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Lion in Kruger National Park

South Africa safaris: our guide to the parks & reserves

  • Kruger National Park

By Audley South Africa specialist Chris

Whether you’re a safari veteran or it’s your first time, South Africa’s diverse national parks and private game reserves offer some of the best game viewing opportunities in the whole of Africa. The majority of South Africa’s parks and reserves are home to the Big Five, and sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino all in one visit are not uncommon.

Elephant in Kruger National Park

Safari in national parks and private game reserves

South Africa boasts a large number of game reserves and national parks, each with something different to offer. Most game viewing is undertaken on game drives from the lodges, with an expert guide who’ll explain the habits and life cycles of the animals you see. Occasionally, an additional tracker will help spot the wildlife, which can be well-concealed in the grass or undergrowth. In certain locations walking safaris are also possible. An exhilarating experience, they tend to focus on the smaller details that you might miss from a vehicle such as tracks in the dirt as well as the birds and insects.

White rhino in Kruger National Park

Spot the Big Five in the Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape is relatively new to safari when compared to the Kruger National Park , which has been operating since 1926. Established in 1992, Shamwari , home to the famous Born Free Foundation , is the oldest reserve in the region.

All game viewing in the Eastern Cape is in Big Five areas (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and cape buffalo), so for a stay of three nights your chances of seeing all five animals are good, although not guaranteed. The most elusive member of the Big Five in the Eastern Cape — the leopard — can be relatively hard to spot due to its secretive nature and the fact that they are not as accustomed to vehicles in this region.

While on safari here I was lucky enough to enjoy two incredibly rare sightings. First a relaxed black rhino and her calf voluntarily came within five meters of the vehicle, then I spotted an extremely rare and nocturnal aardwolf during the day.

The Eastern Cape, unlike most other safari destinations, is malaria free. Equally, when it’s wetter in the Kruger region, you can still get great weather in the Eastern Cape. The best time to spot game in the Eastern Cape is between October and April.

Most game viewing is conducted on game drives, however, you can also explore on foot. I’d recommend heading out with the more experienced guides, for example at the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve , as they are able to really bring the bush to life and highlight interesting details you may miss from a vehicle.

Leopard in Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Visit the classic safari destination, Kruger National Park

The Greater Kruger Region is the oldest and largest area of undisturbed natural bush in South Africa. The park covers an immense area, allowing animals to follow ancient migration routes between South Africa, Zimbabwe  and  Mozambique . The premier big cat viewing destination in South Africa, the Kruger National Park and the Greater Kruger Region (which includes a variety of private game reserves bordering the park) also boasts the highest densities and widest varieties of game animals in the country.

If you’re looking to travel on a budget and are happy to drive yourself around the park, you can choose from an array of government run lodges and camps within the park boundaries. For a more luxurious and exclusive experience the private game reserves are highly recommended.

Sabi Sands is arguably the most famous private game reserve in the Greater Kruger Region, but there are also a number of smaller ones such as the Timbavati , Thornybush and Klaserie Private Game Reserves, where you'll see fewer vehicles and just as much wildlife. Both the Sabi Sands and Timbavati have unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, so game is free to move in and out. It isn’t unusual to see hundreds of buffalo in one herd in this area, where game densities remain high. If you’re looking for a tented safari experience then Ngala Tented Camp in the Timbavati region is a good option.

With a diverse range of habitats, the Greater Kruger Region supports many different forms of life. To the south and southwest, the rivers are bordered by woodland which gives perfect cover to leopard. To the north the woodland gives way to open grassland, where on one trip, I saw six individual leopard in just three days.

Safaris in the Greater Kruger Region are predominantly vehicle based, but it’s sometimes possible to take a bush walk too. The purpose of these walks is not to view the big game (although you never know what you might come across) but to introduce you to smaller creatures and insects, as well explaining the principles of tracking and spoor identification.

Madikwe Game Reserve in the far north of South Africa

Try an off the beaten track safari in the Madikwe

Madikwe , the second largest game reserve in South Africa is classified as malaria free and as such particularly appeals to families. Located near the border with Botswana you can arrive in around five hours if self-driving, or in just one hour by light aircraft from Johannesburg.

The 750 square kilometers that make up Madikwe Game Reserve are a beautiful combination of rocky outcrops and open plains. There are very few large trees, thanks in part to the 1,000 or so elephant found here, and also because of the arid climate which is more similar to the Kalahari than the rest of South Africa.  

Madikwe gained a reputation for good populations of wild dog, but unfortunately due to the introduction of rabies by poachers’ their numbers were decimated to only five individuals. Recently the population has started to bounce back, however, and on my most recent trip I saw a litter of nine pups. I have also heard that, since my return, another pack has also successfully raised a litter.

Although wild dog are rarely at the top of visitors’ animal wish-lists, they are the most endangered predators in Africa. Once you have seen these charismatic and sociable animals you will see why veteran safari-goers love them. Unlike other predators they can be very active during the day, hunting up to three times and with around a 75% success rate.

The quality and variety of the game viewing in Madikwe is unique and appeals to those who want a more traditional safari experience as you are less likely to see a lot of other vehicles whilst on game drives. There are also over 400 species of bird, so it is a popular choice for birders, with the opportunity for sightings of yellow-throated sandgrouse, kori bustard and Temminck’s courser as well as the barred wren-warbler.

Impodimo Lodge is my favorite in this area because of the vast number of elephants that often come to drink at the watering hole during the mid-day siesta.

The battlefield site of Isandlwana in KwaZulu-Natal

Retrace history on a KwaZulu-Natal battlefields tour

There is so much to do in the KwaZulu-Natal area that you can spend two to three weeks just in this region, combining time on safari with an exploration of the military history that the region is famous for.

Probably the best private game reserve in this area is Phinda . Home to the Big Five as well as &Beyond’s Guide Training School, it’s a really special place, particularly for rhino viewing. There aren’t huge populations of either lion or leopard allowing cheetah (who are usually out competed by the other big cats) to thrive.

There are seven different biomes within the reserve, from mountains to the unique sand forest, giving you a wonderfully diverse experience. You can see animals here that you are unlike to spot elsewhere in Africa, such as the suni antelope, which are just 15 inches high and weigh only four kilograms. Game drives, pontoon boat trips and walking safaris are all possible, making this area perfect for active safari-goers.

KwaZulu-Natal is my favorite part of South Africa. It wouldn’t be accurate to say it’s off the beaten track, but it’s certainly lesser known and quieter than other areas. As well as safari, you can visit the battlefields of the Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu wars , or if you want to walk there are some excellent hiking trails through the Drakensberg Mountains .

To round off your trip you can spend a few nights at the wonderfully remote Elephant Coast , where, if you’re traveling in January, you might even see the leatherback turtles hatching on the beach, or in November the adult females nesting.

The Winelands region to the east of Cape Town

Combine a safari with other highlights of South Africa

Cape Town and The Winelands work well as a combination with most parts of South Africa. You can fly directly from Cape Town to the Kruger Region or to the Eastern Cape Game Reserves.

Johannesburg is the other major entry point to South Africa and, during your stay you could visit the Apartheid Museum , the Pretoria Diamond Mines or perhaps the Cradle of Humankind, where the largest number of hominid remains have been found.

Depending on what time of year you’re traveling to South Africa, and particularly if you’re visiting Kruger, you may want to combine your safari with a visit to the Victoria Falls , just a two-hour flight from Johannesburg.

Alternatively, if you’d like some true relaxation after your safari then you couldn’t wish for better than the azure waters and beautiful beaches of the  Seychelles , Mozambique or Mauritius . These all offer a huge range of hotels, from small self-catering apartments to the most opulent and indulgent beach accommodation. Or, within South Africa, there is also the Elephant Coast , with its wild beaches and rustic accommodation.

Start planning your safari trip to South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa

Discover South Africa

13 days from $5,100pp

The Victoria Falls, Zambia

Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls

11 days from $9,200pp

Rhinos, Kruger, South Africa

Cape Town to Kruger: luxury South African rail journey

11 days from $14,995pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

  • Safaris in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Area
  • Family vacations & safaris in South Africa
  • A trip of two halves: the Garden Route and Eastern Cape safari
  • What to do in South Africa: our highlights
  • Self-driving in South Africa

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The Best Safari and Game Reserves in South Africa

south africa safari reserves

There are wonderful experiences to be enjoyed from the wilds of South Africa’s game reserves. From the largest reserve in the country to the oldest, and everything in between, here’s our roundup of the best safari and game reserves in South Africa . Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Addo elephant park (eastern cape).

Park Just an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth , this malaria-free park offers a variety of game viewing and is the third largest in South Africa. Over 600 African elephants call the park home, as well as black rhino, antelope and Cape buffalo. Visitors can book a hop-on-guide at the reception office and enjoy the luxury of a trained guide telling you all about the park from the comfort of your vehicle.

Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Park (Kwazulu Natal)

Park As the oldest game reserve in Africa , Hluhluwe Umfolozi should be on every traveller’s bucket list. It’s a Big Five park and visitors can view wildlife up close from the many hides overlooking watering holes. Hluhluwe Game Reserve is a self-drive park but full day, half day and shorter safaris can be booked ensuring spectacular sightings. Keep an eye out for the illusive leopard and African wild dog.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Northern Cape)

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The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park , in the Kalahari Desert , presents a massive ecosystem relatively free from human interference. The vast landscapes offer unique wildlife experiences that are unmatched anywhere else in the world. Expect herds of gemsbok, springbok, eland and blue wildebeest, the largest black-mane lions you’ll ever see and more. This is a self-drive park but morning and sunset safaris can be booked at a few of the camps.

The Kruger National Park (Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces)

Natural Feature, Park The Kruger National Park is possibly the most popular safari spot in South Africa, as well one of the largest in the world. At nearly two million hectares, the park offers visitors a diverse collection of animal species, including the Big Five, as well as diverse vegetation throughout. The southern portion of the park is more lush and wooded than the drier central and northern regions, and has the largest concentrations of game. As far as safaris go, choose to self-drive (a 4×4 is recommended) or pre-book game drives via the rest camps.

Lion Sands Game Reserve, Kruger National Park

Lion Sands Game Reserve has four luxury lodges set within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park. It is part of an ecosystem which is home to the largest concentration of wild animals in the Southern Hemisphere and is essentially a safari mecca. Home to the Big Five, many other species will also be spotted, from antelope to hyena and more. Safaris take place twice a day, morning and evening, and they’re not confined to the main roads, meaning visitors will get as close to nature as possible.

Madikwe Game Reserve (North West Province)

Lodge Madikwe is a Big Five game reserve situated 90 kilometres north of Zeerust, against the Botswana border close to the Kalahari Desert. Covering approximately 60,000 hectares, it is the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa. The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal viewing opportunities. Day visitors are not allowed into the park, so the number of vehicles in the park during game drive hours is limited to the lodges’ vehicles, which makes Madikwe a very exclusive safari destination.

Mapungubwe National Park (Limpopo)

Park Mapungubwe National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a rich history as it was once home to the first-ever South African kingdom to have truly thrived. Mapungubwe National Park is also home to a large variety of animals and there’s a lot of movement of game between the park and its bordering countries; Botswana and Zimbabwe. There are also some very large baobab trees in the park, with one having a circumference of 31-metres (1,220 ft).

Marataba Safari Lodge (Thabazimbi)

Lodge Located within the Marakele National Park, Marataba is just three and a half hour’s drive from Johannesburg . The malaria-free reserve is a 23,000 hectare private enterprise at the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains. Contrasting mountain ranges, grasslands, deep valleys and red mountain rock characterise the park and all of the large game species, including the big cats and a variety of birdlife, have settled here. Visitors can book morning and evening game drives in open safari vehicles as well as water safaris on the Matlabas River, bush walks, bird watching, boma dinners and more.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve (North West Province)

Pilanesberg National Park is the fourth largest within South Africa, covering approximately 55,000 hectares. This malaria-free park is set on the eroded remnants of an alkaline volcanic crater – one of only three in the world – and only three hour’s drive from Johannesburg. Pilanesberg National Park exists in a transition zone between dry Kalahari and wet Lowveld vegetation which attracts an unbelievable variety of animals, flora and fauna that are not often found living in such close proximity to each other.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve (Mpumalanga)

Sabi Sands Game Reserve is undoubtedly the most exclusive private game reserve in South Africa. The 65,000-hectare game reserve is located on the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park and there are no restricting fences between the two parks, meaning wildlife roam freely. Some of the most exclusive private game lodges in the country are situated in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the chances of seeing the Big Five while on safari is just about guaranteed. The reserve is in particular well-known for its amazing leopard sightings.

Shamwari Game Reserve (Eastern Cape)

Lodge The malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve is the Southern-most, big game, private reserve in Africa and stretches along the Bushman’s river (halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown ) and forms a natural extension to the famous Garden Route. In the last 25 years, 25, 000 hectares of land has been rehabilitated and remaining wild animal species increased in numbers while species extinct to the region were reintroduced. The park boasts a healthy population of lion, cheetah and leopard, so keep an eye out for them during your visit.

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14 Top-Rated Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa

Written by Becca Blond and Karen Hastings Updated Jan 19, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Imagine sitting in an open-topped Land Cruiser on a morning safari drive, watching the sun rise beyond a line of elephants clomping their way through the bush. Or falling asleep to the not-so-distant roar of a lion from a mosquito net-draped bed in the most luxurious canvas tent you've ever slept in. Both are experiences you'll likely encounter while staying at one of South Africa's most exclusive luxury safari lodges. These are some of the very best resorts in Africa.

Photographing a lion on safari in South Africa

South Africa has safari lodges in national parks and private reserves scattered across much of the country. But many of the most luxurious lodges are in the private game reserves bordering Kruger National Park , such as Sabi Sands, with abundant wildlife and few other tourists. Expert guides and trackers take you right to the action in open-air safari vehicles, with regular sightings of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos), as well as an astounding diversity of other wildlife.

Luxury safari lodges are also found in other parts of South Africa including the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve at the edge of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa's northwest on the border with Botswana. The Northern Cape and KwaZulu Natal provinces are also home to fantastic lodges.

Remote and intimate, these exclusive and eco-conscious lodges offer a true small-group luxury wilderness experience, with exceptional service. It's a good idea to split your time between two or more lodges in different areas to maximize the diversity of game viewing. Families will be pleased to learn that many of these camps welcome children.

Note that all of these safari lodges are all-inclusive . Rates include your meals and game drives.

1. Singita Sabi Sand

2. royal malewane, 3. ulusaba rock lodge and safari lodge, 4. singita sweni and lebombo, 5. londolozi, 6. lion sands, 7. jaci's lodges, 8. sabi sabi, 9. &beyond ngala safari lodge, 10. tswalu kalahari reserve, 11. cheetah plains, 12. jamala madikwe, madikwe game reserve, 13. &beyond phinda vlei lodge, 14. shamwari private game reserve.

Photo Source: Singita Boulders Lodge

Bordering Kruger, in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the oldest of South Africa's private reserves, Singita Sabi Sand oozes safari chic. You can choose from three different luxury lodges here: Boulders, Ebony, and Castleton.

Singita Boulders Lodge , on the banks of the Sand River, is one of the world's best lodges. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows encase each luxurious suite, with decor inspired by the tones and textures of nature. Think rustic elegance, with tribal motifs, stone accents, sculptural tree trunk supports, and open-air rooms that bring the outdoors in.

Equally elegant, Singita Ebony Lodge has a tented camp feel with exposed thatch roofs and beige canvas accents. Each of the 12 suites here come with their own private plunge pool, and the two-bedroom suites are perfect for families.

Overlooking a water hole, Singita Castleton recalls a country farmhouse with communal living areas, albeit one with a swimming pool, tennis courts, and spa treatment rooms. Guests here sleep in separate cottages sprinkled around the grounds, and children of all ages are welcome.

The property covers 45,000 acres of wilderness with a high concentration of game, including the Big Five, and frequent close-up leopard sightings.

As well as the twice daily game drives, the lodge offers mountain biking safaris, walking safaris, visits to local villages, and archery for those so inclined. A fitness center with beautiful bush views is also on-site.

Photo Source: Royal Malewane

In Thornybush Game Reserve, bordering Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane is not only one of South Africa's best safari lodges, it's one of the top all-inclusive resorts in the world .

A classic old-world feel sets the scene here for a safari that could come right out of Hemingway's journal. Animals roam freely around camp, and this particular reserve, north of Sabi Sand, is known for its spectacular game viewing and abundance of lions.

Decorated in an eclectic colonial style, the eight air-conditioned suites (including two separate two-bedroom Royal Suites ) exude a seemingly effortless elegance. Jewel-toned oriental rugs cloak the floors, thatch peeks out between ceiling beams, private plunge pools beckon on expansive decks with views over the bush (and sometimes visiting elephants), and you can wash off the African dust in private open-air showers.

Africa House, a six-bedroom, exclusive-use villa with a private chef, is also available for families and groups.

Expert teams of trackers and guides scour the bush to bring you Big Five action. When you're not watching animals, you can enjoy a pampering treatment at the award-winning bush spa , or work out at the fully equipped gym.

Many guests like to combine a stay here with one of the lodges farther south, such as Singita Boulders Lodge, but book as early as possible, as Royal Malewane often fills up a year in advance.

Children aged 10 years and older are welcome in the luxury suites, and children of all ages are welcome in the Royal Suites and Africa House.

Photo Source: Ulusaba Rock Lodge

Owned by Sir Richard Branson, Ulusaba Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge lie in spectacular locations at the Western end of Sabi Sand. Game viewing is excellent, with all the Big Five in abundance, as well as wild dog, baboons, impala, cheetah, and many species of birds.

Ulusaba offers unique accommodations in two dramatic settings: Ulusaba Rock Lodge sits high atop a koppie (rocky peak), with breathtaking views over the sweeping wilderness below. Its conical, thatched roofs jutting up from the peak of the koppie evoke a whimsical African-style palace.

Each of the eight rooms is uniquely decorated with textural tribal elements and natural materials, and some are split between multiple levels and come with their own private infinity pools. Rock Lodge also includes deluxe Cliff Lodge suites , which are ideal for families. Book them both, and you score your own private chef, safari vehicle, spa, and gym.

Ulusaba Safari Lodge nestles in a canopy of trees on a dry riverbank, where a parade of animals wanders past to drink at a nearby waterhole. At Safari Lodge, some of the rooms are built like treehouses, perched high on stilts among the leaves. Rope swing bridges connect some of the rooms to the common areas, creating a sense of adventure as soon as you step out the door.

Spa treatments, tennis, workouts at the gym, and pool time fills the post-safari hours. Guided walking safaris are also available, and guests with a social conscience also have the option of volunteering at local schools and villages.

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome at Safari Lodge, and kids of all ages are welcome at Rock Lodge.

Photo Source: Singita Lebombo Lodge

Near the border with Mozambique, Singita Sweni Lodge and Singita Lebombo Lodge are, like their sister lodges in Sabi Sand, eco-sensitive and extraordinarily beautiful.

The lodges occupy a 33,000-acre exclusive concession on the southeastern side of Kruger National Park, meaning the density of guests here is extremely low. The area spans four different ecological zones, creating fantastic opportunities for diverse game viewing. All the Big Five are in abundance, as well as four big prides of lion.

The two lodges here occupy spectacular locations. Suspended in the canopy along the Sweni River, Singita Sweni Lodge is a series of light-filled luxury treehouses wrapped in glass for prime viewing of the animals along the river below. The interior tones and textures blend seamlessly with the environment, and expansive decks jut out into the wilderness. The main lodge includes an inviting pool, spa, gym, and the Singita Boutique & Gallery.

Perched on a mountain above the N'Wanetsi River, and inspired by the eagles' nests found up high here, Singita Lebombo Lodge overlooks the magnificent wilderness below. It has a contemporary yet textural and earthy feel and offers 13 open-plan suites and a fully-staffed villa on the riverbank. Perfect for groups, the villa comes with two interlinked two-bedroom suites that share a pool and kitchen.

Other highlights at Lebombo include a panoramic roof terrace with a library, an espresso bar, help-yourself deli, inviting pool, and expansive indoor/outdoor decks.

As with all of Singita's lodges, conservation is paramount, and the company strives to leave the lightest possible footprint on the Earth. Children 10 years and older are welcome.

Photo Source: Londolozi Private Granite Suites

Set along the Sand River in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, family-run Londolozi has welcomed guests for almost a century and is one of the most famous safari lodges in South Africa. It lies within the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a wilderness area of six million acres that also incorporates Kruger National Park.

White rhino and lion live here in some of the highest concentrations found anywhere in Africa, but Londolozi is best known for its leopards, one of Africa's most elusive predators. Londolozi is a Zulu word meaning, "protector of all living things," so it's not surprising that conservation is a focus here, with features like open-air, electric safari vehicles.

You can choose between five different camps, all of which boast prestigious Relais & Châteaux status. The adults-only Londolozi Private Granite Suites is the most luxurious, while Londolozi Tree Camp and the nostalgic and romantic Londolozi Pioneer Camp are not far behind. Stylish decor, abundant glass, large living rooms, spa-like baths, and private heated plunge pools, are typical features.

Londolozi Founders Camp , along the banks of the Sand River, and the venerable Londolozi Varty Camp are larger and more family-orientated with features like thatched roof bungalows, interlinked "skywalk" rooms, and private outdoor pools.

Besides game drives, other activities available here include walking safaris, yoga classes, massage therapies, and workouts at the fitness center.

Both of these camps, as well as Pioneer Camp, welcome children six years and older.

Photo Source: Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

The only lodge with access to the perennial Sabie River, Lion Sands, in the Sabi Sand game reserve, offers a collection of sumptuous safari lodges, each with its own inspiration and style.

Game viewing is excellent in this game-rich area, and the lodge boasts one of only four master trackers in the world to help you find the best sightings.

A unique feature at Lion Sands is the opportunity for guests at the lodges to combine their visit with a romantic overnight stay, sleeping under the stars in one of their luxurious treehouses . Guests snuggle up in plush four-poster canopied beds on towers raised high above the wilderness.

Each of the luxurious Lion Sands lodges has a unique personality, from organic chic to mid-century modern, so you can choose a lodge that matches your style.

Lion Sands River Lodge is the largest, with 20 thatched rooms dressed in soothing textures and tones of creme and white.

Overlooking the Sabie River, the villas of Ivory Lodge are grounded in an eco-minded, mid-century-modern aesthetic, incorporating tribal touches and natural materials such as thatch, steel, wood, and sand. Light streams in through the walls of glass, and the two-bedroom Fish Eagle suite comes with its own private Land Rover, pool, spa, and gym.

Tinga Lodge on the Sabie River has a "contemporary colonial" theme, and Narina Lodge has a treehouse feel, with nine villas suspended high in the canopy and linked by raised walkways.

Typical features at all the lodges include personal butlers; luxury bathrooms, some with outdoor showers; sitting areas with fireplaces; and private pools.

Post-game-drive activities include pampering treatments at the Africology Spa, helicopter rides over the Blyde River Canyon, and trips to Hippo Pools.

Children aged 10 years and older are welcome here, but only select lodges offer babysitting services.

A Safari Lodge at Jaci's Lodges

Jaci's Lodges in the spectacular Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa's North-West Province are a collection of family-owned boutique properties that offer guests an intimate, highly personalized safari experience. Madikwe, which sits on the border with Botswana and the edge of the Kalahari in a malaria-free area, is known for its thriving wild dog population.

The second most endangered carnivore in Africa after Ethiopian wolves, seeing a wild dog on safari is a rare experience anywhere else in South Africa. But in Madikwe there are three hunting packs roaming the park, and it's not uncommon to see these enigmatic pups here.

A bathtub at Jaci's Lodges

If you don't have a DSLR camera with a wildlife photography-sized lens, don't worry. You can still capture the wild dogs and all the other animals (the park also has healthy lion and rhino populations) you see in crisp, close-ups by renting a Nikon from Jaci's for the duration of your trip (highly recommended).

Jaci's is comprised of two adjacent camps, each offering a slightly different sleeping experience .

At Jaci's Safari Lodge , there are six tented suites, including two that are suitable for a family or a small group of friends. The tents have thatched roofs, hardwood floors, and canvas side panels that can be completely rolled up. The interior design features bright African colors and patterns as well as bathrooms with soaking tubs and indoor and outdoor showers.

Starbed Suite at Jaci's Lodges

There are also two Starbed Suites at this camp. The lodge's newest builds, these have a more contemporary look and are a good choice for people who want to sleep within walls instead of the more exposed canvas tents. The suites are two-level affairs with the second level being an open-air rooftop deck where you can sleep in a proper king-sized bed under the stars.

Rooftop bed with the Starbed Suite

Downstairs you'll find a second king bed in case you prefer sleeping indoors (or it rains). The Starbed Suites are especially popular with honeymooners and couples on romantic getaways .

Jaci's Tree Lodge is the adjacent property. Here you'll find eight treehouse suites built on stilts and connected by elevated walkways that offer fabulous views of the surrounding forest and glimpses of the Marico River. Guests here also have access to a hide for photographing animals without their knowledge and a public treehouse space with a hot tub facing an active waterhole.

Photo Source: Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

As the name suggests, Sabi Sabi is also in the Sabi Sand game reserve, abutting the southwestern border of Kruger National Park. This area is famous for its diversity and density of wildlife, including the Big Five and up to 350 species of birds.

Each of the four separate lodges here exudes its own personality. Steeped in colonial charm, Sabi Sabi Selati Camp is the most romantic, with a style inspired by the movie, Out of Africa .

Family-friendly Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp are more contemporary in feel. Bush Lodge has a children's center and spa, and at the intimate Little Bush Camp , each room comes with a private terrace and hot tub.

True to its name, the more minimalistic Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge has won accolades for its environmentally-sensitive design. It blends effortlessly with the surrounding landscapes, with plenty of neutral tones and sleek lines. All the lodges come with swimming pools, but Earth Lodge suites come with private plunge pools, and the lodge has its own library, art gallery, meditation garden, and spa.

Day and night safaris are available here, as well as walking safaris with experienced guides and trackers.

Children are welcome, though only those older than six years are allowed on game drives unless a private vehicle is reserved.

Photo Source: &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge

On a private game reserve inside Kruger National Park , &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge offers superb Big 5 game-viewing and warm and welcoming staff members who treat guests like family.

Nostalgic safari elegance sets the tone in the 20 thatched-roof cottages. Bush views bleed into the interiors through floor-to-ceiling windows, and private verandahs offer popular spots to watch the passing parade of animals. Still can't tear yourself away from the wilderness views? Every room comes with an alfresco shower.

Families are welcome and are comfortably accommodated in three spacious cottages with interconnecting rooms, as well as in a family suite with a private swimming pool. Interactive kid-focused activities and childcare also provide parents with some alone time.

Besides twice-daily game drives and walking safaris, guests here can relax with a spa treatment; paddle in the pool; or sign up for a conservation experience, working directly with some of the wildlife.

Honeymooners should opt for a romantic evening in the magical Ngala Treehouse .

Eco-conscious guests will be pleased to know that &Beyond works collaboratively with local groups and communities on conservation initiatives and sustainable business practices.

Photo Source: The Motse

Covering 1,000 square kilometers in the less-visited Kalahari region, family-friendly Tswalu is the largest private game reserve in South Africa. Conservation is key here, and the owners' mission is to restore newly acquired lands back to their natural existence and fund multiple conservation and community-minded projects.

Hauntingly beautiful landscapes of red sand, golden grass, and wind-sculpted acacia trees characterize this region, and the wildlife is uniquely adapted to the harsh environment. Among the many animals here are the magnificent black-maned Kalahari lion, endangered desert black rhino, meerkats, sable and roan antelopes, wild dogs, porcupines, aardvarks, aardwolves, honey badgers, and cheetah.

Safaris are tailored to each individual party, with no set schedule. Best of all, this lodge lies in a year-round malaria-free zone .

Adorned with natural earthy materials and an abundance of textural elements, the freestanding thatched villas blend beautifully with their surrounding environment. You can choose from two locations: The Motse , a "village" of nine air-conditioned luxury suites overlooking a waterhole at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains, and Tarkuni , the owners' family home, with five impeccably furnished suites, a pool, personal host, and a private five-star chef.

At Motse , the cottages mix modern comforts with an African feel. Thatched roofs and walls of stone, red clay, and desert sand echo the surrounding environment. Other features include spacious bedrooms with open fireplaces, indoor/outdoor showers, and large decks with sweeping vistas of the vast desert. Three two-bedrooms cottages, are perfect for families, with large living rooms and two bathrooms.

At the communal area here, you can take a dip in the infinity pool, curl up with a book from the library, or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment. Other things to do include hikes to nearby attractions such as ancient rock art; horseback safaris; and sleeping under the stars at The Malori, a raised platform with weather-proof blinds.

Tswalu hosts children of all ages, and offers a nanny service and Junior Ranger program to keep the little ones engaged.

Staying at Tswalu, with its contrasting landscapes and unique species of wildlife found only in this region, is a great complement to visiting the lodges near Kruger National Park.

Photo Source: Cheetah Plains

In Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Cheetah Plains offers a sustainable, ultra-luxe safari experience catering to multi-gen families or groups of friends . This is the lodge to book if you want a very private and personalized holiday. There are just eight elegant sleek villas, each of which can accommodate up to eight people in four bedrooms and must be rented exclusively regardless of your group size .

These villas have a modern look with lots of glass window walls that are far removed from the canvas-tented camp vibe found at many lodges. All are luxuriously appointed with curated art collections, a chef's kitchen, indoor and outdoor living and dining spaces, and a private swimming pool on a large deck.

You'll be assigned a personal hospitality team upon check-in. This includes a personal chef, spa therapist, and expert guide and tracker that will be dedicated to your villa for the length of your stay, allowing for an extremely personalized experience.

Cheetah Plains also prides itself on being carbon-negative. Your twice daily game drives take place in electric Land Cruisers for a completely silent ride.

Photo Source: Jamala Madikwe

Set around a game-rich waterhole in South Africa's North West Province, Jamala Madikwe is known for its superb wildlife viewing, luxurious lodgings, and friendly staff.

It lies in the Madikwe Game Reserve , a malaria-free area along the Botswana border that once consisted mainly of cattle farms before it was transformed into a wildlife reserve in the early 90s.

Today, the reserve supports an incredible diversity of species due to the fact that it lies in an ecological transition zone, between the Kalahari and lowveld wilderness. Game drives regularly bring sightings of the Big Five, as well as brown hyena, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, oryx, African wild dogs, and even the rare aardwolf.

Best of all, the lodge's orientation around the waterhole means you can enjoy a "Sofa Safari" here and watch all the action from the villas and common areas, without even leaving the camp.

Accommodation is in five air-conditioned, freestanding villas that blend a colonial feel with African artifacts. Typical features include four-poster netted beds, crisp linens, outdoor showers, spa-like indoor bathrooms, living rooms with fireplaces, dining areas, and expansive decks with rim-flow plunge pools.

When you're not out on game drives, you can enjoy a luxury treatment at the Royal Spa, look for wildlife from the watchtower perched above the waterhole, or relax at the main lodge with a book from the library.

Photo Source: &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge

In South Africa's diverse northeastern province of Kwazulu Natal, family-friendly &Beyond Phinda offers a winning combination of private and spacious villas, superb service, and fantastic Big Five game viewing. Cheetah and antelopes such as nyala are also plentiful here. This is one of several &Beyond lodges in Phinda Reserve, an area of rehabilitated farmland now brimming with wildlife.

Tucked amid trees on the edge of a vlei (wetland), the six freestanding thatched villas at &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge could easily be at home in Bali if it weren't for the parade of African animals wandering past.

Louvered windows and large glass doors slide open to create seamless indoor/outdoor living areas, and each villa has a sitting room with a fireplace and a rambling deck with a private plunge pool. Elephants sometimes come to drink from the pools, and antelope graze on the lush grass.

Walking safaris and river cruises are other fun ways to explore the wilderness.

One of the bonuses about choosing a safari at this lodge is that you can complement your bush experience with several day trip adventures, such as a scuba safari at Sodwana Bay, about an hour's drive away; swimming with whale sharks; a Zulu village tour; black rhino tracking; and visits to an endangered wild cats project.

Kids are welcome, and the lodge offers a fun children's program and special family safaris tailored to the ages of each child.

Photo Source: Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Considered one of South Africa's most successful private conservation initiatives, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a favorite with celebrities and has hosted everyone from Brad Pitt to John Travolta and Tiger Woods.

Away from the main safari areas, it is located off the N2 in a malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape between the cities of Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown. It can be reached easily by private vehicle with just 7 kilometers of driving on a gravel road. If you prefer to arrive by plane, there is also a private airstrip.

One of South Africa's largest private game reserves, it is home to the Big Five as well as cheetah. The reserve hosts six luxury lodges , each of which offers a different style. Long Lee Manor is a newly redesigned lodge with elegant Edwardian-styled suites and a beautiful rim-flow swimming pool.

Sindile is Shamwari's newest luxury tented camp in a secluded locale. It has nine very posh, free-standing tents elevated above the surrounding bush that offer stunning views and dark night skies for stargazing. These tents are designed to leave as minimal of an environmental footprint as possible.

For something even more adventurous book Explorer Camp. Open only during the summer season (between October and May), the wilderness bush camp is located on a granite and basalt plateau and has lodging in tents that truly make you feel you are staying in the bush – expect to hear lots of animal sounds at night (the camp is, however, discreetly fenced for safety). Guests staying here do guided walking safaris that allow you to get up close and personal with wildlife.

Whichever accommodation you choose, expect twice-daily game drives led by guide and tracker teams that will get you very close to the animals. There are also spa treatments (extra fee) available at many of the lodges.

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Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa

South africa’s best luxury safari accommodation.

Looking for the best luxury Safari lodges in South Africa ? There aren’t many travel experiences that come close to spending time in the African bush spotting wildlife on safari.

And if you’re looking for luxurious safari lodges and super-indulgent places from which to take it all in for a night or two, you could do a lot worse than check yourself into one of the luxury safari lodges in South Africa below.

There is no shortage of luxury safari lodges on offer in South Africa and we haven’t tried them all, so we’ve asked travel bloggers from around the world to help us out, and nominate their favourite luxury South African safari lodges.

The below list is made up of travel blogger nominations, plus lodges we’ve stayed at ourselves and can vouch for as providing ultimate safari luxury.

If you find that they’re a little over budget, find out how to organise your own cheap safari holiday .

So read on below for our collection of the most indulgent South African luxury safari lodges:

Luxury safari lodges in South Africa…

Nottens Bush Camp

Sabi Sands, South Africa

Nottens Bush Camp exterior shot

If you are looking for a really special stay during your safari in South Africa, you should consider Nottens Bush Camp in Sabi Sand Reserve. It is one of the most luxurious safari lodges in South Africa.

The lodge has, unlike many others, no fence and no electricity so you are really staying in the bush (in one of the nine exclusive, private suites).

A guard brings you to your room after dark and we experienced why they do so. One night we almost stumbled over a hyena on our way to our room.

We were so shocked and happy that we had a guard with us. Another night my parents woke up and heard a strange noise in front of their room.

They got out of bed to take a look and there was an elephant eating the plants that stood on their porch.

From your room in African style, you are overlooking an open area with a waterhole, so sit on your porch and enjoy the panoramic views and the wildlife passing by. You will see zebra, elephants, antelopes, and many other animals pass by.

Nottens Bush Camp is one of the original game lodges in South Africa and is known for its highly experienced rangers. and the area is great for spotting leopards.

This family-owned lodge goes the extra mile. After our first safari, we entered our room. All the candles and lanterns were burning, the bathtub was filled, rose leaves everywhere and a bottle of South African Vonkelwijn (champagne) was waiting for us.

In the evening all the guests are sitting at a big table to share the most thrilling stories about their safari.

They organize two game drives a day. One at 05.30 in the morning and one at 15.30 in the afternoon. In between those safaris you can relax beside the pool or enjoy a massage at the Nature Spa.

Sabi Sands is also home to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge which is one of the most family-friendly safari lodges in South Africa .

Phinda Mountain Lodge

Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa

luxurious private pool at phinda mountain lodge

Phinda Game Reserve , in KwaZulu Natal, is home to some of the most beautiful, luxurious lodges in South Africa.

The best by far is Mountain Lodge. As the name says, this is located in such a way as to afford beautiful views across the bushveld to panoramic mountains.

The lodge is blissfully isolated on top of a hill. Once there, you will walk to the common areas where you will find the dining area, where a decadent breakfast and lunch, as well as afternoon tea are offered every day.

So much care is taken in the selection of the ingredients that you even have a choice of several types of coffee and roasts. The common area is also where the bar is located, with a seating area directly facing the mountains, for incredible views.

On the way to your room, you will find the beautiful pool and the spa, perfect for a relaxing afternoon – before you drive away on one of the game drives.

Rooms are incredibly comfortable, with large beds with a pillow menu; a sitting area with a fridge and all sorts of drinks and snacks.

There is a deck with a plunge pool – a favorite of local wildlife which is free to roam the grounds. It is not uncommon to spot nyalas and at times even elephants drinking from the pool!,

There is also a very spacious bathroom with a large shower and a Victorian-style bathtub.

At Phinda Mountain Lodge you will feel welcome, pampered and you will be able to fully relax while enjoying nature and the unique wildlife of this part of the country.

Singita Sweni Lodge

  • Kruger National Park, South Africa

Contributed by sustainable travel bloggers Oksana & Max from Drink Tea & Travel

Singita sweni luxurious safari lodge

Singita Sweni

Located in Kruger National Park,  Singita Sweni Lodge  epitomizes the definition of a lux eco-safari stay.

The lodge is located on 33,000 acres of exclusive concession land on the banks of the Sweni River. This meant that hippos, crocs, elephants, and other wildlife can often be spotted meandering past the lodge.

Singita Sweni Lodge offers an intimate setting far away from the crowds associated with Kruger National Park .

There are only seven large luxurious suites on-site and each one is designed to bring the outdoors in.

They have large floor-to-ceiling windows, big wooden decks, and modern decor with natural elements incorporated into the design.

For us, one of the highlights of staying at Singita Sweni was their strong focus on sustainability.

They have an ethos of “touching the earth lightly” and their efforts were visible in every element of our stay. All meals are crafted with seasonal produce and sourced from local suppliers.

Plus, Singita Sweni Lodge is involved in a number of conservation and social initiatives in the community. One such project was the creation of their solar power plant. Its implementation has meant the lodge can save close to 1,000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.

Of course, we also loved the morning and afternoon game drives. We had many wonderful sightings of lions, giraffes, zebras, elephants, buffalos, hippos, waterbucks, and other antelopes.

Plus we came across the most unique sighting of them all – a unique white lion, spotted only in this part of Kruger National Park!

If you are looking into a safari in Africa we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Singita Sweni Lodge for an eco-lux experience. It’s a truly one of a kind destination.

Zebra Hills Safari Lodge

Manyoni Private Game Reserve

Zebra Hills Safari Lodge - super luxury safari lodge

Zebra Hills is nestled in the private game reserve of Manyoni in Zululand, and is a sure shot delight for wildlife enthusiasts.

Being part of a private reserve gives the lodge owners and guides a lot of flexibility in terms of game-watching and safari hours.

This is one of the highlights, alongside the spectacular zebra-themed decor in the bedrooms, common areas, bar, and dining room.

The perks of living in a private reserve are aplenty, but my favorite bit was enjoying traditional braai in the evenings whilst you wait for the lions to come for a refreshing sip of water in the adjoining water hole.

This is the only place where I have watched lions on foot. Yes, that’s right. The waterhole is just across the swimming pool/barbeque area and if you stay put, it is easy to spot a few thirsty beasts loitering around to quench their thirst.

With no restrictions on safari hours, the night safaris offered umpteen nocturnal sightings with our top game sightings of the day being three cheetah cubs on a kill followed by a charging black rhino.

Such sightings are a dream for true wildlife lovers and Zebra Hills, with its ultra-luxury sleeps and skilled naturalists, made our dream vacation come true.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Male lion strolling through Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

A male lion strolls the bush of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Big 5 destination Kwandwe Private Game Reserve covers 54,000 acres of private wilderness area. The reserve includes 30 kilometers of the Great Fish River, meaning a diverse landscape and varied wildlife sightings.

The reserve has some great family-friendly safari options offering child-focused wildlife activities such as making plaster casts of animal footprints and visits to animal orphanages, to help make your safari more meaningful.

It is one of the best places to go on safari in South Africa with kids .

Accommodation at Kwandwe: There are four properties in the reserve with 22 beds in total, meaning not too many other people or safari trucks around when you’re doing your game drives. Melton Manor and Uplands Homestead are exclusive-use lodges for families or small groups. Find prices & book >>

Samara Private Game Reserve

Eland herd in long grass looking at camera

A herd of Eland at Samara, South Africa, looking for danger

Set among wildlife-rich rivers, mountains, and open plains, luxury private game reserve Samara offers guests some of the most breathtaking landscapes in South Africa.

Home to a very successful cheetah regeneration program, the reserve gives a good chance of spotting these beautiful cats, alongside the big 5 and large herds of eland.

Accommodation at Samara: Samara offers two exclusive onsite lodges – the Karoo Lodge and Manor House. Find prices & book >>

Amakhala Game Reserve

Safari jeep on a game drive with two giraffes approaching

Giraffe-spotting on a game drive

The Amakhala Game Reserve is an 18,000-acre joint conservation effort where a former farming area has been rewilded.

Wildlife likely to be encountered on game drives in the reserve includes the big five, as well as cheetah , giraffe , zebra, wildebeest, and plenty of antelope species.

Accommodation options: There are 10 owner-managed properties across the reserve, ranging from restored country homes to tented camps, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

An all-inclusive safari experience and a range of wildlife-focused activities are offered at each property. Find prices & book >>

Kariega Game Reserve

Three safari lodges at Kariega semi-hidden in the bushveld - one of our favourite luxury safari lodges in South Africa.

Three luxury safari lodges at Kariega, South Africa

Kariega is a family-owned and run big five reserve incorporating 10,000 hectares of pristine African wilderness and two large rivers – the Kariega and the Bushmans rivers – giving access to the sea.

The reserve offers abundant game viewing, and in addition to the big 5, game to spot at Kariega includes hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, kudu, waterbuck and a variety of other antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species.

Kariega is a particularly family-friendly game lodge offering a daily children’s programme at the Kids on Safari center.

Accommodation at Kariega Game Reserve: The reserve offers five safari lodges at a variety of price points, though all are at the high end, with quality and service to match. Find prices & book >>

Shamwari Game Reserve

Exterior shot of thatched lodge at Shamwari, view across the lake

One of Shamwari’s waterside lodges

Big five reserve Shamwari prides itself on being both friendly (the name means “my friend” in Shona), and child-friendly.

Childminding services are available on request, along with a host of kid-specific activities to keep them occupied – including the conservation focussed ‘Kids on Safari’ program.

What’s particularly nice (and somewhat unusual) about Shamwari for young families is that children from four upwards are permitted on game drives. Just a 2-hour drive from Port Elizabeth, Shamwari is easily accessible.

Accommodation options: Shamwari has seven lodges and one explorer camp, each with a distinct vibe. From exclusive tranquillity, effortless family enjoyment, or the back-to-nature appeal of a luxury tented camp. Find prices & book >>

Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve

Swimming pool at sunset, with mountains in background.

The pool area at Tswalu, South Africa

Tswalu Kalahari is the largest privately owned game reserve in South Africa – 100,000 hectares located in the Southern Kalahari, close to the Botswana border.

Although the reserve is huge, visitor numbers are kept to just 30 at a time, with all guests enjoying a private guided experience to optimise their time there.

Aside from the excellent game drives, activities include horse riding, habituated meerkat colony walks, sleep-outs under the stars, and black rhino walking safaris.

Children of all ages are welcome, and for families, Tswalu makes for a truly unique and memorable (malaria-free!) safari experience.

Accommodation options: Accommodation is luxurious with a choice of two lodges, the secluded Tarkuni (a private home with 5 suites), and The Motse (a spacious lodge with nine suites). Find prices & book >>

Madikwe Game Reserve

safari lodge exterior at sunset, with view over green mountains

Views of the bush from a Madikwe balcony

Located on the Botswana border a 3.5-hour drive from Johannesburg, Madikwe is a wild and remote reserve that’s home to the big five, and is famous for its thriving population of wild dog, as well as gemsbok, springbok, zebra, giraffe and over 340 species of birds.

It is a great option if you are looking for a safari in a non-malarial area .

Accommodation options: The reserve has a large selection of camps and lodges, including the lovely Jaci’s Lodges, Mateya Safari Lodge, Madikwe Safari Lodge, and Little Madikwe Hills. Find prices & book >>

The Ant Collection

Four horseriders approaching two giraffes on dusty road

Horseback safari at the Ant Collection, South Africa

Two family-owned and operated lodges – Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill – located in their own spectacular private game reserve.

The reserve is a real haven for animals (over 40 species) and people looking for a wonderful, malaria-free safari. As well as game drives, there’s horse riding, elephant safaris, and swimming available, amongst other activities.

Accommodation options: The Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill offer very family-friendly, luxurious accommodation that is intimate and homely. Find prices & book >>

Entabeni Safari Conservancy

rhinos grazing in sunshine in front of rocky outcrop

Three of Entabeni’s rhinos grazing in front of a signature rocky outcrop

Entabeni means ‘place of the mountain’, a private reserve spread over five ecosystems including wetlands, grass plains, craggy escarpments, and cliffs.

Large animals such as elephants and rhinos are plentiful, along with leopards, cheetahs, and buffalo.

There’s a choice of activities other than game drives to keep you entertained, such as bush walks, sunset lake cruises, horse riding, and helicopter air safaris.

Children are welcome but must be six or over to join a game drive.

Accommodation options: Lodging includes Lakeside Lodge on the shores of Lake Entabeni and Wildside Safari Camp. Find prices & book >>

Leobo Private Reserve

View from safari lodge interior to green forest beyond

Bush views from open lounge area at the Leobo lodge

Leobo Private Reserve  is encompassed by rugged rocks, mountains, bushveld savannah, rivers, gorges, and an abundance of wildlife.

It is one of only a handful of sole-use private reserves in Africa – allowing guests full access to the entire estate and all its facilities.

Teeming with plains game, as well as hippo, there’s also a wide array of activities for all ages including paintballing, quad bikes, shooting, fishing, and more.

Accommodation options: The lodge has luxury 9 chalets with views over the Palala valley – and a stunning swimming pool built into the side of the mountain.

It’s fully staffed and rented exclusively, so is perfect for families or groups of friends. Find prices & book >>

Mabalingwe Nature Reserve

Main Mabalingwe lodge at sunsetThe Mabalingwe biome , made up of 8,500 hectares of bushveld, provides wonderful game-viewing opportunities year-round.

The reserve is very family-friendly, and the rolling grasslands make game-viewing a breeze. Home to the big five, and also hippo, giraffe, hyena, and sable, the reserve has a variety of family and child-friendly activities to go alongside their day and night game drives.

Accommodation options: There are many types of accommodation available including chalets, campsites, and bush lodges. Find prices & book >>

Welgevonden Game Reserve & Marakele National Park

elephant drinking from swimming pool at luxury safari lodge

Drinks time at Welgevenden’s pool area

Adjoining areas Welgevonden Game Reserve  and Marakele National Park are in the process of removing their fences to allow the game to roam in a larger area.

Both parks are home to the big five, as well as 30 more mammal species and over 250 species of birds.

Marakele is more for intrepid safari-goers than luxury safari seekers – you’ll definitely need your own four-wheel-drive car, whilst Welgevonden as a private game reserve has a focus on high-end luxury.

Accommodation options: Are plentiful and varied inside the reserve, with a host of luxurious and extremely hospitable lodges and camps to choose from. Find prices & book >>

That’s your lot for luxury safari lodges in South Africa. Have you stayed at one of these lodges, or know of any others that should be on the list? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Top countries for safaris

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Africa’s best game reserves

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The Top 10 South Africa Game Reserves

South Africa Game Reserves

South Africa is one of the best countries to choose for your safari. And there are many excellent game reserves you can choose. The majority of these South African Game Reserves are home to the Big 5. But there are many other exciting and interesting animals to find.

There are just over 40 different game reserves in South Africa. And which one you choose depends on where you will be based, the type of safari you are interested in and the animals you want a high chance of finding.

To help in your search, we have created a guide of the top 10 Game Reserve in South Africa.

So let’s get started.

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Sabi Sands, South Africa, Dulini River Lodge

If you have been researching game reserves to visit, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve will be familiar. This ranks as one of the top game reserves in South Africa and one of the continent’s best safari experiences.

The 65,000-hectare Sabi Sands shares an unfenced boundary with the famous Kruger National Park. However, it is exclusively accessible to guests of the few Sabi Sands safari lodges. The reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled experience.

The higher amount of water throughout the year means it’s the favorite region for many animals, increasing the density of iconic and popular safari animals.

Wildlife you can see in the Sabi Sands includes all the Big 5 of elephants, Cape buffalo, lions, leopards, and rhinos among many others.

Differing from Kruger, guests are taken off road to enjoy fantastic wildlife spectacles making the most of iconic opportunities. And because of sensitive viewing practices and the high protection, this is one of the best reserves to find otherwise elusive leopards.

To make the most of the Sabi Sands, you can choose from the following safari lodges.

The Dulini Moya Lodge, Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa

The Dulini Moya Lodge

Positioned in the world renowned Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, the Dulini Moya Lodge offers you the romance and sense of ...

Includes: all meals, accommodation, two daily game drives, house wines, local brand spirits, beers, soft drinks, refreshments on game drive, bush walks, transfers from the lodge airstrip (Ulusaba) | 3, 4, 5 days+

Dulini River Lodge, Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa

The Dulini River Lodge

Experience luxury in the heart of South Africa’s most wildlife-rich region with a safari from Dulini River Lodge. Perched over ...

The Inyati Game Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa

The Inyati Game Lodge

Experience an unforgettable African safari at Inyati Game Lodge. Nestled in the western section of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, enjoy ...

Includes: all meals, accommodation, two daily game drives, house wines, local brand spirits, beers, soft drinks, refreshments on game drive, walking safaris, transfers from the lodge airstrip (Ulusaba) | 3, 4, 5 days+

The Madwike Game Reserve

south africa safari reserves

The Madikwe Reserve is an 80,000-hectare haven of African wildlife in the heart of South Africa. You can enjoy remarkable Madikwe safaris designed to show off this Big-5 wildlife-rich sanctuary.

In addition to the favorite Big 5 of lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhino, you can find many different animals in Madikwe.

These include:

  • African wild dogs
  • Brown and spotted hyenas
  • Many different antelope species
  • Over 350 bird species to find

As an extra note, you will notice that the rhinos in Madikwe still have their majestic horns, unlike other South African reserves. This is because of effective and non-invasive protection strategies.

Jacis Tree Lodge

The nearest cities to reach the reserve are Johannesburg, Pretoria, Zeerust and Rustenburg. And the reserve has a private airport for air transfers.

To make the most of the Madikwe Reserve, you can choose from the following safari lodges.

Jaci’s Tree Lodge

Jaci’s Tree Lodge

Jaci’s Tree Lodge is a stunning elevated lodge blending seamlessly into the surrounding environment. With indoor and outdoor dining spaces, ...

Jacis Safari Lodge

Jaci’s Safari Lodge

At Jaci’s Safari Lodge, you will enjoy an authentic safari from a comfortable space to relax between activities. Head out ...

Jacis Starbed Suites

Jacis Starbed Suites

Your stay at Jaci’s Starbed Suites offers an extraordinary and exclusive safari experience. This has been designed for couples seeking ...

The mFulaWozi Game Reserve, South Africa

south africa safari reserves

One of the newest game reserves in South Africa, the mFulaWozi Game Reserve had its foundation in 2010. This was after different Zulu chiefs of the Shaka dynasty agreed to open up 16,000 hectares of pristine African bushveld to visitors to share this incredible region.

This incredible reserve is home to about 1,200 plant species, 84 mammal species, and over 400 bird species. And it is one of the most important South African conservation areas. You can explore the mFulaWozi wilderness and its inhabitants for your next adventure.

There are two safari lodges within the region to enjoy the reserve. And both of offer you some incredible experiences.

On game drives and walking safaris from the lodges, you can find black and southern white rhinoceros, African elephants, cape buffalo, lions and leopards.

These Big 5 game drives are available twice each day. On these game drives, you can also absorb the beautiful scenery. And you can seize the chance to capture excellent photographs.

Among the captivating wildlife is a rich variety of bird species. This is an excellent reserve for birders, especially in summer when migratory species return. You can even spot rare species hard to find in other areas of South Africa.

The lodges are another gem that makes mFulaWozi attractive. They are nestled on the banks of the White Imfolozi River. A perfect luxury treat that harmonizes with the natural environment. With their serene ambiance, guests are guaranteed a cozy retreat after a day of exciting game drives and activities.

You can choose your stay at one of the two mFulaWozi lodges. Each is different but both promise comfort and immersion in nature.

Biyela Lodge

The Biyela Lodge

You will find the Biyela Lodge in the middle of the wildlife-rich mFulaWozi Reserve. Offering you a comfortable and exciting ...

Includes: all meals, accommodation, two daily game drives, house wines, local brand spirits, lagers, soft drinks. | 3, 4, 5 days+

Mthembu Lodge

The Mthembu Lodge

At Mthembu Lodge, you will discover the awe-inspiring history and natural beauty of a region and culture with over five ...

The Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa

Shamwari Private Game Reserve offers a luxury African safari adventure. It is located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Its exceptional efforts in conservation makes it one of the top game reserves in the country.

The reserve has greatly benefited from its still ongoing conservation program. The expansive reserve guarantees a high-quality environment for its wildlife to prosper. Home to various wildlife, birdlife, and plantlife, expect to embark on an enjoyable and wildlife-filled tour.

You will see the Big Five and other captivating mammals in comfortable open vehicles. A good thing about Shamwari is that only two vehicles are allowed at each sighting. This is to ensure that the animals do not feel threatened or stressed. And you too will be completely at ease as you watch the animals go about their business peacefully in their natural habitat.

You can also choose to head out on foot to see things easily missed in a vehicle, such as looking at insects, enjoying wild flowers, or following animal tracks. This is a great way to gain new and unforgettable experiences with nature under the guidance of a knowledgeable guide.

About 100 birds are recorded in Shamwari during the summer season. This is due to the increased presence of migrants contributing to the rise in bird numbers. Ranging from martial eagles, the largest in Africa, to speckled mousebirds, avid bird-watchers will be stunned by the vast array of birdlife.

The Phinda Game Reserve

south africa safari reserves

Phinda Game Reserve spans an impressive 29,886 hectares of land in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Home to a rich diversity of habitats, it is often referred to as Seven Worlds of Wonder .

Experience an African safari experience with thrilling game drives at Phinda. The game drives are available twice each day. And you will explore the reserve during the day or night. Many of the predators are most active at night and it makes for a thrilling experience.

Their unique safaris range from private safaris to birding, photographic as well as family safaris. All are tailored to your preferences and interests.

Keep your eyes peeled for close-up sightings of the renowed Big 5. Within the reserve, you will also have the chance to observe iconic mammals like the cheetah and the rare black rhino. An exciting alternative to a traditional game drive, consider going on expertly guided bush walks.

Birding is also a favorite activity at Phinda. And the reserve hosts over 400 bird species. From November to April, migratory birds can also be spotted in the area.

As well as wildlife, there are also excellent community experiences. You can visit the rural settlements near Phinda, guided by the Africa Foundation. Take the chance to learn about their projects in education, healthcare, and conservation. You can also visit local schools, craft markets, and clinics while also supporting local businesses. All of which have had a great impact on the communities.

The Kwandwe Game Reserve

Kwandwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The word Kwandwe stands for Place of the Blue Crane in Xhosa. And sure enough, the reserve is home to these captivating, yet rare and endangered birds.

The reserve extends on both sides of the Great Fish River that flows through the region. And this is an incredible safari destination with many noteworthy conservation victories. The reserve has reintroduced over 7,000 wild animals to the wild, such as the endangered black rhinos, elephants, brown hyenas and others. Their commitment to creating positive outcomes has helped the wildlife as well as the local communities.

There are different activities available, including the daytime and nighttime game drives, as well as walking safaris.

You can also go on a bushwalk accompanied by a skilled armed ranger and tracker team. With no engine noise to distract you or the animals, you can easily engage all your senses to connect with nature. And you will explore finer details that you might overlook in a game drive.

Another activity offered is catch-and-release fishing. You can either do it in still water or the rushing currents of the Great Fish River. This is a favorite activity with families.

Barbecuing is a rich tradition and an integral part of the South African culture. Join the campfire experience at Kwandwe where skillful chefs guide you through the culinary craft and emerge as a true master of the braai .

Kwandwe also offers specialist experiences. These includes rhino monitoring drives, rhino conservation as well as photographic, walking and birding safaris. These selections are tailored to specific wildlife interests to provide you with an enriching and more personalized safari experience.

The MalaMala Game Reserve

MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa

MalaMala Game Reserve is a great choice for a luxurious photographic safari. The name MalaMala comes from the Xitsonga word for Kudu reflecting the abundant wildlife found within the reserve.

Encompassing an expansive 13,300 hectares and nestled by the serene Sand River, the protected area is close to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. It also shares a common border with the world-famous Kruger National Park. MalaMala has earned its reputation as one of the oldest and most well-established private reserves in the Kruger Park region.

Experience fantastic Big Five sighting at MalaMala at daytime or nighttime. The reserve is also a great place for leopard sightings, creating memorable wildlife sighting experiences.

Elusive nocturnal wildlife like genet cats, honey badgers, mongooses, and civet cats are typically seen on evening game drives. Additionally, guests are sometimes taken off-road to follow animals and tracks.

During bush walks, you will be accompanied by two guides, with one guiding on foot, and the other following along in a Land Rover. Explore the beauty of wilderness at a more relaxed pace. You will have the chance to see the intricate details of nature up close. You can enjoy interesting plants, birds, and other small yet fascinating animals.

The Timbavati Nature Reserve

Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa

Timbavati Private Game Reserve is located further north, in Mpumalanga Province. It also shares a common unfenced border with the famous Kruger National Park. Encompassing over 50,000 hectares, this region is home to over 40 different mammals.

The name Timbavati holds significant meaning, translating to the place where something sacred came down to Earth from the Heavens in Xitsonga. It refers to the rare white lions that live in the area.

Timbavati game drives typically take place when the temperature is cooler so you have a better chance of encountering a variety of animals, including the iconic Big Five.

Additionally, due to its drier terrain, it is a favorite destination for large herds of elephants as well as buffalo. If you wish to see incredible nocturnal wildlife, the reserve also offers night game drives.

Another great way to gain a richer safari experience is walking safaris. There is no greater feeling than being able to observe Africa’s incredible wildlife up close. Timbavati walking safaris will definitely deepen your appreciation of nature.

Armchair safaris are not something you want to miss at Timbavati. Instead of driving around, you can simply sit quietly at the lodge with a drink in hand as you watch animals come down to a waterhole for a refreshing drink and playful interactions.

For avid birders, keep a keen eye and a camera ready to catch sights of the Big Six: Saddle-billed stork, Pel’s fishing owl, Kori bustard, ground hornbill, lappet-faced vulture, and martial eagle. With over 350 bird species, you will be guaranteed to come across many incredible avian inhabitants.

The Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a fantastic destination for African safari tours. Boasting both accessibility and adventure, this reserve is just a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city. Additionally, Pilanesberg offers a 1-day safari tour which is a great option if you have limited time or want to have a quick tour.

The 57,000-hectare Pilanesberg Game Reserve is teemed with a rich array of flora and fauna. Get your camera poised for action as you will definitely encounter the iconic Big Five as well as many other impressive large Southern African mammals.

Daily game drives are scheduled every morning and afternoon. Their open vehicles will guarantee you the most stunning panoramic views. Other than that, you have the option to choose from group, private, and exclusive game drives, tailoring your experience to your preferences.

For those seeking adventure, a variety of guided hiking trails await exploration at Pilanesberg. Embark on an adventure on foot while also learning about the surrounding environment. You will have the chance to discover and know more about diverse vegetation, plants, insects, and more.

There have been over 300 bird species recorded in the region. The extensive diversity of species makes this wildlife sanctuary a great destination for avid bird watchers. Besides that, you can also go on bird-watching adventures on foot as well as explore the walk-in aviary that has over 80 indigenous bird species.

Don’t miss the chance to experience hot air balloon safaris at Pilanesberg. The calming journeys are both thrilling and relaxing. You will be able to see the Pilanesberg Alkaline Ring Complex and have a different perspective of the herds of some large mammals from the sky.

There are lodges within the reserve that offer a range of activities to enjoy. These include quad biking to enjoy a scenic route, archery to show off your shooting skills, mountain biking to get your heart pumped from the exercise as well as from some wildlife you may encounter along your journey.

The Manyeleti Game Reserve

Manyeleti Game Reserve, South Africa

Manyeleti Game Reserve is a spectacular, community-owned wildlife haven that is strategically located between Sabi Sands and Timbavati Nature Reserve. It also shares a common unfenced border with the distinguished Kruger National Park.

The name Manyeleti translates to place of the stars in Shagaan, referring to the beautiful and radiant stars in the night sky of Manyeleti. The 23,000-hectare unspoiled expanse of this green land is where you can find a rich diversity of wildlife, including all the big cats and the Big Five animals.

A typical day on a Manyeleti safari starts with game drives that begin as early as after sunrise until sunset. This reserve is an excellent place to witness the Big Five, including the elusive leopards. A definite plus is the huge traversing area between all the lodges, which means there is more ground for you to explore and more animals to discover.

With over 300 bird species recorded in the area, Manyeleti is a perfect place for avid bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers. Its diverse avian population adds an extra layer of beauty and enjoyment, so you will definitely capture some stunning photography.

Traversing on foot will give you a more intimate sight of the nature surrounding you. A guided game walk is perfect for this if you wish to make the most out of your safari experience at Manyeleti. Besides seeing the small details of nature, you may even have the chance to observe the larger animals from a safe distance.

Ash - Author & Travel Advisor

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South Africa safari: when to go, what you'll see, where to stay

By Jane Broughton

Great Fish River Lodge

South Africa has a well-deserved reputation for its many design-forward, eco-conscious safari lodges offering every conceivable luxury and almost guaranteed game viewing throughout the year. As a safari destination, South Africa is easy to get to and navigate once on the ground, making it an ideal last-minute romantic getaway for couples or a sunny winter safari for families. And while it remains an excellent choice for first-timers wanting to experience a classic, big five safari, this destination is just as popular with seasoned philanthropists taking annual impact trips supporting innovative, privately funded conservation initiatives to regenerate animal habitat, protect biodiversity and save critically endangered species .

couple in 4x4 on safari woman holding camera

The most sought-after lodges and safari camps are in private conservation areas, within private game reserves scattered across the country, or in the Greater Kruger area, which includes the Kruger National Park. Small and often owner-run, these luxury, light-footprint properties are in hand-picked, scenic locations and offer deeply layered, immersive safari experiences on and off the vehicle led by experienced guides and trackers with an intimate knowledge of the ecosystem in which they’re working. Many privately protected areas share unfenced boundaries with neighbouring tracts of protected land so that animals can roam and establish their territory over a larger space in tune with seasonal changes. Along with exclusive, up-close sightings and a limit on the number of vehicles permitted, other private concession perks include the freedom to drive off-road where permitted, take guided walks and night drives , enjoy remote bush dinners and star bed sleep-outs, and get involved with hands-on conservation. Sustainably managed properties that are fully invested in protecting the environment while maximising the positive economic spinoffs of nature-based tourism to local communities should always be a consideration before booking anything.

Drinking Elephants in the Kruger National Park South Africa.

When to go to South Africa for safari

Most of the go-to game reserves are in the northeast of South Africa and experience summer rain in thunderstorms followed by a dry winter with cool to chilly nights and warm, clear-skied sunny days ( May to October ). Winter is, therefore, the most popular time to go on safari, when the dry conditions lead to concentrations of animals around reliable water sources. This makes game viewing more predictable and animals easier to track and locate due to sparse vegetation and minimal ground cover. The mild, clear days are great for getting off the vehicle to track and explore the bush on foot. Summer rain radically transforms the bush, and everything explodes with life as the days heat up. Dense thickets and trees in leaf reduce visibility and make game viewing more challenging, but the lush, green vegetation attracts summer migrants and becomes a birder’s paradise. Predator activity increases, too, due to the abundance of baby animals at a time when food is plentiful for all. After the rain, the dust settles and light conditions are excellent for photography. Autumn and spring are good for witnessing the antelope rutting season. An early or late summer safari could be South Africa’s best-kept secret, especially with the add-on of a beach holiday outside of Cape Town ’s busiest time (from mid- December to end- January ). Elsewhere, the semi-arid Karoo and Kalahari are dry and clear-skied in winter and have low rainfall averages in summer but get very hot. In general, off-peak travel is underrated, with benefits including better availability, potential stay-longer, pay-less deals, and the possibility of securing a private vehicle.

Open dusty roads sat in a 4x4 jeep South Africa Kruger National Park

Where to go in South Africa for safari

The private conservation areas in and around the Greater Kruger area are synonymous with South Africa’s reputation for delivering epic, up-close predator action interpreted by knowledgeable guides. Kruger shares unfenced boundaries with several private reserves, including the Sabi Sand, where iconic, family-owned properties like Mala Mala , Londolozi , and Singita first put the region on the map thanks to reliable big cat sightings, especially leopards. Further private properties within the Timbavati, Thornybush and Klaserie reserves add thousands of hectares to the Greater Kruger, encouraging natural species migration and collectively securing habitat for many rare and endangered animals. In the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park, Pafuri’s immense flood plains and dense forests are renowned for walking safaris. At the same time, Singita’s privately leased Lebombo concession on the park’s Mozambican border provides strategic protection for rhinos. Further afield, large, private malaria-free reserves like Madikwe, close to the Botswana border, Marataba in the Waterberg, Samara in the Great Karoo, Tswalu in the southern Kalahari, and Kwandwe in the Eastern Cape, provide shelter for an astounding diversity of big game and rare and elusive species, boast breathtaking scenery and offer a choice of intimately scaled lodges for immersive, romantic getaways, secluded, off-grid trails camps for adventurers, and fully staffed, exclusive-use bush villas for multigenerational families .

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Beyond Tengile River Lodge

The best lodges to book

Tengile river lodge, sabi sand.

This beautifully modern AndBeyond-run lodge in the Sabi Sand has nine energy-efficient, villa-sized suites – 200 square metres in extent – cleverly concealed in a riverine forest on a bend of the Sand River where elephants often come to feed. Hand-painted botanical print fabrics, recycled stone terrazzo floors, and bespoke throws and rugs add character to the smart, modern interiors, everything angled for soaking in the tranquil views. A glass-walled forest-green marble bathroom leads to an outdoor shower on a private, shaded deck and a big  pool . The lodge’s spa and gym also have a lap pool for training swims - necessary, as the food is delicious.

Best for: Nature-loving aesthetes will appreciate the sleek, glamorous style of this lodge, which champions local, eco-friendly design, and having exclusive access to over 10,000 hectares in the quieter south-east of the Sabi Sand reserve.

Cheetah Plains, Sabi Sand

Electric, solar-powered game-drive vehicles offer a zero-emissions ride and properly quiet encounters with wildlife at this 100 per cent off-grid luxury property in the Sabi Sand. In synch with its sustainable approach to game-viewing, Cheetah Plains uses the latest in grey-water recycling. It powers everything from the air-cons to the temperature-controlled wine cellars in its three exclusive-use lodges on renewable solar energy. Named after legendary big cats in the area, the three exclusive-use lodges have four private guest suites - think glass walls gliding away into raw concrete to bring nature closer, even from the bath. Burnished metal, unpolished stone and solid timber interiors are the counterpart to colourful contemporary South African artworks.

Best for: Silent game drives in fast and efficient electric vehicles, charged off renewable energy, designed by Cheetah Plains’ owner, a former rally driver, to be extra-comfortable with luxury SUV suspension, ergonomically shaped padded bucket seats with built-in seat warmers for chilly winter mornings.

Great Fish River Lodge, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Nine gloriously remote, romantic suites with viewing decks and private pools sit above the Great Fish River, which meanders for 30 kilometres through this rugged, 22,000-hectare, privately owned reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape province, within driving distance of the Garden Route’s long, sandy beaches and indigenous forests. The breeding ground of the blue crane, Kwandwe has just 30 rooms split across two intimate lodges (Great Fish River being one of them), three exclusive-use villas (ideal for family safaris), and an off-grid tented camp. Exclusivity at up-close sightings of the big five, black rhino, cheetah and smaller, but no less significant, vulnerable and endangered species is amplified by the rugged wilderness setting: extensive open plains interrupted by carbon-storing subtropical thicket-clad hills, securing vital habitat for wildlife that last roamed freely here over 120 years ago.

Best for: A big five safari with a luxury of space and privacy for a romantic getaway, after exploring the Garden Route or Cape Town. Malaria free makes it ideal for families and the elderly, too - multiple generations sharing a fully staffed villa with a private vehicle and guide.

Royal Malewane Farmhouse

The Farmstead, at Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve

On expertly guided drives from this sister property to Royal Malewane’s original lodge, sightings include leopard, cheetah, wild dog, and sizeable elephant and buffalo herds. A Master Tracker leads walks. Increased movement of animals has resulted in a richer game-viewing experience in this increasingly popular privately owned reserve - all because fences were dropped on the eastern boundary with the Timbavati in 2017, opening it up to the Greater Kruger area. Liz Biden’s inimitable riotous style doesn’t hold back in this celebratory lodge with three luxury suites plus a separate villa with space for six additional adults. Like Liz’s newest addition to Royal Malewane, Waterside Lodge, this one features fun Ardmore fabrics, animal print and plush velvets in jewel colours and lots of South African art. In summer, deep verandas encourage lazing outdoors on swinging daybeds or one of the loungers submerged in the pool’s shallow end. The local Moletele community own the land here and benefits financially from the lodge’s success.

Best for: House parties, especially if the Biden family’s original bush villa, Africa House, is too big – newly renovated, its six suites share two pools, a spa treatment suite and gym.

Sabi-sands.com

Sabi sands is the best place in the world for a safari..

south africa safari reserves

A little bit about Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Spanning 65,000 hectares, the Sabi Sands Nature Reserve is a testament to the vision of local landowners in the 1950s. It stands proudly adjacent to the globally acclaimed Kruger National Park, forming a vast wilderness teeming with wildlife.

The legacy of these founding families, now in their third and fourth generations of stewardship, resonates in the successful conservation of South Africa's richest density of big game. A unique feature of Sabi Sands is its 50-kilometer unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, creating a harmonious coexistence that allows wildlife to roam freely. This has led to remarkably close encounters with the local fauna, including prolific sightings of the elusive leopard. The dynamic landscape is further enriched by the Sabi and Sand Rivers, weaving their way through the reserve, enhancing the rich biodiversity of this extraordinary habitat.

south africa safari reserves

Going on safari in Sabi Sands

Embark on an incredible journey to Sabi Sands Nature Reserve in South Africa, but before you go, there are some important details you should know.

Curious about the travel duration? Wondering if this destination is accessible to everyone? Intrigued by the unique aspects that make this place truly special? And what essentials should you pack? In the following sections, you will find answers to these queries and more. If there's a question left unanswered, feel free to reach out to us using the contact form below, and our team will be thrilled to assist you!

south africa safari reserves

About Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve near Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of those very special places in the world and is the ultimate African safari destination.

south africa safari reserves

Sabi Sands special offers

Searching for that one special offer that makes all your safari dreams come through? Our Sabi Sands special deals offer excellent value for money. We hope to see you soon!

south africa safari reserves

Getting to Sabi Sands Reserve

The Sabi Sands is one of South Africa's best accessible game reserves. We have multiple daily flights, three access gates and a lot of world-class roads leading right to us.

So incredible, we started to plan a return trip during the flight home!
The food was spectacular - budget on gaining a kg or 3! Good, fresh South African food, prepared and served in style. You will love it!
...the highlights being following a pack of wild dogs and watching a leopard and her cub jumping from branch to branch high up in the trees.

south africa safari reserves

Sabi Sands Game Reserve lodges

Set off on a journey to Sabi Sands Nature Reserve, a captivating destination that offers a unique safari experience. After a day filled with discovery and exploration in the African bush, you'll appreciate a tranquil haven to relax and recharge.

Sabi Sands caters to every taste and budget with its varied accommodations. From cozy bush camps tucked away in the wilderness to luxury options beneath the stunning African night sky, there's a unique experience for every traveller. A stay in the Sabi Sands not only promises unforgettable moments, but also fosters a lasting bond with the pulsing heart of the African bush, leaving an enduring memory long after your journey is over.

  • Price $$$$$

View Chitwa Chitwa Lodge in Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Chitwa Chitwa Lodge

lodge style Art-inspired African

Chitwa Chitwa Lodge overlooks one of the largest lakes in the Sabi Sands. It is designed as a spacious yet intimate camp - presenting sophistication in a relaxed atmosphere. The eight very spacious suites all have plunge pools.

south africa safari reserves

from ZAR 26,550 per person per night

View Ulusaba Rock Lodge information

Ulusaba Rock Lodge

lodge style Tranquil hill & trees

Ulusaba Rock Lodge is built high on the summit of a small hill overlooking the South African bushveld. The rooms and suites offer views over a waterhole in front of the lodge, allowing you to view wildlife from the privacy of your room.

south africa safari reserves

from ZAR 14,159 per person per night

View Nottens Bush Camp

Notten's Bush Camp

lodge style Down to earth elegance

Notten's is one of the original family run lodges in Africa, and a true gem within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. As one of the original lodges, it has a magical bush atmosphere and offers a truly authentic safari experience.

south africa safari reserves

from ZAR 10,414 per person per night

View Lion Sands Game Reserve in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Lion Sands Game Reserve

lodge style Riverside serenity

The award winning Lion Sands is the only private reserve to have access to the perennial Sabie River, which it shares with Kruger National Park. You will find five beautiful lodges here, so there's always one that suits your taste!

from ZAR 23,800 per person per night

View Sabi Sabi Game Reserve information

Sabi Sabi Game Reserve

lodge style Present, past & future

Within the Sabi Sands Reserve, Sabi Sabi has created three unique worlds through its four first-class camps: one of yesterday's vintage romance; today's classic bush experience; and tomorrow's African renaissance.

from ZAR 15,969 per person per night

View Singita Sabi Sands

Singita Sabi Sand lodges

lodge style A very private affair

In both Singita lodges, guests share the privilege of experiencing this wonderful part of Africa. Spanning more than 45,000 acres, Singita is renowned for high concentrations of big game and frequent leopard sightings.

from ZAR 39,954 per person per night

View Dulini in Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Dulini Game Reserve

lodge style World class luxury

Dulini boasts several extraordinary safari lodges, including Dulini River, Dulini Leadwood, and Dulini Moya, where sumptuous accommodations offer a strikingly elegant contrast to the rugged bushveld.

from ZAR 26,800 per person per night

View Elephant Plains Lodge information

Elephant Plains Lodge

lodge style Bushveld simplicity

Elephant Plains Lodge offers comfortable style and affordable luxury. This lodge is family owned and sleeps a maximum of 24 guests. As such, you can be sure to expect personal service and a warm atmosphere.

from ZAR 5,409 per person per night

View Arathusa Safari Lodge

Arathusa Safari Lodge

lodge style classic lakeside safari

Arathusa offers an affordable wildlife and Big 5 Safari experience in a traditional safari camp. In front of your chalet is a lake that attracts lots of game throughout the day: perfect for game viewing from your lazy chair!

south africa safari reserves

from ZAR 9,045 per person per night

View Tengile River Lodge information

Tengile River Lodge

lodge style Tranquil river views

Tengile River Lodge is the latest addition to the Sabi Sands. Extremely spacious suites offer incredible views over the river in incredible luxury. Of course the sounds and views of the African bush are best enjoyed from the privacy of your own plunge pool.

from ZAR 34,799 per person per night

View Jaci's Sabi House information

Jaci's Sabi House

lodge style Group and family home

This is the ideal bush retreat for small groups and families alike. Jaci's Sabi House accommodates six guests only in a completely private setting. Explore the Sabi Sands from the comfort of your private safari vehicle and take home some unforgettable memories.

from ZAR 48,174 (sleeps four)

View Ulusaba Safari Lodge

Ulusaba Safari Lodge

lodge style Under a canopy of trees

Sir Richard Branson's Ulusaba Safari Lodge overlooks a dry riverbed and is shaded by ancient trees. The nearby waterhole guarantees great game viewing. The eleven luxury rooms provide a luxurious safari experience in complete privacy.

View Leopard Hills Lodge information

Leopard Hills Lodge

lodge style Hilltop splendour

Expect to enjoy some amazing views over the African bush when staying in Leopard Hills Lodge. Eight luxury suites offer only the best safari accommodation. Enjoy the sunset from your viewing deck or plunge pool.

from ZAR 22,714 per person per night

View &Beyond Kirkmans Kamp information

&Beyond Kirkman's Kamp

lodge style Victoriana delight

Kirkman's is a well known historic camp which was originally built in the 1920s. It airs a feeling of an early rural homestead, with a vintage style and gracious ambience. All cottages have a deck overlooking the Sand River.

from ZAR 18,394 per person per night

View Nkorho Bush Lodge

Nkorho Bush Lodge

lodge style stylish modesty

To ensure travellers of the best possible attention, Nkorho only sleeps a maximum of twelve people in six stylish thatched chalets. The spacious rooms have en suite bathrooms, contemporary interiors, and offer complete privacy.

from ZAR 9,379 per person per night

View Londolozi Game Reserve in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Londolozi Game Reserve

lodge style Magical lodge collection

Londolozi is one of the pioneering Private Game Reserves of the ecotourism industry in South Africa and an unashamedly family run, stand alone operation. There are five beautifully appointed lodges to choose from.

from ZAR 22,564 per person per night

View Savanna Game Lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Savanna Game Lodge

lodge style Classic semi-tented savannah

A longtime favourite and much loved true South African safari lodge. Savanna Lodge is situated in an area where 'Big Five' sightings are so common that it is not unusual to see all of them during a single safari activity.

from ZAR 16,015 per person per night

View Idube Game Lodge

Idube Game Lodge

lodge style affordable african safari

Idube is situated in prime game area. Many animals are seen close to the lodge on a daily basis. The lodge is family owned and offers just ten luxury suites. Each suite has its own private wooden deck, great for wildlife viewing!

from ZAR 11,309 per person per night

View Inyati Safari Lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Inyati Safari Lodge

lodge style Classic bush experience

Inyati Game Lodge is situated on the banks of the Sand River, providing stunning river views. All chalets have been refurbished recently, now offering perfect luxury safari accommodation in the midst of the Sabi Sands Reserve.

from ZAR 12,584 per person per night

View Silvan Safari information

Silvan Safari Lodge

lodge style Luxury safari redefined

An innate understanding of the bush and a deep love for Africa: these two elements define Silvan’s story. Book yourself a stay in this new, luxury lodge and leave with an uplifted spirit and a firmly rooted love for this land.

from ZAR 29,129 per person per night

View Cheetah Plains Lodge

Cheetah Plains Lodge

lodge style Ultrachic retreat

Characterised by modern design, this three-villa lodge offers privacy and exclusivity, accompanied by superb service. The ideal setting to relish in the untamed wilderness, and unparalleled wildlife encounters.

from ZAR 33,869 per person per night

View Umkumbe Safari Lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

lodge style Affordable elementary Bush

Umkumbe Safari Lodge is owner-managed and run; ensuring guests enjoy a personal, rustic and real South African safari experience. The lodge consists of six chalets with most overlooking the Sand River.

from ZAR 5,145 per person per night

View Mala Mala Game Reserve information

Mala Mala Game Reserve

lodge style Classic family owned reserve

Many years of superb service -and experience- has resulted in the satisfaction of many guests. Relax in the unpretentious elegance and style of one of the finest safari experiences in Africa at Mala Mala Private Game Reserve.

from ZAR 19,664 per person per night

View Simbambili Game Lodge

Simbambili Game Lodge

lodge style moroccan style Lakeside

Simbambili Game Lodge is a destination for the discerning traveller. Sophisticated yet simple, each suite has spectacular views whether from the unique en-suite bathrooms and salas or individual plunge pools.

south africa safari reserves

from ZAR 18,895 per person per night

south africa safari reserves

Sabi Sands Video

The best way of getting an idea what the Sabi Sands Game Reserve is about is by seeing some incredible footage from the area. We went out with our video camera and spent a lot of time outdoors to get you some of the most beautiful shots of the reserve imaginable.

Visit our Sabi Sands videos overview page for more videos and get inspired for your Sabi Sands safari.

We were off road and moving with the animals or quietly sitting watching them playing or feasting....magical.
The staff went out of their way to make our wedding and honeymoon as special as it could ever be. We were blown away.
Great place for viewing big cats!

Send your enquiry

We hope you have found all information needed to decide that the Sabi Sands Game Reserve is the perfect place for your next travel adventure. Still have questions? Or perhaps you would like more specific information about one of the topics on this page? Please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soon!

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S O U T H   A F R I C A

A  S a f a r i  H e a v y  H i t t e r

S O U T H A F R I C A

Top Destinations in South Africa

The wildebeest migration, big 5, cultural experiences & more.

Kenya offers a vacation for every traveller. From unforgettable family safaris with child-friendly activities and services to exclusive hideaways for couples and honeymooners, Kenya has it all and then some. Whatever type of traveller you are, there’s not much that beats a Kenya safari. The standards of service are high and Kenya’s top destinations offer luxury accommodation ranging from lavish, colonial-style lodges to contemporary boutique hotels and amenity-packed resorts.

USD per person per night

Kruger National Park & The Greater Kruger

South Africa’s biggest and best-known national park is home to the country’s greatest diversity of animals and exquisite safari lodges on private game reserves. As one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa, it boasts healthy populations of wildlife and highly sought-after sightings of cheetah and wild dog. But the Kruger’s claim to fame is the almost guaranteed encounter with the super-celebrities of the safari circuit: Africa’s iconic Big 5.

  • Luxurious lodges with spas, gyms, private pools and star-beds
  • Virtual guarantee of seeing all the Big 5
  • 5-star service and exquisite cuisine – some of the best safari food in Africa
  • High concentrations of wildlife
  • Off-road driving, spot-lit night drives and guided nature walks in private reserves

January–March & June–October 

Dry Season: 

The weather is usually mild and dry from January to March, and most of the safari crowds are absent. June to October is safari’s high season; the Serengeti is busy, but weather conditions are perfect and the Wildebeest Migration’s dramatic river crossings take place. Although the sheer size of the Serengeti will give you a soul-stirring sense of space, the areas around the Migration’s river crossing points can get busy. If you want to be close to the action yet enjoy some serenity, we suggest staying in an adjacent private reserve.

Green Season:

November–December

The ‘short rains’ season relieves the dry mid-year winter. Clouds build up in the mornings and break in spectacular, but generally short-lived, showers in the late afternoons. Migrant birds return from the northern hemisphere and resident plains game give birth, which means the predator action is thrilling.

Migration Season:

December–September

The herds usually cross the Grumeti River in the western Serengeti between about May and July, then move towards the Mara River in the north to cross into the Masai Mara between about July to October. November's short rains trigger the herds  to move back to the Serengeti to give birth before calving season, which takes place from January to March and is renowned for bitter-sweet predator action.

  • Crowd-free game viewing, nature walks and off-road game drives in private game reserves
  • Custom-made safaris for every traveller type – from families and honeymooners
  • Incredible year-round game viewing, especially predators
  • The Great Wildebeest Migration (December to October)

Consider Adding …

Kwandwe Game Reserve

Kwandwe Game Reserve is a malaria-free game reserve close enough to tour the Garden Route and end with a superb Big five safari in a historic area. The reception of the reserve is a Frontier War-era fortified homestead.  

Timbavati Reserve Reserve

The Timbavati Game Reserve shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger National Park allowing the wildlife to roam free between the two. Stay at colonial-style game lodges, bush lodges and luxury tented safari camps, a South African safari dream destination.

Phinda Game Reserve

Phinda Private Game Reserve is on the Eastern coast of South Africa and has incredible lodges that are well-known for their high-quality game rangers, dedication to conservation and five-star luxury safari lodges.

High Season:

The drier winter months are the best time for game viewing on a South Africa safari in the Kruger, Madikwe, Pilanesberg and KwaZulu-Natal. Big game are usually concentrated around water sources and are easier to spot in the thinned-out vegetation. If you want to see whales along South Africa’s Whale Coast, then a visit between June and October is a must, with the numbers at their highest in September.

May–Oct  

For a South African safari, the green season is when the landscape is a beautiful, lush emerald colour and with the best light of the year for photography. It’s calving season and there are great opportunities to witness baby animals and some dramatic predator action. For a Cape Town beach holiday, you simply can’t beat the hot summer months between November and March, but you have to book your spot well in advance for this trendy destination.

Nov–Apr  

A Romantic Getaway    The Best of Cape Town & Kruger

Also Consider  Kenya

Samburu National Reserve 

Samburu is an arrestingly beautiful, rocky landscape that heralds Kenya’s vast northern deserts.  It’s the traditional homeland of the Samburu people and a haven for the unique Special 5: Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, long-neck gerenuk and Somali ostrich.

Amboseli National Park

With its perennial wetlands flourishing beneath towering Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is the best place in East Africa to see massive herds of elephant.  If you’re looking for that iconic postcard image of wildlife against a Kili backdrop, this is the place to get the shot.

The high plains of Laikipia are increasingly recognised as one of Kenya’s  best safari regions. It’s home to some of the country’s most encouraging conservation success stories like Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a sanctuary  for black and white rhinos as well as Grevy’s zebra.

Kenya Beaches

Relaxing along Kenya’s dazzling tropical coastline is one of the best ways to crown your safari. From family-friendly resorts to exclusive beach villas, the country’s coastline offers excellent accommodation and superb diving and snorkelling spots.

South Africa Trip Ideas

Here are some of our best South Africa safari packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:

DESTINATIONS:

Gardens, cape town.

  • Franschhoek, Cape Winelands

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Kruger

The experience:, begin your vacation at an exceptional boutique hotel situated in a fashionable neighbourhood of cape town – a perfect location from which to explore table mountain, the v&a waterfront and the gorgeous beaches. franschhoek is your next stop: a foodie haven amid spectacular vineyards. known as south africa’s gourmet capital, this village is the ideal place for sampling the country’s gastronomic delights. then be whisked off to a private game reserve neighbouring the legendary kruger national park where you’ll crown your vacation with some of africa’s finest big 5 sightings, especially leopard., family vacation :   southern africa’s most popular route.

Kick off this 11-day trip in cosmopolitan Cape Town, home of fine dining, the famous Table Mountain and award-winning beaches. Then head north to encounter the legendary leopards of the sensational Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a private slice of the untamed Kruger wilderness. Teeming with wildlife, Sabi Sands delivers some of the best Big 5 game viewing in Africa. Fly up to Zimbabwe for your grand finale at the world’s biggest waterfall. Stand in awe as you witness the sheer power and magnitude of Victoria Falls, a.k.a. ‘The Smoke That Thunders’.

Melrose, Johannesburg

Victoria falls, zimbabwe, africa safari expert.

South Africa is perfect for a first-time trip to Africa or returning visitors looking for exceptional year-round game viewing. I recommend starting by exploring beautiful Cape Town – the perfect way to recover from jetlag before an action-packed safari schedule. Then take your pick from malaria-free destinations to suit the whole family like Madikwe or Kwandwe at the end of the Garden Route, to the legendary Kruger National Park and its adjoining private game reserves like Sabi Sands, renowned for its prolific Big 5 sightings.

Why Travel With Go2Africa

We are african.

Based in Cape Town, our team of experts are all born and raised in Africa. We spend our own holidays on safari, and understand what goes into making every trip a once in a life-time experience.

We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend. We spend more than 365 days a year on safari to ensure you get the best, unbiased advice.

We are safari experts

Our size and trusted relationships with Africa’s top operators gives us access to the best possible rates. If you find a better quote for your itinerary, let us know and we’ll match it.

Our best price promise

Your money stays in africa.

 As an African company, we ensure 100% of the money from your safari stays in Africa, supporting local communities and conservation projects, making a difference long after you return home.

24/7 On-safari support

Book with us and we’ll be alongside you from our first chat, offering 24/7 assistance and local know-how from the right time zone, whenever you need it.

Why Travel with Go2Africa

Complete financial protection.

Your money is safe with us. All our clients are protected by our supplier default insurance and our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.

Ashley Gerrand

South Africa is perfect for a first-time trip  to Africa or returning visitors looking for exceptional year-round game viewing.   I recommend starting by exploring beautiful Cape Town – the perfect way to recover from jetlag before an action-packed safari schedule. Then take your pick from malaria-free destinations to suit the whole family like Madikwe or Kwandwe at the end of the Garden Route, to the legendary Kruger National Park and its adjoining private game reserves like Sabi Sands, renowned for its prolific Big 5 sightings.

What Our Clients Say

Go2Africa was the perfect choice... We worked with Nicole from beginning to the end and she were so helpful in creating the perfect itinerary for us. From flights, to accommodations, to transfers, and tour guides, everything was perfect...Nicole was able to work within our budget and on all of our wants/needs.

Honeymoon of a lifetime!

This is our 3rd safari booked with Go2Africa and I'm always amazed at the personal attention to detail that goes into planning. We gave Jessica a general area we wanted to visit and a wildlife wish list of animals we wanted to see…It was unbelievable. Once again, Jessica did such an amazing job with selecting the camps that were perfect for us…

Knocked it out of the park again!

The family had an experience that exceeded our expectations. At each critical change point of the journey (flights, transport, accommodation) the arrangements played out perfectly. The experiences at each location were perfect and we took home so many memories and things to share. Thank you! Job well done.

Perfectly executed

Chat with one of our  experienced  African Safari  Experts   with  no obligation.

Contact us to start planning your first, with no obligation., how many  once  in  a lifetimes  will you have, how many  once  in a lifetimes will you have, how much is  a , south africa  safari.

Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, South Africa safaris can range anywhere from approximately 450 USD per person per night in low season to over 1550 USD at the finest lodges in high season.  

What's Included in the Cost?

Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, and other excursions will all be included. To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5 to 1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easy.

The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.

How Much is an African Safari?

Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays or events like the Great Migration) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, Southern Africa can range anywhere from approximately $500 USD per person per night in low season to over $2 000 USD at the finest lodges in high season. For East Africa, low season rates start around $450 USD per night per person and reach upwards of  $1 500 USD at peak season.

What Costs  are Included?

Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all  of your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, walking safaris and other excursions will all be included. To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5-to-1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so  you can pack light and travel easy.

Legendary South African Safaris

A trip to South Africa not only shows you the country’s eclectic cultural mix and widely varied landscapes but has some of the most renowned game viewing. Travel in open four-wheel-drive vehicles for unobstructed views of the bush and stay in some of the country’s best luxury lodges with opportunities to spot wildlife from the front door.  

How Much is a  South Africa   Safari?

Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, South Africa safaris can range anywhere from approximately 450 USD per person per night in low season to over 1 550 USD at the finest lodges in high season.

Talk to one of our experts to explore availability during your travel dates.

Our favourite accommodations are the most intimate ones.  it's always best to book as far ahead as possible to ensure  you have experiences like this ..., our favourite accommodations are the most intimate ones. it's always best to book as far ahead as possible to ensure you have experiences like this ..., the best of cape town & kruger, begin your vacation at an exceptional boutique hotel situated in a fashionable neighbourhood of cape  town – a perfect location from which to explore table mountain, the v&a waterfront and the city's gorgeous beaches. franschhoek is your next stop: a foodie haven amid spectacular vineyards. known  as south africa’s gourmet capital, this village is the ideal place for sampling the country’s gastronomic delights. then be whisked off to a private game reserve neighbouring the legendary kruger national park where you’ll crown your vacation with some of africa’s finest big 5 sightings, especially leopard., a romantic getaway , family vacation, southern africa’s most popular route.

Consider Adding… 

Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:

7 DAY KENYA'S  LAIKIPIA & MASAI MARA

• Track black rhino & the Big 5

• Fly fishing & flying safaris

• Witness the Great Migration in season

• Experience Maasai & Swahili culture

• Off-road game drives

FROM   $4 000 pp

13 DAY TANZANIA FLY-IN CRATER, MIGRATION & ISLAND

• All inclusive fly-in safari experience

• Arguably some of Africa’s best game viewing

• Visit Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions

• Explore the natural wonder of Ngorongoro Crater

• Witness the wildebeest migration across the Serengeti

• Dive the coral reefs of a tropical island

FROM   $10 000 pp

13 DAY PRIVATE GUIDED BOTSWANA & KENYA FLY-IN

• Fly between camps in a Pilatus PC-12 light aircraft 

• Private, award-winning guide throughout

• Stay at Relais & Chateaux properties

• Excellent predator sightings

• Best of Botswana & Kenya

• Only 6 places available – ideal for exclusive-use

FROM   $40 000 pp

High Seasons:   May – Oct

Green Season:    Nov– Apr

South Africa’s biggest and best-known national park is home to the country's greatest diversity of animals and exquisite safari lodges on private game reserves. As one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa, it boasts healthy populations of wildlife and highly sought-after sightings of cheetah and wild dog. But the Kruger’s pièce de résistance is the almost guaranteed encounter with the super-celebrities of the safari circuit: Africa’s iconic Big 5.

The dry winter season is considered the best time to go to Kruger for game viewing. Vegetation is low and sparse, making animals easier to spot and follow, and wildlife will not move far from remaining water sources at this time of year. It’s a very comfortable time for a safari with few mosquitoes around, little if any rain, and pleasant temperatures.

  • Virtual guarantee to see all the Big 5

Nov–Apr 

The summer’s afternoon thundershowers transform the Kruger into a beautiful, thriving green landscape that makes for superb photography. Game viewing is still good – with many young summer-born animals around it's a predator's paradise – and it's the best time to visit the Kruger for bird watching plus safari-and-beach holiday combinations.

Kwandwe Game Reserve  

Timbavati Game Reserve  

  • Spot the Big 5 in malaria-free and private game reserves
  • Pair a safari sojourn with a famed Garden Route exploration, combining bush and beach
  • Visit the Addo Elephant National Park, most renowned for its large elephant herds
  • Take your pick from traditional thatched lodges, romantic tented camps or stylish boutique hotels

The Eastern Cape’s biggest draw is its reserves. As the newest addition to South Africa’s safari circuit, this once-overlooked province has now become a top big game destination in its own rights. Most of its reserves boast the Big 5 in easy-to-see habitats and offer a variety of safari activities ranging from game drives and river cruises to horseback and walking safaris. All of this is within a short drive from the popular beaches and seaside towns of the Garden Route.

Eastern Cape Safaris

  • Private reserves that are home to rare white lions

Madikwe Game Reserve

An easy half-day drive or short charter flight from Johannesburg lies malaria-free Madikwe - one of South Africa’s largest yet least known Big 5 reserves. Lying on the edge of the Kalahari and close to the Botswana border, the 75 000-hectare Madikwe Private Game Reserve is home to a rewarding mix of familiar savannah animals and desert specialists. It delivers thrilling, diverse big game safaris that not only meet but regularly exceed visitor expectations.

  • Enjoy malaria-free game viewing
  • Dedicated staff at lodges taking care of little-ones and offering kiddie-friendly safari adventures
  • A fantastic value for money trip with great savings
  • Go on day and night game drives with expert guides
  • Madikwe Game Reserve is a conservation success story with a focus on worthy initiatives for people, wildlife and the eco-system

South Africa’s biggest and best-known national park is home to the country’s greatest diversity of animals and exquisite safari lodges on private game reserves. As one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa, it boasts healthy populations of wildlife and highly sought-after sightings of cheetah and wild dog. But the Kruger’s claim to fame is the almost guaranteed encounter with the super-celebrities of the safari circuit: Africa’s iconic Big 5.  

Land  &  Water Safari Experiences

From lunar-like desert landscapes and open grasslands to riverine forests and papyrus-lined canals, Botswana delivers the very best in land and water safari experiences. Combine luxury and adventure in some of the world’s most remote locations, while the magical sights and sounds of Africa leave you with memories you’ll cherish forever.

The Best of Both:

A trip to South Africa not only shows you the country’s eclectic cultural mix and widely varied landscapes but has some of the most renowned game viewing. Travel in open four-wheel-drive vehicles for unobstructed views of the bush and stay in some of the country’s best luxury lodges with opportunities to spot wildlife from the front door.

Browse our South Africa resources

Browse our Kenya resources

Franschoek, Cape Winelands

Madikwe Game Reserve 

Prolific Big 5  Game Viewing

Encountering Africa’s iconic Big 5 (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo) is a major item on any safari goer’s bucket list. South Africa is one of the very few places on Earth where you’re able to tick off all five in one day.

Cape Town’s gorgeous coastline offers its visitors sun-kissed beaches, while the famous Cape Winelands will delight any gourmet. Superb infrastructure and daily domestic flights make combining a Kruger safari with a beach holiday a piece of cake.

Easily Combine Bush, Beach & Vine

 world-class service & amenities.

Experience culinary excellence from award-winning chefs in Kruger’s private reserves and concessions. Plus enjoy top-notch service and amenities like spas, gyms, and with some having fully stocked libraries.

Fantastic Logistics 

Daily commercial flights link all the major cities, chartered airplanes can get you to safari lodges with their own private airstrips, and there are self-drive holiday options made safe and easy thanks to well-maintained road networks.

A Trip For Every Traveller

Multi-generational broods will love South Africa’s variety of family-friendly accommodation. Couples will find the perfect trip to celebrate a special occasion, and adventure seekers will relish in a plethora of outdoor activities.

Why Go on a South African Safari?

Incredible  game-viewing.

See the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and more wildlife found only in Africa, with expert guides who'll get you so  close you can hear them breathe.

Walking safaris, hot air balloon safaris, cultural interactions with local people- all safari activities support conservation and communities. The ultimate win-win.

Rewarding experiences

The luxury of time.

Enjoy being off-the-grid and truly away from it all with  private plunge pools and spa facilities at intimate lodges in some of the most remote parts of the world.

Indulge your senses

Sip sundowners as giraffes stroll across the hot pink horizon, and s ample gourmet African dishes and wines over fireside dinners while the sounds of the bush serenades you.

Two trips in one

The best trips combine Africa's top destinations. Easily go from the African bush to buzzy Cape Town or an idyllic Indian Ocean island- with all the details and transfers taken care of.

Why you need to experience an African safari vacation:

"...i thought this was a once  in a lifetime trip,  but i'm already  planning my next safari" , excellent value.

Thanks to a very favourable exchange rate, it’s easy to find superb accommodation that offers that extra bit of holiday pampering. Spoilt for choice is an understatement with an option to suit every budget and preference.  

Why Go on  a  South African Safari?

World-class service & amenities, fantastic logistics, our partners.

Everything is about relationships. Fortunately, we've built great ones working with the top names in Africa for more than 20 years.

South Africa Must-See Places: Safari Parks, Reserves, Top Destinations

With so much to see and do, South Africa is perfect for your first trip to Africa! Safari parks throughout the country offer unbelievable wildlife viewing and a full range of safari lodges, from great value options to all-out luxury.

On the western tip, Cape Town draws tourists from around the world with its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and cosmopolitan feel. Just a short drive from Cape Town are beautiful winelands and outdoor adventures galore. South Africa truly has it all!

Here are our must-see places in South Africa, from world-famous attractions to hidden gems. Give us a call at (888) 367-0933 if you’d like to learn more!

Explore Our 10 Best African Safari Tours

Best Safari Parks & Game Reserves

1. Kruger National Park and Surrounds

Kruger National Park is the most famous safari destination in South Africa, perhaps even the entire continent! The Big 5 and countless other wildlife are found in abundance, making this the perfect place for your first safari.

Within the park itself, you cannot go off-road or do night game drives. However, several private concessions share an unfenced border with Kruger. These private concessions offer the same great wildlife viewing as Kruger with more freedom and fewer vehicles at each sighting.

Some of our favorite private reserves in the Great Kruger area include Sabi Sands,  MalaMala,  Timbavati, Manyeleti, Thornybush, and Kapama.

Kruger safari South Africa - Leopard in Sabi Sands

2. Madikwe Game Reserve

This malaria-free Big 5 reserve is perfect for families, with plenty of luxurious safari lodges and camps to choose from. Madikwe presents a more affordable alternative to the Sabi Sands. The area is famous for its large packs of African wild dogs —one of the continent’s rarest and most photogenic predators!

South Africa safari - Madikwe Hills Safari Lodge

3. Phinda Private Game Reserve

Phinda is the best game reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal area. It is home to some exceptional luxury safari lodges, and is famous for its cheetah sightings.

Pool at andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge

4. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

This private reserve offers a different game viewing experience than Kruger and other northeastern parks, with a diverse ecosystem including mountains and red-hued grasslands.

Tswalu has abundant meerkats (even a habituated family you can see up close!) and is one of the best places in South Africa to see the elusive, highly endangered pangolin.

South Africa safari - Kalahari black maned lion, Tswalu Kalahari

5. Eastern Cape Safari Parks

If you want to combine a Big 5 safari with the Garden Route, we recommend one of the parks in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The area is malaria-free, making it safe for young children. Our favorite private reserves in the area include Kwandwe (renowned for sightings of rare black rhino) and Shamwari.

South Africa safari - Rhino on walking safari

Beyond Safari: Places to Visit in South Africa

1. Cape Town

Cape Town is a thriving cosmopolitan center that’s blessed with natural beauty, flanked by Table Mountain on one side and sweeping coastal views on the other.

Explore beaches, art, history, a thriving food scene, boutique shopping, and much more in town. Wine tasting and shark cage diving are easily accessible on day trips. See our list of the Top 11 Things to See & Do in Cape Town .

Pool at One&Only Cape Town, South Africa

2. Cape Winelands

South Africa’s world-class wines are finally starting to get the international attention they deserve. Sample some of South Africa’s best wines and soak up gorgeous mountain views in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and beyond. You can tour the area on a day trip from Cape Town or stay a few nights to get a true feel for South Africa’s culinary capital.

Cape Winelands South Africa - Franschhoek wine tasting

3. Simon’s Town/False Bay

Take a day trip from Cape Town to see African penguins on the beach, go shark cage diving in False Bay (February to September), and even see Great White Shark breaching.

Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa

4. Hermanus

Head to Hermanus for beautiful ocean views, whale watching, nature walks, and more. If you’re planning to go cage diving with Great White Sharks in Gansbaai, you’ll save time by staying overnight in Hermanus versus departing from Cape Town.

Hermanus South Africa - Birkenhead House

5. Garden Route

If you have the time, we certainly recommend self-driving the scenic Garden Route from Cape Town to Tsitsikamma National Park. The route abounds with beautiful views, beaches, and hiking trails. Popular stops along the way include Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Nature’s Valley.

Garden Route South Africa - Tsala Treetop Lodge

6. Johannesburg

Johannesburg is South Africa’s major metropolis and an international gateway. Explore vibrant street art, the Apartheid Museum, and the bustling Maboneng neighborhood.

Johannesburg South Africa - Michelangelo Hotel

World of Wanderlust

The 10 Best Safari Lodges in South Africa

When you think of traveling to Africa for your first safari, chances are you think of visiting South Africa. This country is full of some incredible safari lodges, and indeed has the highest concentration of luxury safari lodges on the continent. So, where are the best safari lodges in South Africa? We’ve listed the 10 best of the best.

Singita Boulders Lodge | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

1. Singita Boulders, Sabi Sands

Set along the idyllic Sand River, Singita Boulders is one of the most sought after lodges set on the edge of the Kruger National Park. Not only is the location enviable, with game consistently spotted nearby the lodge, but the rooms are delightfully inventive. Each suite comes with a private pool, oversized deck, and the occasional elephant passing by to drink from your pool (yes, really!)

Related: Checking In to Singita Boulders Safari Lodge

south africa safari reserves

2. Ivory Lodge, Lion Sands Game Reserve

As one of the most uniquely designed lodges in the Sabi Sands, Lion Sands Game Reserve is perhaps the most photogenic safari lodge in all of South Africa. Located on the banks of the Sabi River, this lodge offers one of the most exclusive and private lodge experiences anywhere on the continent. So, what makes it so unique?

Each luxury villa is set apart from the next, by a distance of twenty metres. The bedrooms are separated from the living area in each suite, by an oversized outdoor deck. Then there are the floor to ceiling windows, which make it not only possible but likely that you will witness wildlife from the privacy of your own room.

The best bath tubs in Africa | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

3. Londolozi Lodge, Lion Sands Game Reserve

As one of South Africa’s original private game reserves, the legacy that is Londolozi Lodge attracts visitors from all over the world, year after year. The word Londolozi comes from a Zulu word and means ‘Protector Of All Living Things’.  This accurately reflects the ambition of the lodge to commit themselves to meaningful conservation efforts, so you can rest assured your visit contributes directly to conservation of the land, wildlife and communities in the region you are visiting. Oh, and did we mention that bathtub view!?

Related: These are the 12 best bathtubs in Africa

south africa safari reserves

4. Royal Malewane, Thorny Bush Game Reserve

Royal Malewane is one of the most popular all-inclusive lodges, especially for the American market. The lodge hones in on the traditional safari experience – with beautiful villas and suites that blend seamlessly into the bush surrounds. The highlight of this lodge stay was in fact an exquisite bush dinner, whereby guests were ushered to a remote tent after an evening game drive. Believe me – this lodge is something extra special, at every turn!

Related: Checking In to Royal Malewane, South Africa

south africa safari reserves

5. andBeyond Rock Lodge, Phinda Game Reserve

Phinda Game Reserve is a private reserve located in northern KwaZulu-Natal, not too far from the eastern coast of South Africa. Including all food, beverage, accommodation and game drives, andBeyond Rock Lodge is one of the most surreal settings with all of the trimmings attached. As far as lodges go, andBeyond possess some of my favourite lodges of all time across their collection. And their lodges in South Africa are no different – with a commitment to conservation at the same time as providing guests with the ultimate in luxury travel experiences. Truly, they can do no wrong!

south africa safari reserves

6. Tree Tops Safari Lodge, Lalibela Game Reserve

Lalibela Tree Tops is one of the more ethereal safari lodges, perfect for the dreamers among us. If you’re looking for a lodge that is extra special, tree tops is your best bet. The luxury safari tents are perched high over the game reserve below, making for incredible sunrises to wake up to in the early mornings.

south africa safari reserves

7. Singita Sweni, Kruger National Park

As I mentioned earlier, Singita lodges are considered the creme de la creme in luxury safari lodges. And if you are looking for a lodge that is a little more discreet and secluded, you will find just that at Singita Sweni. Overlooking the Sweni River, each of the tented suites provides an opportunity to not only listen to, but sometimes witness hippo’s down below. Being this immersed in the wildlife of the African bush is an experience that not many other things in the world can add up to!

south africa safari reserves

8. Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve

As a family owned business, Madikwe Safari Lodge pride themselves on giving guests a more grass roots experience, yet still with all the luxurious finishing touches. The lodge is also perfect for families, as there is plenty of room to bring the whole tribe. Being more family friendly, the lodge has a much more approachable feel and offers panoramic views over Madikwe Game Reserve down below.

south africa safari reserves

9. Lukimbi Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

Offering a typical Kruger style safari, Lukimbi Safari Lodge is a great choice for travellers who want all the trimmings but with a slightly more appealing price tag. Lukimbi also host more than the ordinary game drive, with walking safaris on offer to discover the bush with an experienced game ranger.

south africa safari reserves

10. Ulusaba Rock Lodge

Chances are you have heard of Ulusaba Rock Lodge before. And if not, let me fill you in! Ulusaba is Richard Branson’s lodge set on his Private Game Reserve in the Western sector of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. With just ten individually designed rooms and suites, this is a beautiful lodge for couples looking to get away and enjoy a private oasis. And that rounds out our list for the best safari lodges in South Africa! Happy travels in South Africa.

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Brooke Saward

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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The 8 Best Safaris in South Africa in 2024

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The 8 Best Safaris in South Africa in 2024

When To Go on a Safari in South Africa

What to see on a safari in south africa, where to fly, what to bring and what to wear, additional tips and precautions to take, 1. kruger national park, 2. sabi sands game reserve, 3. madikwe game reserve, 4. phinda private game reserve, 5. timbavati private nature reserve, 6. mala mala game reserve, 7. kgalagadi transfrontier park, 8. addo elephant national park, final thoughts.

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There are numerous countries around Africa (and really, throughout the entire world) for a safari. But South Africa is an optimal destination if you really want to see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo). According to the Africa Wildlife Foundation, the country comes in as sixth among the most megadiverse countries (these countries contain a large percentage of the world’s species — both flora and fauna). South Africa is also home to some of the largest populations of endangered species, like black and white rhinos.

However, narrowing down where to go with 40+ game reserves and national parks can be challenging. This article will break out all the logistics and information you need to know to plan your perfect safari in South Africa.

Most visitors should pick the best time of year for a South African safari: May to September. During this dry season, many of the country’s most famous game reserves are located around Kruger and in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Besides avoiding downpours, you’ll probably see more wildlife, as many animals come out of hiding to gather in search of food and water (resources are scarce during the dry months), which means they’re easier to spot.

However, the dry season in the Western Cape is the opposite time of year, with the best times to visit between November and March.

If you plan to visit both areas, consider a shoulder-season time like October, where the rains may not yet be out in full force around Kruger and its surroundings, but you’ll still have pleasant weather in the Cape.

Safari elephants

According to SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute), there are more than 100,000 species of animals, plants, and fungi in the country . Besides the aforementioned Big 5, visitors should look for animals like cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, ostriches, wildebeest, monkeys, jackals, and so much more. Plant diversity is also worth noting, as you can spot South African favorites like colorful king proteas and baobab trees.

What to look for on a safari in South Africa also depends on where you go. Certain reserves or national parks may be home to specific animal species, so look carefully at each destination to ensure you’ll see the wildlife you hope for. As always, it’s important to understand that these destinations aren’t zoos . There isn’t a guarantee you’ll see certain animals roaming about in the wild, but it’s likely in most spots on this list.

South Africa Safari Logistics

Planning a safari to South Africa isn’t as complicated as you may think. First, you’ll want to decide where to go using the destinations on this list. From there, work backward to see where you’ll need to fly and begin organizing travel to get there.

If you’re looking for nonstop flights to South Africa, you have a few options, especially if you’re based in the eastern U.S. You can fly nonstop to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) from Atlanta (ATL) on Delta and from New York (JFK) on South African Airways, a Star Alliance partner. You can also fly to Cape Town (CPT) from Newark (EWR) on United. There are ways to maximize using your points and miles to fly to South Africa , so consider all your options before booking.

Once you’ve received South Africa, the next step is to get to your safari. If your particular safari accommodation doesn’t offer charter flights, you can fly to the gateways for parks like Kruger or Sabi Sands to airports like Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP). Skukuza Airport (SZK) is a tiny airport inside Kruger National Park. After you’ve landed in the bush, you can arrange ground transport for pickup to take you to your safari accommodation or rent a car.

Keep an eye out when flying in and out of these spots. I’ve seen lions and other wildlife dashing through the savannah during landing and takeoff at these airports.

Practicality when packing for a safari is important. Besides all the items you’d typically need on a trip away from home, bring the following on your South Africa safari adventure:

  • Khaki or natural-colored clothing
  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock
  • Waterproof windbreaker with a hood
  • Layers for chilly evenings
  • Insect repellent
  • Medication — you may not be able to get to a pharmacy easily when in the bush

Families should know that small children are often not allowed on safaris. Check with your accommodation to see what ages are allowed. The minimum age is usually 8 , but some spots prohibit those under 12 or 16.

Check the CDC to see what vaccines you should have before traveling to South Africa for a safari. You won’t need the yellow fever vaccine if you’re coming straight from the U.S., but you may want to consider malaria tablets, depending on your South African destination . Malaria tablets can be hard on the system, but some game reserves claim to be malaria-free. Check the area you plan to visit to see if you need malaria pills.

You should also visit the U.S. State Department’s website , which can alert you of any travel advisories and visa requirements. U.S. passport holders don’t need a visa when visiting South Africa but will need 2 consecutive empty passport pages per entry; otherwise, the country denies entry.

Here’s Where To Go on a Safari in South Africa

Consider these top national parks and game reserves when planning your South African safari.

Lions at Kruger

Kruger National Park is one of the most popular places to visit for a South African safari. And just how big is Kruger National Park? It encompasses nearly 5 million acres (around 8,000 square miles) of bush, home to nearly 150 mammals and more than 500 bird species. The park itself is about the size of the state of New Jersey, to put things in perspective, though most say that the southern areas of the park have the best wildlife viewing.

Visitors can do self-driving tours of the park , as road conditions and signage are decent (you’ll have to pay about $6 per adult to enter one of the 9 entrance gates), but it may be best to stay at a lodge or camp that offers safaris. Expert guides know exactly where to spot the best wildlife and can also provide information about the park and its wildlife that you may not know otherwise. Going with a guide also means adhering to important safety procedures, as guides are trained in skills and situations you may not be familiar with — wild animals can be unpredictable.

The park offers affordable lodges and rest camp options, but if you’re looking for luxury, Singita’s Lebombo Lodge has a stunning clifftop location overlooking the N’wanetsi River.

If you choose the self-driving option, rent a 4×4 or taller vehicle for better animal viewing angles. For safety reasons, don’t disturb the animals in any way — approach slowly so as not to scare or spook wildlife. Never get out of your vehicle (this is only permitted at certain viewpoints or rest areas), and don’t feed animals.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a private game reserve that backs right up to Kruger National Park (there’s an unfenced border between the 2 game reserves), spanning around 160,000 acres. This means that wildlife can wander and roam between the 2 parks easily , increasing your chances of spotting more animals.

While you can spot the Big 5, Sabi Sands is famous for its leopard sightings . So, if you’re dying to catch these spotted cats in action, this reserve may be right for you.

It’s also particularly apt for luxury travelers. Since day visitors aren’t allowed, you must stay in one of the lodges in Sabi Sands to access the park. While lodge rates vary, this isn’t the best spot for budget travelers. In most cases, your safari lodge can help you organize transfers to enter through one of the park’s 3 entrance gates: Shaw’s Gate, Newington Gate, or Gowrie Gate .

Plan to stay in the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve , part of the western Sabi Sands section owned by Sir Richard Branson. It’s home to Rock Lodge , an intimate safari hotel part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio, perched along dramatic rocks overlooking the expansive savannah.

Sabi Sands is special because guides can drive off-road to follow animals, which isn’t permitted at the nearby Kruger National Park. This means you might be able to get a closer glance at wildlife that’s not on the main roads.

Wild dogs Madikwe

The fifth-largest game reserve in Africa , Madikwe Game Reserve is a lesser-known game reserve under a 5-hour drive from Johannesburg for those ready for a road trip adventure. If you want to fly there, it’s actually best to fly into the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, and then drive an hour to the reserve.

Madikwe Game Reserve is home to wild dogs, the famous aardwolf, and the Big 5 — featuring 66 mammal species. Do know the reserve has an electric perimeter fence to keep animals contained.

The private game reserve doesn’t allow day trippers, so if you want to take a safari here, you must book one of the lodges within the park’s premises. While many of the lodges are more luxurious, there is 1 eco bush camp and family accommodation option for those with kids. We recommend Jaci’s Tree Lodge , complete with outdoor, wood-fired hot tubs so you can soak and relax as you admire wildlife from the treetops.

Madikwe Game Reserve is known as a malaria-free area of South Africa, ideal for travelers who don’t want to deal with malaria prevention.

Phinda

Phinda Private Game Reserve , also known as &BEYOND Phinda, is owned by luxury safari outfitter &BEYOND (known for having some of the best safari lodges in South Africa). The reserve is home to more than 70,000 acres that encompass 7 different habitats, including 1,000 acres of African sand forest, which is rare.

Luxury travelers head to Phinda for a more intimate safari experience, as the park has limited lodges and safari vehicles. Just 6 high-end properties are located on the reserve, and visitors can expect to see the Big 5 — sometimes close up. The park also has more than 400 bird species. The sand forest section is home to the suni and the red forest duiker, both types of small antelopes that you can’t see in many other destinations.

If you’re wondering which is the best Phinda Lodge, it depends on what you’re looking for. We love the far-flung views from the Phinda Rock Lodge , where suites have private plunge pools. Those intrigued by the rarity of the sand forest may prefer the Phinda Forest Lodge , which features floor-to-ceiling glass windows so you can admire your surroundings from both outside and indoors.

Timbavati

At more than 130,000 acres, this reserve lies within Kruger National Park, an unfenced area where wildlife can roam freely between the 2 parks. You can self-drive through the park or stay at one of 22 different lodges and camps within the reserve. Consider staying at Simbavati River Lodge and spot animals like elephants sipping from the lodge’s onsite watering hole as you sip your tea or coffee at breakfast from the lodge’s dining deck.

Visitors can access Timbavati Private Nature Reserve by flying into the Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) and driving through the main Timbavati Enkhulu Gate (note there’s a fee to drive in, but your accommodation may cover this if you’re staying within the park).

Besides spotting the Big 5, keep an eye out for white lions, which tend to hang out within the park’s borders. In contrast to Kruger, you can drive off-road, so Timbavati may be better for adventurers who want to get a bit closer to wildlife. Remember to follow any safety rules and suggestions during self-drives.

Mala Mala Sable Camp

This particular destination is a private game reserve located within the already private Sabi Sands Game Reserve for luxury travelers ready to splurge. Offering the utmost customization and crowd-free wildlife viewing (safaris don’t put time limits on wildlife viewing, and there are only a few lodges; therefore, there are fewer safari vehicles), this is the type of safari to take when you want to spot only animals and not other humans. The reserve claims to have the “lowest density of humans to the highest density of wildlife” per acre.

Mala Mala shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park , and visitors can expect to see the Big 5 and beyond. Those who want even more privacy should stay at Mala Mala Sable Camp , a secluded property with suites overlooking a watering hole.

Meerkat

This national park spans 2 countries: South Africa and Botswana. It is entirely unfenced, meaning the animals can roam freely throughout the park. However, humans will need a passport if they plan to enter a gate in 1 country and leave from a gate in another country .

Visitors to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park can expect to see animals like lions, gemsbok, springbok, wildebeest, and leopards, but not the Big 5, as the rhinos, elephants, and buffalos don’t call this spot home. Still, for those who want to get off the beaten path to enjoy the red sand dunes and endemic wildlife (including rare bird species), Kgalagadi is a valid option, especially if you’re looking for a self-drive safari destination (we suggest hiring a guide, though). While not required, a 4×4 vehicle is likely a good idea , and you will have to pay a small fee to enter the park.

This park is also ideal for budget travelers, who can find lodges that charge less than $100 per night (nearly unheard of in the safari world) at spots like the Twee Rivieren Rest Camp . The closest airport is Upington International Airport (UTN).

Safaris can be expensive, so pay with a credit card that earns you bonus points on travel, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3x Chase Ultimate Reward points per dollar spent. Then, you can transfer these points to various travel partners or use them to book travel within the Chase Travel portal .

Elephants at Addo

Addo Elephant National Park is a 9-hour drive from the Cape Town Airport (CPT), but for those who want to explore the Cape, it could make for an enjoyable road trip through South Africa’s Garden Route. Or, take a quick flight from Cape Town to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) , just a 30-minute drive from the protected space .

The park is one of the best places in South Africa for a safari. It is home to not only the Big 5 but also the Big 7 , which includes all the same animals in the Big 5, plus the southern right whale and the great white shark (in the marine section of the protected area). You may also spot large elephant herds (more than 600 elephants inhabit the park), Burchell’s zebra, and red hartebeest.

Addo offers accommodations ranging from budget to luxury . Consider Nyathi Rest Camp , where huts feature private hot tubs and gorgeous bush views. However, visitors can’t drive off-road here because this location is a national park .

Although December is an excellent time to visit Cape Town, the best time to see Addo Elephant National Park is June to September. Just know nights can get very cold (this is winter in the Cape), so pack layers.

South Africa is one of the top countries in the world for a safari, with many parks, reserves, and destinations ideal for enjoying all the flora and fauna that African nature has to offer. South Africa has something to fit your safari needs, from spotting the Big 5 to even the Big 7 , self-driving your own vehicle, or taking that luxury, bucket-list safari in a private reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drive from johannesburg to kruger national park.

It’s safe to drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park. Just take the general safety precautions you’d take on any drive. You may also prefer to fly from the OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg to an airport that’s closer to Kruger, such as  Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), or Skukuza Airport (SZK).

Are there any Kruger National Park safari all-inclusive packages?

Many luxury safari lodges are all-inclusive of meals, transfers, and safari excursions, including bush walks, safari drives, and other activities.

What's the best alternative South African safari destination besides Kruger?

Some South African safari destinations that aren’t Kruger include Madikwe Game Reserve and Addo Elephant National Park. You can spot the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) in both places, as well as a variety of additional flora and fauna unique to the area.

Is South Africa the best country for a safari?

You can see wildlife in numerous destinations in South Africa, including the Big 5 in many different game reserves. However, Botswana is another destination ideal for a safari, and if you want to spot massive wildlife migrations, Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Masai Mara are both excellent wildlife reserves to visit.

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About Lori Zaino

Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and more, and loves to muse about points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.

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The Top 10 Safari Lodges in Africa in 2021

Lila Harron Battis is a freelance writer and editor. She was previously a senior editor at Travel + Leisure .

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite safari lodges in Africa.

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

The Western idea of Africa as a vast unknowable expanse of wilderness — rather than a living, breathing place with as much diversity and unique regionality as any other continent — has endured with stubborn longevity. Perhaps quintessential images like silverbacks in a lush mountain forest, giraffes and acacia trees silhouetted against a savannah sunset, and herds of elephants in the floodplains along a winding river stick with travelers because they are so unlike the nature scenes of the U.S., where centuries of human interference have left little trace of true wilderness or of the animals that once roamed freely.

Africa's rarefied natural spaces have compelled generations of adventurers to seek them out — and the hospitality world has kept pace. Today's safari-goers have little more to worry about than checking off the Big Five and whether to order red or white with dinner. And for the ultimate in service, comfort, and indulgence, they can't go wrong with the places that T+L readers voted onto this year's list of the best safari lodges in Africa.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

The spots on the list are brimming with opulent touches and spectacular scenery. At No. 4 Angama Mara, in Kenya's Masai Mara , two 15-tent camps dot the edge of an escarpment about 300 yards above the game reserve. The views of the Great Rift Valley are so cinematic it's tempting to stay on property and just gawk at the scenery. Don't miss a visit to the on-site craft workshop, where Masai women teach guests the techniques and meaning behind their beading traditions, or the photography studio, where you can test out pro gear and polish up your safari snapshots with cutting-edge photo-editing software.

At No. 6 Singita Grumeti, in Tanzania , the lodging options offer something for every style: crystal chandeliers and gilded frames at Sasakwa Lodge, rattan chairs and campaign tables at Sabora Tented Camp, and breezy furnishings and basketry-inspired light fixtures at Faru Faru Lodge, among others. In South Africa, andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge (No. 9) has 20 cottages that blend light details — wide-slate bathroom floors, ceramic stools, pale patterned loveseats, high thatched ceilings — with the gravitas of deep-hued wood furnishings, muted flat-weave rugs, and antique-inspired wildlife illustrations. Overall, it feels grounded and traditional, but never stuffy. The property is situated on Ngala Private Game Reserve, which — thanks to the success of andBeyond's conservation work — is now part of Kruger National Park.

Many of the properties on this list held an emotional resonance for our readers, one that lingered long after returning home. Of the Bushcamp Company's Mfuwe Lodge, in Zambia, which came in No. 8, one reader wrote, "I dream about Mfuwe, the people, and the sounds of the animals at night. The experience I had was beyond everything I imagined." Another put it simply: "You truly connect with raw life." A reader who spent time at No. 5 Gibb's Farm, in Tanzania, called it "the most magical place I've ever stayed!" And at Sasaab, in Kenya, the property's do-good efforts made a mark just as much as the luxe environment: "Sasaab's culture is fabulous," a reader wrote of the No. 10 property, adding that "the hotel has an innate sustainable ethos."

But the best safari lodge in Africa, the Richard Branson–owned Mahali Mzuri, brings together every element readers expect in their experience, then amplifies it all tenfold. Read on to find out why it's so beloved and which other lodges join it on this year's list.

1. Mahali Mzuri, Masai Mara, Kenya

The 12-suite Mahali Mzuri sits on the edge of a lush bowl, and there's not a bad seat in the house: over breakfast, you can watch monkeys scrabble in the trees and grass; from the pool you'll spot giraffes wandering through to snack on the acacias; sitting on your private terrace you may catch a glimpse of a cat stopping to drink from the rocky stream that runs through. And the property's location is ideal for maximizing both wildlife spotting and privacy. It's set within the private, 33,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which is part of the Masai Mara ecosystem but beyond the bounds of the national park. That means all the richness of big game, but no other cars in sight—you can get within feet of a lion pride and have the moment all to yourself, with no jockeying for position or tuning out the chatter of other safari-goers. "Mahali Mzuri is the best luxurious camp to visit on the African continent," declared one reader; "just perfect," wrote another. The team is small and familial, with the kind of warm, relaxed — yet flawless — service that gives guests the easy sense of being among friends; the guides are among the best in the business, many having worked at the property for years to develop intimate knowledge of the land and its wildlife. One reader put it best: "The hospitality at Mahali Mzuri resembles its name," he wrote, noting the translation of the Swahili: "the Beautiful Place."

Score: 99.73 More information: virginlimitededition.com

2. Savute Elephant Lodge, a Belmond Safari, Chobe National Park, Botswana

Score: 98.75 More information: belmond.com

3. andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Score: 98.50 More information: andbeyond.com

4. Angama Mara, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Score: 97.73 More information: angama.com

5. Gibb's Farm, Karatu, Tanzania

Score: 97.63 More information: gibbsfarm.com

6. Singita Grumeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Score: 97.60 More information: singita.com

7. Khwai River Lodge, a Belmond Safari, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Score: 97.47 More information: belmond.com

8. The Bushcamp Company's Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Score: 97.33 More information: bushcampcompany.com

9. (tie) andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park Area, South Africa

Score: 97.26 More information: andbeyond.com

9. (tie) Sasaab, Samburu, Kenya

Score: 97.26 More information: thesafaricollection.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021 .

No matter the destination, Travel + Leisure GO can turn your vacation dreams into reality. With nearly endless reservation options to fly or stay, book your next getaway — near or far — at Travel + Leisure GO .

south africa safari reserves

Place of Miracles

Dedicated to environmentally conscious hospitality, sustainable conservation and the empowerment of local communities since 1993..

Singita's luxury safari lodges provide restorative sanctuaries and encounters in the bush that guests won’t find anywhere else. Sought-after locations, intuitive attention to detail and the utmost privacy underpin every stay. 

south africa safari reserves

Find solitude in untouched natural surrounds

Our lodges offer guests the freedom to feel their senses awaken on safaris that enrapt and revive..

Awe-inspiring landscapes form the perfect backdrop for the stillness and privacy they seek with endless opportunities to truly slow down.

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Singita, the Shangaan word for 'Place of Miracles’.

With limited guest and vehicle numbers, exceptionally consistent game viewing and warm-hearted hospitality, guests leave feeling transformed – with body and soul soothed by meaningful connections with loved ones, themselves and nature.

The start of a legacy

The singita story began in 1925 on a piece of land in sabi sand, owned by the bailes family..

It was the start of a legacy that unfolded over decades – and a brand entrenched in the same innovative spirit and family values. Singita is now a conservation and ecotourism brand offering guests exceptional safari experiences at 16 luxury, award-winning lodges and camps across four countries.

Singita's Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Luke Bai

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A soul-restoring Singita experience. Find your sanctuary

Featuring unfiltered space & time, Singita’s award-winning luxury African wildlife safari lodges and camps offer remote locations, complete privacy and intuitive service at every turn. Each unique setting allows guests to truly connect with nature, and experience Africa’s most pristine wildlife & wilderness up close.

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The Top 10 South African Safari Lodges to Visit in 2024

Lana Goodwin

Author: Lana Goodwin - 9 February 2023

Last Update: 30 January 2024

Part of the South Africa Safari Holidays & Travel To South Africa & African Safari Collection

Located in the stunning African wilderness, the best South African safari lodges to stay at in 2024 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.

Aerial view of Ulusaba Rock Lodge, South Africa | Photo credit: Ulusaba Rock Lodge

Embracing conservation, luxury, and unparalleled hospitality, they promise an unforgettable safari adventure, marrying the thrill of wildlife with the serenity of nature’s unspoiled beauty.

Here’s our collection of the Top 10 South African safari lodges in 2024.

Londolozi Private Granite Suites

Londolozi Granite Suites, a 5-star luxury safari lodge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park , is renowned for its unique blend of experiential luxury and natural beauty.

The Private Granite Suites, designed for elegance and comfort, offer a remarkable river setting with views of wandering elephant herds. These suites feature contemporary African design, integrating indoor and outdoor spaces with large doors and windows opening to the Sand River.

The double volume thatched central lodge includes lounge areas with comfortable seating, an extensive deck and dining area, outdoor boma and central swimming pool all with stunning river views.

Dulini Moya Lodge

Set in a peaceful riverine grove and embraced in a leafy canopy of giant Ebony trees, Dulini Moya’s six exquisite suites all offer private views of the Mabrak River and feature heated plunge pools, outdoor showers and shady decks. Interiors epitomise romance with canopies of billowing mosquito nets and beautiful bathrooms.

Fine wine and dining, enhanced by the culinary tradition of African flavours, complements the luxurious safari accommodation while personal butlers attend to guest’s every whim. Enjoy a workout in the well-equipped gym, relax in the guest lounge, dine under the ancient jackalberry tree, or steal away for a romantic private dinner at your suite.

Enjoy a workout in the well-equipped gym, relax in the guest lounge, dine under the ancient jackalberry tree, or steal away for a romantic private dinner at your suite.

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve , adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Elephant Plains Game Lodge offers comfortable, stylish and affordable luxury.

Attention to detail, warm hospitality, and personal service make Elephant Plains Game Lodge an accommodation 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.

Kapama River Lodge

Kapama River Lodge, located in Kapama Private Game Reserve , offers a luxurious safari experience with 64 spacious bedrooms. Each room has an en-suite bathroom and terrace with views of the Big 5 game reserve.

Key features include a large rim-flow swimming pool, sun loungers, and a relaxation lounge with a bar. The lounge, boasting a double-volume thatch and a large double-sided fireplace, creates a cozy yet open atmosphere for guests.

Considered one of the finest safari spas in Africa, the spa situated at River Lodge has six sumptuous treatment rooms in a setting surrounded by stillness and sweeping bushveld. Arranged around a generous central lap pool the spa evokes a sense of calm.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

One of the most eco-friendly 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.

Each of the suites at this luxury lodge features individually designed furniture, a private plunge pool, an enormous, ensuite, glass-fronted bathroom and both an indoor and outdoor shower.

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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.

Vast decks and walkways continue the immersion in nature, while various experiences and activities offer exclusive access to 45,000 acres in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

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.

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.

Rock Lodge features ten individually designed rooms and suites as well as a swimming pool, gymnasium, a wine cellar, Aroma Boma spa with panoramic views, a Bush Observatory perfect for stargazing and tennis courts.

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.

Do not miss the creative lab to print your personal photos onto high-quality canvas, and create a special keepsake or pass on as gifts.

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.

Tintswalo Safari suites all situated along a seasonal river bed among an ancient sycamore tree grove. The exquisitely appointed main lodge overlooks a waterhole frequented by a large herd of elephant and other big game.

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. The lodge is steeped in modern day comfort and blends into the surrounding bush perfectly.

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 .

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The 25 Best Safari Lodges in South Africa

JabulaniSafari

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

Kapama Southern Camp

  • 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

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

  • 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

Gondwana Game Reserve

  • 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

Klaserie Sands

  • 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

Tanda Tula

  • 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

Bushmans Kloof

  • 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 .

Hitgeheim Country Lodge & Eco-Reserve Addo 16 rooms from $133

Hitgeheim Country Lodge & Eco-Reserve

Traditional 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

Khaya Ndlovu Manor House Hoedspruit,, Limpopo 8 rooms from $423

Khaya Ndlovu Manor House

Filled 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

Samara Private Game Reserve Graaff-Reinet,, Eastern Cape 9 rooms from $441

Samara Private Game Reserve

Surrounded 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

Gondwana Game Reserve Western Cape 28 rooms from $547

Gondwana Game Reserve

A four-hour drive from Cape Town airport, this 26,000-acre private game reserve provides the ultimate Out Of Africa experience, in a convenient location. Rustic luxury lodges are perfect for couples and the family. There's a spa, fine dining, as well as enough activities to keep you busy for weeks! See More

Motswari Private Game Reserve Mpumalanga 15 rooms from $733

Motswari Private Game Reserve

Stunning 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

Hamiltons Tented Camp Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga 6 rooms from $765

Hamiltons Tented Camp

Nestled 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

Nkorho Bush Lodge Limpopo, Mpumalanga 7 rooms from $769

Nkorho Bush Lodge

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

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa Limpopo 6 rooms from $797

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa

Luxurious 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

Kapama Southern Camp Hoedspruit (R40 Klaserie River) 22 rooms from $840

Kapama Southern Camp

Excellent 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

Camp Ndlovu Limpopo,, Limpopo 3 rooms from $880

Camp Ndlovu

This 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

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat Clanwilliam,, Western Cape 16 rooms from $883

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat

An 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

Gorah Elephant Camp Addo 11 rooms from $937

Gorah Elephant Camp

Five-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

Klaserie Sands Mpumalanga 5 rooms from $942

Klaserie Sands

This 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

Esiweni Luxury Lodge Ladysmith, KwaZulu Natal 5 rooms from $1007

Esiweni Luxury Lodge

Utterly 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

Madikwe Safari Lodge North West Province 20 rooms from $1043

Madikwe Safari Lodge

A 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

Kariega Settler's Drift Kenton-on-Sea,, Eastern Cape 9 rooms from $1063

Kariega Settler's Drift

All 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

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Grahamstown,, Eastern Cape 26 rooms from $1235

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

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

Tanda Tula Limpopo,, Mpumalanga 12 rooms from $1602

Tanda Tula

Five 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

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge Madikwe Game Reserve,, North West Province 10 rooms from $1855

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge

Luxurious 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

Lion Sands Game Reserve Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga 12 rooms from $2095

Lion Sands Game Reserve

One 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

Kapama Karula Camp Hoedspruit 12 rooms from $2424

Kapama Karula Camp

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

Jabulani Safari Hoedspruit 7 rooms from $2474

Jabulani Safari

Sumptuous 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

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve Hazyview,, Mpumalanga 8 rooms from $2501

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

Award-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

Tswalu Kalahari Northern Cape 15 rooms from $3340

Tswalu Kalahari

Five-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

Royal Malewane Hoedspruit 6 rooms from $3459

Royal Malewane

Winner 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

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Written by Megan Lambert

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south africa safari reserves

Tsala Trails

Luxury Walking Safaris in South Africa

Tsala trails.

Tsala Trails is an all-inclusive, luxurious, Big 5 Walking Safari experience focused on revitalising the human soul and fostering a deeper connection with the unspoilt environment.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Tsala Trails offers Walking Safaris for individuals or groups between the ages of 16 and 65 who have a passion for nature and prefer to explore it on foot. If you are looking to experience the African bush in its purest form while also enjoying the luxurious amenities of high-end lodges, look no further. 

We offer luxury Walking Safaris in South Africa. 

OUR BIG 5 TRAILS

south africa safari reserves

Welgevonden & Madikwe Game Reserves

south africa safari reserves

Balule Game Reserve

south africa safari reserves

Babanango Game Reserve

south africa safari reserves

NORTHERN 

south africa safari reserves

GREATER KRUGER

south africa safari reserves

ZULULAND TRAILS

MADIKWE & WELGEVONDEN 

GAME RESERVES

Split between the sandstone quartzite mountains of Welgevonden and the vast open plains of Madikwe Game Reserve, both rich in human history, these walking safaris confront you to challenging terrain that gives way to abundant watercourses and unparalleled wildlife.

south africa safari reserves

4-DAY PACKAGE

(welgevonden only).

From R21,300 per person

Walking Difficulty: 3/5

Maximum 6 people

From R67,500 per person

MADIKWE & WELGEVONDEN

Game reserve.

Experience the beauty of Marico Bushveld and the enchanting Waterberg mountain bushveld with our exclusive tours. Perfect for keen naturalists seeking extensive exploration and a deep connection with nature.

7-DAY PACKAGE

R7685/$426.95 per person per night.

All Inclusive - Malaria free

Maximum 4 people

9-DAY PACKAGE

R7188/$399.33 per person per night, greater kruger trails.

BALULE GAME RESERVE

From R25,000 per person

From R33,200 per person

   BALULE GAME RESERVE

Experience the unparalleled beauty of the Greater Kruger Lowveld through the eyes of a passionate naturalist. For those seeking an extraordinary adventure, our tailored offerings are designed to immerse you in the wonders of this breathtaking destination.

R8806/$489.22 per person per night

Brochure coming soon on 5 Oct 2023

5-DAY PACKAGE

R8236/$457.58 per person per night.

Brochure coming soon On 5 Oct 2023

BABANANGO  GAME RESERVES

If you are up for a challenge, join us for walking safaris in the Valley of the Kings, birthplace of the legendary Zulu King Shaka. Walk along the banks of the White Umfolozi, climb over some of the oldest geological rock formations on Earth and be a part of the most ambitious rewilding project in Zululand.

From R35,500 per person

BABANANGO & ROYAL JOZINI GAME RESERVE

For the avid naturalist seeking an unforgettable adventure, our immersive birding tours offer a unique blend of Anglo-Zulu history, mesmerizing African geology experiences, and the opportunity to explore the enchanting landscapes of Zululand.

GUEST REVIEWS

Seven-day package, r46 114.00/ $2 561.00 per person.

(group size max 4 people)

Nine-day Package 

R57 506.00/ $3 194.00 per person.

south africa safari reserves

TSALA TRAILS WALKING FOR CONSERVATION

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Top 10 most luxurious safari lodges in South Africa

Monday newsletters  always feature  top 10 travel lists  to inspire.

Today: Top 10 most luxurious safari lodges in South Africa

Whether you are a safari virgin hoping to catch your first glimpse of the Big Five or a safari aficionado with a specific sighting in mind, South Africa will rarely disappoint. Although the country is a year-round destination, the extended Southern African winter (April to October) is the best time for a safari, because the shrinking vegetation and wildlife converging on waterholes make for better sightings.  Kruger Park is South Africa’s most famous safari destination and even allows visitors to hop around in their own car, although spotting the Big Five on a self-drive safari involves a lot of luck. South Africa’s private game reserves – such as Sabi Sand – offer a far more superior safari experience though since there are no restrictions on access or driving times, only specialized safari vehicles with guides are permitted (and they can go off-road in search of the wildlife) and a maximum of two vehicles at a time are permitted on a single sighting, allowing fantastic photographic opportunities. On top of that, the private fame reserves offer exeptional accommodation that matches the exceptional wildlife experience. Here’s my selection of the 10 best ultra-luxury safari-lodges in South Africa.

There is more information (with reviews & Youtube videos) below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite South African safari lodge in the comments section .

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10. KRUGER SHALATI – THE TRAIN ON THE BRIDGE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Permanently stationed on the historically-rich Selati Bridge above the Sabie River in Kruger National Park, Kruger Shalati offers the most unique luxury accommodation in a re-envisioned train which pays homage to the guests who explored the park nearly 100 years ago. The train celebrates where the first visits to the iconic park were allowed in the early 1920s: the train would park overnight in the exact spot where Kruger Shalati is positioned. The hotel offers 31 rooms, consisting of 24 carriage rooms and 7 Bridge House rooms, all of which provide a deeply visceral experience, tailored for immersive comfort. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, an enthralling break or to simply immerse yourself in earth’s finest creations, Kruger Shalati welcomes you on a journey of discovery with nature in the most extraordinary way imaginable.

  • Hotel website : Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge
  • Review : read my review of Kruger Shalati here .

9. ULUSABA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, SABI SAND

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, member of Virgin Limited Edition’s award-winning collection of retreats, is Sir Richard Branson’s safari lodge located in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Ulusaba means “place of little fear”, so named because the koppie, or hill, on which Rock Lodge sits provided the ancient Shangaan tribal warriors with the perfect lookout point. Ulusaba has 20 rooms and suites spread over two lodges: Rock Lodge, including the beautiful Cliff Lodge, and Safari Lodge. Rock Lodge has the best view in the Sabi Sand: perched high on the summit of a koppie, with panoramic views over miles of bush, you should grab a pair of binoculars to see what you can spot. Ulusaba’s other resort, Safari Lodge, is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed and some of the rooms are built treehouse-style and you really get the feeling of being in the heart of life in the bush. Safari Lodge’s rooms provide fascinating views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby watering hole.

  • Hotel website: Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
  • Travel tip : get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD gift shop or spa credit).

ULUSABA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, MPUMALANGA

  8. THANDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL

With a name that means “love” in isiZulu, Thanda Safari offers an authentically South African wildlife experience matched with sincere commitment to the Zulu culture and passionate conservation of the environment. Located in northern Zululand in KwaZulu Natal, Thanda is home to abundant wildlife, including Africa’s magnificent Big Five. Visitors spend their days on game drives or bush walks and are encouraged to engage in a selection of conservation and cultural programs. Evenings are reserved for fine dining, enjoying wines from the well-stocked cellar, relaxing around the bonfire and star gazing. The luxurious accommodations range from Thanda’s flagship product, Thanda Safari Lodge, which encompasses 9 bush suites, to the exclusive-use Villa iZulu and the ruggedly elegant and utterly romantic Thanda Tented Camp, comprising 15 luxury tents.

  • Hotel website : Thanda Private Game Reserve

THANDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL

7. KAPAMA KARULA, KAPAMA GAME RESERVE

Set on the banks of the perennial Klaserie River, Kapama Karula is the flagship five-star lodge of Kapama Game Reserve. Meaning ‘place of peace’, this ultra-luxurious and prestigious lodge exudes calmness and depicts the pinnacle of elegant safari accommodation, with wraparound views of the African bush enhancing the overall sense of tranquillity. Modern whitewashed wood and vast sections of glass, complemented by a neutral colour palette, give Kapama Karula a contemporary African feel. The open-plan lounge and bar are spacious yet cosy, with skylights drawing in natural daylight and moonshine. Kapama Karula has twelve suites, each exquisitely decorated and with generous private space. Each suite has its own outside deck area, full-sized heated swimming pool and sun loungers for relaxation.

  • Hotel website :  Kapama Karula
  • Review : read my review of Kapama Karula here .

6. TSWALU KALAHARI, NORTHERN CAPE

Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest and most remotely loctaed private game reserve, now protecting over 110,000 hectares of spectacular grasslands and mountains. The owners, the Oppenheimer family, take conservation as their absolute priority and have a vision to “restore the Kalahari to itself.” No more than 30 guests at a time can discover the beauty of this arid savannah, its diverse wildlife and the serenity of what may well be South Africa’s last great wilderness. You can choose to stay at either Tswalu Kalahari’s main property, designated “The Motse”; the nearby personal home of the Oppenheimer family, so-called “Tarkuni”; or one of Loapi’s six ultra-luxury tented homes. At all three camps, a private safari vehicle, guide and tracker is guaranteed with each booking. The total number of beds across the three camps represents the lowest ratio of guests to space in a privately protected area in South Africa.

  • Hotel website :  Tswalu Kalahari

TSWALU KALAHARI

5. ROYAL MALEWANE, THORNYBUSH PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Royal Malewane is a luxury safari lodge with only seven one- to six-bedroom villas, located in Thornybush private game reserve on the western border of the Kruger National Park. The lodge, which has Bill Gates, Bono and Elton John among its repeat guests, exudes the romance and beauty of a bygone age while offering every modern comfort and convenience. Besides exhiliriating Big Five safaris, guests can also indulge in relaxing treatments at the tranquil waters of Royal Malewane’s bush spa and enjoy nightly feasts under the African stars. Royal Malewane also operates two other luxury lodges within the same private game reserve – Farmstead and Waterside, each one embodying an exquisite vision of contemporary design and ultimate hospitality.

  • Hotel website :  Royal Malewane
  • Travel tip : get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD gift from Royal Malewane).
  • Review : read my review of Royal Malewane here .

4. LONDOLOZI GAME RESERVE, SABI SAND

Londolozi Game Reserve, Member of Relais & Châteaux, is one of the original safari camps in South Africa. Four generations of family-run hospitality and 40 years of experience hosting ecotourism have culminated in an entirely unique and transcendent bushveld experience for the discerning guest. Guests can choose from one of four small camps or stay in one of just three exclusive Private Granite Suites, each built with nature in mind and designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding habitat. Londolozi offers some of the most spectacular game viewing in an ideal setting, with the some of the highest densities of wild leopards in the world. The Londolozi Healing House experience also offers guests to combine the core safari excursions with artful resting, curated bodywork and yoga in the surrounds of the expansive wilderness presence of Londolozi.

  • Hotel website : Private Granite Suites

LONDOLOZI GAME RESERVE, SABI SAND

3. SINGITA LEBOMBO LODGE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Singita Lebombo Lodge is a celebration of cutting-edge design in an African context where everything defers to nature. This dramatic lodge comprises 13 suites and one villa that give guests a front row seat to the Kruger National Park with bold, contemporary open plan suites suspended above the N’Wanetsi River. The exclusive concession is a richly diverse habitat, teeming with game, beneath endless African skies. Other highlights of the lodge include a roof terrace and wine studio (a multi-level retreat which boasts a library, multi-media room, wine studio and rooftop viewing area), an interactive kitchen, and a lovely lap pool. All communal areas of the lodge have been pushed out to ensure that the outside bursts in, offering elegant, calm and meditative spaces immersed in a dramatic landscape of giant euphorbia trees.

  • Hotel website :  Singita Lebombo Lodge

SINGITA LEBOMBO LODGE, KRUGER NP

2. IVORY LODGE LION SANDS, SABI SAND

Set along the banks of the Sabie River and attracting abundant “big five” wildlife from Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, Lion Sands has four luxurious lodges: River Lodge, Ivory Lodge, Tinga Lodge, and Narina Lodge. Ivory Lodge, which was complety renovated in 2017, is the understated jewel in the Lion Sands crown and the most exclusive safari lodge of South Africa. The ultra-luxe lodge is all about elegance, with an aura of sophistication yet simplicity, boldness yet balance, ebony and ivory, perfect harmony, exclusivity, sensitivity and complete privacy. The 8 one-bedroom Villas and 1 two-bedroom Fish Eagle Villa have their own private rim flow plunge pools with magnificent views over the Sabie River, allowing guests to cool down from the hot African sun while watching animals as they quench their thirst a mere stone’s throw away.

  • Hotel website :  Ivory Lodge Lion Sands
  • Other accolades : Ivory Lodge Lion Sands also features in my top 10 lists of the  world’s most amazing outdoor hotel rooms , the world’s best honeymoon resorts , the  best hotels in South Africa , and Africa’s most insanely beautiful safari lodges .
  • Review : read my review of Lion Sands Ivory Lodge here .

1. &BEYOND TENGILE RIVER LODGE, SABI SAND

Situated in a perfect position on the banks of the Sand River – in the heart of the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve – lies &Beyond Tengile River Lodge. The magnificent lodge features nine enormous, air-conditioned, secluded suites, dotted in the dappled shade of the bushveld, each with panoramic river views. In addition to a master bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower, there is a lounge, dining area, fully-stocked bar, coffee station, and an outdoor deck with private lap pool. For families, two of the lodge’s suites are joined by a covered walkway to create a family suite. The lodge’s guest area offers a mixed selection of open, interactive and private places.  Bespoke furniture, lights and unique décor pieces have been created from skilled local artists and striking fabrics have been masterfully hand-painted.

  • Hotel website : &Beyond Tengile River Lodge
  • Review : read my review of &Beyond Tengile River Lodge here .

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Oh wow, these places look incredible. I’ve actually visited the Leopard Hills lodge before with my partner a few years ago. This made us to want to book another safari for our 11th anniversary. Last week, we booked a trip to the Mateya Safari Lodge via a luxury travel company called Berkeley Travel. This is where we are staying: http://www.berkeleytravel.co.uk/resorts/mateya-safari-lodge/ – Has anyone booked with them before? I’ve heard really good things so I hope it lives up to its expectations. Thank you everyone. – Evie

I’ve been to them all but the best is Tintswalo Safari Lodge http://tintswalo.com/safari/

I’ve never been to a safari before but these places sound like a dream 😌

Can’t believe Singita Boulders didn’t make the list. We loved Lebombo for the rugged safari experience but believe Boulders had the edge for the lodge product.

Thanda is definitelty the best Safari Lodge in South Africa!

This is definitely the best list. Check out Monwana Game Lodge in Thornybush. I believe it is also one of the best in South Africa.

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south africa safari reserves

Visit Shamwari Private Game Reserve for a 5-Star Luxury Safari Experience In South Africa

O f all the experiences people seek when visiting South Africa , going on safari easily ranks at the top of the list. While a one-day safari may be best for shorter trips, the best way to enjoy the full safari experience is during an overnight stay. There are several game reserves to choose from, but Shamwari Private Game Reserve is by far the ultimate luxury choice.

In Eastern Cape near South Africa’s sixth largest city, Gqeberha, Shamwari has operated as a game reserve since 1992. Nearly 62,000 acres of land are available for the many species of animals, birds, flora and fauna that once called the land home.

7 Luxury Lodge Experiences To Choose From

Shamwari offers guests a choice of seven luxury lodges, each with its own distinct character and appeal. The options range from intimate seclusion to family-friendly accommodations. For more adventurous guests, there is also a tented Explorer Camp, set around a koppie, deep in the bush.

Long Lee Manor is a redesigned lodge with spacious high-end luxury suites, an infinity pool and several dining spaces on the property. Riverdene is the top pick for family-friendly safari stays with a kids on Safari program available. Bayethe, Eagles Crag and Sindile are all fitting for couples, solo or friends getaways, each offering a different luxury outdoor experience. Sarili Private Lodge, a five-bedroom accommodation, is the premium luxury pick for special occasions with small groups of family and friends.

The Luxury Is In The Details

From your greeting upon arrival to your suite’s amenities, no expense is spared in this 5-star stay. Warm hand towels and savory warm shooters await you and your guests as you step into your lodge of choice. The staff at Shamwari ensures you don’t have to lift a finger.

Game drives are also designed for maximum comfort. Early morning game drives can be chilly depending on the time of year, but the team has plenty of accessories to make sure you stay warm. Heated water bottle pouches and blankets for each guest are provided by your game ranger. Spotting the Big 5 just got a lot fancier. Whether you want morning coffee in the bush or a proper sundowner following an afternoon game drive, the Shamwari team can oblige your request.

Each lodge also has a spa for wellness services with the exception of Riverdene and Sarili. Guests in all lodges have access to in-room treatments or the option to indulge in self-care services at Long Lee Manor Spa.

The best part of this luxury safari experience is the many perks that come inclusive with your stay. All meals including the famed Boma Dinner and locally selected beverages are a part of your experience. With activities, such as game drives and bush walks, included, there’s plenty to do on any given day at the reserve. You can also enjoy a complimentary visit to the wildlife rehabilitation center or Big Cat Sanctuary, Born Free.

Boma Dinners: The Culinary Highlight of Shamwari

Boma dinners are one of the best dining experiences you’ll have during your visit to Shamwari. Every third night, with favorable weather conditions, lodge guests gather for dinner under the African night sky. Around a fire pit surrounded by lanterns, the Boma dinner is South Africa’s braai experience. Known as a South African BBQ, a braai entails grilling food over hot coals and is the perfect way to end a day of exciting game drives.

Enjoy your preferred evening cocktail or beverage as the Shamwari culinary team serves a multi-course menu of fresh, unique dishes. From starters to dessert, you’ll explore local flavors in the cozy Boma setting as the fire crackles in the background, an undoubtedly dreamy safari night.

Resorting Wildlife Native To The Area

Once an area abundant in wildlife, the migration of man resulted in the killing of most of the original wildlife in the area. Shamwari is on a mission to restore the wildlife native to this region, bringing back Cape vultures and spotted hyenas.

Anti-poaching teams patrol the reserve to secure the land and more importantly the safety of animals that call its borders home. Ultimately, Shamwari aims to ensure its wildlife population has sufficient space, food and water to thrive while managing the balance between predator and prey species.

Unlike some private reserves, Shamwari maintains its standard of not interfering with the natural order of the plants and animals on the property. That means you’ll never go off-roading in the pursuit of an animal spotting which is good news for the animals and the flourishing flora and fauna within their habitat.

A Safe Haven For At-Risk Wildlife

Aside from the luxury amenities and services available upon request, Shamwari is actively working as a safe haven for rescued and injured animals of varying needs. Two sections of the property house its rehabilitation and sanctuary facilities. Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries is where you can find animals that should have been born in the wild, but because they weren’t, can never be released into the wild. Animals from circus entertainment, for example, may end up calling Born Free home one day.

Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, on the other hand, provides aid to animals from the wild who need assistance getting back on their feet. The rehab center helps to rehabilitate and care for sick, injured, abandoned or orphaned animals under the care of a professional veterinary team. Once these animals have been nursed back to health, they are released back into their natural habitat.

Shamwari is as much wildlife conversation as it is a luxury vacation, making it a feel-good option for safari experiences in South Africa. Every detail of this private safari is more than a cut above anything you’ll find at larger national parks. You can not only avoid the crowds of other reserves, but also dine and explore the outdoors with premium amenities only a request away.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve - Long Lee Manor common area

I went on a budget and a luxury safari in Africa. Here's how they compare — and the one thing you really need to look for when booking.

  • I have been on two glamping safari trips in Africa on two very different budgets.
  • My all-inclusive stay was great but my cheaper glamping experience was fine, too. 
  • Private game reserves are actually the most important thing to splurge on, not accommodations. 

Insider Today

I've been on two African safari trips . Both involved glamping but on completely different budgets.

My first more affordable trip, a lodge in South Africa with separate safari excursions, cost me about $1,100. My second, an all-inclusive lodge in Tanzania, cost me about $4,000 after a 50% off deal.

Here's how the two compare and what I think you should look for before you plan an African safari .

My affordable safari experience was at Jackalberry Ridge, where some tents cost $80 a night.

south africa safari reserves

The first time I went on a safari, I went to Kruger National Park in South Africa. I didn't book a tour package, instead opting to stay at affordable lodging and book safari day trips to the park.

I stayed five nights near Kruger and one night in Johannesburg before my flight home. I spent around $1,100 for lodging, safari tours, a rental car, and food (not including flights).

After landing in Johannesburg, I rented a car ($130 for five days) to drive to my lodging in Marloth Park, a town bordering the edge of Kruger National Park.

I was staying at Jackalberry Ridge , a self-catering accommodation with no on-site restaurant, no room service, and limited housekeeping.

The one-bedroom tents at Jackalberry Ridge go for as low as $80 a night, and two-bedroom tents go for $135.

When I checked in late, there was no one at the reception desk — just an envelope with my name on it containing my keys and a map.

My main tent felt pretty spacious, with a king bed and a living-room area.

south africa safari reserves

I had booked a two-bedroom unit (two tents), but my friend couldn't come at the last minute. Since I couldn't change the reservation, I still stayed in the two-bedroom unit and my friend paid her share.

The campsite came with a small pool to dip in, but it was covered as the weather was pretty cold.

Each unit had a private bathroom and kitchen in a building separate from the tents, so I needed to leave my tent to use the bathroom at night.

The bathroom was standard, with a tub, shower, and toilet.

south africa safari reserves

This is glamping, so I had access to running water and a flushing toilet. I had hot water, but I found it went from scalding hot to cold in a few seconds.

I ended up taking quick showers and just washing my hair with cold water, which wasn't ideal since it was a little chilly in the morning.

It's also worth noting that Jackalberry Ridge was renovated recently, so the issue I had with hot water may have been fixed now.

I also had access to a kitchen in the same building as the bathroom.

south africa safari reserves

The kitchen was well-equipped with things like pots, a microwave, and a sink, so I could cook meals or heat up leftovers.

I signed up for a couple of day safaris and did one at night.

south africa safari reserves

Although I had a rental car and could've done a self-drive safari around Kruger, I didn't trust myself to spot animals while focusing on the roads.

Instead, I signed up for a couple of day safaris and one night safari. The safari tour prices often don't include the park entrance fee (about $25 per person per day), which I paid when I got to the entrance.

My three safari trips and park fees came to around $280.

I got to see zebras, giraffes, and more.

south africa safari reserves

I saw a lot on the safari, including zebras, impalas, kudus, and giraffes. I saw lions and a leopard, although only from afar with binoculars. I even got a glimpse of the elusive rhinoceros.

I also spent one day taking another popular day trip in the area, the Panorama Route. This scenic road goes past Lisbon Falls and the beautiful Blyde River Canyon. The guided tour was $110.

As far as my very first safari trip goes, it was great. I got to see the Big Five , even though some of them were pretty far away.

For my next safari trip, I leveled up.

south africa safari reserves

I saw a Travelzoo deal for an all-inclusive safari at Taasa Lodge , a five-star luxury safari in Tanzania.

The deal was $6,000 for two people for a whole week — the lodge is usually $12,950 for two for seven nights. It was still a splurge, but I'd be saving more than 50% on a bucket-list experience.

The package came with seven nights of lodging, two safari activities a day, three daily meals, and drinks.

Still, we spent more than the original advertised price. There are obligatory "daily government park fees" and "daily concession fees" that added about $893 per person to our bill.

We also had to take a regional flight to get to Taasa, which was more expensive than my rental car in South Africa.

To redeem the Travelzoo deal, we had to complete our booking through a specific travel agency.

We ended up opting for an all-inclusive add-on package which includes the $893 fees above, domestic airfares from Arusha to Taasa (which would already cost around $600), and our agency arranging our Tanzanian tourist visa and airport transfers. The add-on also included extra activities at the resort (more on that later).

Overall, we paid $1,715 per person on top of the $3,000 each for the lodge stay.

I hadn't anticipated paying so many extras, but it was nice to have someone take care of the logistics of getting to the resort.

My tent was luxurious and equipped with a comfortable king bed and a large living room.

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When I arrived at the lodge, the staff greeted me with a glass of juice and a wet towel to refresh myself.

My tent was quite spacious. I especially liked that it had a desk and plenty of outlets I could use to charge my electronics. Our bathroom was behind our bed, and I was glad it was inside the tent this time.

We also got a butler who kept track of our schedules and made sure we had what we needed.

The bathroom felt spacious, with two sinks and a shower.

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The shower's hot water was great and we had double sinks we could get ready at.

Another perk of the lodge is that we could have staff do our laundry every day, which meant we could pack less clothing.

There's a main lodge with a communal living room, dining area, and bar.

south africa safari reserves

We got breakfast at the buffet in the main lodge unless we were going on a morning safari.

Most people ate dinner in the dining room, but we could've requested to have food brought to our tent.

We also passed a small pool next to the main lodge.

south africa safari reserves

The pool was on the small side, but certainly had great views.

I didn't end up using it as my afternoons were filled with safari, and the mornings and evenings were chilly.

On the mornings with an early safari, we had a simple breakfast next to our Land Cruiser.

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Safari breakfasts consisted of hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, doughnuts, bacon and sausage, fruits, and orange juice. Staff also made French-press coffee, which we could spike with cream liqueur.

Our Land Cruiser had a cooler of beers and sodas in the back, too.

At the private game reserve, we got pretty close to wildlife.

south africa safari reserves

Taasa is located inside a private game reserve, which means staff can pretty much drive anywhere within it. This was a huge leg up from my day trips in Kruger National Park on my last safari.

Inside national parks like Kruger or Serengeti, you're only allowed to drive on designated roads for safety reasons (both for the tourists and the animals).

But in a private reserve, guides can drive offroad. Plus, the guides communicate with each other when they find something special.

We saw a bunch of animals in the private reserve and Serengeti.

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We also left the reserve to spend a couple of days going into Serengeti National Park, as there were things you could only find there instead of within the private reserve.

For example, I'd planned my trip to take place during the Great Migration, and I wanted to see wildebeests crossing the Mara River.

We also went to Serengeti to find rhinoceros and hippopotamus.

Every dinner at the resort consisted of three courses: soup, an entrée, and a dessert.

south africa safari reserves

The main course was usually some type of Western food, and there was always a vegetarian option.

It would've been nice to be offered more typical Tanzanian dishes, though. For me, part of the fun of traveling is learning about different countries' cuisines.

I also had access to an open bar in the main lodge. Staff could make simple cocktails, and there was lots of beer and wine. The drinks were all included with the price of the stay (except for fancy Champagnes and select wines).

One morning, we had a special breakfast on the plains.

south africa safari reserves

On one day of the trip, we had a special bush breakfast. It was one of the extra activities we got with that special add-on package.

Instead of our usual safari breakfast, we had freshly prepared omelets in the wild.

We also got another special treat in the bush that morning — a toilet!

south africa safari reserves

When you're offroading looking for wild animals, you can end up pretty far from a proper toilet.

On most safari days, the car stops (when guides think it's safe), and people go behind the car to do their business.

This was the only time we had this portable toilet while out on a safari. On my budget safari day trips at Kruger, we'd have to wait until we reached a rest-stop facility.

Again, we spent a lot of time watching lions.

south africa safari reserves

After breakfast, we were back in safari mode.

We found a family of lions, and as we were in the private reserve, we were able to stay and watch the cubs play for quite a while.

At Kruger, when lions are spotted, traffic starts backing up on the road as all the safari cruisers stop to look, so you can't stay too long.

Here, we knew no one else would be coming.

On a different morning, our guide got a tip that another car had found a leopard sleeping.

south africa safari reserves

The communication between guides in the private reserve paid off when one spotted a sleeping leopard.

When our group arrived, the leopard was napping on the tree next to his catch. Eventually, it came down, and we got a better look.

Our trip ended with a great happy hour and outdoor dinner.

south africa safari reserves

Other activities that were part of our add-on package included a visit to a Maasai village in Kenya and a special happy hour and barbecue dinner.

And, for our journey home, the travel agency took care of everything, including transfers, until we boarded our international flight.

My big takeaway is that it's really worth paying to be inside a private reserve.

south africa safari reserves

In my opinion, the difference between these two safari trips that's the most worth paying for is being in a private reserve.

After all, the main reason I fly to Africa is for the safari, not the glamping.

I much preferred my lodging at Taasa, mostly because of the bathroom. But if I hadn't had the 50% off deal, I'm not sure the full price would've been worth it.

Still, it was a wonderful experience, and if I had more money, I may feel differently. Even so, the budget glamping was pretty comfortable and just fine for a week.

But again, as far as the safari experience goes, the private reserve is hard to beat. Being able to go offroading and get closer to the animals is quite the experience.

And if luxurious lodges are out of the question, private reserves can also be visited more affordably. Some lodges inside private reserves, like Shindzela or Rhino River Lodge, can cost around $250 per person per night.

south africa safari reserves

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south africa safari reserves

Africa Safari Trip: A Comprehensive Guide To Crafting Unforgettable Memories

Have you witnessed a lion's roar echo across the savanna or watched a herd of elephants lumber by? It is an Africa safari trip experience.

Camilla Amadi • Mar 19, 2024

south africa safari reserves

Have you witnessed a lion’s roar echo across the savanna or watched a herd of elephants lumber by? An Africa safari trip is an otherworldly experience, but where do you even begin? This guide will equip you with all the essentials to plan your unforgettable adventure . Even though it can seem overwhelming at times, if you’re equipped with the right guidance and information, the procedure is rather easy.

To help you plan the perfect safari tour in Africa, in addition to answering the majority of your frequently asked questions, we’re put together some of the greatest tips and useful suggestions.

Choosing the Location of Your African Safari Trip

Kenya

An Africa safari trip promises an enchanted world of discovery, where each expedition and place holds the potential to reveal a captivating tale. Every area of this enormous continent, from the lush deltas of the south to the brilliant savannahs of the east, offers a different fabric of fauna and culture. This is more than just a journey—it’s an exploration of the core of nature, where opportunity abounds at every turn.

African safaris are unique among travel experiences because of the authentic, natural spectacle of the wild. These excursions aim to fully immerse you in the world of animals, not just observe them. Planning your destination is among the most crucial aspects of preparation for any holiday, including this one. Africa is vast, so it’d be helpful to start with a “where to go on an Africa safari trip” Google search if you have no idea what to do.

To select the ideal safari destination, you must consider the things you wish to see. Are there any specific animals or cultural events you would like to see? Kenya and Tanzania from July to October are your best choices if you’ve always wanted to see the Great Wildebeest Migration. Visit either Botswana or South Africa to see a huge herd of African elephants throughout the year.

In East Africa and the majority of Southern African nations, the “Big Five” are also widely distributed. Travel to Uganda, Rwanda or the Congo for gorilla trekking; these countries are all in Central Africa. If you want to see chimpanzees on your Africa safari tour, Uganda is the ideal place to do it.

Top 5 Choice Destinations for Your Africa Safari Trip

Here are our top five African wildlife safari destinations to help you plan your trip.

Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve

At the Maasai Mara Reserves, the Big Five roam free, and boundless plains extend into the horizon on a wildlife safari. Traveling off-road and appreciating the lack of fences and lodging at any of the Mara conservation areas allows you to experience the breathtaking sight of countless wildebeests roaring across the East African savanna around the Great Migration.

From open safari vehicles, watch as lions hunt their prey with unparalleled subtlety. Elephants socialize within their close-knit groups, and elegant giraffes peruse acacia trees with grace. A fascinating insight into the Maasai people’s dynamic local culture, which is entwined with the land, its profusion of wildlife, and the natural beauties of the wildness itself, is provided by Maasai Mara.

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is home to a large environment that is brimming with life. See the boundless plains packed with antelopes, zebras, and wildebeests as they migrate in a never-ending dance of survival throughout your Africa safari trip. It’s what you anticipate seeing on game drives following your viewing of National Geographic or PBS programs. You might be amazed watching the big cats lounging in the shade following a good hunt, or you might experience the exhilaration of seeing a cheetah racing across the landscape in a flurry of speed.

There are other methods to observe wildlife, such as taking a hot-air balloon flight across the savanna for breath-inspiring, all-encompassing views of this iconic African terrain. Seasonality is essential when thinking about visiting the Serengeti; never schedule an unplanned online vacation.

Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park

You can feel the African wilderness in Zambia, not just see it. In contrast to safaris that are limited to metal enclosures, South Luangwa encourages you to stroll among the animals rather than drive by them. Imagine your heart racing as you make your way through verdant riverine forests full of leopards hiding in their disguises, only to be astounded by vast herds of buffalo crossing wide-open savannas.

As you approach elephants bathing, listen to the Luangwa River’s rushing waters, which will lead you to the echoes of night safaris. You can unwind in the unexpected comfort of fly tents or treehouse retreats when the stars adorn the sky.

South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park

You can journey across acacia woodlands and tour places with sun-filled savannas along the rushing waters of the Sabi River in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. Hear the echoes of prehistoric existence and see the exhilarating dance of adventures amidst the rare species. Renowned for its almost assured Big Five meetings, you get to experience the exhilarating thrill of seeing elephants trumpeting by a waterhole or lions relaxing in golden light—you don’t have to imagine it.

There is more to Kruger’s artistry than the Big Five. Higher populations of predators and a more varied array of species can be found in the superb private game reserves found in the Greater Kruger National Park. Wander along the river where crocodiles and hippos sunbathe before becoming lost in the rainbow of more than 500 different bird species.

Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Emerald islands emerge from the reflecting waters of the spreading waterways of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A mokoro is a native dugout canoe in which you may sail softly and intimately while spotting sleeping hippos afar and thirsty elephants sipping at the riverbanks .

Search among the trees for one of the greatest spots to see leopards or take in the aerial views of storks, eagles, and pelicans. In such a distant location, the Okavango Delta boasts one of the largest concentrations of upscale safari resorts in Southern Africa, providing you with exclusive access to convenience and uncrowded rivers for a singular embrace of unspoiled wildlife.

Tips For An Outstanding African Safari Adventure

south africa safari reserves

The foundation of a great African safari is effective communication. It makes sure you get the best possible experience out of your trip by bridging the gap between what you expect and the actual conditions of the environment. There are three communication techniques to help you receive the experience you want by interacting with an Africa safari trip guide or travel advisor .

Clearly state your demands and desires. Tell us about your ideal speed, cultural attractions, the wildlife you hope to see, and any unique interests you may have, such as birdwatching or photography. This enables your guide to customize your safari adventures based on your interests and budget. Mention any possible restrictions. Any physical restrictions or sensitivity should be disclosed to your guide to guarantee a fun and safe trip.

Pose inquiries. Never be afraid to ask questions about anything that piques your curiosity, be it local customs or the behavior of animals. Your guide holds a wealth of information that is just waiting to be discovered.

African safaris are an ode to the diversity and grandeur of nature. Every excursion offers a chance for a profound and intimate connection with nature. However, in a world full of breathtaking locations, the real art of travel is in how you take in each one. Each destination has a spirit of its own, and you can make transforming vacation experiences with the correct itinerary in addition to ones that are simply memorable.

Whether you’re traveling to the wild African savannahs or the charming countryside of Tuscany, creating a one-of-a-kind, dreamlike trip requires careful planning and vital information. It all comes down to creating a seamless, stress-free, and uniquely personalized tapestry of memories.

People Also Ask

How far should my Africa safari trip be scheduled? It’s advisable to make reservations eight to twelve months in advance of when you wish to go or depart for your selected African safari location. Enough time guarantees availability and your place at the top of the line for the most desirable experiences that Africa presents. It is always better to schedule your safari trip earlier than undergo a last-minute rush.

When is the ideal time to go on an Africa safari trip? The dry season, which runs from June to October, is the ideal time to go on a safari. Since it’s a warmer period of the year, there’s a greater chance that you’ll spot creatures looking for water. You can also witness the famous Masai Mara migration during these months.

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  6. Complete Guide to Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa

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  1. South Africa National Parks & Game Reserves (A-Z List)

    Complete list + detailed map of the major game reserves and national parks in South Africa. A-Z list incl. the best parks and a wildlife summary per park! Menu. Safaris & Tours. Botswana (359) ... Safari Tours to South Africa. 11-Day South Africa Family Adventure. $6,090 pp (USD)

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    The Eastern Cape is relatively new to safari when compared to the Kruger National Park, which has been operating since 1926. Established in 1992, Shamwari, home to the famous Born Free Foundation, is the oldest reserve in the region. All game viewing in the Eastern Cape is in Big Five areas (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and cape buffalo), so ...

  3. The Best Safari and Game Reserves in South Africa

    Madikwe is a Big Five game reserve situated 90 kilometres north of Zeerust, against the Botswana border close to the Kalahari Desert. Covering approximately 60,000 hectares, it is the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa. The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal viewing opportunities.

  4. 14 Top-Rated Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa

    13. &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge. 14. Shamwari Private Game Reserve. 1. Singita Sabi Sand. Photo Source: Singita Boulders Lodge. Bordering Kruger, in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the oldest of South Africa's private reserves, Singita Sabi Sand oozes safari chic. You can choose from three different luxury lodges here: Boulders, Ebony, and Castleton.

  5. 15 Of The Best Luxury Safari Lodges In South Africa ️

    Phinda Game Reserve, in KwaZulu Natal, is home to some of the most beautiful, luxurious lodges in South Africa. The best by far is Mountain Lodge. As the name says, this is located in such a way as to afford beautiful views across the bushveld to panoramic mountains. The lodge is blissfully isolated on top of a hill.

  6. The Top 10 South Africa Game Reserves

    The Phinda Game Reserve. Phinda Game Reserve spans an impressive 29,886 hectares of land in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Home to a rich diversity of habitats, it is often referred to as Seven Worlds of Wonder. Experience an African safari experience with thrilling game drives at Phinda.

  7. South Africa safari: when to go, what you'll see, where to stay

    When to go to South Africa for safari. Most of the go-to game reserves are in the northeast of South Africa and experience summer rain in thunderstorms followed by a dry winter with cool to chilly nights and warm, clear-skied sunny days (May to October).Winter is, therefore, the most popular time to go on safari, when the dry conditions lead to concentrations of animals around reliable water ...

  8. Best Safari Lodges and Camps in South Africa

    Jaci's Safari Lodge Tours. 4. Tswalu (Northern Cape) This would have to be top of my list of the best safari lodges in South Africa - for its stunning location, special wildlife and luxury guest experience. Tswalu is South Africa's largest private game reserve, situated in the southern Kalahari - a vast, pristine wilderness.

  9. Sabi Sands Nature Reserve

    Notten's Bush Camp. lodge style Down to earth elegance. Notten's is one of the original family run lodges in Africa, and a true gem within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. As one of the original lodges, it has a magical bush atmosphere and offers a truly authentic safari experience. from ZAR 10,414 per person per night.

  10. South Africa Safaris

    As the newest addition to South Africa's safari circuit, this once-overlooked province has now become a top big game destination in its own rights. Most of its reserves boast the Big 5 in easy-to-see habitats and offer a variety of safari activities ranging from game drives and river cruises to horseback and walking safaris.

  11. South Africa Must-See Places: Safari Parks, Reserves, Top Destinations

    Best Safari Parks & Game Reserves. 1. Kruger National Park and Surrounds. Kruger National Park is the most famous safari destination in South Africa, perhaps even the entire continent! The Big 5 and countless other wildlife are found in abundance, making this the perfect place for your first safari.. Within the park itself, you cannot go off-road or do night game drives.

  12. The 10 Best Safari Lodges in South Africa

    2. Ivory Lodge, Lion Sands Game Reserve. As one of the most uniquely designed lodges in the Sabi Sands, Lion Sands Game Reserve is perhaps the most photogenic safari lodge in all of South Africa. Located on the banks of the Sabi River, this lodge offers one of the most exclusive and private lodge experiences anywhere on the continent.

  13. The 8 Best Safaris in South Africa in 2024

    Phinda Private Game Reserve, also known as &BEYOND Phinda, is owned by luxury safari outfitter &BEYOND (known for having some of the best safari lodges in South Africa). The reserve is home to more than 70,000 acres that encompass 7 different habitats, including 1,000 acres of African sand forest, which is rare.

  14. The Best Private Game Reserves in South Africa

    South Africa's many safari destinations can be divided into two main categories: state-owned parks and private game reserves.National parks are open to everyone, including day visitors and self-drive safari enthusiasts. They are more affordable, and generally more crowded. On the other hand, private game reserves are typically geared towards luxury travelers.

  15. Top 10 Best Private Game Reserves in South Africa

    Here are some of the best private game reserves in South Africa. 1. Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Leopard in Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Sabi Sand GR, South Africa's most popular private game reserve, shares an unfenced border with the much larger Kruger National Park. This makes the reserve part of a vast self-sustainable ecosystem.

  16. South Africa's Premier Luxury Safari Lodge

    Londolozi combines luxury and conservation for an unforgettable African safari experience. Personifying the Zulu meaning "Protector of all things" About; Camps; ... Luxury Since 1926 . Londolozi Private Game Reserve. Londolozi is one of South Africa's original private game reserves. A pillar of global ecotourism and a proud family-run ...

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    These safari lodges, voted best by Travel + Leisure readers, have unparalleled game viewing and superior accommodations. ... In South Africa, andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge (No. 9) has 20 cottages ...

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    Find your sanctuary. Featuring unfiltered space & time, Singita's award-winning luxury African wildlife safari lodges and camps offer remote locations, complete privacy and intuitive service at every turn. Each unique setting allows guests to truly connect with nature, and experience Africa's most pristine wildlife & wilderness up close.

  19. The Top 10 South African Safari Lodges to Visit in 2024

    Kapama River Lodge. Kapama River Lodge, located in Kapama Private Game Reserve, offers a luxurious safari experience with 64 spacious bedrooms. Each room has an en-suite bathroom and terrace with views of the Big 5 game reserve. Key features include a large rim-flow swimming pool, sun loungers, and a relaxation lounge with a bar.

  20. Best safari lodges in South Africa

    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 ...

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    Why visit South Africa, what are the major attractions? "Variety is the keynote of South African holidays. The country boasts one of the continent's finest safari destinations in the form of Kruger National Park and nearby private reserves, while other key Big Five safari reserves include Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and malaria-free Madikwe and Pilanesberg.

  22. Tsala Trails. Raw walking safaris. Luxury lodge stays

    In the heart of the Greater Kruger, our Walking Safaris on Balule Game Reserve offer the quintessential safari experience. The undulating granite hills and sandy plains offer a moderately challenging terrain and is the perfect substrate to follow tracks and spend the day amongst African wildlife.

  23. Top 10 most luxurious safari lodges in South Africa

    Today: Top 10 most luxurious safari lodges in South Africa. Whether you are a safari virgin hoping to catch your first glimpse of the Big Five or a safari aficionado with a specific sighting in mind, South Africa will rarely disappoint. Although the country is a year-round destination, the extended Southern African winter (April to October) is ...

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  26. Africa Safari Trip: A Comprehensive Guide To Crafting Unforgettable

    Top 5 Choice Destinations for Your Africa Safari Trip . Here are our top five African wildlife safari destinations to help you plan your trip. Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve. At the Maasai Mara Reserves, the Big Five roam free, and boundless plains extend into the horizon on a wildlife safari.