Can’t afford that dream stay? Think again – with so many specials available for SA citizens, now is the time to luxuriate at private safari lodges usually out of your reach. These spectacular venues have dropped their prices to as much as a quarter of their usual rate.
Tanda Tula – Greater Kruger
Nkarhi Homestead, in the private Timbavati Game Reserve adjoining Kruger park, centres its vacation experience around ‘rest, rejuvenation and the slowing down of time,’ and is a good choice for families. The homestead is made up of four farm-style bedrooms, accommodating up to nine guests, and the whole lodge is off the grid, allowing for a more ‘back-to-nature’ experience. Guests can relax in front of an undisturbed view of the Greater Kruger National Park, as well as enjoy early morning and afternoon game drives, wildlife walks, sundowners and family-orientated board games.
(Standard rate: From R4 667 pp – for up to nine guests)
Special Offer: From R2 250 pp (for the first six guests)
Valid until 31 December 2021
Excludes Conservation Levy (R100), Tanda Tula Foundation contribution (R90), landing fees at Rockfig Airstrip (R450) and Greater Kruger vehicle entrance fee for self-drive guests (R220).
015 793 3191 | tandatula.com
Tintswalo at Boulders – Cape Town
Few vistas are quite as rejuvenating as a beach. Especially one with comical penguins. At Tintswalo’s Boulders Boutique Villa, guests get to enjoy all the action of Boulders Beach simply by looking out of the window. The six-suite villa is situated above this lovely boulder-bedecked cove in Simon’s Town and offers guests good access to all the activities of the southern peninsular including snorkelling, hiking and kayaking, as well as fine dining, wine tasting tours and a boat cruise to Cape Point.
(Standard rate: From R4 760 pp sharing)
Special Offer: From R4 030 for a two-night stay for two (This staycation deal is exclusive to South Africans, includes breakfast, afternoon snacks and Wi-Fi)
Excludes all beverages, other personal items
Valid until 19 December 2021.
021 773 0900 | tintswalo.com
Jaci’s Tree Lodge and Safari Lodge – Madikwe Game Reserve
Treehouses are no longer limited to childhood adventures. Jaci’s Tree Lodge offers luxury canopy living in eight custom-built treehouses overlooking the surrounding bush. Each treehouse has its own viewing deck, as well as a large indoor bath. The suites offer complete privacy and are connected by suspended walkways. Guests can also chill poolside at the Tree Lodge Main Lodge.
Jaci’s Safari Lodge may be closer to earth, but that’s where you want to be to enjoy the thrill of the wild. And what better way to do that than in a tented suite With thatched roofs, low stone walls, canvas roll-up panels and suspended viewing decks, the six spacious tented suites let the outside in.
(Standard rate: R9 900 pp)
Special Offer: Tented Suite or Tree House Suite From R3 690 pp (if booked within 14 days of travel)
Three-night stay recommended
Exclusive to South Africans
Valid until 30 June 2021
083 700 2071 | jacislodges.co.za
Jaci’s Nare and Safari Suites – Madikwe Game Reserve
Being self-catering, both Jaci’s Nare and Safari suites are ideal for family groups, accommodating six and eight people respectively. Each air-conditioned suite has its own bush pool and viewing deck, and twice-daily game drives give guests the chance to tick off the Big Five and much more. Photographers get a magnificent view of the waterhole from the submerged Terrapin Hide, accessible by underwater tunnel. It is open 24 hours a day and is equipped with red LED interior lights, spotlights and a radio.
(Standard rate: From R54 000 per night for four guests)
Special Offer: From R16 000 per night for four adults and two children (self catering; fully catered option also available)
Includes Private game-viewing vehicle and guide for two daily game drives
Minimum two-night stay (three-night minimum over long weekends)
Exclusive to South Africans
Excludes All meals and drinks, conservation contribution, Madikwe Reserve gate fees, housekeeping and all other incidental costs.
Valid until 30 June 2021 (excluding Easter weekend)
083 700 2071 | jacislodges.co.za
Makweti Safari Lodge – Welgevonden Game Reserve
About two and a half hour’s drive from Gauteng, and catering for just 10 guests, Makweti Lodge offers an accessible and exclusive Big Five safari experience. The lodge blends into the surrounding landscape and guests can expect close-up views of the Big Five and other wildlife such as zebras and wildebeest which frequent the waterhole right on the lodge’s doorstep. Guests can unwind with a massage from the lodge spa and enjoy world-class cuisine by candle- or star-light.
(Standard rate: From R7 000 pp sharing)
Special Offer: From R 4 000 pp sharing
Valid until 31 July 2021
Excludes beverages, personal items and R165 daily reserve fees
011 837 6776 |
Kwessi Dunes Lodge – Namibia
If seemingly endless, undulating space is what you are looking for, a stay at Kwessi Dunes Lodge may be just what you need. Situated deep in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, the lodge is surrounded by breathtaking red dunes. Visitors have access to the entire 200 000-hectare reserve for horse riding, or quad biking, or a nature walk. The lodge is made up of 12 air-conditioned chalets, two of which are family-friendly. Each chalet has a separate ‘stargazer’ room, offering a full view of the open sky, for those who want to fall asleep under the stars.
(Standard rate: From R7 880 pp)
Special Offer: From R3 080 pp (if booked within 30 days of travel)
Offer exclusive to members of the Explorers Programme
Excludes Daily NamibRand Nature Reserve park fee
30-day rate valid throughout the year
+264 61 225 616 |
naturalselectionexplorers.co.za
Jack’s Camp – Botswana
This old favourite in Makgadikgadi has undergone a full rebuild, re-opening to guests once again in January this year. Made up of nine spacious safari-style tents, the camp combines 1940s campaign-style splendour with modern-day luxury. The new air-conditioned camp is entirely solar powered and now includes a sundeck on the pool pavilion. Guest tents are decorated with hand-produced items and the antique furnishings add to the opulent feel of the camp. Explore the stark beauty of the Makgadikgadi area on quad bikes, enjoy horse rides, Bushman walks, traditional game drives and guided meerkat encounters. The camp offers guests almost limitless space and exclusivity; it is one of just three camps in a huge private wildlife concession on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
(Standard rate: From R27 000 pp)
Special Offer: From R4 990 pp
Offer exclusive to members of the Explorers Programme
Valid until 31 March 2021
021 001 1574 |
naturalselectionexplorers.co.za
Compiled by Nicole Ludolph
Unless otherwise stated, rates quoted are for full board and all activities included.
Pictures: Supplied
