The 25 Best Safari Lodges in South Africa
To go on safari is to experience one of life’s greatest adventures but finding the best safari lodges in South Africa, can be a journey in itself. Whether a 4x4 safari is on your bucket-list or you're a budding conservationist at heart, from the Western to the Eastern Cape, up to the plains of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Kruger Park we’ve hand-picked the best safari lodges in South Africa for spotting 'The Big 5'. Looking for a family stay, a couple’s retreat, a five-star stay, or a spa-fari experience? We've got it covered! Our collection of the best safari lodges in South Africa ensures that all you have to worry about is keeping your eyes open for one of Mother Nature’s most incredible performances.
For a family stay
- Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, located in the Eastern Cape is a refuge for endangered animals, not to mention travellers with children! A luxurious private game reserve, five different lodges are dotted amidst 54,000 hectares. Choose between exclusive-use villas and stylish suites – whatever suits your families needs. Without a doubt one of the best safari lodges in South Africa for families.
- Excellent family safari lodge, Kapama Southern Camp is ideal for exploring the Kruger Park. Plenty of activities and flexible accommodation (including catered villas with pools) ensure it’s perfect for a get-together. A great choice if heading on safari with all the family.
- Family-owned, family-led, Madikwe Safari Lodge is a five-star stay suitable for all ages. It offers lots of activities including walking and driving safaris, as well as bird-watching. Alternatively grown-ups can indulge in a spa treatment. A well-recommended family safari experience.
- Priced for families, Khaya Ndlovu Manor House is filled to the rafters with antiques and local curios. It feels more like a home than a hotel. All of the rooms are cosy with sink-into-sofas, antique books, quirky artwork, and plenty of board games to keep all ages entertained.
- Kids will love waking up at Gorah Elephant Camp, without a doubt one of the best safari lodges in Addo Elephant National Park for families! Relax in the cosy setting of your colonial-style tent as these gentle giants pass by, en route to the watering hole. Bask in your very own watering hole, in the form of a glistening infinity pool.
For a five-star luxury lodge
- One of South Africa’s best safari lodges, Jabulani Safari is a favourite amongst honeymooners and well-heeled travellers. A “homage to the elephant”, it is located just outside the Kruger National Park and is on the front doorstep for spotting The Big 5. Stunning suites include four-posters, roll-top baths, and sprawling views. For total privacy, the Zindoga Villa is available on an exclusive basis.
- An award-winning lodge, Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve, located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve provides a five-star stay with private pools, an impressive wellness menu, and opulent suites with four-poster beds and luxurious bathrooms. Sample your choice of 'bush cuisine' or Western flavours, paired with an excellent wine list.
- With numerous awards under its belt, Royal Malewane does not disappoint. The safari lodge of dreams, its recently added Farmstead provides unrivalled luxury and total privacy. Colourful rooms are designed by the owner herself, Liz Biden. Though it bears a hefty price tag, once you’re there it’s an all-inclusive stay.
For sustainability
- Set amidst 26,000-acres of private reserve, Gondwana Game Reserve provides the ultimate Out Of Africa experience, all in a convenient location – just a 4-hour drive from Cape Town. Committed to conservation, this is one of the best safari lodges in South Africa for an environmentally friendly stay. Their mission is to use education, training, and community involvement to create employment for the local community while actively protecting the endangered flora and fauna within the region.
- Boasting excellent value as well as commendable conservation efforts, Hitgeheim Country Lodge & Eco-Reserve is a collection of 16-cottages just a short drive from Addo Elephant National Park. In particular, their Cheetah Project and Elephant Conservation offers educational guided tours and contributes to the preservation of these beautiful animals.
- A lifelong project for the Tompkins family, at 1.3 million acres, Samara Private Game Reserve is South Africa's third-largest protected area. Home to all of The Big 5, they are committed to preserving the local ecosystem. Very luxurious, it’s also one of the best safari lodges in South Africa for families.
Sleep under the stars
- Total romance at Motswari Private Game Reserve. This stunning family house turned safari lodge - with interiors by famed designer David Strauss and artwork by Marion Geiger-Orengo is an aesthete's haven. And the very best bit? You can sleep out in the wild.
- Spa, dining, and sumptuous interiors, Klaserie Sands is a grown-ups only lodge amidst the Kruger Park. Made for romance, it's loved by honeymooners, many of whom opt to try their ‘Star Bed’ experience. One of best safari lodges in South Africa for couples.
- A five-star stay with commendable conservation efforts, immersive spa treatments, and a long list of activities, but what sets Tswalu Kalahari is the opportunity to sleep al fresco, under the Milky Way, in The Motse camp. An unforgettable stay.
- Voted one of Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘Top 20 safari lodges in Africa’, there’s a lengthy list of reasons that make Lion Sands Game Reserve. Its prime location amidst The Kruger Park, restaurant quality dining and five-star spa treatments are all up there, but the piece de resistance has got to be their treehouse stay – the ultimate romantic sleepover.
For a couples stay
- A much more modern setting than most safari lodges in South Africa, Kapama Karula Camp offers 12 suites, including private pools and indoor-outdoor living, as well as an impressive wellness menu and fine dining; it truly is one of South Africa’s most romantic safari lodges.
- Roll-top baths, al-fresco showers and candle-lit bush dining, Tanda Tula wows with design-led interiors and tents with private sit-outs. Set in the heart of the Timbavati Game Reserve there’s no better place to experience wildlife with romance, and service to match.
- Nestled amidst the Kruger Park, Hamiltons Tented Camp is an adults-only safari lodge and unforgettable couples’ stay. Choose from candlelit dining served alongside a colonial setting and fine wines or indulgent spa treatments or why not opt for both!
- Set amidst the stunning Sabi Sands Reserve, Nkorho Bush Lodge is great for couples, but also one of the best safari lodges in South Africa for families (and adults looking for some alone time)! Babysitting services are available, whilst you dine by candlelight or indulge with a spa treatment.
- All-out luxury, Kariega Settler's Drift is a contemporary, architecturally beautiful lodge, providing chic accommodation in a rugged setting. Sprawling rooms boast sink-into bathtubs and epic views. Utterly romantic.
- Camp Ndlovu is a very intimate stay with just three suites – the best boasting private pools. Adults-only, their offering includes pampering spa treatments, sophisticated interiors and capacious four posters. A very romantic experience.
For a spa-fari experience
- With its award-winning spa, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is a sanctuary in itself. Utterly romantic, enjoy an open-air massage in the Riverside Gazebo, perched alongside the tranquil waters of the Boontjes River. Using signature B|Africa products, facilities include crystal steam room, heated outdoor pool, health bar, fitness centre and tranquillity lounge – all the hallmarks of a five-star spa set amidst the African wilderness.
- With a more contemporary feel than most lodges in Limpopo, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has an excellent wellness offering, including juice cleanses and yoga breaks. It’s also reasonably priced, compared to other safari lodges, and provides excellent children’s facilities, including a kid’s club and babysitting services. Highly recommended.
- Light and airy interiors abound at Esiweni Luxury Lodge, off-the-beaten-track in Nambiti Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal – home to all The Big 5, without the safari footfall of The Kruger Park. A member of the Relais & Chateaux collection, gourmet dining is guaranteed, but what sets it apart from the rest is the comprehensive spa menu, including immersive outdoor treatments, overlooking the reserve.
- Boasting an extensive Africology wellness programme (as well as a fully-fitted gym) Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge has all the facilities of a five-star hotel, in the privacy of its very own reserve. Superb conservation efforts ensure guests look after themselves, as well as the local environment.
STILL NOT SURE?
- Expand your search to include all our recommended safari lodges in the Kruger Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Sabi Sands, and The Karoo
- or widen the net even further and take in all the best safari lodges in South Africa including the Western, Eastern, and Northern Cape, the Free State, KwaZulu Natal, the North West Province, and Limpopo and Mpumalanga (for the Kruger Park).
- Alternatively you can contact one of the gurus for advice.
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Hitgeheim Country Lodge & Eco-Reserve Addo 16 rooms from £104
Eco break - Commendable eco and conservation principles - ideal for the enviromentally conscious travellerKayaking - Along the nearby Sundays River, just 1 km awayGreat walks - Expertly led bush walksSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolTraditional African style huts, with thatched roofs, concealing luxurious interiors and quirky bathrooms. Each includes its own private sit out from which to watch the birds and wildlife pass by. There's a pool, excellent safari opportunities, as well as a strong environmental ethos. See More
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Khaya Ndlovu Manor House Hoedspruit,, Limpopo 8 rooms from £330
Back to Nature - An authentic "lodge" experience in the heart of the African bushGreat walks - Guided safari walksSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolFull of characterFilled to the rafters with antiques and local curios, all of the rooms are very cosy with sink-into-sofas, antique books, and quirky artwork. Bask in the panoramic views from the infinity pool and decking area. An excellent breakfast is served each morning; lunch and dinner à la carte. See More
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Samara Private Game Reserve Graaff-Reinet,, Eastern Cape 9 rooms from £344
Back to Nature - Surrounded by the rugged Great Karoo, with an abundance of wildlife, it's the perfect back to nature breakEco break - The owners have created a self-sustaining ecosystem that has repopulated the local game populationGreat walks - The hotel offers guided walking safarisSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolSurrounded by thousands of acres of wild terrain, with 360° views across the Plains of Camdeboo. Choose from cheetah tracking to walking safaris, and picnic out in the wild. With admirable sustainability efforts, this property is passionate about conservation. Beautiful suites and fine dining. See More
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Gondwana Game Reserve Western Cape 28 rooms from £13
Great walks - Stroll through the Cape Floristic Region on a guided bush walk, exploring one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems on footFamilies - Discover adventure with family-friendly lodges, engaging wildlife safaris, and the exciting Junior Ranger Programme for kidsOther Activities - Unwind by the infinity pool, where breathtaking views of waterholes and wildlife provide a serene backdrop for a relaxing dayHoneymoons - Indulge in luxurious private suites with romantic touches, stunning waterhole views, and unforgettable safari experiencesA 26,000-acre private game reserve set against the rugged beauty of the Western Cape. Earthy, natural tones and domed thatched suites evoke the spirit of ancient nomadic tribes. There are 4 bedroom family houses, a spa, fine dining, infinity pools and game drives. A truly magical experience See More
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Motswari Private Game Reserve Mpumalanga 15 rooms from £572
Romantic Break - Al fresco dining, four poster beds, you can even opt to sleep under the starsRestrictions on children - Children above the age of 16 can be accommodatedGreat walks - Daily guided safari and nature walksSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolStunning family house turned safari lodge - with interiors by famed designer David Strauss and artwork by Marion Geiger-Orengo it is an aesthete's haven. Each of its suites boasts a private sit-out where you can listen to the sound of the bushveld. Superb dining, infinity pool, plus daily safaris. See More
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Hamiltons Tented Camp Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga 6 rooms from £597
Romantic Break - Adults only accommodation boasting lavish suites, an indulgent spa, and candle lit diningRestrictions on children - Children above the age of 12 are welcomeSailing - Daily morning and evening safari drivesKayaking - Along the Ngwenyeni DamNestled amidst the Kruger Park, this adults-only safari lodge boasts luxurious suites and superb wildlife opportunities. An utterly romantic stay choose from candlelit dining and indulgent spa treatments. Delicious freshly baked cakes and pastries are served - as are gourmet dishes and fine wines. See More
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Nkorho Bush Lodge Limpopo, Mpumalanga 7 rooms from £600
Romantic Break - Splash out and book the honeymoon suite!Great walks - Daily guided bush walksSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolFour poster beds - For romantics.Beautifully appointed suites nestled amidst the private Sabi Sands reserve. Great for couples and families. Babysitting services are available as are indulgent spa treatments. A buffet feast is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus there's a great wine list. Excellent safari opportunities. See More
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Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa Limpopo 6 rooms from £622
Spa breaks - With special detox and retreat packages this is a great stay for wellness loversGreat walks - Great guided bush walksSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolViews - Great views from hotelLuxurious hotel providing excellent wellness packages and family facilities. Billowing four-poster beds gaze out across the wilderness, some rooms include private pools. Gourmet dining makes for a very romantic stay. From kids' clubs to juice cleanses, there's something to keep everyone happy. See More
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Kapama Southern Camp Hoedspruit (R40 Klaserie River) 22 rooms from £656
Families - Family suites and lots of outdoor activitiesGreat walks - Guided bush and tracking walksKayaking - Along Hongonyi LakeSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolExcellent family accommodation boasting private pools and your choice of activities. Flexible accommodation and dining mean it's perfect for children, whilst adults will love the spoiling spa treatments. Modern suites include stylish accommodation with private sit outs and some have private pools. See More
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Camp Ndlovu Limpopo,, Limpopo 3 rooms from £687
Romantic Break - Adults only, outdoor bathtubs, and candle lit dining - a very romantic stayGreat walks - Guided safari walksSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolRestrictions on children - Adults onlyThis adults-only hotel provides the ultimate romantic stay. Private terraces look out across the bushveld (the best include their own private pool). Daily guided safari drives allow you to soak up the local wildlife. Superb dining, opulent suites, and pampering spa treatments - a spoiling stay. See More
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Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat Clanwilliam,, Western Cape 16 rooms from £689
Spa breaks - Boasting a superb wellness sanctuary, it's a place to fully relax and indulgeRomantic Break - Beautiful suites and candle lite dining: a perfect couple's getawayBirdwatching - Over 150 species from the great African Fish eagle to the jewel-like SunbirdGreat walks - Head out on foot and explore the 10,000 year old rock paintingsAn utterly immersive experience. This hotel is committed to its conservation efforts, from protecting the local wildlife to ensuring that almost all of your cuisine comes straight from their organic garden. Boasting an indulgent wellness centre, a long list of activities, and stunning suites. See More
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Gorah Elephant Camp Addo 11 rooms from £731
Back to Nature - An exclusive lodge set in the middle of Addo Elephant National ParkBirdwatching - There are hundreds of bird species to be spottedRestrictions on children - Children above the age of ten are welcomeKayaking - Along The Sunday’s RiverFive-star stay amidst the famed Addo Elephant National Park. Relax in the lavish setting of your colonial-style tent to the sound of the plains. Candle-lit dining is the height of luxury - every creature comfort is taken care of. There's an inviting pool (the guest's own watering hole) to unwind. See More
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Klaserie Sands Mpumalanga 5 rooms from £735
Romantic Break - A perfect romantic stay, with indulgent suites and spa treatmentsMinimum Stay - Minimum two night stayGreat walks - Daily guided walksSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolThis five-star stay, nestled amidst the Kruger Park provides lavish interiors in a very grown-up setting. Choose between lounging by the pool, head out on an expertly led safari drive, or relax with a spa treatment - you can even 'sleep under the stars'. Superb dining. A great stay. See More
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Esiweni Luxury Lodge Ladysmith, KwaZulu Natal 5 rooms from £786
Total relaxation - Total relaxation amidst the African bush with lavish suites and indulgent spa treatmentsRestrictions on children - Children above the age of six are welcomeMinimum Stay - Three night minimum stayKayaking - Along the Sunday's RiverUtterly luxurious safari lodge in the heart of the Nambiti Game Reserve. This five-star stay provides guests with a romantic and indulgent base from which to head off in search of the Big 5. All inclusive, two safari drives are included in your stay. Modern and opulent suites are very romantic. See More
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Madikwe Safari Lodge North West Province 20 rooms from £814
Families - With plenty of activities, this is a great family stayBirdwatching - There are hundreds of species of birds to be spottedGreat walks - Expertly led guided safari walksSwimming Pool - Outdoor pool and private poolsA family-owned lodge that welcomes yours. This five-star stay is suitable for all ages and offers luxurious rooms and bathrooms alongside plenty of activities. Gourmet dining, al fresco and by candlelight is an unforgettable experience. A lavish and well-recommended stay. See More
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Kariega Settler's Drift Kenton-on-Sea,, Eastern Cape 9 rooms from £830
Romantic Break - Utterly opulent adults-only lodgeFishing - Equipment is availableGreat walks - Guided bush walksSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolAll out luxury this contemporary, architecturally beautiful lodge provides chic accommodation in a rugged setting. Sprawling rooms provide a lavish stay with sink into bathtubs boasting epic views. Superb dining, an inviting bar, and a picture worthy infinity pool. See More
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Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Grahamstown,, Eastern Cape 26 rooms from £964
Back to Nature - A private game reserve in the midst of the African bushCooking classes - An al fresco cooking classGreat walks - Guided bush walksSecluded setting - For escaping.Private game reserve comprised of five different properties, all different, all equally as luxurious. Choose between exclusive use villas and stylish suites. Superb wildlife opportunities, gourmet dining, spa treatments, and plenty to keep the little ones busy. Excellent eco credentials. See More
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Tanda Tula Limpopo,, Mpumalanga 12 rooms from £1250
Romantic Break - Rustic-luxury tents in the middle of the African bush, with candlelit dining and clawfoot tubsSights nearby - Tale a drive to Bourke's Luck PotholeGreat walks - Guided bush walksSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolFive star stay in the midst of the Timbavati Game Reserve provides opulent interiors with colonial style tents filled with antiques. Each includes a private sit out with unparalleled views and bathrooms with roll-top baths. Fine dining plus excellent activities. An indulgent stay. See More
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Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge Madikwe Game Reserve,, North West Province 10 rooms from £1448
Romantic Break - Opulent rooms, indulgent cuisine, adults onlyRestrictions on children - Children over the age of 10 are welcomedGreat walks - Guided bush walksSwimming Pool - Private poolsLuxurious ten bedroom lodge boasting extensive wellness menu. Rooms juxtapose organic materials, stone and wood, with capacious four-posters and white linens, opening out onto a private terrace and pool. Restaurant quality dining in the middle of the African bush. Superb conservation efforts. See More
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Lion Sands Game Reserve Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga 12 rooms from £1635
Romantic Break - Private pools and superb spa treatments: a very indulgent stayGreat walks - Guided bush walksSwimming Pool - Private poolsRestrictions on children - Adult onlyOne of South Africa's finest safari lodges guests are pampered beyond imagination. Gourmet dining, indulgent spa treatments, there is even treehouse accommodation for the ultimate romantic sleepover. Suites boast impressive views, indoor-outdoor living and enormous baths. Divine. See More
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Kapama Karula Camp Hoedspruit 12 rooms from £1892
Romantic Break - Sprawling suites and an indulgent spa: very romanticGreat walks - Guided safari walksSwimming Pool - Private poolsRomantic - Good for couples.Modern safari lodge providing separate suites nestled in the heart of the African bush. Boasting private pools and indoor-outdoor living, it's a truly wild stay. Enormous suites spill over into luxurious bathrooms. An impressive wellness menu, fine dining, and excellent game drives. Wonderful. See More
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Jabulani Safari Hoedspruit 7 rooms from £1931
Romantic Break - A very indulgent, utterly romantic stay with superb dining and spa treatmentsGreat walks - Safari walks led by expert guidesBirdwatching - Excellent birding spottingSwimming Pool - Outdoor and private poolsSumptuous five-star suites boasting private pools, opulent four-poster beds and baths that are meant for lingering - with views out across the savannah. Gourmet dishes are on the menu, from a hearty breakfast spread to candlelit dinners. Immersive spa and plenty of activities. Sublime. See More
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Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve Hazyview,, Mpumalanga 8 rooms from £1952
Romantic Break - Private pools, candle-lit dining, and spa treatmentsFoodies - Fine dining and an excellent wine cellarRestrictions on children - Children above the age of ten are welcomeKayaking - Kayaking on the Sand RiverAward-winning lodgings, located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve provides a five-star stay with private pools, an impressive wellness menu, and opulent suites with four-poster beds and luxurious bathrooms. Sample your choice of 'bush cuisine' or Western flavours, paired with an excellent wine list. See More
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Tswalu Kalahari Northern Cape 15 rooms from £2607
Eco break - Commendable conservation efforts, guests are encouraged to get involved during their stayRomantic Break - Ultimate luxury stay in the heart of the African bushGreat walks - Guided bush walksSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolFive-star lodge with excellent conservation efforts and immersive spa treatments. Choose from riding, walking, or 4x4 safaris to spot the local wildlife. Rooms are very romantic, and there's even the option to sleep under the stars. The full package, an unforgettable stay. See More
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Royal Malewane Hoedspruit 6 rooms from £2700
Honeymoons - This is one to truly treat yourself, a more luxurious safari stay is difficult to findGreat walks - Guided bush walksSwimming Pool - Private poolsRestrictions on children - Adult onlyWinner of countless awards, Royal Malewane is one of, if not the most luxurious stay in South Africa. With a hefty price tag it's one to truly spoil yourself, though once you're there, it's all included. Colourful rooms are designed by the owner herself, Liz Biden. Gourmet dining. A sublime stay. See More