TOP SAFARI LODGES WE LOVE

South Africa is unique in that visitors can combine exploration of Cape Town and top-notch culinary touring in the Winelands with time in the bush. There are several stunning private game reserves, many great successes of eco-preservation and diverse wildlife. Contact our Bookings Team for help with an itinerary.

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Type: Intro to Safari.

Why We Love It: Located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, is a conservation success story, and its beautifully varied terrain and low-density lodges (resulting in a limited amount of visitors) make for a fantastic introduction to safari.

Particularly Known For: About 100 km inland from the Indian Ocean coast, Kwandwe also has the ideal climate for such rare and endangered birds as the blue crane.

Insider Trivia: At Kwandwe, there are never more than eight vehicles in the terrain and never more than three at any given animal sighting.

Good to Know: Ecca Lodge, overlooking a valley, is a popular choice for families traveling with kids thanks to the relaxed design scheme, pool and baby-sitting service.

Where: Eastern Cape (an 1.5-hour drive from Port Elizabeth airport).

Read an in-depth review of Kwandwe.

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Type: Sabi Romance

Why We Love It: Located on 10,000 acres, Lion Sands has been in the More family for four generations, and its three lodges (Ivory, River, 1933) are among South Africa’s best.

Particularly Known For: This is the only private reserve right on the Sabie River, the border of Kruger National Park, offering opportunities to see game even when not on a safari drive.

Insider Trivia: The remote Tree House, a secluded platform tricked out to host a candle-lit dinner for two (and a bed if glamping is desired), is especially popular with honeymooners and couples. It was featured on an episode of last year’s The Bachelorette.

Good to Know: Ivory and River lodges accept children ten years and older, while 1933 can accommodate kids of all ages.

Where: Sabi Sand, on the border of Kruger National Park.

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Type: Safari Pioneer.

Why We Love It: This Relais & Chateaux property has been run by the Vartys for four generations, and the family’s dedication to preservation and community building is exemplary.

Particularly Known For: The dynasty of Londolozi leopards has been chronicled by guides over the past three decades.

Insider Trivia: Londolozi’s five camps truly offer something for every types of traveler. Founders Camp, on the river’s edge, is great for kids (they are allowed age four and up), while the sleek Granite Suites, each with a private plunge pool, are perfect for a romantic getaway.

Where: Sabi Sand, on the border of Kruger National Park.

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Type: Family Friendly.

Why We Love It: This is one of South Africa’s most amazing conservation success stories, Phinda spans nearly 57,000 acres. Its proximity to the Indian Ocean means you can see rhino and dolphins in one day.

Particularly Known For: Black rhino, cheetah and 400-plus bird species. Insider Trivia: When CC Africa (now & Beyond) purchased 18,500 acres of derelict farmland in 1990, there was hardly any game on the property. Large species, including lion, elephant, rhino and giraffe all had to be reintroduced. Today all thrive on the reserve.

Good to Know: Children of all ages are welcome.

Where: KwaZulu-Natal.

Read about rhino darting in Phinda.

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Type: Stylish Retreat.

Why We Love It: This truly beautiful, privately owned bush camp, composed of a nine-suite main lodge and a six-bedroom villa, was designed by the überstylish Liz Biden who also created the Cape Wineland’s La Residence and the Garden Route’s Birkenhead House. The service is amazing.

Particularly Known For: Seeing the Big Five in the more intimate setting of a private game reserve where off-roading is allowed.

Insider Trivia: Tracker Wilson Masiya is the only Master Tracker in the entire world (mention his name at other safari camps and you will hear universal raves).

Where: Thornybush Game Reserve; Greater Kruger Area.

Read an in-depth review of the Africa House at Royal Malewane.

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Type: Classic Luxury

Why We Love It: Part of the luxurious Singita portfolio, Boulders has just twelve chic suites, all with decks boasting incredible views of the Sand River. Wrote an Indagare member after a stay: “Great food, attentive staff, gorgeous setting, terrific wine cellar. Also, if the Big Five is your thing, this is an excellent place to visit—we saw all of them almost every time we went out.”

Particularly Known For: Big cats, including leopards, lion and cheetah.

Insider Trivia: The 12,000-bottle wine cellar was built around a massive boulder, inspiring the lodge’s name.

Where: Sabi Sand, on the border of Kruger National Park.

Read a member postcard about Singita Boulders.

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Type: Contemporary Cool.

Why We Love It: The lodge’s design, built to resemble an eagle’s nest and virtually suspended from Lebombo Mountain, raised the bar on chic, sustainable architecture. Guests feel immediately one with nature, thanks to massive window walls and outdoor decks with stupendous views across the park.

Particularly Known For: Singita Lebombo is the most luxurious place to stay in Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in all of Africa. The Lebombo region is also known for its large prides of lions. Insider Trivia: Launched in 2007, the Singita School of Cooking, developed in connection with Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen in London, has made a great impact on the lives of local youths. Selected to attend an eighteen-month training program, many find work as chefs in the kitchens of Singita properties or other Kruger lodges.

Good to Know: Children over the age of ten are welcome.

Where: Kruger National Park.

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Type: Ultimate Privacy.

Why We Love It: Owned by the Oppenheimer family, Tswalu is an incredibly personal, sumptuous interpretation of the safari dream. It’s one of South Africa’s most exclusive hideaways: 250,000 acres of a wilderness estate with an eight-suite lodge and a private villa.

Particularly Known For: The grasslands and open savannah of the Kalahari Desert make a unique habitat for such animals as meerkat, spotted and brown hyaenas, as well as cheetah and Kalahari lions. (Note that this is not a Big Five destination.)

Insider Trivia: Providing the ultimate glamping experience, the estate’s Malori is a raised deck that is transformed into a luxe safari sleep out in the middle of the vast Kalahari plains.

Good to Know: Tswalu is located in a malaria-free zone (rare in South Africa’s game areas).

Where: Kalahari Desert, Northern Cape.