We know that you are seeking open spaces and fresh air. With South Africa’s borders open for international travel we thought we’d showcase our selection of the top 10 luxury safari lodges in South Africa.
Now, more than ever before, is the time to start planning a special trip somewhere life enhancing, meaningful and memorable.
Look here if you’re looking for great value HONEYMOON ITINERARY ideas
Feast your eyes… and dream of being at one of these beautiful lodges
#1 Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge
Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge is situated in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve, is owner run and thus has become famous for offering guests outstanding service and personalised attention. Constantly good game viewing from the lodge has given Jamala a reputation as one of the best ‘sofa safari’ lodges in Africa. Chef Nico Verster’s superb cuisine is legendary at the lodge and on Instagram!
#2 Singita Sabi Sands – Boulders Lodge, Ebony Lodge and Castleton Camp
Singita is synonymous with luxury, elegance, outstanding service and best of all, fantastic game viewing. Singita Boulders and Singita Ebony lodges offer two very different décor styles while Castleton is ideal for multi-generational families as an exclusive-use villa.
#3 Royal Malewane
Royal Malewane, situated in the Thornybush Game Reserve, resonates opulence, with palatial suites and the option of individual suites or exclusive-use villas, all offering privacy and personalized service.
#4 Lion Sands Game Reserve – Ivory Lodge, River Lodge, Tinga Lodge and Narina Lodge
Lion Sands Game Reserve consists of 4 lodges: the flagship, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and luxury Lion Sands River Lodge in the Sabi Sands Game reserve and Lion Sands Tinga & Narina in a private concession in the Kruger National Park. All of them offer hands on service, luxury accommodation and amazing game viewing. For an unforgettable experience, you must include a night out under the stars in one of the luxury tree houses.
#5 Londolozi
Another gem in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Londolozi has 5 luxury lodges to choose from, 3 of them being Relais & Châteaux affiliated. Founder’s Camp, Varty Camp, Private Granite, Pioneer Camp, Tree Camp. Popular unique experiences, besides the practically guaranteed close up leopard sightings, are the photographic studio, the Healing House Spa and daily yoga sessions.
#6 andBeyond Phinda Game Reserve
Phinda Game Reserve is situated in northern KwaZulu Natal and offers guests the best of both worlds: wildlife safaris and ocean safaris. With 6 accommodation establishments to choose from, one is spoilt for choice between the family friendly lodges, to smaller more intimate lodges to exclusive-use villas. We especially love andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge.
#7 Ulusaba
Part of Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition collection of retreats, Ulusaba has 2 lodges to choose from: Ulusaba Rock Lodge, perched on top of a high hill with unobstructive views of the savanna or Ulusaba Safari Lodge, situated next to the banks of the ephemeral Mabrak River.
#8 MalaMala
MalaMala (in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve) shares a direct unfenced border with the Kruger National Park and has three camps on the banks of the Sand River to choose from: their flagship MalaMala Rattray’s, MalaMala Sable Camp or MalaMala Main Camp.
#9 Rockfig Safari Lodge
Rockfig Safari Lodge is situated in the heart of Timbavati Game Reserve in the great Kruger region. This small and intimate lodge offers outstanding service, value for money and is great for families or couples alike.
#10 andBeyond’s Ngala Safari Lodge & Tented Camp
andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge & andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp are situated in the Timbavati Game Reseve and recently added a three tier Treehouse, adding that extra touch to one’s safari stay. The Timbavati is famed for rare species such as the white lions and painted dogs.
We couldn’t resist adding our favourite BEACH LODGE to this list of fabulous places!
# 11 Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop
Lekkerwater situated in the most exclusive areas of the De Hoop Nature Reserve with access to spectacular and private beaches. Offering some of the best whale watching on the planet, from July to November, as well as sizeable pods of dolphin and wide-ranging marine life.
