When you think of a safari in the Kruger National Park, images of game drives, sundowners, and lavish bush dinners likely come to mind—not necessarily a gym session. Yet, at Tintswalo Safari Lodge in the Manyeleti Nature Reserve, even fitness enthusiasts are well catered for. The lodge’s gym might be small, but it’s thoughtfully designed, offering a surprising luxury in the heart of the wilderness. For travellers who like to balance indulgence with activity, this is a welcome touch.

Tintswalo’s gym is compact but well-equipped, featuring essentials like a treadmill, free weights, and resistance bands—enough to maintain a routine without feeling like you’re missing out on the wild surroundings. The space is air-conditioned, a relief in the Lowveld heat, and large windows allow you to keep an eye out for passing wildlife while you work out. There’s something surreal about spotting an impala or a warthog trotting by as you stretch post-workout, a reminder that even here, fitness doesn’t have to mean disconnecting from nature.

The lodge also encourages yoga on the private decks of the suites, where the sounds of the bush create a natural meditation soundtrack.

After a workout, refuelling is a pleasure. Tintswalo’s chefs craft meals that are both wholesome and indulgent, with fresh, in-house grown, and locally sourced  ingredients. Breakfasts often include seasonal fruits, granola, and eggs prepared to order, while lunches and dinners showcase South African flavours. The lodge’s dining experiences change daily—one evening might be a traditional boma feast under the stars, another a private dinner on your suite’s deck.

For those who want to explore beyond the lodge, the Manyeleti Reserve shares unfenced borders with Kruger, Sabi Sand, and Timbavati, meaning wildlife roams freely. The historic town of Hoedspruit, about an hour’s drive away, has charming cafés like The Blue Rhino and Kuka Café for those craving artisanal coffee or a light meal.

Back at Tintswalo, the spa provides the perfect counterbalance to physical activity. A massage after a morning workout or an afternoon spent tracking wildlife is pure bliss. The lodge’s curio shop is worth a browse too, stocked with handcrafted African souvenirs—think beaded jewellery, woven baskets, and carved wooden sculptures—ideal for taking a piece of the wild home.

What makes Tintswalo’s gym unique isn’t just its equipment, but its setting. Few places in the world let you combine a fitness routine with the thrill of the African bush. Whether you’re a dedicated gym-goer or just someone who likes to stay active between game drives and gourmet meals, this lodge proves that luxury safaris can cater to every kind of traveller.