10 Best Safari Lodges In South Africa - Updated 2024

Richard Dean
Richard Dean 
Updated
| 5 min read

South Africa, the country on the southern tip of Africa, has become one of the topmost tourist destinations in the world. With its wide array of things to do and see, it’s not surprising at all. One can discover and take in the stunning scenery, or enjoy the beautiful coasts and beaches. Exploring the vibrant culture by immersing oneself into the local community and delving into the engaging city life is a good idea, too. Get your adrenaline rushing by taking part in exciting activities like river rafting, windsurfing, hot air ballooning, zip-lining, and skydiving. And last but not the least, have an exhilarating experience in a wildlife safari that South Africa is famous for. Read more and discover the best safari lodges in South Africa.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.

1. Picturesque, well-appointed private rental (from USD 201)

This lodge, with its ideal location just 30 minutes from the popular Malelane Gate (Kruger Park), is kept pristine by effective and efficient management and staff. The interiors are impeccable and well-coordinated. It is a perfect place for all kinds of travelers - families, couples, friends, and solo. The views and scenery will amaze you and overwhelm you as it greets you every morning of your stay. Some of the amenities worth mentioning are the hot tub, free parking, outdoor pool, spa, bar, and air conditioning.

Stayed at this property?

Kambaku River Lodge

Wifi Available

Address: 142 Strathmore, Rockvale
312.16 km (194.0 mi) from Cape Vidal Beach & Launch Site

Parking Restaurant Room service Bar Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

2. Sophisticated rental that will make you feel like royalty (from USD 360)

Canopy beds, Persian carpets, and antique-style furnishing might make you feel like royalty in this luxurious safari lodge. Sitting on a higher altitude, the views around the lodge and from the verandas are stunning. Located in Port Elizabeth, it is conveniently just 6 km (3.7 mi) from Hayterdale Trails, 15 km (9.3 mi) from Addo Elephant National Park, and 23 km (14.2 mi) from the Summerville train station. For those who want to experience camping but still have a comfortable time, luxury tents are available. You will surely be overwhelmed by how special and life-changing your safari experience canl be!

Stayed at this property?

Camp Figtree by The Oyster Collection

Wifi Available

Address: Zuurberg Pass
877.33 km (545.2 mi) from Cape Vidal Beach & Launch Site

Parking Restaurant Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Babysitting/child services

3. Delightful and fully equipped thatched-roof lodge (from USD 48)

Well-appointed, well-maintained, and with friendly service, St. Lucia Safari Lodge is unpretentious but pretty in a special, no-nonsense way. The ambiance of the place is peaceful and can be the perfect home base for those exploring St. Lucia. The pool is large and kept clean. Located just a short walk from St. Lucia Lake, the area is surrounded by iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The staff can arrange tours and activities you would like to partake in, like kayaking, snorkeling, whale-watching, sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing, visiting game parks, and many more. Horseback riding and fishing are both available within the property. There are chalets with free breakfast and there are self-catering accommodations as well.

Stayed at this property?

St. Lucia Safari Lodge

Wifi Available

Address: 103 Mc Kenzie Street
31.67 km (19.7 mi) from Cape Vidal Beach & Launch Site

Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Family rooms Internet services Safety deposit box Canoeing

4. Rustic but classy accommodation (from USD 99)

Though featuring interiors and furnishings–mostly made from natural materials–that give a rustic feel, this family-run farm and lodge nevertheless offers all the modern facilities and amenities one would need and want in a hotel. It is only 30 km (18.6 mi) from the stunning sand dunes of Colchester at the mouth of the Sundays River and a mere 14 km (8.7 mi) from the famous Addo Elephant National Park. Upon prior arrangement with the restaurant, one can experience and savor a three-course authentic South African dinner.

Stayed at this property?

Chrislin African Lodge

Wifi Available

Address: Valentine Road
890.84 km (553.6 mi) from Cape Vidal Beach & Launch Site

Parking Restaurant Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Babysitting/child services Laundry

South Africa Tour Guide

Thabang Molefe

Thabang Molefe

My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchangin... Read more

Tours by Thabang

South Africa Tour Guide

Jakes

Jakes

Jakes is registered and accredited with FET Certificate Tourist Guiding. He is competent to advise clients on all essential aspects of travel in South Africa having passed the SA Specialist course from South African Tourism. As a good story teller, he makes any historical situation or site come to life; and this is what makes him to stand out as a knowledgeable and exciting guide. “I’m always a... Read more

Tours by Jakes

5. High-end, African-themed lodge with amazing service (from USD 99)

Located within Marloth Park is this luxurious, African-themed, and well-maintained Safari lodge. Just 41 km (25.4 mi) from Malelane Gate, the decks and elevated walkways that connect the rooms will surely amaze you. Perfect for family, couples, and small groups - this place has free parking, air conditioning, and an outdoor pool! The luxe chalets come with the verandas and indulgent outdoor showers and fireplaces. Plenty of activities like village tours, elephant-riding treks, and game drives are available.

Stayed at this property?

La Kruger Lifestyle Lodge - No Loadshedding

Wifi Available

Address: La Kruger Lifestyle Lodge, 2576 Hartbees Avenue
318.59 km (198.0 mi) from Cape Vidal Beach & Launch Site

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

6. Lodge with amazing views in a prime location (from USD 85)

Located by the Crocodile River, this lodge with thatched roofs, rustic but grand interiors and furnishings, plus the superb service and facilities add to a wonderful experience. The beds are comfortable and perfect for a restful night after a day of adventures and activities. Meticulously decorated rooms come with either a veranda or a patio that offers breathtaking views–including that of the magnificent Crocodile River. Those who opt to stay in for the day can enjoy in the outdoor pool, lounge in the bar that has a large flat-screen TV, or just relax in the veranda or patio of their room. As this place= provides a genuine African holiday to their guests, one would never regret staying here.

Stayed at this property?

Crocodile Kruger Safari Lodge

Wifi Available

Address: 442 Crocodile Road
315.67 km (196.2 mi) from Cape Vidal Beach & Launch Site

Parking Restaurant Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Fishing

7. The African home you wish you had (from USD 576)

This place is magnificent! It somewhat contradicts itself by being very cozy but luxurious and majestic at the same time. The posh accommodations maintain a rustic ambiance because of the well-chosen furnishings and decor. They arrange superb game drives and have refreshingly passionate staff and management. With its ideal location within Addo Elephant National Park, this lodge has spectacular views, The hot tub and spa are perfect for that much-needed relaxation after the tiring day. Being child-friendly, this place can provide indoor and outdoor activities for your children. Aside from the exhilarating nature walks, other exciting activities for the adventurous in spirit can choose from several activities like bird-watching, fly-fishing, and cave-exploring.

Stayed at this property?

Kuzuko Lodge

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Olivenfontein Farm Kommadagga Greatter Addo Elephant National Park
880.78 km (547.3 mi) from Cape Vidal Beach & Launch Site

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Sauna Fitness centre Garden

8. Simple and well-appointed lodge with a zoo (from USD 479)

Don’t let the casual feel of this unpretentious lodge fool you. Addo Wildlife Safari lodge is nestled amid a citrus orchard and has airy, well-designed rooms. It is located within Addo Elephant National Park. The accommodations are modest but still beautiful, the perfect spot for much-needed uninterrupted beauty sleep. It is a mere 3 km (1.86 mi) from Lendlovu train station and is situated near the edge of the park.

Stayed at this property?

Addo Wildlife

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: R335 main road
888.41 km (552.1 mi) from Cape Vidal Beach & Launch Site

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle

9. A small piece of African paradise (from USD 93)

This place is described as a tiny piece of paradise - African paradise that is! Being enclosed by nature, the bare concrete walls and overall rustic interiors will definitely give you the authentic African holiday. The arranged tours and safaris are exciting and one-of-a-kind. The owners (and hosts) are amazing! They personally ensure that their guests are comfortable and have a great time. The accommodations are clean, well-appointed, cozy, and beautifully furnished. The outdoor hot tub will relax and invigorate you after a day of activities and with the surrounding nature as your backdrop. It is located merely 164 feet (13.6 yards) from the Crocodile River within the Kruger National Park, which often draws a variety of wildlife.

Stayed at this property?

Foxy Crocodile Bush Retreat & Kruger Safari's

Wifi Available

Address: 4401 Seekoei Road
316.55 km (196.7 mi) from Cape Vidal Beach & Launch Site

Parking Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Laundry Breakfast in the room Ironing service Free parking

10. Cozy, airy, and beautiful rooms in a remote area (from USD 426)

This option presents a beautifully designed lodge and suites that will impressively complement your African safari holiday. The exteriors’ aesthetics are impeccable and boasts of a true African safari motif but with a modern twist. Located in the middle of Sorbona Wildlife Reserve, where the chance to spot all of the “Big Five” wildlife is unparalleled, the lodge offers a unique and exciting experience. Being home to the only free and self-sustaining white lions on the earth is in itself a reason to visit it.

Stayed at this property?

White Lion Lodge on Sanbona

Wifi Available

Address: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve between Montagu and Barrydale
1309.27 km (813.6 mi) from Cape Vidal Beach & Launch Site

Restaurant Room service Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Business centre

Fully enjoy a great, life-changing African safari experience

South Africa is home to exquisite landscapes and a plethora of wildlife. Seeing them in their natural environment and getting as safely close as possible will truly have a life-changing effect on anyone. It’s now time to experience exhilarating and exciting wildlife adventures. Book from among the best safari lodges listed here to complete the experience.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Richard, a writer and traveler, is also passionate about biking. When not immersed in bike parts or computers, he can be found at the market, hunting for ingredients to fuel his love for...Read more

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