Best prices

Best prices

We specialise in showing our travellers how to discover unique, locally infused experiences.
Local Knowledge

Local Knowledge

We’re based in Southern Africa and have first-hand knowledge of the experiences that await our travellers.
Responsible Travel

Responsible Travel

All the experiences and destinations we recommend support their communities and environment.
Boutique Focus

Boutique Focus

Our goal is to connect curious-minded travellers to the essence of the place they’re visiting.
Immersive Experiences

Immersive Experiences

We specialise in showing our travellers how to discover unique, locally-infused experiences.
Exceptional Locations

Exceptional Locations

Our bespoke journeys feature stylish, owner-run properties in exceptional locations.
Bespoke Trips

Bespoke Trips

Our consultants are widely travelled and vastly experienced, with expert knowledge of Southern Africa.