Five awesome safari lodges and experiences in South Africa

Whenever South Africans return home to South Africa after spending some time out of the country, one of the first things they want to do (after seeing friends and family, of course) is spend time in the bush. There are so many amazing safari lodges to choose from, but here are just five that you should consider visiting next time you visit South Africa.

Ndaka Safari Lodge, Nambiti Game Reserve, KZN

Just 40 minutes from the majestic Drakensberg, Ndaka Safari Lodge offers some of the most spectacular game spotting in the country. Most visitors are able to get up close and personal with lions, rhino and elephants on the early morning and late afternoon game drives.

All drives are escorted, so you don’t even have to take your car to the lodge. The luxury tents are everything you could expect from a game lodge and the views from the bath are to die for! Ndaka also allows children on their game drives which is a big draw for families.

Samara Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Towards the end of the Garden Route and not far from Graaf-Reinet, sits Samara, nestled amongst 70,000 acres of Karoo landscape. Having won multiple awards over the last 10 years, Samara is dedicated to conservation and aims to become South Africa’s third largest protected area in a global biodiversity hotspot.

There are two luxury lodges, one for exclusive use, and children are made welcome here (although only those eight years and over are allowed on game drives) –they even have their own kid’s programme to turn the leaders of the future into conservationists.

Singita Lembombo Lodge, Kruger National Park

Part of the world-famous Kruger National Park, the Lembombo Lodge in Singita is a popular destination in the Kruger Park. The rooms are completely luxurious but still have a rustic charm to them which really makes you feel like you are in the bush. They also have a beautiful heated pool which comes with spectacular views across the reserve so you can still spot animals during your afternoon swim.

Marataba, Limpopo

Set at the very edge of the Waterberg Mountains in Marakele National Park, Marataba spans over 20,000 hectares. With 15 contemporary canvas and stone tents, cosy fireplaces and free WI-FI you’ll never want to leave!  You can also indulge in all the usual game activities as well as night sky safaris (that’s astronomy to you and me).

Uplands Homestead, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Situated not far from Grahamstown, Kwandwe has several lodges and accommodation styles to choose from. Uplands Homestead offers you the chance to experience old fashioned charm with a luxury feel.

The farmhouse was built in 1905 and comes with your own private 4×4, a ranger and tracker team, a personal chef and even a butler to make your African bush experience everything you could wish for and more.