Welcome to Izingwe Lodge

Imagine watching lions walking past your game drive vehicle or elephants drinking water just yards away and rhinos grazing outside the Lodge. 

Imagine rugged mountain sunsets and starlit nights.  This is a glimpse into the Izingwe experience.

Izingwe Lodge is the private residence of internationally renowned interior architect and designer, Trisha Wilson.  It is operated on an Exclusive Use basis, meaning that for the duration of your stay at Izingwe you will have the Lodge and its facilities for your sole use.

Izingwe Lodge is located in the Northern Bushveld of South Africa in the UNESCO designated Waterberg Biosphere.  It is a 3-hour road trip from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International airport or alternatively, a 50-minute helicopter or an aeroplane flight.  The Lodge is nestled in a secluded mountain valley in Welgevonden Game Reserve.

Izingwe is all about the safari.  Game viewing, birding and photography are among the best in Africa.  The Lodge is an Exclusive Use property and located in a Private Game Reserve.  Your safari guide, Angus Frew, tailors your experience to your interests and the dynamics of the animal activity.  Angus is a gifted educator and an expert tracker.

Guests at Izingwe are not subject to competing interests of other guests or time constraints of larger commercial lodges or national parks. 

Location:

Izingwe Lodge is situated in Welgevonden Game Reserve, which is a Big 5, malaria-free gem in the Waterberg Region, Limpopo Province, South Africa.  It is north of Johannesburg, a 3-hour road transfer from OR Tambo International Airport or a 50-minute chopper flight.

Welgevonden Game Reserve is 86000 acres of mountain wilderness with big skies and breathtaking panoramic vistas.  The Reserve is part of the Greater Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, declared by UNESCO in 2007.  There are over 50 mammal species, 300 bird species and 2000 plant species in Welgevonden.

Izingwe Lodge is at 4700 ft, with parts of the Welgevonden landscape exceeding 6000 ft.  Cool, dry winters and warm, wet summers ensure a very temperate climate.  This truly is a comfortable, all-year-round destination. 

Lodge and Accommodation:

Izingwe Lodge consists of the main lodge building with a large living and dining area, a veranda, bar and infinity pool; three guest private villas; an outdoor “boma” dinner venue; a “hide” at the waterhole; and a well-equipped fitness centre.

The three guest villas each have a king-size bed, en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers.  Each villa has a private viewing deck and a “sala” or outdoor day bed, where guests can relax during the day while taking in the breath-taking views of the Waterberg Mountain range.

With only three guest Villas and the Lodge only accepting single party bookings, guests are guaranteed exclusivity both at the Lodge and on safari. 

Safari:

The exclusive use policy at Izingwe Lodge enhances the safari experience.  Although the safari vehicle seats 10 people it is never at capacity and you are guaranteed your private guide and private vehicle.

Izingwe’s safari schedule is determined by the guests and their desire to spend time in the bush.  There are no limitations and safaris can be any time of the day or night.

The mountainous landscape includes open grasslands with perennial water.  Izingwe Lodge is situated in the South West of the Reserve where the majority of these grasslands are to be found.   These areas support a variety of plains game and yield fantastic white rhino, elephant, lion and cheetah sightings.

Your guide’s passion for wildlife and enthusiasm is infectious.  Each safari is an interactive education in tracking, animal behaviour and bush interpretation.  Photography and birding are also a very productive part of the experience.

The topography lends itself to full-day safaris, where your guide will explore other areas of the 86,000 acres.  Picnic fare is provided on these day trips and time is taken out for a dining experience in the bush.

An enjoyable Safari is one conducted when all guests’ senses are awakened to their true capacity, learn to adapt to and enjoy the rhythm of the African Bush.

Owner:

Trisha Wilson is currently based in her native state of Texas.  Izingwe Lodge is Trisha’s “home away from home” for her and her husband, Jeb Terry.

Trisha is recognised around the world for Wilson Associates’ iconic projects including the South African landmarks Palace of the Lost City, the Zimbali Forest Lodge and The Blue Train among many other luxury hospitality hotels and lodges throughout the African Continent.

Trisha is a member of the prestigious Interior Design Hall of Fame, a recipient of the coveted Hospitality Design Platinum Circle Award, the distinguished Legend Award from Contract magazine, and selected as Hospitality Design’s Manfred Steinfeld Humanitarian Award recipient.  She has designed for many high-profile executives including music impresario Quincy Jones, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, tennis great Andre Agassi as well as Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy for Girls outside of Johannesburg.

In the 1980s, Trisha was commissioned by the prominent international developer and hotelier Sol Kerzner, to design the mega-casino resort, the Palace of the Lost City.  Much like she has done with Izingwe, Trisha collaborated with local artisans in building the Palace of the Lost City, in a way that is both sustainable and had a major impact on local skills development.  This “pay it forward” model was used by Wilson Associates on various projects all over the world, creating thousands of jobs and financially impacting regions that would not have otherwise seen this growth. 

Hosts:

Angus and Marion Frew are a husband/wife team who have been managing Izingwe for 21 years.

Angus is your safari guide with a BTech Degree in Nature Conservation.   His passion for conservation is evident as he involves guests in the fine art of tracking, identifying birds and enjoying every aspect of the African bush.   

Marion has a BSc degree in Town and Regional Planning.  They met in the bush over 22 years ago and she has never plied her trade, the bush was more attractive.  She is very accomplished in the kitchen and proudly produces fresh, healthy meals for the guests. 

Guests are made to feel part of the family at Izingwe.  Angus and Marion will join you for meals and regale you with wonderful true-life African Bush experiences.  There is never a shortage of fun and laughter at Izingwe. 

Outreach:

Trisha is committed to the community of Vaalwater and supports both health and education initiatives in this little village.  Through her funding, she has helped build a school in Vaalwater, paid to educate many disadvantaged children, supported young adults in their college dreams and assisted in the fight against HIV/Aids.  Her work and love for the people are highly regarded by all who know her and the locals refer to her as “Mama Trisha”.