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South African safari lodges are some of the most exquisite and luxurious in all of Africa – when it comes to the quality of the décor, food and guides South Africa’s safari lodges have been way ahead for quite some time. We love travelling there since you have some of the most dramatic and best game viewing in the world, and also have access to some of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious safari properties. There are many to choose from but here we outline ten of our favourite safari lodges South Africa has to offer.
1 Madikwe Hills – Madikwe
Madikwe Hills is one of our most favourite properties, nothing can compare to the remote feeling and the vistas of Madikwe. There is a waterhole directly in front of the lodge which often has elephant and other game species around it. Madikwe is full of game and heading out with the guides from Madikwe Hills is sensational. Of all South Africa’s safari lodges this is probably our favourite due to the family atmosphere and relaxed style, combined with utter luxury throughout.
2 Molori Safari Lodge – Madikwe
Molori Safari Lodge is one of Africa’s most exclusive safari lodges – here the décor is modern and chic and you won’t believe how much they spoil you. This safari lodge is often used by celebrities, and other high net-worth individuals due to the privacy and exclusivity of the vast suites.
3 Tswalu Tarkuni & Motse – Kalahari
Here you have two of South Africa’s most remote and wild safari lodges, both of which are extremely luxurious. Here the emphasis is on freedom with the safari lodges both offering riding safaris, meerkat meetings, night drives and star bed sleep outs amongst many other things. Meerkats and black maned Kalahari lions are an absolute highlight.
4 Leobo Observatory – The Waterberg
Leobo is one of the most amazing designs – the anthill lookalike has it’s own scientific observatory which offers guests the chance to star gaze. Here you can quad bike, canoe, sleep out and much much more – again the emphasis is on freedom and the quirky and luxurious design of the lodge is all about being pampered.
5 Leopard Hills – Sabi Sands
Leopard Hills is wonderfully comfortable with views of the surrounding bush, or elevated views of the small plains below. Here the rooms are your hub and it is not unusual to have a leopard come and drink out of your plunge pool. The comfy hammocks are the ideal place in which to relax for the day.
6 Singita Lebombo – Kruger
Singita Lebombo has the usual Singita flair and it really is quite magical – it has views of the surrounding bush and is located in a very remote area. The Singita touches are simply everywhere and you will be truly and utterly spoilt throughout.
7 Chitwa Chitwa – Sabi Sands
This amazing South Africa safari lodge is owned and designed by a famous South African artist so everything is quirky and unique. No two rooms are the same and each one has it’s own charm and style. Here the staff are some of the friendliest in Africa and you are able to experience really being amongst one of the best safari teams in South Africa.
8 Phinda Vlei Lodge – Kwa Zulu Natal
This is the most luxurious of the lodges offered by &Beyond in their world famous Phinda reserve in the Eastern Cape. This reserve is famous for having some of the best game viewing in South Africa and some of the best safari lodges South Africa has to offer. The &Beyond professionalism really excels here and we’re not surprised people absolutely love it.
9 Kwandwe Ecca Lodge – Eastern Cape
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge is quirky and colourful and you will feel instantly ‘African’ as soon as you arrive. The staff are incredibly friendly and you can enjoy very remote and wild game viewing at this amazing lodge. Nothing can compare to the remote feeling of the Eastern Cape and this is certainly emphasized at Ecca.
10 Shamwari Bayethe Lodge – Eastern Cape
Shamwari is famous as the headquarters for the Born Free foundation and this is their most luxurious lodge on the property. Game viewing here is sensational and the lodge small, intimate and exclusive.