Best luxury safari lodges in South Africa

South Africa, the land of Nelson Mandela, great white sharks, three capital cities, and the unforgettable sound of vuvuzelas that still ring around in my head like a swarm of angry bees. It also boasts some of the world’s finest luxury properties, especially in the epic Cape Town and Winelands. However, this is about its incredibly diverse wildlife and the luxurious lodges that offer a luxurious way to experience it.

Tswalu

Tswalu spans over 110,000 hectares in the Kalahari Desert, making it South Africa’s largest private game reserve.  Their real selling point is the unique animals like aardvark, pangolin, and talking meerkat, but during my stay I got to see a cheetah hunt and plenty of wild dogs.  They kept telling me this is extremely rare and I shouldn’t advertise the lodge as a hotspot for bloodthirsty adventure.  Too late.  The accommodation is not going to win over your eyes or heart, the setting certainly will, and Klein JAN remains one of the most spectacular dining venues I’ve ever been to.

Singita Lebombo

Singita Lebombo is situated within a 33,000-acre private concession in the southeastern part of Kruger National Park.  I don’t know why everyone is obsessed with the so-called Big Five, but for clarity, you are very likely to see them all here – that’s lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.  I certainly managed to during my stay.  You are near the border of Kruger so can lose a sighting or two at times as the animals have the audacity to cross into the park.

Renowned for its contemporary design and breathtaking views over the N’wanetsi River, Lebombo offers 15 elegant suites, including a four-bedroom villa. Each suite features floor-to-ceiling glass walls that immerse you in the surrounding wilderness. Watching elephants swim in the river from our room was a magical experience—so much so that I invited our guide to join, only to realise it was like asking a British police officer to watch a riot—something they’ve seen countless times. The property also boasts a stunning swimming pool, a rooftop terrace for stargazing, and a well-stocked library.

Singita Sweni

The neighbour to Singita Lebombo.  But in a real sense – not the way my Dad used to explain that we’re almost there when we were hours away.  You can walk between Sweni and Lebombo.  However, you may think that even though they’re only walking distance that the animals don’t change.  You’d be wrong.  You enter a magical world blanketed in an enchanting winter landscape. Snow-covered forests stretch endlessly, with tall, ancient trees. The air is crisp and cold, carrying the faint sound of mystical creatures and the soft crunch of snow underfoot. Icicles hang from branches, sparkling like crystals in the pale sunlight.  In the distance, you might see the grand silhouette of the White Witch’s castle, an imposing structure of ice and stone.  Oh, sorry, that’s Narnia.  No, you’re right, my bad, Sweni has exactly the same to offer as Lebombo.

The difference at Sweni is that the rooms are closer to the river and have a more contemporary African aesthetic. There are also only seven suites, giving it a more intimate feel. They also have a Pool Suite, which I was fortunate enough to stay in until discovering the pool was colder than a poacher’s heart.

If you get bored of the usual daily game drives, you can also have expert-guided bush walks and community visits.

Singita Ebony

Singita Ebony Lodge is located within a private reserve of 45,000 acres in Sabi Sand Reserve.  I was there just a few months ago for a second visit due to their major refurb, which I can confirm did indeed happen.  Has it made it the best looking safari lodge in South Africa?  You will have to send all your cash in unmarked notes to my house to find out.  Ok, I can’t be bothered to count all your money, so let me just tell you: no.  But is it still one of the best properties out there?  Why yes, random internet reader.

I do not love the design, but they have not randomly decided on it, they wanted an authentic, colonial style design with hints of modernisation in it.  With the refurb it is also a much lighter place to be, which brings the smiles.  Each suite offers spacious interiors with private plunge pools, and expansive decks overlooking the Sand River. The lodge features elegant communal areas, including a library, a cosy lounge, a well-stocked wine cellar, and a dining area serving gourmet cuisine. They also have a relatively decent gym and spa.

Singita Boulders

Just like Singita Lebombo and Sweni, you too can walk between Ebony and Boulders.  If I described the rooms and facilities, you would think I’ve had a stroke and am repeating Ebony. Does that make me lazy or them? Suffice to say, they’re very similar, but they’re both very good, so if one isn’t available, you’re not missing out. Boulders has not had the refurb, though. The losers.

Royal Malewane

Royal Malewane, nestled in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, offers more than just the Big Five—I’ve visited multiple times and have seen wild dogs on every occasion. If you know, you know: these animals are the greatest on earth. I only wish I could have one in my garden to protect my plants from deer. Even the neighbours might celebrate, though they’d soon notice their pets mysteriously disappearing.

Royal Malewane combines colonial with modern luxury in its room and facility design. A bit like Singita Ebony, really.  Where they stand out are the interiors featuring antique furniture, Persian rugs, and rich, opulent fabrics. Each accommodation features spacious interiors, private plunge pools, and expansive decks that offer stunning views of the surrounding bush.  The spa ain’t too shabby either.  They also have the exceptional Africa House, a superb, six bedroom private villa that can host up to 12 people.

However, the downside is that the conservancy isn’t private, meaning it can get busy, and wildlife viewing may be disturbed by queues from other lodges trying to bustle in and steal your joy.

The Farmstead

The second in the line of Royal Portfolio properties, this time co-founder Liz Biden went to town with a completely unique look and feel.  The lodge features just three elegant farm suites and a private villa, each with stylish interiors, private pools, and expansive decks. This is a really intimate, extremely beautiful lodge.  That it’s a short drive from Royal Malewane means it too suffers from the shared land.

Waterside Lodge

The latest and greatest part of The Royal Portfolio, Waterside Lodge is the third (with a fourth on the way) property under the Royal Malewane banner.  I’m not sure why they grouped them together like this, as it just confuses everyone, but they are three separate lodges on the same conservancy that may share the same owner, but the theme of each is vastly different.  They’re also up to 30 minutes drive apart from each other so it’s not the same as Singita.  Still, with each new property they seem to only get better and better.  Waterside is one of the most beautiful safari lodges I’ve ever stayed in.  The design is bold, bright and beautiful.  The setting, besides a waterholing hole, and with an elegant hide to witness all the nearby nature, is a joy.  The food, service, and facilities are exceptional.  If only they could buy out all the other lodges so you wouldn’t be disturbed by their guests, this would be the perfect place.

Kubili House

Also found in the same conservancy as Royal Malewane, Kubili House is one of Africa’s greatest homes.  It is an exclusive-use, five-bedroom property that sits beside a watering hole, giving you a glimpse of wildlife in absolute comfort.  The design is hard to summarise, it somehow both blends in and stands out at the same time.  Facilities include four swimming pools, a spa with a steam room, multiple indoor and outdoor sitting and dining areas, a Japanese rock garden, and an archery range. You can also do a Segway safari, just hope you don’t end up in a similar situation as Segway’s founder.  With very personalised service, the excellent setting and quality food, it’s a perfect destination.  Just if you have bucket loads of cash as it’s by far the most expensive too.

Cheetah Plains

Is it a resort?  Is it an exclusive-use property?  It’s somewhere in between.  Cheetah Plains features three private, contemporary-designed villas, each with spacious living areas, private pools, wine cellars and some gorgeous art. The villas come with a dedicated hospitality team, including a private chef, butler, and guide.

Cheetah Plains, located in the Sabi Sand Reserve, offers groups and families a perfect place to spend time in between being out on the road.  They were one of the first properties to implement an entire fleet of electric safari vehicles, which make it sound like you’re crushing dinosaur bones when you move back to a petrol option.  Mostly because you are.  It’s hard to express how good a job they have done with the interiors, and were it not for the limitations on traversing rights, affecting wildlife viewing experiences, I would put this as one of the best options in all of Africa. The restrictions were more apparent than anywhere else I’ve ever stayed, which is the problem of sharing.  Let that be a lesson, kids, don’t share and everyone’s happy.