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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Morukuru Collection - Madikwe
Our View
Morukuru's ethos is to reconnect families and friends withnature. Their stunning properties are decadant, elegant and provide the perfect tailor-made experience to a safari or beach stay. Accommodating families, couples and honeymooners, Morukuru can give you an exclusive and private stay which is often hard to find.
Our Rating:
Cost: $450
Mount Nelson - Cape Town
Mount Nelson was perfect. Room was as we would have hoped and staff exceptionally friendly. - N Coles
Our Rating:
Client Rating:
Cost: $250
Ngala Safari Lodge - Kruger
Our View
Ngala Safari Lodge is a slightly more economical option than its sister Ngala Tented and substantially less expensive than its Sabi Sands competitors. With 24 rooms, Ngala Safari Lodge is much larger than its neighbours but the size drives down the price and makes this lodge one of the most economical options in the Kruger and its surrounding reserves. This is certainly still a high-end luxury lodge and a great option for saving some cash.
Our Rating:
Cost: $690
Ngala Tented Camp - Kruger
Our View
Ngala Tented Camp is one of &Beyond’s Kruger properties, located in the Timbavati Reserve to the West of the Kruger National Park itself. Ngala Tented is the finest of the Ngala properties and comes at a very affordable price compared to the likes of Singita, Royal Malewane and Londolozi. It's no under twleve policy makes it perfect for couples however it is more expensive than the other Ngala properties, but this is no negative - you definitely get what you pay for here.Our Rating:
Cost: $830
Notten's Bush Camp | Sabi Sands - Sabi Sands
Our View
Deep into the Sabi Sands, Notten's Bush Camp is arguably the best value camp in this part of the Greater Kruger. Boarding on the Mala Mala game reserve, Notten's is perfectly positioned for some outstanding game viewing. Just like the rest of the Sabi Sands, leopard viewing is a highlight here, yet the density of the big five plus cheetah and wild dogs makes staying here an absolute delight.Our Rating:
Cost: $500
One and Only - Cape Town
Our View
Located in the heart of Cape Town’s fabulous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront the new One & Only is a contemporary hotel with one of the best locations in the main tourist hotspots of the city. Although it is a large corporate hotel, the standard of service and attention to detail is very high.
Our Rating:
Cost: $350
Phinda Forest Lodge - Phinda
Our View
Set in the ancient Sand Forest, Phinda Forest Lodge is found in the north of Phinda Private Game Reserve and although the facilities are not as extensive as some of &Beyond's other lodges here, the luxurious room and exquisite setting certainly make up for this.
Our Rating:
Cost: $600
Phinda Homestead - Phinda
Our View
Phinda Homestead is a modern, sole use lodge in the north of Phinda and is an enviable spot to explore the reserve from. Designed like a contemporary bush farmhouse, &Beyond's Phinda homestead is both elegant and homely.
Our Rating:
Cost: $7,700
Phinda Mountain Lodge - Phinda
Our View
Mountain Lodge is the southernmost lodge on Phinda Game Reserve and is set on top of a small hill with great views across a patch of open savannah. The lodge itself is the largest on Phinda with twenty-three rooms and a large family room. All rooms have their own plunge pool, apart from the family room which is the closest to the stunning infinity communal pool.
Our Rating:
Cost: $550
Phinda Rock Lodge - Phinda
Our View
Found in the south of Phinda Private Game Reserve, Phinda Rock Lodge is set into the side of a hill boasting fantastic views and a real sense of welcome in the African wilderness. This is one of &Beyond's more exclusive lodges in Phinda and is perfect for couples and honeymooners looking for a luxurious safari that is great value for money.
Our Rating:
Cost: $760
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