Top 10 South African Lodges

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Ngala Safari Lodge ★★★★★kruger national park

10 Set in the Timbavati Private Nature & Game Reserve, in the Greater Kruger National Park area, andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge is the perfect escape for those wanting a relaxing bush getaway. The lodge is shaded by a canopy of mopane and tombati trees, and overlooks a busy waterhole, giving travellers the opportunity to snap some incredible close-up pictures of wildlife. The lodge evokes safari elegance and is family-friendly with a private family suite, equipped with a private pool and game ranger, as well as specialised children activities.

Tsala Treetop Lodge ★★★★★plettenberg bay

9The beautiful Tsala Treetop Lodge is set amongst a lush indigenous forest in the Garden Route town of Plettenberg Bay. The lodge has a stone-masonry entrance, surrounded by water, which leads guests into the grand foyer. Tsala is comprised of 10 Treetop Suites and a further 6 Treetop Villas, all lavish and decorated with neutral, earthy colours, blending in seamlessly to the surrounds. Guests can enjoy the endless views from the expansive wooden decks, which overlook the forest below, as well as from the dining room and lounge, which is encased in tall glass windows. Enjoy a secluded getaway, at the charming and romantic Tsala Treetop Lodge.

Bayethe Tented Lodge ★★★★★shamwari private game reserve

8Located in the renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Bayethe Tented Lodge promises a tranquil and scenic experience in the South African bushland. The lodge is luxurious and made from thatch-and-stone, with 12 superior tents that sleep two guests. A dining room leads out to an expansive deck, which overlooks the vast bushland. Guests can enjoy a drink or two while they soak in the view, or opt for dinner under the stars in the traditional African boma. Safari activities available include game drives, bush walks and a visit to the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary. Guests can also relax and enjoy a range of massages and facials in the full-service spa.

Founders Lodge ★★★★★shamwari game reserve

7Founders Lodge encompasses the ultimate safari chic. The lodge is set on its own private reserve, adjacent to the renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve, just an hour away from the bustling city of Port Elizabeth. Founders is comprised of a luxury manor house with six stunning suites, all modern, luxurious, and with a beautiful view of the surrounding bushland. The lodge is the former home of Adrian Gardiner, a famed conservationist and founder of the Shamwari Private Game Reserve. He now opens his home to travellers, allowing them to fall in love with the Eastern Cape bushland, just as he has.

Geiger's Camp ★★★★★motswari game reserve

6Located in the Motswari Private Game Reserve, Geiger’s Camp is a luxury safari getaway, perfect for a range of travellers! The lodge is set in a prime area of the Greater Kruger region and scores of fascinating African wildlife can be seen, including the Big 5. Comprised of four traditional stone-and-thatch suites, Geiger’s Camp is secluded, private and tranquil. Geiger’s Camp offers a romantic atmosphere, with four-poster beds, antique furniture and stunning views from the outdoor deck. The camp can be booked exclusively for family functions, parties and conferences.

Madikwe Safari Lodge ★★★★★madikwe game reserve

5Madikwe Safari Lodge is a luxury safari resort set in the Madikwe Private Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa. Madikwe Safari Lodge is comprised of three different safari lodges, namely Lelapa Lodge, Kopano Lodge and Dithaba Lodge. Each lodge offers lavish accommodation, tranquillity and world-class service, with fantastic views over the Madikwe bushland. The lodges have a combined total of 20 spacious and well-appointed suites, and offer safari activities including guided game drives and bushwalks.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge ★★★★★sabi sands game reserve

4Ivory Lodge, set within the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, is a luxury safari lodge, built from natural materials, and beautifully appointed among the dense bushland. Ivory Lodge evokes a contemporary safari style, incorporating wood, thatch, glass and steel into its design. The lodge is spacious with a blend of modern and traditional furniture and décor, and a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. The lodge comprises of eight single villas and one double-suite villa with decks that overlook the Sabie River.

Settlers Drift ★★★★★kariega game reserve

3Settlers Drift is a 5-Star tented camp set deep within the Kariega Private Game Reserve, in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. The camp consists of nine stunning tents that are spacious, luxurious and fully-equipped. The tents have a lavish bedroom, a living room, an en-suite bathroom with a shower, as well as an outdoor shower and a viewing deck overlooking the bush. Activities guests can expect include twice daily game drives, river cruises and bush walks, as well as fishing and canoeing. Guests will experience a premier safari adventure at Settlers Drift!

Ecca Lodge ★★★★★kwandwe private game reserve

2Ecca Lodge is an intimate accommodation set in the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve and is ideal for families and holidaymakers seeking a secluded getaway. The lodge boasts some of the finest views, overlooking the game reserve’s valleys and vegetation. The lodge is comprised of six suites, and other features include wooden viewing decks, a rim-flow pool and an interactive kitchen. Safari experiences that await you include game drives, nature walks and big game walking safaris. There is also a play centre for younger guests.

Kichaka Luxury Game Lodge ★★★★★lalibela private game reserve

1Set in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, Kichaka Private Game Lodge is an exclusive 5-Star safari accommodation, offering unrivalled luxury and stunning wildlife viewing opportunities. The lodge is located in a prime wildlife area, with views of the Big 5 abundant. The lodge is comprised of 10 secluded stone-and-thatch suites which are spacious, lavish and wonderfully appointed, overlooking the lush African bushland. Each suite is fully-equipped with a private plunge pool, air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom and a private deck. Guests can enjoy dinner in the dining room, or outside under the African stars, as well as wildlife viewing from the terrace. A pool and bar are available for guests to enjoy.

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Customer Reviews

  • Helen
    United Kingdom

    We have just returned from South Africa for which Cearl at East Cape Tours did the organising of internal flights, accommodation and the Safari. The service we received was first class. Cearl was really helpful, professional, knowledgeable and efficient. Thank you.

  • Klaus Scnelder
    Germany

    We did a short term decision to visit Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe on a long weekend. ECT‘s recommendation in regards of flights, hotel, dinner tour and drumshow was simply perfect and allowed to relax as well. I only can recommend.

  • Grace Tillemans
    United States

    For our first safari in Africa we decided to go to Sabi Sands private game reserve which was incredible. The whole process went seamlessly thanks to our amazing agent Valencia Sifo. She was extremely responsive and very helpful at answering all our questions for the trip. I would highly recommend her to help you plan a trip of a LIFETIME! Thank you Valencia.

  • Lucy Sorton
    United Kindgom

    Delayed trip to South Africa after Covid. All amendments were handled swiftly and efficiently. Cost kept to minimum considering a 2 year delay. Every property we stayed at was excellent, every trip organised was excellent, car hire was perfect and would definitely use them again. Recommended to friends.

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Leave the stress of planning behind as our experienced team takes care of every detail, you can relax and focus on making memories while we handle the rest.

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