This unique eden offers the discerning traveller the perfect combination of wild Private Braai area to the side of each chalet.
Situated on a private island in the middle of the Blyde River, enveloped by large indigenous trees and dense vegetation, is a remarkable oasis called The Island River Lodge. The Island is a unique location in Big 5 country, being a 6 hectare island in the middle of the Blyde River, with the Klein Drakensberg mountains 3 km away. The Island is well known locally for its diversity of bird and plant
life, that is rare in the area, and has attracted locals and foreign visitors alike. The Island has never been developed or farmed previously so has become a haven to indigenous flora and fauna, with migrant birds visiting on a regular annual basis. Other visitors or residents to the Island are Hippos, Civets, Crocodiles, Caped Claw Otters, as well as the diverse birdlife including Pels Fishing Owl, African Scops Owl, Trumpeter Hornbill, Verreaux's Eagle Owl, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird. It is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also for visitors who are looking for a tranquil, peaceful location that allows them to easily visit local attractions like Kruger National Park (Orpen Gate - 40 mins), Grasskop, Pilgrims Rest, Bourke's Luck, Mac Mac Falls to name but a few. Currently under construction are 4 luxury unique tents, with private braai area and outside seating area, facing the mountains, that offers the space for longer term stays or weekend breaks, with indoor wet room and separate toilet, plus 2 units offering outdoor showers and one with wheel chair access (though not fully disabled friendly).
2 adjoining (via outside decking) chalets that overlook a pooled area of the Blyde River, where you can watch Kingfishers and Cormorants fishing. A Boma offering both indoor and outdoor dining area plus food preparation kitchen - all open planned. The whole property is also being changed totally to solar power, solar heated water systems (topped up with gas boilers) and water reclaimation systems to water the trees and shrubs from the guests grey water usage.
26/11/2022
Festive Season discount!
Need a tranquil Christmas Breakaway surrounded by Natural, raw, wild, and untouched beauty then join us on The Island, an 8-hector Island situated in the Blyde River...
Get a 20% discount on the accommodation rate for dates between the 25th November and 14th December 2022
We look forward to welcoming you to our very own piece of tranquility!
T&C's Apply
25/01/2021
And continues to rise - all units including the tents have a river view currently.
25/01/2021
The river is approx 40-50m wide at the slow moving part of the river and the low level of this island and the 55 hectare island next door are all under water, with it stretching for at least 100m
25/01/2021
The Blyde River is in full flow due to Eloise and the Island is currently more like an Islet
17/10/2020
Good morning. This is a short note to advise that The Island River Lodge is reopen for bookings from 1st November 2020.
To help small businesses to support South Africans and South Africans to support the small businesses, any South African resident will be offered a R400 per unit per night (2 sharing minimum) discount if booked directly here or through African Retreats for stays of 2 nights or more and this will include bookings over 3 days over the Xmas period of between 18th December 2020 and 6th January 2021.
This offer is for self catering only but if you wish to consider full catering please do not hesitate to contact me directly if required.
Iain Rendle. The Island River Lodge
08/06/2020
Mountain View Sunsets | Sounds & Sights 🌅
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Here on The Island we look up to the Drakensberg Mountain Range, which is framed by the riverine foliage that encircles the lodge. Etched into the skyline it provides a beautiful backdrop for our everyday sunsets. ✨
As winter sets in, the landscape is thinning, opening up space in the canopy to see through to these magnificent mountains. Today we're sharing this beautiful sunset time-lapse > Play with sound for the full effect! 🔈
Lowveld Landscapes From Above ⛅️ 🌿
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There are many different ways to experience this unique part of South Africa. A safari in the Kruger Region is on most people’s list but there is more to see in this Lowveld landscape...
Waking up before sunrise for most is no easy task, but for this bucket-list adventure the early start is worth it for the scenic ride above nature. Take in the views of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, endless orange groves, winding rivers and wilderness areas.
Looking to get into nature after lockdown?
Experience a secluded stay at The Island River Lodge 🌿
Life Above & Below | Birds & Bugs 📷🌿
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We may not be able to search far and wide for wildlife, but we can look to our gardens...Life can be found everywhere, hidden in foliage, under a rock or soaring the skies. 🦜
Spending time in nature is good for our well-being, and it’s important to appreciate the creatures we share this earth with. How many species can you spot in your garden? 🏡
Today we’re sharing a gallery of garden finds of bugs & birds.
Tap to view >
Life To The Lowveld | Late Rains 🌨
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Prolonging the transition from the landscapes summer to winter colours, the late rains have been continuing to fall throughout the Lowveld these past few weeks.
The Blyde River that surrounds us is full to the brim and the riverine vegetation is still vibrant and lush. Today we’re showcasing the beauty of the bush and sharing some post summer scenes taken by videographer Rogan Roams during his stay with us. 📷
Taken any pictures during your stay?
We’d love to hear from you, whether its Drakensberg views, Kruger sightings or simply a few of your favorite images from your stay in South Africa - send in up 10 images to be featured in our posts.
As we continue our lockdown, life in the natural world goes on as usual and today we're sharing a sunset snippet of of Africa's most iconic (and most guests) favourite animals - The Giraffe! 🦒
Stay Home & Stay Safe 🌿
📷 Rogan Roams
05/04/2020
An Island Life | Hippo Facts 🦛
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The Blyde River encircles The Island and brings with it an abundance of life. Hippos inhabit the winding waterways and we often see them here wallowing in the calm waters.
Today we're sharing a few of our favourite hippo facts....
Did You Know >
* The name hippopotamus means ‘river horse’ and is often shortened to hippo.
* Hippo calves can weigh nearly 100 pounds at birth and by closing their ears and nose, they can suckle both on land and underwater.
* Hippo only graze at night and spend most of their time submerged in the water.
* In the animal kingdom, the closest relations of the hippo are surprisingly cetaceans such as whales and dolphins.
* Hippo secrete a viscous red fluid which acts as natural sun protection and is believed to have healing properties.
* A hippo's canine teeth can grow to an incredible 1.5 feet in length!
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Situated on a private island in the middle of the Blyde River, enveloped by large indigenous trees and dense vegetation, is a remarkable oasis called The Island River Lodge. This unique eden offers the discerning traveller the perfect combination of wild virgin bushveld and water paradise, and is accessed via a causeway, which has only recently been built. It’s raw, wild and untouched!
The lodge has been carefully constructed to take advantage of the views of the mighty Blyde River and the backdrop of the Klein Drakensberg mountains. Rhodesian Teak decking in the main area of the lodge houses a relaxing infinity pool, outdoor dining area, lounge and a number of lookout points. The boma area is under a canopy of indigenous trees and offers a sense of privacy on the water’s edge. Construction of the lodge looks like a modern extension of its natural surrounds, and not an intrusion.
The main decking area is built around a 200 - 300 year old tree, which serves as the central point and canopy over the main outdoor area. The boma area (catered guests) is where evenings are spent listening to the rapids of the Blyde River below and the crackle of the flames from the boma’s campfire. The trumpeter hornbills will serenade you with their calls while you’re listening to the flowing river beneath the deck area.
Rustic and authentic accommodation is provided on a fully catered or self-catering basis, and is available in four river facing chalets and four uniquely designed mountain facing tents on wooden platforms (each strategically placed for additional privacy). There are outdoor showers in some of the rooms, and even whirlpool bath baths. Rooms are interlinked via meandering pathways that are lit during evening times.
There are world-class attractions in the vicinity, making The Island the perfect base for your Kruger and Limpopo excursions. Recommended is the Panorama route and exploring the wonders of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere. Trips to the Bourke Luck Potholes, God’s window and big five game drives can all be arranged prior to your stay.
When you’re not out and about, we recommend exploring The Island’s backyard, an 8 hectare stretch of land with plenty of paths and gentle walks. There’s a rickety bridge with astounding views of the river and lush vegetation. Enjoy the serene surrounds while relaxing at the poolside listening to the surrounding birdsong.
Don’t be surprised to see an abundance of birdlife fluttering about, and if you’re lucky enough, you might spot a hippo grazing on the grounds of the lodge.
This place is for the serene soul, the one that favours bushveld luxury in a tropical setting.
