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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Our View
Set in a Natural Heritage Site, Fugitives’ Drift overlooks the historical battlefields of both Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. With daily tours out to the battlefields area anyone interested in the history of the 19th Century will love this place; it will give you a unique insight into the extraordinary battles fought out between the British Empire, Boers and Zulus.
Our Rating:
Cost: $250
Kirkmans Kamp - Sabi Sands
We had an unbelievable time at Kirkmans. Our guide was a guy called Jarrud who said he knew you. He and his tracker were ultimate professionals. We just had the most exciting informative time with them. Our son was waiting to go excited pre 6am every morning and our daughter came along although sick for the first 2/3 drives.The accommodation was fine as was the food, although the food may have become a little repetitive if you were there for any length of time. Staff were very friendly and helpful. - N Coles
Our Rating:
Client Rating:
Cost: $775
Kwandwe - Other Reserves
Our View
Kwandwe is a 22 000 hectare game reserve two hours’ drive to the north of Port Elizabeth. This is a great malaria free safari option to combine with an itinerary featuring Cape Town and the Garden Route. This is a big 5 game reserve, but is particularly good for viewing the rarer aardwolf and aardvark.
Our Rating:
Cost: $600
La Residence - Cape Town
Our View
Situated on a thirty acre estate in the idyllic Franschhoek countryside, La Residence is without doubt the most luxurious hotel in the area. With beautiful and tranquil natural surroundings, this is the perfect hotel for couples and honeymooners looking to enjoy time away from Cape Town central in an extremely lavish setting.
Our Rating:
Cost: $660
Last Word Constantia - Cape Town
Our View
Tucked right back into the flowering suburbs, The Last Word Constantia is a villa-style hotel with fabulous flowering gardens. Its scent alone is therapy, but here you can also swim, take tea beneath the huge, leafy trees, or wander back for a cracking supper. The rooms are vast, great big comfortable beds and baths to return to after your days exploring Cape Town. This charming hotel has all the treats of a big hotel in a more intimate and secluded setting.
Our Rating:
Cost: $350
Last Word Kommetjie - Cape Town
Our View
Anyone wishing to explore the more natural joys of Cape Town will welcome the tranquillity of The Last Word, Long Beach at Kommetjie. It is far from the centre of town and menus are simple, but the National Parks and beaches of the peninsula are close at hand, and there is a lot to explore here.Our Rating:
Cost: $400
Leeu Collection - Cape Town
Our View
The Leeu Eastate, Leeu House and Le Quartier Francais help make up the Leeu Collection. Situated in the unique Franschhoek valley, each property has its own style and feel to it. The Eastate is a mountainside country house with its own boutique winery whereas Leeu House and Le Quartier Francais are both set in the heart of Franschhoek village with access to some of South Africa's finest restaurants.Our Rating:
Cost: $220
Leopard Hills - Sabi Sands
Our View
Nestled into the side of an escarpment that offers beauitful views of the Western portion of the world famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Leopard Hills safari lodge offers a blend of luxury and the essence of a true safari. Aptly named for its fantastic leopard sightings, those wanting a high class safari experience need look no further.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,250
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge - Sabi Sands
Our View
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is a boutique safari hotel. Contemporary in style, the lodge would not be out of place were it in the centre of New York! Incredibly fresh design and wall to wall windows revealing the bush beyond, the private pools and amazing bathrooms would be fit for any luxurious city hotel. Without doubt a serious contender for the most luxurious property in the Kruger and one that certainly has the most unique design.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,300
Lion Sands Narina Lodge | Sabi Sands - Kruger
Our View
Lion Sands Narina Lodge is much like it's sister lodge Tinga. Situated on the banks of the Sabie River, Narina also has breath-taking views but isn't as family friendly. Like Tinga, the concession consists of a five-thousand hectare traverse in between the Sabie and Sand Rivers where Big 5 game viewing is very good.Our Rating:
Cost: $1,100
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