Top 10 South Africa luxury lodges

Tswalu is in South Africa’s Kahalari – an area of dry and arid savannah with a very distinctive ecosystem and topography. The area it sits in is often regarded the ‘green Kahalari’ because of its contrast of red dunes and expansive grasslands. Tswalu is made of two camps – Mote and Tarkuni – with a maximum of 28 guests. Staying at Tswalu gives you an authentic safari experience. With over 80 species of mammals and 264 bird species at Tswalu, the game drives are exciting, with some of the best guiding in the country. Both lodges are beautiful in their design, with contemporary interior, privacy, and exclusivity.

These three exclusive private bush houses sit in the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa. Each of these Morukuru villas come with their own team – with a personal chef and butler, a team of housekeepers, a host, and your very own safari guide. This makes it one of the most private experiences in all South Africa, and perfect for families looking for a luxury safari at their own pace. Morukuru is also involved in several conservation and sustainability projects – a different side to the African safari.

Another of the Singita properties is Ebony Lodge. Also located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Ebony Lodge is a stunning safari lodge surrounded by the bush and a wealth of resident wildlife. The lodge has 12 luxurious suites, each featuring plunge pools, private verandas, and uninterrupted views of the river. Sabi Sands has 45,000 acres of fantastic wildlife – with elephants, lions, hippos, crocodile, leopards, and buffalo aplenty. As well as your safari experience and Big Five sightings, you can do guided safari walks, wine experiences, and enjoy the swimming pool and wellness areas.

The Lion Sands Private Reserve comprises 25,000 acres of private land – home to some of the most impressive wildlife experiences in all of South Africa. From Lion Sands Ivory Lodge you can witness the Big Five – the African elephant, the lion, the cape buffalo, the leopard and the rhino. The lodge also offers the height of luxury, with eight-one bedroom villas featuring private lounges, patios, and private plunge pools overlooking the confluence of the Sabie and Sands rivers. The design is simply breathtaking but don’t just take our word for it – head there for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. 

Located on the exclusive 63,000 hectare Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve is Chitwa Chitwa. The safari experience at Chitwa Chitwa is so much more than just game viewing. With experiences like village tours, photographic safaris, and a variety of activities for families with young children, Chitwa Chitwa is an extraordinary safari experience – one that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The Chitwa House is perfect for families or couples who want an exclusive safari in South Africa. The Chitwa Suites – of which there are 6 – are each designed with the utmost luxury.