South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in Africa. With so many different biomes, the variety in habitat and therefore wildlife is almost unrivalled anywhere else. With a combination of brilliant wildlife viewing, fantastic guiding and a collection of some of the best lodges it makes it almost impossible to decide where to visit. There are relatively inexpensive options in the National Parks like Kruger and Addo, however it is the private reserves or concessions that really make your safari special. Whether you're in the heart of the Sabi Sands or visiting &Beyond's Phinda, game viewing and accommodation is generally wonderful. Away from the safari scene, South Africa is blessed with some beautiful coastlines, stunning countryside and vibrant and culturally rich cities.
Best value quality safari lodges in South Africa
With South Africa's huge diversity of wildlife areas, there comes a large variety of safari lodges which range in both price and luxury. Generally as the luxury increases, so does the price, however there are some beautiful lodges who's price is unbeatable for what it offers.
One of the best value reserves in South Africa is &Beyond's Phinda Game Reserve. Boasting a wonderful population of Big 5 as well as cheetah and wild dog, Phinda's conservation ethos really makes staying there worthwhile. Their range of accommodation ranges in price but still maintains an excellent level of luxury. The cheapest is Zuka lodge, however the Mountain and Forest lodges are not much more. Priced at around $600 per person per night, it is hard to find this quality for such a good price anywhere else. Prices do increase if you were looking at booking the family suites or the Homestead, but &Beyond's excellent honeymoon and children rates make it a must for newlyweds or families.
For options in the Greater Kruger area, Nottens Bush Camp is one of the most affordable camps in the Sabi Sands and has a more rustic charm to it. With prices starting at $450 per person per night, you can't go wrong! &Beyond also have the very affordable Ngala Tented Camp which is located in the Timbavati area of the Greater Kruger. Prices start at around $800 per person per night and qualifies for &Beyond's great specials.
Non-Malarial Safari Lodges
Malaria is normally at the fore-front of people's minds when they think of booking a trip to Africa. When going on safari, these areas often have a malarial risk, yet due to South Africa's huge diversity, there are regions that are considered non-malarial, making them perfect for younger families.
Close to the border of Botswana, Madikwe Private Game Reserve has a plethora of lodges ranging in price. Starting at $400 per person and rising to over $1,800 per person there is definitely something for everyone here.
One of Africa's most luxurious and unique lodges is Tswalu. With a private guide and vehicle for every booking, you can be sure you are looked after from the moment you arrive and until you leave. Priding themselves on showcasing the 'elusive 5', Tswalu's pangolin and aardvark sightings are probably the best in Africa. A junior ranger programme and a baby-sitting service makes it the perfect place for families. All this does however come at a price of roughly $1,800 per person per night, but it certainly worth it.
The most luxurious safari lodges in South Africa
Aside from Tswalu in the Kalahari region, the most luxurious lodges in South Africa are generally found in the Sabi Sands. Singita are renowned for their ultra-luxurious lodges throughout Africa and this extends to the Sands. Boulders and Ebony lodge are both extremely luxurious and with a price of nearly $2,000 per person per night, you can guarantee your every need will be catered for, and more!
&Beyond's newest property is Tengile River Lodge. Overlooking the beautiful Sabi River, this tranquil utopia is ideal for honeymooners and older families who want fantastic game viewing whilst being pampered! Prices start from around $1,500 per person per night.
If you want to see leopards whilst also immersing yourself in the ultimate luxury experience, then Londolozi must be your choice. With lodges ranging in price from $1,000 - $1,800 the Varty and Founders camp offer great affordable prices whilst Pioneer and Tree camps top the price list.
Cape Town
An entirely different entity from the safari world, ape Town is a cosmopolitan city full of vibrant bars, restaurants and attractions.
When visiting Cape Town there is a plethora of choice for where to stay. The Cape grace is located directly on the V&A waterfront making it perfect for those who want to be in the hustle and bustle of Cape Town life. The prime location does come at a price though with $300 per person being the starting price.
Set further back from the main areas, the quieter parts of Cape Town offer small, intimate and boutique accommodation like the Cape Cadogan. With vastly smaller price tags of around $150 per person per night, the extra ten minutes of travel to Cape Town's main attractions is certainly worth it.
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12 Apostles - Cape Town
Our View
Located south of the main drag of Camps Bay the 12 Apostels is a great hotel and is certainly a 5 star property but its the location on the main road and the fact that the hotel is neither in Camps bay or in the city centre make this hotel an odd choice. Overall a good option, but not one of the very best.
Our Rating:
Cost: $180
Babylonstoren - Cape Town
Our View
A refreshing, inspiring and wonderfully different take on the winelands. This is the place to visit. Whether you plan to stay here the night or not, the new wine tasting rooms, with bakery, cheeses and meats promise to make Babylonstoren a must on all driving tours of this region.
Our Rating:
Cost: $350
Cape Cadogan - Cape Town
Our View
This small and charming luxury hotel in the heart of ‘Capetonians’ Cape Town, Gardens, the area has a great local and relaxed atmosphere and provides a perfect base from which to explore many of Cape Town’s sights.Our Rating:
Cost: $150
Cape Grace - Cape Town
Our View
The Cape Grace takes pride of place in Cape Town's Water Front; this hotel has the location of all locations! 5 star luxury, beautiful views over the harbour and Table Mountain make the Grace one of the finest hotels in South Africa. It is perfect for honeymooners, families and couples who do not mind sacrificing intimacy for location.
Our Rating:
Cost: $375
Chitwa Chitwa - Sabi Sands
Our View
Chitwa Chitwa is located in a quiet area of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, on the banks of one of the area's largest perennial water holes (which is home to numerous hippos). The lodge shares traversing rights with its neighbours and the game viewing in this area is excellent, with plenty of big five. Chitwa Chitwa welcomes families and children of all ages.
Our Rating:
Cost: $900
Our View
Pezula Castle as it is also known is a very quirky, upmarket hotel perfect for an active family, in fact, there are so many activities on offer at Pezula that just sitting back, relaxing and admiring the rather lovely view often leaves you with a pang of guilt.
Our Rating:
Cost: $200
Dulini Leadwood | Sabi Sands - Sabi Sands
Our View
Dulini Leadwood is the most intimate and private of the Dulini properties in the Sabi Sands. It is perfect for larger families or couples, especially those on honeymoon, who want to escape into the African wilderness without any crowds. The smaller lodge size doesn't come at an extra price, making Leadwood the best value property of the three.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,165
Dulini River Lodge - Sabi Sands
Our View
Dulini River Lodge (formerly Exeter River Lodge) is located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve to the West of the Kruger National Park. This area of South Africa is well respected as being one of the finest game viewing areas on the planet and Dulini is now owning a number of great properties in the Sabi Sand's western sector. Dulini may not be as luxurious as the Singita’s nearby, but what really sets these lodges apart from their competition however is their price. It is superb value for money considering the level of accommodation on offer.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,165
Dulini Safari Lodge - Sabi Sands
Our View
Dulini Lodge formerly run by &Beyond is our top pick for a lodge in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Well respected as the reserve to offer the best value in the Sabi Sand, Dulini Lodge is a high spec, top class lodge which offers beautiful accommodation and stunning cuisine. The reserve is a great destination for big game, especially leopard and this lodge remains one of our favourites.Our Rating:
Cost: $1,165
Ellerman House - Cape Town
Our View
Very different from the likes of the Cape Grace and Mount Nelson, Ellerman House is a small, discreet, very luxurious boutique hotel which invites guests who are looking for a quiet and more private Cape Town stay. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from above Bantry Bay, the setting is spectacular, with just a short drive to the Waterfront and a short walk to the beaches of Clifton or Camps Bay.
Our Rating:
Cost: $600
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