Global travel site Big 7 Travel has just announced the top safari lodges in South Africa in 2019.
The results were compiled using reader feedback, user reviews, previous media coverage, and travel experts. From treetop tents to cave suites, these are SA’s most unique and luxurious places to stay for a special safari experience.
Here are the top 10.
1. Singita Boulders Lodge – Sabi Sands Game Reserve
This lodge lies between Hoedspruit and Acornhoek on the western edge of the Kruger National Park. You’ll see some amazing big game here, and you’ll be doing so in serious luxury.
2. Ivory Lodge – Lion Sands Game Reserve
Here, everything is included – from your champagne of choice stocked in the maxibar, to dining under the stars. Guests staying at Ivory Lodge can also spend a night or two in a luxury treehouse.
3. Kapama Game Reserve – Kruger National Park
This is the ideal place to come with a family or small group of friends, especially if you’re going on safari for the first time. Each of the glass-wrapped villas have their own outside deck area, a full-sized heated pool and loungers. The larger camp size at River Lodge makes staying here extra lively.
4. Londolozi Lodge – Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Londolozi is situated on the Sand River in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve within the famous Greater Kruger National Park.
Each of the five camps here have their own distinctive vibe, yet all are beautiful. Londolozi’s Private Granite Suites feature outdoor bathtubs where you can watch elephants play in the river while you soak.
5. Kagga Kamma – Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
Rock formations frame the horizon at this especially unique lodge which boasts imcredible Cave Suites. Outside in the middle of a Nature Reserve at night, you are by no means roughing it – rooms come with with a queen-size bed, cosy bedding, a natural rock pool and a ‘star bath’!
6. Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge – Kruger National Park
Hoyo Hoyo is one of the best places in the whole park to see elephants, with the amazing giant beasts even coming up to the swimming pool to try and grab a sneaky drink. Suites are designed in traditional Tsonga style and have private decks that look out over the bush.
7. Royal Malewane – Thornybush Game Reserve
Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and black rhino make up Africa’s Big 5, and you can spot all of these majestic animals on a safari with Royal Malewane. There’s a luxury spa at the lodge with Dermologica treatments and a courtyard pool.
8. Ulusaba Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge – Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Ulusaba is Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa and has the best view of all the lodges in Sabi Sands, perched high on a hilltop. Stay at the Rock Lodge or the Safari Lodge which has cross swing bridges connecting the lovely treehouse-style rooms.
9. andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge – Kruger National Park
Ngala Safari Lodge is on a Big 5 private game reserve that shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. The sparkling pool is often frequented by elephants while the lodge’s boma creates a dramatic setting for fire-lit dinners.
10. Selati Sabi Sabi – Sabi Sabi Game Reserve
Sabi Sabi’s award-winning luxury game lodge has a historic railway theme. Outdoor bathtubs and a draped four-poster bed look out onto your private terrace, which has its own plunge pool.
Image: Supplied
