Safari Series: The Best Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa
The best luxury safari lodges in South Africa are located in private game reserves in the Greater Kruger National Park. If you are a safari enthusiast, you can visit two lodges in different locations for the ultimate treat. A great way to combine private game reserves is by starting in the Kapama/Timbavati/Thornybush region and then heading a few hours South to the Sabi Sands.
These safari lodges are notable leaders in ecotourism, conservation, and sustainable luxury. Though the nightly rates are high, your stay includes all meals, snacks, tea/coffee, beer & wine, and cocktails, as well as two game drives daily in open safari vehicles. Read about A Day in the Life on Safari.
Kapama / Timbavati / Thornybush region
How to Get There
Fly from Cape Town or Johannesburg to Hoedspruit on a commercial flight like Airlink. Alternatively you can book a shared or charter flight with Federal Airlines to the lodge’s airstrip, which is a more exclusive option.
Royal Malewane - Royal Malewane is a luxury safari lodge in Thornybush Private Game Reserve that exudes the romance and beauty of a bygone age. The original Main Lodge has an eclectic colonial style whereas the decor at the new Farmstead is more fresh and vibrant. A favorite of celebrities, this classic safari experience is tough to beat. Royal Malewane has unrivaled game viewing and the most qualified guiding team in Africa. In between game drives, relax in your private plunge pool or indulge in treatments at the legendary Bush Spa.
Jabulani - Tucked in Kapama Private Game Reserve, Jabulani is known for its incredible elephant conservation and soulful safari experience. You have the opportunity to meet these gentle giants upclose (read about my special elephant interaction here). These beautiful orphaned animals serve as inspiration for the luxurious camp. Elephants are intertwined in the design, with elephant emblems on the pillows, coasters, and walls. Its classic yet elegant interiors provide a warmth and comfort that makes you feel completely at home. Yet your private pool and the suspension bridge over a seasonal stream remind you it's not your average backyard.
Kapama Karula - Kapama Karula is truly the pride of the Kapama portfolio, located in Kapama Private Game Reserve. This flagship lodge has airy, open spaces and views of the Klaserie River from every angle. The massive glass-wrapped villas have their own outside deck area, a full-sized heated pool and loungers to relax in. After a morning out in the wild, there’s nothing better than visiting the award-winning spa and wellness center with a hydrotherapy steam room and ice plunge. Effortlessly chic and stylish, Karula is the epitome of modern luxury.
andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp - Though andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp is technically a tented camp, there is nothing primitive about the experience. This luxury camp in the Ngala Private Game Reserve utilizes the romance and adventure of canvas. Ngala is an authentic safari stay where you go to bed to the sounds of wildlife calling, safely cosseted in your comfortable tented suite. These raised suites have air conditioning, an outdoor shower, and a wooden viewing deck. For an even wilder experience, stay overnight in the two-story Ngala Treehouse.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge - TIntswalo Safari Lodge sits in the private Manyeleti Game Reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park. It has a peaceful setting along a seasonal riverbed and an ancient sycamore tree grove. The main lodge overlooks a waterhole frequented by wildlife like elephants and other big game. Style wise, if you are not keen on the more modern lodges, this property would be ideal for you. Authentically decorated to recall pioneering times, each Tintswalo suite is named after a 19th century African explorer.
Sabi Sands
How to Get There
Fly from Cape Town or Johannesburg to Skukuza or Kruger Mpumalanga on a commercial flight like Airlink. Alternatively you can book a shared or charter flight with Federal Airlines to the lodge’s airstrip, which is a more exclusive option.
Singita Boulders - Singita Boulders Lodge is set along the banks of the Sand River in Singita’s privately owned 45,000 acre reserve within the Sabi Sand Reserve. This is another A-lister favorite and for good reason. Inspired by the geometry of the boulders on which it rests, Boulders Lodge is an inviting retreat where organic interiors integrate seamlessly with the raw African beauty outside. Each suite has a huge bathroom, private lounge with a stocked mini fridge, and a game viewing deck with a bean shaped plunge pool. There are welcoming amenities too, like the sophisticated wide-brim hats, tote bags, warm shawls, and umbrellas set up by the door. Singita Ebony Lodge and Singita Castleton, a private estate, are also located within the game reserve. Read about my ultra-luxe stay at Singita Boulders Lodge here.
Dulini River Lodge - Dulini Private Game Reserve is home to three gorgeous luxury lodges, Dulini Lodge, Dulini River Lodge, and Dulini Leadwood Lodge. The lodges feel like a boutique property and define laid back luxury. They each have their own style, but the African chic vibe of Dulini River Lodge is my personal favorite. The soaring thatched roofs and billowing mosquito nets create a romantic ambiance, so I love Dulini for honeymooners or couples celebrations.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge - Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is part of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World portfolio. This eco-conscious luxury safari lodge located in Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is refreshingly original. As the name suggests, the buildings appear to be sculpted out of the earth. The cavernous underground villas feel like the set of the Flintstones movie. Innovative architectural features and organic textures capture the spirit of the African bush, and allow you to further connect with this precious environment. Sabi Sabi Little Bush, Sabi Sabi Selati, and Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge are additional options within the reserve. Read about my stay at the unique Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge here.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge - Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is the most luxurious and exclusive choice out of the four lodges in the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve portfolio. These lodges have been owned by the hospitable More family for four generations and have an excellent reputation. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge has an edgy tribal design with eye-catching artwork and thoughtful ambient lighting. If you are up for an adventure, Lion Sands offers the option of booking a luxury treehouse overnight. Experience the wonders of sleeping above the bush and closer to the starry sky.
MalaMala Sable Camp - MalaMala was one of the first privately owned game reserves in South Africa. It was a trailblazer in showcasing how eco-tourism was a more beneficial, and lucrative, alternative to hunting. MalaMala Private Game Reserve is 30,000 acres of private land that has been preserved since 1927. It is a classic safari experience with excellent game viewing. MalaMala is also known for its photographic safaris, perfect for enthusiastic amateurs as well as seasoned veterans. MalaMala Sable Camp is the most intimate, but the sister properties Rattray’s Camp and MalaMala Camp are still excellent too.
Londolozi Granite Suites- Londolozi Private Game Reserve is located on the banks of the Sand River in the heart of South Africa's Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It’s been in operation for nearly 100 years, so your guest experience is pretty much guaranteed to be perfect. All five camps are beautifully appointed in an elegant African style. The Londolozi Granite Suites are the most private option though, with a max of six travelers in total. With this sort of exclusivity it's best for honeymooners or small groups, who can book it out exclusively. Check out the famous leopards of Londolozi here.
andBeyond Tengile River Lodge - Right on the Sand River, this luxury safari lodge is amazing for the socializers. Your complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars for use during your stay is already something to talk about. The main lodge area and suites feel like a swanky West Elm home. Though the design is actually genuine, as nearly all of the striking fabrics and trendy elements were custom made by South African artisans. Standout architectural features include the curved wooden boma, as well as the sunken outdoor lounge area and fire pit - lively places to reconvene at the end of an exciting day on safari.
Singita Private Reserve in Kruger National Park
Yes, it deserves its own section.
How to Get There
Book a shared or charter flight with Federal Airlines from Johannesburg or Kruger Mpumalanga to the lodge’s airstrip.
Singita Lebombo - Singita Lebombo Lodge is situated on 33,000 acres of private wilderness in the Kruger National Park, on South Africa’s border with Mozambique. Lebombo Lodge is known for its bold, open-plan suites that are suspended above the energizing N’Wanetsi River. The cutting-edge design feels sculptural yet organic. Highlights of the lodge include gorgeous lap pools, a roof terrace and a multi-level wine studio immersed in the dramatic landscape of giant euphorbia trees. Sweni is another Singita lodge nearby, a colorful oasis built on stilts on the banks of the Sweni River.
Though you get spoiled from sunup to sundowners, never forget the true purpose of your trip. By going on safari in South Africa, you are directly contributing to local conservation efforts and you are supporting the surrounding ecosystem & community.