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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Lion Sands River Lodge - Sabi Sands
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Designed to offer more affordable accommodation than the nearby Ivory lodge, Lions Sands River lodge is the collections largest hotel and also its most affordable. The accommodation is simpler than the incredibly impressive Ivory Lodge and caters for a less ‘showy’ market. Game viewing in the area is just as good as at Ivory so the lodge is a great option for a more economical trip to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Our Rating:
Cost: $600
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge | Sabi Sands - Kruger
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Situated in a private concession within the boundaries of the Kruger National Park, Lion Sands TInga Lodge allows guests to explore unseen parts of the National Park which give access to a beautiful variety of wildlife off of the main tourist roads in one of the most luxurious lodges. Whilst Kruger National Park visitors have restricted road access, staying at Tinga allows exploration into areas that regular Kruger visitors could only dream of.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,100
Londolozi Founders - Sabi Sands
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Londolozi’s Founders Camp has a spectacular location on the banks of the Sand River. Its fresh bush bohemian feel gives a nice twist to an African safari lodge. It is situated on the Sand River in the very heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. This reserve in turn forms part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a vast and growing area, currently covering 6 million acres and incorporating the famous Kruger National Park. This rich, wild wonderland assures exceptional game drives and a true wilderness experience. Breeding herds of elephant and buffalo roam throughout the Londolozi area, while white rhino and lion concentrations are amongst the highest recorded on the African continent.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,250
Londolozi Granite - Sabi Sands
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Located in the famous Sabi Sands game reserve, Londolozi Granite Camp is one of the finest game viewing camps throughout South Africa. Famous for the very good leopard viewing at all of the Londolozi properties, Granite is Londolozi’s exclusive and private camp property and one of the Sabi sands most luxurious properties.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,900
Londolozi Pioneer - Sabi Sands
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Londolozi’s Pioneer Camp is located in the Londolozi Reserve in the heart of the Sabi Sands. It helps to form part of the Greater Kruger which is located to the West of the Kruger National Park. Pioneer Camp was recently redesigned and now reflects Londolozi's early history of a bygone era. It is the most secluded of Londolozi's camp and although it is one of Londolozi's more pricey camps, the exclusivity and privacy offered certainly makes it worth it.Our Rating:
Cost: $1,800
Londolozi Tree - Sabi Sands
I have travelled extensively throughout Africa on many safaris, including to all of the big names, but Londolozi is by far the best place I have ever been to. We stayed at Tree Camp which is absolutely stunning, the rooms are spacious and light, with stunning views, the managers and butlers are all incredibly kind and make you feel part of the family straight away. Our game drives were also incredible; our ranger James was superb, very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. Never have we seen more fantastic sightings of leopard, lion and the rest. - T Lombard
Our Rating:
Client Rating:
Cost: $1,780
Londolozi Varty - Sabi Sands
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Londolozi’s lovely Varty Camp is the original camp at Londolozi, dating back to more than ninety years ago. Although newly refurbished, the chalets are slightly on the small side but offer inter-leading rooms, spectacular river views and private plunge pools. All rooms have private swimming pools framed by timber decks that overlook the lush riverine bush. The living spaces are raised off the ground and shaded under a cathedral of trees.Our Rating:
Cost: $1,050
Madikwe Lodge - Madikwe
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Madikwe Safari Lodge is one of our favourite camps in Madikwe. Owned and run by More Hotels, who also run some of our favourite Cape Town hotels, you can be certain that you're in good hands. They have an excellent level of service and good guides which when coupled with excellent game viewing, makes for an unforgettable experience.
Our Rating:
Cost: $750
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Marataba is a modern, yet traditional safari lodge set in the vast the private reserve that is surrounded by the beautiful Marekele National Park. Offering a non-malarial, big five safari, Marataba can offer something for everyone. Game viewing is plentiful and is matched by one of the most stunning backdrops you can find on safari.Our Rating:
Cost: $860
Mont Rochelle - Cape Town
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Mont Rochelle is Sir Richard Branson's little piece of paradise in the heart of South Africa's beautiful wine lands. With twenty-two rooms available, the hotel is not the smallest in Franschhoek but still maintains a very sophisticated and personal atmosphere. For bigger families and larger groups of friends then the Manor House is the newest addition to the property. If you don't have enough time to stay for a night, their magnificent restaurant and wine tasting services are definitely recommended on a day visit.
Our Rating:
Cost: $520
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