SOUTH AFRICA CAMPS & LODGES

Malewane Lodge

Operator: They Royal Portfolio
Location: Greater Kruger National Park
Website: https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/royal-malewane/

Malewane Lodge offers six Luxury Suites with stunning views of the African bushveld and two exclusive Royal Suites—spacious two-bedroom bush villas providing enhanced privacy and personalized services. These accommodations combine luxury with a deep connection to the natural surroundings. Additionally, Africa House is a luxurious six-bedroom private villa, ideal for families or groups seeking a personalized and secluded safari experience.

Malewane Lodge, originally the Biden family holiday home and the first in The Royal Portfolio collection, exudes classic bush style and old-world elegance. Designed as a luxurious retreat in the wild, it features spacious private decks with crystal-clear pools, offering moments like surprise visits from elephants. In 2023, Africa House was reimagined by Liz Biden, blending timeless design with her unique style. This luxury private villa, perfect for families or groups, includes a dedicated team, Guide, and Tracker, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable safari experience for all ages.

Waterside at Royal Malewane

Operator: They Royal Portfolio
Location: Greater Kruger National Park
Website: https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/royal-malewane/accommodation/waterside/

Waterside Lodge, featured on Travel + Leisure’s 2023 It List of the world’s 100 most exciting new places to stay, offers a fresh take on the traditional safari experience. Its bold and vibrant design draws inspiration from the rich, seasonal hues of the African bush, creating a unique harmony between luxury and nature. From the moment you step across the floating entrance bridge, you’re greeted by the welcoming ambiance and captivating views of a bustling waterhole surrounded by fever trees. Each room, meticulously designed by Liz Biden, reflects her fearless use of color, with every detail mirroring the beauty of the natural surroundings. Waterside invites guests to enjoy a modern, immersive safari, where unforgettable wildlife encounters blend with eclectic, luxurious living spaces.

Farmstead at Royal Malewane

Operator: They Royal Portfolio
Location: Greater Kruger National Park
Website: https:https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/royal-malewane/accommodation/farmstead/

Farmstead is a stylish yet cozy retreat, blending contemporary design with rustic charm to offer the signature Royal Malewane safari experience. Liz Biden’s distinctive touch harmonizes with the wild surroundings, creating a luxurious yet homely atmosphere. Guests can enjoy scenic views from private decks overlooking the bush at the three Luxury Farm Suites, or opt for the exclusive-use three-and-a-half-bedroom villa, perfect for families or friends seeking privacy and comfort amidst the African wilderness.

Nottens Bush Camp

Location: Sabi Sand Reserve
Website: https://nottens.com/

As one of the original game lodges in South Africa, Notten’s Bush Camp offers a truly authentic African safari experience. It is a destination that captures the true meaning of being in the bush. With limited electrical lighting, a magical atmosphere is created. Surrounded by candlelight and lanterns at night capturing a warm and enchanting spirit of what the bush is meant to be. Splendid panoramic views, Notten’s is the perfect place for peace and relaxation while watching wildlife meander past.

Notten’s Bush Camp, located in the renowned Sabi Sand Reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park, offers an exclusive safari experience in one of South Africa’s most wildlife-rich areas, known for its high concentration of the Big Five. With only nine private suites, this family-run lodge provides intimate, personalized service, preserving an authentic safari tradition as one of South Africa’s original private game lodges.

MalaMala Camp

Location: Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Website: https://malamala.com/camps/malamala-camp/

MalaMala Camp is a sanctuary of understated luxury, offering warm comfort, outstanding service, and unparalleled views of the Sand River and surrounding bushveld. With its collection of rare photos, old maps, and contemporary wildlife art, the camp has a rich history. Facilities include a cozy lounge, an elegant African-themed dining room, and the iconic “Buffalo Bar” with historic photographs. Guests can relax on a shaded safari deck, swim in the infinity pool with river views, or dine around the fire in a traditional reed boma. Additional amenities include an air-conditioned library, boutique, fitness center, massage services, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the reserve.

Tengile River Lodge

Operator: & Beyond
Location: Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Website: Tengile River Lodge

Tengile River Lodge, beautifully positioned along the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, offers expansive river views from every corner. Meaning “tranquil” in the local language, Tengile is set in a prime wildlife area, neighboring Kruger National Park with a shared, unfenced 50 km boundary, giving access to the Big Five and renowned leopard sightings. With strict vehicle limits at sightings, guests enjoy exclusive, intimate encounters within 10,500 hectares (26,000 acres) of diverse wilderness.

The lodge features nine spacious, secluded suites designed for comfort and immersion in nature. Each air-conditioned suite includes a master bedroom, luxurious bathroom with an outdoor shower, lounge, dining area, fully stocked bar, coffee station, and a private deck with panoramic views, complete with a private lap pool and sunken lounge overlooking the Sand River. Two suites are joined by a covered walkway to form a family suite, providing privacy and space for families.

The main guest area includes both interactive and private spaces, with highlights such as an elevated viewing deck and a thoughtfully curated library filled with intriguing artifacts and books. Unique, bespoke furniture and locally handcrafted decor add to the lodge’s aesthetic, with striking, hand-painted fabrics and artwork. Guests can unwind in the wellness area with a massage room, gym, and a Safari Shop stocked with artisanal items, ensuring an exceptional, tranquil experience.

Lions Sands Ivory Lodge

Location: Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Website: https://www.sabi-sands.com/lion-sands-ivory-lodge.php

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, an ultra-luxurious, five star, award-winning safari lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, is renowned for its stunning beauty and unique design. Hailed by Tatler Magazine as one of the world’s best hotels, this exceptional lodge sits on the banks of the Sabi River. Its modern design features ivory and black accents throughout eight one-bedroom villas and the exclusive two-bedroom “Fish Eagle” villa, each offering a serene, private retreat.

Each villa is set 20 meters apart for privacy and includes a spacious bedroom connected to an even larger living area via a sun deck, complete with a cozy sofa, open fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that overlook the bushveld and Sabi River. The luxurious bathroom features a freestanding tub and indoor and outdoor showers. Guests can enjoy their own heated plunge pool on the viewing deck—perfect for spotting elephants by the river and immersing fully in the African safari experience.

Inyati Private Game Reserve

Location: Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Website: https://inyati.co.za/

Inyati Game Lodge, set along the lush Sand River, offers an unforgettable safari experience with diverse wildlife and genuine African hospitality. Guests are welcomed warmly to cozy chalets, home-style cuisine, and guided game drives led by expert rangers. The reserve’s sub-tropical climate provides excellent game viewing year-round. In summer (September to March), abundant prey draws predators, and afternoon thunderstorms often follow rainfall from October to February. Winter (April to August) brings cooler mornings and evenings, with wildlife congregating around water sources, making for easy viewing against low grass.

Simbavati River Lodge

Operator: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Location: Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Website: https://www.simbavati.com/lodges/river-lodge/

The Simbavati River Lodge is a charming retreat along the banks of the Nhlaralumi River in the renowned Timbavati Private Game Reserve, adjacent to the world-famous Kruger National Park. This scenic setting is home to a lively waterhole, perfectly visible from the lodge’s dining deck, where guests can marvel at elephants and other wildlife coming to drink. Relaxing here between game drives, you’ll experience the thrill of nature unfolding right before your eyes.

Simbavati River Lodge seamlessly blends the classic charm of a safari with fresh, modern touches in its decor. Choose between inviting tented suites or chalet accommodations, each offering a unique and comfortable experience. Couples and honeymooners will find a peaceful haven in luxurious settings, with amenities like a dedicated safari spa and a fully equipped fitness center. Families are warmly welcomed, too, with spacious two-bedroom chalets and the Cubs Club kids center, making it an ideal getaway for guests of all ages.

Nestled within the Greater Kruger Park, the Timbavati Reserve offers some of the most exceptional game viewing in South Africa. It’s a haven for the Big Five, with special opportunities to see elusive leopards and rare wild dogs. Whether it’s adventure or relaxation you seek, Simbavati River Lodge provides an unforgettable safari experience, rich with natural wonders and warm hospitality.

Room options include Tented Luxury Suites, Tented Pool Suites, & Two-bedroom Family Chalets.

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Operator: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Location: Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Website: https://www.simbavati.com/lodges/hilltop-lodge/

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, gracefully set on a hillside within the private Timbavati Game Reserve, offers one of the most stunning settings in the Greater Kruger area. Overlooking the vast Mbali Dam and Nhlaralumi River, the lodge provides sweeping views of the bushveld, with the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains as a backdrop. This natural oasis attracts a variety of wildlife, and guests are often treated to sightings of elephants and other animals gathering at the water below.

With sustainability at its core, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge features eight elegantly appointed tented suites that blend seamlessly with the environment. Each suite offers a romantic, airy ambiance, complete with a private plunge pool and deck, creating an ideal space to soak in the beauty and tranquility of the wilderness.

As part of the Greater Kruger National Park, Timbavati is famous for its exceptional game viewing, home to the Big Five and known for frequent sightings of elusive leopards and wild dogs. Twice-daily game drives led by expert guides provide an immersive safari experience, bringing guests close to the remarkable wildlife and birdlife of the reserve. Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is a perfect blend of eco-friendly luxury and adventure, offering an unforgettable safari retreat in the heart of nature.

Simbavati Mvubu Cottage

Operator: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Location: Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Website:https://www.simbavati.com/lodges/mvubu-cottage/

Mvubu Cottage is a picturesque cottage in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, with views of the untouched African bush. It is located alongside the expansive Mbali Dam and the Nhlaralumi River. 

This luxurious cottage has a quaint, restful impression with two suites and a pool overlooking the dam and river. Wake up to the sounds of the hippos in the distance, with the familiar bird twitterings surrounding the cottage. 

The Timbavati forms part of the Greater Kruger Park and offers exceptional game viewing including the Big Five, most notably leopard, and also wild dog. Twice-daily game drives provide for close encounters with birds and animals, large and small.

Rockfig Safari Lodge

Location: Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Website: https://rockfigsafarilodge.com/

Set in the heart of Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, adjacent to the famous Kruger National Park, RockFig Safari Lodge is ideally located for adventures into the African wilds. Guests can enjoy game drives that allow for comfortable exploration of the vast landscape, while walking safaris offer a more intimate experience, letting you explore the area at your own pace and connect with the environment on foot. With experienced guides leading the way, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery of this remarkable region.

Batonka Guest Lodge

Location: Victoria Falls
Website: https://batonkaguestlodge.com/

Situated 2.1km (1.3miles) from the majestic mighty Victoria Falls. Nestled in lush gardens just a short walk from town, Batonka Guest Lodge is celebrated for its exceptional service. This tranquil retreat offers 27 elegantly designed, air-conditioned rooms blending Victoria Falls’ colonial charm with African flair, each with an ensuite bathroom and private balcony or patio. Families can enjoy the convenience of interleading room options. The main lodge features indoor and outdoor dining, a cozy lounge, and a lovely verandah overlooking gardens and a pool area. Since its opening in June 2016, the hands-on directors have ensured a welcoming, high-standard experience.

Nyaleti Lodge

Location: Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
Website: https://nyaletilodge.co.za/

Nyaleti Lodge & Villa offers an exclusive and eco-friendly escape in the heart of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens that showcase indigenous plants. These lush surroundings are a haven for local birdlife, including playful hornbills, colorful woodland kingfishers, the distinctive call of the go-away-bird, and even the occasional owl. This peaceful setting is perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the region’s natural wonders.

Nyaleti Lodge features three stylish en-suite guest rooms, each with a private patio for enjoying the serene views. Guests share access to inviting common spaces, including a cozy boma for evening fires, a comfortable lounge, and a sparkling pool for refreshing dips. Just a short 100-meter stroll away, Nyaleti Villa provides a more private experience with a gorgeous honeymoon suite and two additional en-suite rooms. Together, Nyaleti Lodge & Villa offer a harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability, making them an ideal base for experiencing the best of South Africa’s iconic landscapes, rich wildlife, and the charming ecotourism hub of Hoedspruit.