The Pride of South Africa

 

Game Lodges & Safaris

 

SOUTH Africa has an immense offering in terms of its game and safari lodges. Many are concentrated in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, but virtually every corner of our country has internationally celebrated and award-winning safari experiences, much loved by foreign visitors. Condé Nast Traveler, the respected and upmarket US publication for travellers, last October published a Readers’ Choice list of the top safari lodges in South Africa. (The text in quotation marks is derived from the publication).

 

  • Londolozi, within the Greater Kruger National Park. “Beyond just a game lodge, Londolozi sees itself as a platform to restore and heal the land.”
  • Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, in the western section of the SabiSand Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga. “Walk between treehouse-style rooms on swinging rope bridges or just watch the zebras and impala stroll by...”
  • Molori Safari Lodge,Madikwe. “This wildly luxurious hideaway coexists with nature to put you up close with the Big Five.”
  • Lion Sands Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park. “The unique treehouses couldn’t be more romantic – lit by lanterns, candles, the stars, and the moon.”
  • &Beyond Phinda PrivateGame Reserve, NorthernKZN. “Expansive views of the surrounding ecosystem from all of the six suites with private plunge pools provide the perfect opportunity to view the Big Five from afar.”
  •  Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Gansbaai, Western Cape. “You can ride horses across the sands, past ancient sea caves; goon flower safaris, tree-planting expeditions, and whale-watching flights to see the calving Southern Right whales that migrate inshore between July and December.”
  • Lepogo Lodges, NokaCamp, near Lapalala, Limpopo. Unparalleled luxury against the backdrop of the winding Palala River. Noka Camp boasts South Africa’s first solar walkway and has an extremely light environmental footprint, with only 1% of the build touching the ground.
  •  Morukuru Family, Madikwe Game Reserve. “Three free-standing luxury villas, each uniquely designed. (Think lots of raw blond woods in the Farmhouse; stone fireplaces and sink-into-’em couches over at the River House; and a staff of eight, plus an infinity pool and African artwork at the Owner’s Home.)”
  • Kapama Karula, near Kruger National Park, Limpopo. Light, airy, open spaces and views from every angle, Karula is truly the pride of Kapama Private Game Reserve. Effortlessly elegant and stylish, with its own wellness centre and spa.
  • Morukuru Family, DeHoop Reserve, De Hoop, Western Cape. “There are white sand beaches, of course, but also access to the De Hoop Nature Reserve with its zebra and bontebok and protected marine area. You can simply chill on the beach or by the lodge’s pool, but we’d suggest letting Morukuru’s friendly, attentive staff fill your day with game drives through the reserve, mountain biking, sandboarding, snorkelling, and more.”
  •  Samara Private Game Reserve, near Graff Reinet, Eastern Cape. A rewilding project on 67 000 acres of former farmland in the great Karoo, Samara has a unique offering. Alongside game drives and guided bushwalks, guests can explore the Karoo’s rich history on a fossil tour, sleep out in a star bed under the celebrated Karoo night skies, and track Samara’s most famous predator, the cheetah, on foot.
  •  Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve, is a short distance from Port Alfred off the R72, the main road running along the coast. The five-star property offers guests a combined bush and beach experience, allowing them to indulge in the best of both worlds.
  •  Tswalu Kalahari, near Hotazel, Northern Cape. The restaurant Klein JAN gives guests a real culinary experience, using the traditions, ingredients, and regional produce of the Northern Cape. A seasonal menu is rooted not only in the southern Kalahari’s remote and dramatic landscapes but also in the resourceful, creative people of this remote, unexplored region.
  •  &beyond Ngala Safari Lodge, a timeless safari lodge ideally positioned on a private concession inside the highly acclaimed Kruger National Park.
  •  Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve& Wellness Retreat, Cederberg, Western Cape. “The reserve also serves as custodian to the 130 rock art sites, some that date back 10 000 years – guided tours are offered... there are hiking trails (of varying difficulty) on the reserve, as well as opportunities for canoeing and fly-fishing at the dams on the property.”
  •  Marataba Luxury Lodges, Marakele National Park. “The tents’ contemporary yet earthy look is a refreshing departure from the overdone ‘Out of Africa’ trope seen in other safari accommodations... For those wanting alternatives to Big Five excursions, beyond vehicle drives, Marataba offers a walking safari and a must-do water safari.”

 

Source: Travel News

March, 13 2024

 

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