It is famed for its rare and extraordinary wildlife. Tswalu is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, situated in the southern Kalahari – a vast, pristine wilderness. 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. Jaci’s Lodges also offer the opportunity for ‘conservation safaris’, enabling guests to contribute to on-the-ground wildlife conservation efforts taking place in the greater Madikwe Game Reserve. Photographers will love the underground Terrapin Hide for eye-level wildlife viewing at the waterhole. Both lodges are owner-run by the eponymous Jaci, and are renowned for their bright, vibrant and colourful interiors. There are two Jaci’s Lodges: Jaci’s Safari Lodge features two exclusive star-bed suites, six luxury tented suites and two private family suites and Jaci’s Tree Lodge has eight unique treehouse suites, custom-built on wooden stilts and connected by raised walkways high above the ground. It is a Big 5 reserve, and it also has a good reputation for wild dog sightings. Madikwe Private Game Reserve is only a 3½ hour drive from Johannesburg and it is malaria-free, making it perfect for families. They have exceptional guides and almost guaranteed leopard sightings.ģ. It accommodates a maximum of 12 people in delightful, thatched chalets and dinners are enjoyed together around the fire in the boma. Nkorho is a small, simple lodge that offers fantastic game viewing experiences but without some of the lavish frills. Most of the luxury lodges in Sabi Sands offering spas, vintage wine lists and pillow menus come at a hefty price. This is especially so in Sabi Sands, perhaps the best leopard spotting location in all of Africa. When compiling a list of the best safari lodges in South Africa, it is important to include a lodge at the more affordable end of the scale, or rather less eye-wateringly expensive. It sounds corny, but you really do leave feeling you have made new friends and have become part of the family. Most of the staff have worked there for many years – you can feel the positive, happy atmosphere as soon as you arrive. Tanda Tula is owned and run by a dynamic couple who care passionately about their staff. There are very few tented options in the Greater Kruger area, so Tanda Tula stands out. Sleeping in a tent allows you to hear the noises of the African night, giving you a more intimate experience than spending the night sealed inside a brick chalet. First of all it is tented – albeit it has the most stylish, luxurious tents.

So how do you choose from the dozens and dozens of lodges – particularly when they all offer roughly the same activities and wildlife viewing experiences? Tanda Tula, in the Timbavati, is a very special place indeed.

Tanda Tula Safari Camp (Timbavati Private GR)Įvery visitor to South Africa should go on safari in one of the private game reserves in the Greater Kruger Area where close encounters with the Big 5 are almost guaranteed. This list of the best safari lodges in South Africa features a selection of my favourite lodges in diverse locations and with a variety of styles.ġ. South Africa is blessed with a wonderful variety of game reserves, wildlife, spectacular scenery and lodge options from five-star luxury to rustic simplicity.

South africa lodge safari