Situated amid the Sabi Sand Game Reserve‘s luxuriant embrace, Dulini Leadwood seems intended especially for romance and relaxation.
Written by Lauren Maker
Each suite provides a private and secluded setting, nestled as they are beneath the ancient forest canopy. The lodge captures an intimate and personalized experience with only four magnificent suites, making sure you will enjoy a luxurious honeymoon.
Arrival at Dulini: Warm Welcome and Scenic Drive
On arrival at Dulini, I was greeted by Tash, a gorgeous African woman with the biggest smile. She greeted me with a cool lemongrass face cloth to refresh my face and hands. It takes around 2.5 hours to drive from Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit) in South Africa‘s Kruger National Park, or guests can fly into Skukuza Airport, which is only a 1 hour and 30-minute drive away. As Tash showed me around the lodge, we witnessed buffalo chilling in the water of the river which runs past the lodge all year round.
The suites at Dulini Leadwood are wonderfully spacious, nicely equipped, and meant to blend in with the natural surroundings. Each suite includes its own lounge area, a spacious bedroom and a lavish bathroom, and if that isn’t enough, you also have access to a plunge pool and a sundeck — the ideal area to soak up the sun or have a solitary moment beneath the starlit African sky. Dulini really has it all, delivering a blend of rustic beauty and modern luxury, as well as a love affair with nature.
Safari Adventures: Wildlife Encounters and Expert Guides
Without a doubt, a honeymoon at Dulini Leadwood is more than just a romantic getaway, it’s also an invitation to experience the enchantment of animals. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is well-known for its excellent game viewing, including so many animals, including the Big Five, the Ugly Five, and the Small Five.
Every game drive becomes a shared adventure: witness the hunt, the opportunity to marvel at the majesty of nature’s masterpieces while holding each other close, guided by expert rangers and trackers. Ranger Patrick, who has toured the area for decades, was outstanding — I noted that Patrick and May, the tracker, worked well together. Their knowledge and co-operation made each game drive so much more enjoyable and entertaining. May was quite knowledgeable about birds, and it was a pleasure to see so many beautiful birds – my personal favorite being a massive Kingfisher.
Culinary Delights and Romantic Dining
The romance of Dulini Leadwood goes beyond the wild experiences — the team is dedicated to creating outstanding experiences. Enjoy dinners for two set against the background of the bushveld or dine under the stars on a private deck, the team will even set up candlelit dinners in the open-air boma. A symphony of flavors complements the lodge’s gastronomic offerings, designed to captivate the senses. Each meal was an experience, delicious, carefully thought out and wonderfully satisfying.
This charming lodge is an excellent choice for a honeymoon safari — it is a canvas on which newlyweds can paint the vivid first strokes of their love story. The impeccable service, scrupulous diligence, and a dedication to providing a tailored experience will ensure your honeymoon is thoroughly prepared down to the last detail. I was surprised by the smooth service and enjoyed the romance of this location.
The Origin of Dulini: Aardvarks and Antbear’s Lair
Dulini is the African word for a termite mound that provides shelter to sly critters. Many years ago, while exploring the magnificent riverine grove, it is believed that the founders of Dulini Moya’s original location upset an aardvark who was resident of a nearby dulini, or termite mound. After that, it became known as the Antbear’s Lair, and now lends its name to the lodge itself.
A Honeymoon Safari to Remember
The ideal honeymoon safari is one in which romance is created by the people, the setting, and the wildlife. The sounds of animals become the music to your love story. This lodge checks all the boxes, giving you an all-encompassing experience honoring the union of two spirits.
I recommend staying here for at least four nights, to fully enjoy all the peace, romance, and delight this incredible lodge has to offer. It is, without a doubt, one of my greatest safari experiences to date, and I so look forward to sharing it with our guests. Dulini Leadwood welcomes honeymooners looking for an intimate vacation that exceeds the ordinary. Uniquely, it promises a journey of love and exploration amidst South Africa‘s natural splendor.
