Luxury South Africa Lodges and Camps
Posted on Thursday, March 24th, 2011
I covered South Africa safaris in more detail in an earlier post; today I’m going to focus on the many places you can stay during your safari, trying to spotlight a few fabulous places that I have visited or worked with over my time in South Africa. I am visiting in August and hope to give a more up to date first hand perspective then as well.
So, what awaits you when you’re choosing accommodation in South Africa? Plenty of incredible places, that’s for sure, with amazing amenities, game drives, and sights to be seen. South Africa is a very popular location for a safari simply because there is also so much else to do there. But when it comes to staying in Cape Town, you can go the cheaper route, or you can go the luxury route, which is going to be what I’m exploring today.
Amakhala Game Reserve, located in the eastern Cape, is a really wonderful place to spot some wildlife. The area boasts two different accommodations, but my favourite is the Safari Lodge. Amakhala itself is a reserve borne out of a desire to conserve South Africa’s native wildlife. Tucked away as it is, the Safari Lodge is perfect for game viewing; the air conditioned safari huts are built to the highest standards with five star amenities. It’s a big five reserve, which means you can catch sight all of the “Big Five” animals there if you’re lucky, and situated right between two other reserves – so animals can wander freely around (and they often do). Amakhala offers seven luxury huts and four luxury suites, all of which have private plunge pools and their own lounge areas. Accommodation is all-inclusive, so you won’t have to worry about the cost of food either. Plus it’s family owned and run, so you’ll be made to feel right at home with the owners and staff.
Elephant Plains Game Lodge is another excellent choice for the eager safari-goer in South Africa. It’s located in the Sabi Sands, which is one of the best places for game viewing in South Africa, and moreover is smack in front of a permanent waterhole. This means that no matter the season, animals will be coming off the plains to drink, and you’ll have a great view of them from your pool deck. Elephant Sands is also one of the most reasonably prices lodges in the area, which is a big plus in my book. The lodge has just 12 rooms and is booked on a full board basis, with all meals, game drives, bush walks, and tea and coffee included. Children are also welcomed here.
If you’re looking at the Sabi Sands and want something more luxurious and romance, then Singita Boulders Lodge is an excellent choice. Built to sumptuous standards but around the environment, Boulders feels like it just fits in the landscape, giving a true peaceful feel to all of its guests that somehow honours Africa more than a generic camp. All 12 suits have private swimming pools, lounges, and game viewing decks, with twice daily safaris and guided bush walks. You won’t even have to pay for the drinks!
Lastly, I have to feature the Lion Sands Ivory Lodge. What a great place this is. Also located in the Sabi Sands, this lodge has beautiful views of the Sabie River, which flows all year round, and excellent views of wildlife. If you get very, very lucky, you could even see some baby elephants. The lodge has just six suites, which makes it incredibly exclusive, and each are ultra luxurious with fireplaces, private pools, patio, and wooden viewing decks.
What are your favourite South African safari lodges?
