Overview
Silvan is redefining luxury safari in Africa and our inspirational Leadwood and Jackalberry forest provides the ideal canvas for this ground breaking lodge. The contemporary, modern architecture is slick, bold and alluring with a nuanced bohemian flair adding a sense of whimsical artistry. Our flittering hero, the bee-eater, introduces vibrant bursts of colour throughout the lodge and gently weaves its magic into grand art collaborations and intricate hand-woven masterpieces alike.
A Silvan safari is centred around a complete celebration of unique and exceptional experiences. Our mindful approach honours the intricate manner in which all life is connected. From witnessing the unrivaled spectacle of the African sunrise, feasting on sensational culinary delights to connecting with the heart and soul of Silvan, our extraordinary people. Silvan is like nothing ever seen before, a wonder waiting to captivate the heart and connect it to the glorious African spirit.
The key ingredient to what makes Silvan truly extraordinary is the inspired team who make up our Silvan family. Hailing from all corners, with many coming from the very communities surrounding the lodge, their passion and love for curating unique African.
One of life’s greatest joys come from the pleasure of forging new friendships and relationships. The smiles, laughs and experiences shared brings people from all walks of life together, in unison, forever connected by that personal moment in time and fore.
Accommodation
Each of Silvan’s six suites offer luxury accommodation, extraordinary space and exquisite river views. Every pod’s private plunge pool is perfectly positioned for you to watch, cocktail in hand, as animals stroll by along the riverbed below. Silvan’s family suite, the Leadwood, welcomes our multi-generational travellers. Inspired by the trees, Silvan’s suites embrace their size and stature, providing ample space and light.
Each one our pods has its own unique design and decor inspiration, which means that no two suites are alike. The spirit of the trees, Silvan’s own inspiration, has been carried throughout the lodge with our bee-eater making frequent appearances. Grander safari suites would be difficult to find with each of Silvan’s pods designed for exceptional space, comfort and opulence.
Kierie Klapper Suite
The Kierie Klapper, also known as the bushwillow, is famed for its copper-coloured seed pods which inspired the colour tones and design elements of this suite. The rich teal of our bee eater, a notable character throughout Silvan, also leaves its signature mark.
Different textures and delicately embroidered elements are woven into every corner of this suite. A collaborative watercolor and ink line drawing adorning the wall feeds the imagination with the story of a duiker browsing the bushwillow’s leaves while lovebirds playfully flit from branch to branch.
Cassia Suite Suite
Celebrating luxury with tones of rich, golden yellow and deep green, Silvan’s second suite takes its inspiration from the Cassia tree, affectionately known as the golden rain tree for its striking yellow flowers which ignite the African bush in summer.
The bright and inviting hue of this tree complements the unique design elements and original layout of the suite. Layered copper artworks adorn the walls with our friendly bee eater who can once again be seen making cameo appearances throughout.
Knobthorn Suite
One of Africa’s famous Acacia tree varietals, the Knobthorn is a slow growing, deciduous tree found throughout the Sabi Sand. The name comes from the characteristic knobbly bark which develops as the tree ages, making it easy to identify.
The Knobthorn suite is wheelchair-friendly, providing guests easy access to the main lodge. The soft grey tones of its bark and the fluffy, delicate, yellow bloom of its flowers have been elegantly introduced into the decor and design of the suite. Journey through the Knobthorn and relish in the restorative energy of this sturdy tree.
Blue Guarri Suite
This hardy, evergreen tree which often goes unnoticed in the bush, except for the black rhino who loves to browse its leaves, lends its spirit to this suite. While the story of the tree is a palpable theme, keep your eyes open to try find it when out on a game drive.
The gentle blue-grey tones of this suite, inspired by the Blue Guarri, create a haven of peace and calm. This energy flows seamlessly through the room with the bespoke art being a wonder to behold and the copper glow providing warmth and comfort.
Tree Wisteria Suite
One of Africa’s most strikingly spectacular trees when in bloom, the Tree Wisteria has a rounded crown with sweeping foliage cascading towards the floor. The purple-mauve flowers droop from the tree in bunches, often covering the whole tree in a dazzling purple haze.
Its intense colourings have been painted throughout the Tree Wisteria suite in grand strokes, giving it a fresh and refined feel. With an expansive layout, lavish decor and the private plunge pool set tantalisingly at the edge of the deck, this suite is definitely one to savour.
Leadwood Family Suite
A true icon of the African bush and the backdrop to Silvan Safari, the Leadwood tree is the entire inspiration behind this family suite. An extremely dense hardwood, the Leadwood is a favourite for animals who feed on its leaves but also very popular for the campfire known for its intense heat and lasting embers.
The Leadwood Suite’s majestic stone archway is the perfect entrance to greet any guest to this magnificent hideaway. However, the mighty ancient Leadwood tree emerging through the deck, having been rooted here for aeons, is the true master of this space with the beauty of this tree proving to be utterly mesmerising.
Experience
Look no further than the foothold of the lodge, and you will already feel the spirit of Silvan’s trees wafting through the air. From the majestic walls of stone which make up the grand entrance way to the minimalist, modern architecture accentuated by flashes of colour and wondrous designs, the Silvan Experience is one of mindfulness and restoration.
Decks throughout the lodge ensure that everyone has a place to relax and unwind. A grand, handwoven nest, swinging from a Jackalberry tree, lends artistic character to this lodge. The living areas are clad with copper bars and oversized daybeds fit for lazing on the deck and at the pool. Each moment is intrinsically woven with spirituality and harmony.
Game Drives
While you need look no further than the riverbed below Silvan to spot wildlife, game drives offer you the best chance to experience the incredible variety of animals which the Sabi Sand is so famous for. An early wake-up call at dawn will see you rise with the bush and its residents.
We mimic the movements of the wild, going in search of wildlife when they’re most likely to be on the move (early mornings, late afternoons, and evening) and retreating to the shade as they do for respite from the midday heat. Blankets and state-of-the-art Swarovski binoculars are available in our vehicles.
Ansellia Spa
Welcome to our mindful retreat, resting in the heart of the Sabi Sand. Like all branches of Silvan, our Ansellia Spa is inspired by the spirit of the trees. Named after the African orchid which adorns only the most tranquil reaches of this ecosystem, our spa takes a luxurious and holistic approach.
Found over the bridge and framed by a lush woodland, Ansellia Spa blends seamlessly into the bush, exuding pure serenity. Our bespoke creations and signature treatments integrate local rituals and indigenous ingredients to create an immersive experience which is entirely unique.
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