Welcome to the epitome of luxury and adventure in the heart of South Africa’s wilderness. Discover the best safari lodges and camps in South Africa that offer unparalleled comfort, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Prepare to immerse yourself in the splendor of nature while enjoying world-class hospitality at these extraordinary destinations.
If you’re looking for a safari in Southern Africa, you’ll want to watch these lodges and camps. Each has unique features that make it stand out from its competition.
Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal
The Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge is a luxury South African lodge located in the KwaZulu-Natal province. It has a maximum capacity of 16 guests and is on a private reserve. The lodge offers guests access to all the activities at Phinda Rock, including visiting nature and birding sites, hiking through mountains or along riversides, and swimming in natural pools.
The hotel also provides fishing trips with professional guides who will show you how to catch fish with your own hands or net. If you want something more relaxing than fishing, they offer horse riding lessons and yoga classes for those who want to learn some new exercises while enjoying their stay here!
Grootberg Lodge, Namibia
Grootberg Lodge, nestled within Namib-Naukluft Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a serene retreat amidst Namibia’s rugged beauty. Its architecture harmoniously integrates with the surrounding landscape, boasting 22 rooms and suites, each adorned with a private balcony overlooking panoramic vistas.
Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool, savoring refreshments at the bar, and indulge in gourmet cuisine at the restaurant, featuring local flavors and fresh ingredients. For ultimate relaxation, the lodge also houses a spa, where guests can rejuvenate with a variety of treatments amidst the tranquil desert ambiance.
Whether marveling at the breathtaking sunsets from the comfort of your balcony or embarking on thrilling guided excursions to explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna, Grootberg Lodge promises an unforgettable experience immersed in Namibia’s untouched wilderness.
Lion Sands River Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Lion Sands River Lodge is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway in South Africa. The lodge is located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, an area that offers an exceptional experience for birders and nature lovers alike. It’s also home to many endangered animals like elephants, cheetahs, and African wild dogs.
The lodge has eight rooms with comfortable beds and private bathrooms (with hot water), all with views over the river valley leading up towards Kruger National Park! There’s also a restaurant/bar area where guests can enjoy meals with their fellow travelers or relax on one of their many decks overlooking this beautiful part of Africa during their downtime at this unique safari camp!
If you love spa treatments, you’ll also love Lion Sands River Lodge; it offers everything from traditional African healing therapies, such as massage therapy using natural herbs grown locally or ayurvedic treatments using natural remedies made from ingredients found locally; there are even yoga classes available here too!
Kirkman’s Kamp, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Kirkman’s Kamp is a luxury safari lodge in South Africa. It’s located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, rated as one of the best game reserves in Africa by National Geographic Traveler magazine. The lodge has a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and can accommodate up to 16 guests at any time.
The owner of Kirkman’s Kamp is Christopher Grant. He has been running the establishment since 1997 when he bought it from his father after graduating with degrees in business management and finance (both at University College Dublin).
Dulini Leadwood Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
This luxury lodge is located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a beautiful area home to many animals, including elephants and rhinos. The lodge has ten suites and two villas (each with its bedrooms), all of which have large windows so you can enjoy panoramic views of the Kruger National Park. You’ll also find a spa on-site with treatments like manicures and facials; an infinity pool; gymnasium; lounges with fireplace places for relaxing after dinner or watching movies at night; a library/lounge area where guests can read or watch TV shows from around the world via satellite on their laptops while they’re there—and last but not least: an exclusive dining experience at one of their restaurants!
Dulini Leadwood Lodge offers guests an endless amount of activities as well as accommodations that make them feel right at home during every step of their stay there:
Top Tented Camp, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
The Top is a great place to stay if you’re looking for something more rustic than your average safari lodge. It’s located in the Madikwe Game Reserve (home to many elephants), so it’s well worth checking out the park on foot or by horseback. You’ll see many animals roaming around or resting under trees—and they might even come to your tent door! Suppose you’re not staying here, though. In that case, I heartily recommend taking advantage of their game drive program, where they take guests out onto their open plains during the day and evening hours for some fantastic views of wildlife, including leopards, lions, and cheetahs as well as rhinos (the latter two being endangered species). It’s also possible that one of these wild creatures may wander into the camp itself.
Earth Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Earth Lodge is a luxury lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa. The lodge has been described as “the best place to stay in Sabi Sand” and is one of the most popular safari destinations in Southern Africa.
Earth Lodge offers guests an exclusive experience with its private airstrip, helipad, swimming pool, and spa. The property also features a game drive that takes you through bushveld (open grassland) habitat, where you can see large herds of elephants roaming free amongst other wildlife, such as cheetahs, lions, and leopards.
Meno a Kwena Campsite and Activities Centre, Botswana
Meno, a Kwena Campsite and Activities Centre, is a safari lodge near the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
It’s located near South Africa’s border, making it easy to visit other parts of Africa from here. The camp has an impressive collection of wildlife attractions you can observe during your stay at Meno a Kwena. During this tour, you’ll see elephants, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs while walking through the forests or watching them on game drives down into their natural habitat!
There are also activities like canoeing downriver or horseback riding through some challenging terrain where no vehicle would dare go; these activities are available throughout your trip, so don’t worry about missing out on any exciting opportunities!
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp, Botswana
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp is located in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The camp has been around since 1993 and offers luxurious tents to guests, as well as a variety of other accommodations, including chalets and safari villas. Activities include game drives through the delta, which can be done in four-wheel drive vehicles or on horseback (if you have time).
There are also plenty of activities available at this lodge, such as day trips around the area, including wildlife viewing or fishing trips out into the middle of nowhere (if you’re feeling adventurous). Food is served buffet style every night with an extensive menu featuring local delicacies like springboks (antelope), eland steaks, and crocodile eggs Benedict!
Jack’s Camp and San Camp in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area.
Jack’s Camp and San Camp epitomize the essence of adventure and luxury in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, renowned for its exceptional wildlife encounters. These mobile camps offer a unique blend of comfort and wilderness immersion, with main areas designed to embrace the natural surroundings while providing flexibility to adapt to varying weather conditions.
Guests at Jack’s Camp and San Camp can enjoy the thrill of exploring the expansive salt pans and observing the diverse wildlife that thrives in this arid landscape. From guided game drives and nature walks to cultural interactions with the local San people, each experience is tailored to showcase the beauty and diversity of Botswana’s natural heritage.
At night, under the vast African sky, guests can retreat to their elegantly appointed tents, where comfort meets authenticity. Whether marveling at the starlit heavens or reflecting on the day’s adventures around a crackling campfire, Jack’s Camp and San Camp offer an unforgettable safari experience that celebrates the untamed beauty of Africa’s wilderness.
Conclusion
There are many options for safaris in South Africa. We hope this list of some of the best places for safaris in Southern Africa has helped you narrow down your choices and given you some ideas about where to go next time you visit the country.
