Sagewood Cottage

Accommodation Description

Ntsinini Trout Farm is a 2,500-hectare private conservation sanctuary on the Mpumalanga escarpment, offering four spacious self-catering cottages - Bushwillow, Kiaat, Sagewood, and The Farmhouse. Each cottage is privately positioned within the reserve, with its own character, generous living areas, fully equipped kitchen, and outdoor braai or bonfire area. Sleeping between 9 and 12 guests, they are ideally suited to families and groups seeking space and privacy. Bushwillow rests along the riverbank; Kiaat occupies a bushveld hilltop; Sagewood commands elevated valley views from its unique layout; and The Farmhouse, built in 1941, offers a private pool, fireplace, and DStv. All cottages are eco-conscious in design, positioned to keep guests close to the rhythms of the reserve without sacrificing comfort.

Setting Description

Ntsinini sits on the Mpumalanga escarpment, just 2.5 hours from Johannesburg and 1.5 hours from the Kruger National Park, making it an accessible yet genuinely remote escape. The reserve straddles the Elands and Swartkoppies Rivers, offering 11 kilometres of natural river frontage through mountain valleys, lush riverine forest, and open grassland. Wildlife including giraffe, kudu, bushbuck, zebra, and duiker roam freely across the conservancy, while over 250 recorded bird species bring constant activity to the air and treeline. Natural rock pools fed by mountain streams offer a place to swim, rest, or picnic in complete seclusion. Evenings here are defined by firelit gatherings and skies free from city light pollution - the kind of dark that makes the stars feel impossibly close.

What We Love

-11km of fly-fishing on the Elands and Swartkoppies Rivers for rainbow trout and the endemic bushveld smallscale yellowfish

-Four privately positioned cottages sleeping 9-12 guests, each with its own braai and fire pit area

-Over 250 recorded bird species across diverse habitats - a birdwatcher's dream destination

-Giraffe, kudu, zebra, and more roam freely across the 2,500-hectare conservancy

-Natural mountain rock pools perfect for swimming and riverside picnics

-2,500 hectares of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running

-The Farmhouse features a private pool, indoor fireplace, and DStv — comfort with character since 1941

-Only 2.5 hours from Johannesburg - a proper getaway without a full day of travel