KwaZulu-Natal is a province lying in the southeastern part of South Africa. It is famous for its culture, wildlife, mountain ranges, and beaches. A trip to this province will expose you to the rich aura it carries and open your eyes to the traditions of the Zulu people. One of the most popular game reserves here is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, which is home to endangered rhinos, lions, and other big game. You will also get to visit cultural villages surrounding Eshowe, which still carries Zulu traditions dear to the people. You can also go to Isimangaliso Wetland Park to discover marine life. Durban is a coastal city in the region that you will enjoy exploring too; this city is Indian-influenced. To get the most of your experience in the province, check out and book a room at one of the top safari lodges in KwaZulu-Natal, 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 11, 2024.
1. Nambiti Plains in Nambiti Private Game Reserve (from USD 359)
Luxurious accommodation at a reasonable price point.
Earthly yet elegant lodging, open game reserve, personal balcony, and spacious suites.
Situated in the heart of Nambiti Reserve, offering incredible wildlife and natural surroundings.
High-quality dining with a wide range of options, including vegan and allergy-friendly meals.
Nambiti Plains is a stylish place that offers you luxury amidst nature. Its pool overlooks the watering hole that elephants go to refresh themselves. The lodge offers wildlife views and units that are grass-thatched and equipped with outdoor sitting areas and floor-to-ceiling windows for unobstructed views of nature. Laundry services are available for an extra charge.
You will have the freedom of two daily game drives, as well as additional arranged excursions. You can engage in activities, like baas fishing, hiking, and some relaxing bird-watching.
Nambiti Plains
Address: P555 Memorial Gate
193.07 km (120.0 mi) from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
2. Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge in KwaNompondo (from USD 252)
Reasonable pricing for luxury experience, good value for money
Modern and spacious rooms, beautiful views, spa, environmentally friendly
Located in a national park with abundant wildlife, remote and peaceful setting
Delicious and plentiful meals, stunning dining views, accommodating for dietary restrictions
Located in the very first official animal reserve in Africa on 96,000 hectares (237,221.2 acres) of land, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge gives you the freedom to discover numerous animals, including the rare white rhino, as its conservancy is within this reserve. You also get to see other animals, like the cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, and elephant. You can view all these animals by joining early morning and afternoon game drives or by taking guided nature walks. Moreover, you will get to enjoy your meals in a dining area or under the African sky by the campfire.
The lodge has every necessary setup for your relaxation, including an outdoor pool, a spa, and options of villas to choose from. These villas have a private deck, an open fireplace, and a private plunge pool.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Address: Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park
7.36 km (4.6 mi) from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
3. Mpeti Lodge in Mkuze (from USD 103)
Mpeti Lodge is a wilderness paradise located in Mkuze, 20 miles (32.2 kilometers) from Swaziland’s border post of Goela. It offers rooms with beverage-making facilities while some rooms even have fridges installed. Rooms even have an outdoor sitting area where you can revel in the breeze. The property also has an all-season outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a children’s playground to set the mood for nature’s celebration.
You can enjoy wildlife sightings right from the comfort of the garden, as giraffes, zebras, and buffalo come by. Complimentary game drives and nature walks can be arranged while fishing trips can be organized at a surcharge. Moreover, the lodge is 290 miles (466.7 kilometers) from King Shaka International Airport.
Mpeti Lodge
Address: R69 toward Pongola
81.14 km (50.5 mi) from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
4. Umzolozolo Private Safari Lodge & Spa in Nambiti Private Game Reserve (from USD 479)
Umzolozolo Private Safari Lodge & Spa is a luxurious hideaway with all the trimmings to give you a memorable stay. Rooms are all well-equipped to give you top-notch service. Large baths with views, indoor showers, and romantic outdoor showers set a romantic ambiance for couples. All rooms also come equipped with fridges and beverage-making facilities. To aid in your relaxation is a pool with breathtaking valley views. You can visit the spa when you need some relaxation. Beyond the comforts of the lodge are guided game drives you can join, with open game drive vehicles to spice up the experience.
The property is located four hours from Johannesburg and 155 miles (249 kilometers) from Durban.
Umzolozolo Private Safari Lodge & Spa
Address: Woodlands Gate, Elandslaagte D46 Road
198.09 km (123.1 mi) from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
5. Cheetah Ridge Lodge in Nambiti Private Game Reserve (from USD 331)
Located in Nambiti Private Game Reserve, Cheetah Ridge Lodge offers you sights of wildlife from its private watering hole, which you can observe from the sitting area. You can access the garden and all-season outdoor swimming pool for the ultimate relaxation. A spa, a bar, and a game room are at your disposal for activities at the lodge. All units are well-furnished and equipped with the necessary facilities.
Away from the property, you can go for either morning or evening game drives. Head to Spieonkop Game Reserve, which lies just 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) from the accommodation, for a different game experience. The lodge is also 173 miles (278.4 kilometers) from King Shaka International Airport and four hours from Johannesburg.
Cheetah Ridge Lodge
Address: D46 Elandslaagte, Woodlands Gate
198.81 km (123.6 mi) from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
6. Monzi Safari Lodge in St Lucia (from USD 73)
Monzi Safari Lodge is a self-catering property with six splendid cabins located on a litchi farm. You are surrounded by greenery and sweet sounds and sights, as various birds, wildebeests, and bucks come and go freely. Each cabin has a splash pool and a barbecue facility, as well as a well-appointed kitchen and a terrace. The lodge attendants can arrange excursions for you like game drives and lake cruises.
The accommodation is located 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) from St Lucia, 0.6 mile (1 kilometer) from Monzi Golf Club, and 122 miles (196.3 kilometers) from King Shaka International Airport.
Monzi Safari Lodge
Address: M18 Monzi
42.23 km (26.3 mi) from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
7. Forest Lodge in St Lucia (from USD 55)
Forest Lodge offers you a tranquil location in St Lucia. It has an outdoor swimming pool, with a beautiful garden providing the perfect ambiance. Its rooms have every comfort you will need, like Wi-Fi, a TV, a mini bar, and a fridge.
You will get to enjoy different activities, like horseback riding, snorkeling, and cycling. You can also take a day trip to Cape Vidal for a memorable excursion.
Forest Lodge
Address: 15 Pelican Street
48.36 km (30.1 mi) from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
8. Discover African culture and nature
KwaZulu-Natal offers you a unique experience unlike any other, as well as an authentic nature experience. Staying at a safari lodge puts you right in the middle of the action. You will definitely enjoy your trip even more when you book a room at one of these unique safari lodges.
9. Royal Thonga Safari Lodge in Sihangwane (from USD 111)
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge is located at Tembe Elephant Park, giving you the perfect arena for the big five sightings. It is distinctly marked with an African design, with each unit having its own unique look. All rooms provide a fan and a mosquito net to keep you comfortable. There are also indoor and outdoor showers.
The on-site restaurant offers delicious meals and packs lunches on request, so you can satisfy your hunger while out on game drives and other excursions. Some of the activities that can be arranged include turtle tracking, forest escapades, and scuba diving. These activities come with a surcharge.
The property is almost two hours from the border of Swaziland and fifty minutes from the Mozambique border. It is also 231 miles (371.8 kilometers) from King Shaka International Airport.
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge by Dream Resorts
Address: Tembe Elephant Park, Just of R22
140.27 km (87.2 mi) from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
10. Sani Valley Nature Lodges in Himeville (from USD 133)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-appointed lodges with stunning views.
Jacuzzi, hot tub, boats for lake use, indoor wood fireplace, electric blankets, and spa facilities.
Beautifully situated with picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains, offering tranquility and privacy.
Delicious home-style food with a variety of options, though some guests suggested stocking cottages with basic items.
Sani Valley Nature Lodges has set up chalets to give you secluded accommodations away from the world. It boasts views of the Drakensberg, a mountain range overlooking a private lake. Its location allows you to engage in activities, like canoeing, cycling, and hiking. Each private chalet has a sitting area with a fireplace, a kitchen, and a patio. You will also have access to a spa bath in some of the chalets. You have the option of getting your meals prepared at the clubhouse with prior arrangements for an extra cost.
The lodge also offers a children’s playground, a spa, and a gift shop for that souvenir to remember your time here.
Sani Valley Nature Lodges
Address: Sani Pass Road
291.34 km (181.1 mi) from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
Leopard Walk Lodge in Hluhluwe (from USD 110)
Leopard Walk Lodge is a uniquely designed holiday accommodation site right at Suni Ridge Nature Park. This location means you get a beautiful scenery of wildlife and flora that you can feast your eyes on night and day. Zebras and kudu graze freely around the lodge. The unique property provides a classy experience with an all-inclusive dining experience. Everyone who has spent time here speaks highly of the beds that are extra comfortable and the wonderful hospitality of Sne.
You will enjoy the diversity of wildlife at Hlulhuwe Umfolozi Park, which is a 30-minute drive away. You can also try water sports at Sodwana Bay Marine Park, which is 55 minutes away by car.
Leopard Walk Lodge
Address: Lot H122
51.48 km (32.0 mi) from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
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