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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Tengile River Lodge | Sabi Sands - Sabi Sands
Our View
Located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and nestled into a bend on the Sand River is &Beyond's newest and most luxurious lodge. Tengile River Lodge comprises of nine elegant and modern, secluded suites that all have their own magnificent sweeping views.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,550
The Bay Hotel - Cape Town
Our View
The Bay Hotel is a luxury hotel set in the heart of Camps Bay. Although the setting and the facilities are impressive, the atmosphere is not. The beach club ensures that a young, pretentious Cape Town crowd are permanently in residence.
Our Rating:
Cost: $400
Our View
The Plettenberg is stunning Relais & Chateaux hotel found on the rocky headland of the spectacular beach town of Plettenberg Bay. The Plettenberg probably boasts the best views over the bay and ocean but has the price tag to match... an ideal location ajnd a fantastic hotel group - if your budget stretches this far, you can't go wrong with a stay here.
Our Rating:
Cost: $300
The Silo - Cape Town
Our View
The Silo has set a new standard of hotel in the heart of Cape Town. With beautiful views across the city and Table Mountain, the hotel has been built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex that occupies six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.
Our Rating:
Cost: $670
The Taj Cape Town - Cape Town
Our View
The Taj is in the Gardens area of down town Cape Town, away from the popular and vibrant Water front area. Overall the Taj is a good choice for a city centre accommodation though it is also worth looking at the longer established and more historical Mount Nelson Hotel. It depends what you are after though, as it is in a great location and offers a perfectly comfortable stay.
Our Rating:
Cost: $350
Thonga - iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Thonga beach is a huge coast all natural with no human presence other than a village in theland and this lodge which is a very exlusive spot. The food is great with a selection of good wines from South Africa. The marine center is a team of 4 with great experience and we felt in good hand during our DSD (discover scuba diving) training and first dive. The local community is very involved with the lodge as the lodge is employing most of the kitchen bar and maintemance staff ...we had a fantastic and relaxing time
- R Oatly
Our Rating:
Client Rating:
Cost: $300
Three Tree Hill - Drakensberg
Our View
Owned and run by the incredibly welcoming Simon and Cheryl Blackburn, Three Trees at Spioenkop is the perfect blend of simple beauty and tranquillity. An hour’s drive from the Drakensberg this is the perfect base to explore the area.
Our Rating:
Cost: $300
Tintswalo Atlantic - Cape Town
Our View
This small and charming luxury hotel is situated at the bottom of Chapman's Peak Drive and has a beautiful ocean view across Hout Bay. With access to the hotel only being through a transfer down the winding slopes, privacy and intimacy is the key to your stay at Tintswalo Atlantic.
Our Rating:
Cost: $650
Tintswalo Safari Lodge - Kruger
Our View
Sandwiched between the Sabi Sands and TImbavati Game Reserves, Tintswalo Safari Lodge is situated in the Manyeleti Game Reserve which also forms part of the Greater Kruger Area where sightings of the 'Big 7' are often completed in a short stay. With six beautifully luxurious rooms, a seperate two-room presidential suite and a seperate Manor House which runs as its own lodge, Tintswalo has something for everyone.
Our Rating:
Cost: $800
Tswalu - Other Reserves
Our View
1,000sq km of game reserve, with just two safari lodges at its heart, Tswalu is a world apart, a secret Eden preserved by great hearted and happily generous philanthropists. A superb room lodge with impeccable service; gorgeous house staff to meet and greet and treat you to their Relais and Chateaux-earning gourmet delights, then your own dedicated guide and bushman tracker to take you, all alone, in the company of your own in-jokes and safari interests, on a private safari. With antelopes abounding, and waterhole action in front of your room; this is civilised, gentle safari country, and our first choice for families with children.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,000
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