Welcome to Sondela Lodge and Restaurant · Royal Jozini Game Reserve · Eswatini
An intimate safari lodge where mountain, bush and water meet — on the shores of Lake Jozini, inside Royal Jozini Game Reserve.
Sawubona
Sondela Lodge and Restaurant takes its name from Sondela — one of the first two female cheetahs introduced to Royal Jozini Game Reserve. In siSwati, Sondela means "come closer" — a fitting spirit for a lodge set inside the reserve, cradled between the waters of Lake Jozini and the wild folds of the Lubombo mountains. Here, the rhythm of the bush sets the pace: elephants drink at dawn, fish eagles call across the lake, and the African sun melts into the lake each evening.
Across more than 13,000 hectares of rolling bush, mountain and shoreline, the reserve is home to elephant, cheetah, leopard, buffalo and a wealth of other wildlife to experience. With more than 350 species of birds, Royal Jozini ranks among Southern Africa's finest birding destinations.
Lake Jozini brings its own wild rhythm to the reserve. Below the surface, tigerfish are among the most sought-after freshwater game fish and have earned these waters a reputation for tiger fishing that draws anglers from across the globe. Along the banks, hippos wallow and crocodiles drift through the shallows.
Every moment at Sondela Lodge and Restaurant is an invitation to come closer — to the wild, and to yourself.
Accommodation
Sondela offers four luxury suites, each sleeping two guests in either a king or twin bed setup. The bedrooms are cooled by air conditioning and a ceiling fan, and open onto a private veranda. Every suite has a spacious en-suite bathroom with his-and-hers wash basins, a freestanding bath and a shower, and comes with its own coffee station.
The Experience
Track elephant, buffalo, leopard, cheetah and more as game moves through the bush across Royal Jozini Game Reserve with seasoned local guides.
Drift on a boat safari across Lake Jozini with hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles never far from view.
Cast for tigerfish on Lake Jozini — among Southern Africa's most sought-after game fish — on waters celebrated by anglers across the region.
With more than 350 species, Royal Jozini ranks among Southern Africa's finest birding destinations, with rare species like the Pel's Fishing Owl, African Broadbill, Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Rudd's Apalis, Neergaard's Sunbird, Pink-throated Twinspot, Black Coucal and many more. View the full bird list.
Come closer to cheetah in the spirit of Sondela — one of the first two female cheetahs introduced to Royal Jozini Game Reserve.
Dine at the lodge with the reserve and lake as your backdrop — from relaxed breakfasts to evenings at the water's edge. View the menu.
Glimpses
"At the edge of wild beauty — where the lake mirrors the sky and the bush keeps its secrets."
Book Your Stay
Tell us your dates and what you'd love to do. Our team will confirm availability and rates within 24 hours.
We've received your booking request and will reply by email or WhatsApp within 24 hours. For anything urgent, call +268 7648 6595.
Reserve Your Stay
We host a small number of guests each season. Send us a note and our team will craft an itinerary around your dates.
Location
Royal Jozini Game Reserve, Lake Jozini, Eswatini
Reservations
info@sondela.africa
Telephone
