The Top 10 South African Safari Lodges

Located in the stunning African wilderness, the best South African safari lodges embody ethical and sustainable luxury. Eco-consciousness is the name of the game at these one-of-a-kind locations, where conservation efforts and unobtrusive construction blend with the natural environment to deliver an unspoiled experience of the African bush. Here’s our collection of the Top 10 South African safari lodges…

Are you looking for the ultimate in hospitality, exclusive safari experiences, and personal service dripping with luxury? Look no further than our collection of South Africa’s most sumptuous safari spaces, each designed to deliver the very best that the bush has to offer. From private game drives and exquisite cuisine to spa treatments and designer decor, these Top 10 South African safari lodges offer supreme experiences that will leave bush lovers salivating…

1. Londolozi Lodge

   Situated within an area of the greater Kruger National Park with the highest concentration of big cats, Londolozi Game Reserve’s five exquisitely appointed camps offer up the ultimate in safari luxury. Family-run, Londolozi’s conservation efforts have yielded a wilderness area packed with game, perhaps most notable being its significant leopard population.

   

   Explore this stunning destination on daily game drives, take a dip in your outdoor bathtub, see elephants bathing in the river and dive into the excellent dining for an unforgettable safari experience.

2. Dulini Lodge

   Intimate and remote, Dulini features just six suites set amidst ancient ebony trees.

   

   Located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which shares a fenceless border with the Kruger National Park, Dulini’s passionate and expert guides will astound you with their knowledge on morning and afternoon game drives, as well as guided bush walks. Being set so deep in the bush, it’s not uncommon to spot wildlife right from your lodge’s viewing deck. All the Big Five are residents here, as well as a healthy leopard population.

3. Elephant Plains

   Attention to detail, warm hospitality, and personal service make Elephant Plains Game Lodge a destination guests keep returning to.

   

   While the Big Five and a host of other game roam this area, it’s also famous for its vast array of bird species. Indulge in stargazing excursions, twice-daily guided safaris, and ultra-immersive bush walks, between fine dining and sampling the lodge’s impressive wine cellar. Elephant Plains boasts an abnormally high concentration of leopard sightings, so if you’re aiming to spot this elusive big cat, look no further.

4. Kapama Game Reserve

   With the Klaserie River crisscrossing this pristine location, Kapama plays host to a wealth of creatures big and small, including an impressive list of 350 bird species. Four luxury lodges (Buffalo Camp, Southern Camp, River Lodge, and Karula) offer up the utmost elegance, exclusivity, and a warm welcoming African bush atmosphere.

   

   Relax in the spa, catch the first rays of the day on an early morning game drive, or take a bush walk guided by expert rangers and trackers. Snappers can even attend a photographic workshop hosted by one of South Africa’s leading wildlife photographers.

5. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

   One of the most environmentally sensitive safari lodges in South Africa, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve was conceived to blend in with its natural environment from every angle. Get in touch with nature’s restoring tranquility while soaking up undisturbed views of the endless bushveld.

   

   Notable features include a meditation garden, an underground wine cellar with 6000 bottles of rare wines, a spa that offers holistic treatments, and a one-of-a-kind outdoor boma. Local Shangaan trackers and highly experienced guides are on hand to take you on daily game drives for a wilderness experience you won’t soon forget.

6. Singita Boulders Lodge

   Located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve next to the world-famous Kruger National Park, Singita Boulders Lodge takes its name from the Shangaan phrase ‘places of miracles’. Twelve luxurious glass-fronted suites blend into the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, each featuring a private deck, heated pool, fireplace, and outdoor shower.

   

   After a day out spotting elephants, lions, cheetahs, hippos, wild dogs, and other game, tuck into the lodge’s extensive collection of wines – it’s renowned for being one of Africa’s most prolific collectors.

7. Ulusaba Rock Lodge

   As one of Sir Richard Branson’s collection of lodges within Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Ulusaba Rock Lodge represents the peak of style and comfort. Uninterrupted panoramic vistas over the African bushveld will have you shaking off your city blues in no time at all. Located on a hilltop, each suite is individually decorated and offers up sumptuous accommodation.

   

   Whether you’re relaxing at the pool, getting an aerial perspective on a helicopter flip, or being guided through the bush be an expert tracker and guide, you’re never far from the tranquility of nature.

8. Lion Sands River Lodge

   The only private reserve sharing access to the perennial Sabie River with Kruger National Park, Lion Sands Game Reserve features stunning views and incredible wildlife viewing. Apart from the Big Five, the area is renowned for its record number of leopard sightings, a rare treat when it comes to this elusive big cat.

   

   Safari lunches, boma dinners, and sundowners on the deck will have you blissfully slipping away into the sights, sounds, and scents of the African bush, while highly trained trackers and guides will share their knowledge on twice-daily game drives. The lodge also features Kosher meals prepared in a separate kitchen and, for families, an organized program for the little ones.

9. Tintswalo Safari Lodge

   Serene and delightfully secluded Tintswalo safari lodge is located next to Kruger National Park in the Manyeleti Game Reserve. Every suite is kitted out in 19th-century charm, with a private pool, all the creature comforts you could desire, and stunning views of the waterhole, guaranteeing spectacular wildlife sightings.

   

   Featuring one of the lowest vehicle densities in the Greater Kruger, Tintswalo offers up the ultimate in safari exclusivity. Enjoy uninterrupted game viewing, guided by expert local trackers who know the environment like the back of their hands. Special trips include guided game walks, hot-air balloon rides, and stargazing excursions.

10. Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

    Situated on the banks of the Mluwati River, Hoyo Hoyo safari lodge blends traditional Tsonga style with the ultimate in luxury. Hosting a maximum of 12 guests at a time, exclusivity is guaranteed, and hospitality is supreme. Indulge in spa treatments, tuck into three-course dinners and enjoy the privacy of your own deck.

    

    The Mluwati concession was one of the first private concessions in the Kruger National Park and you won’t have to look far to see the benefits of its conservation efforts. Apart from the Big Five, Hoyo Hoyo boasts some 500 bird species and you’ll be able to see all of them on a guided walking safari.