Hotels in South Africa | Timbuktu Travel

Bundox River Lodge

Balule

5 Rooms

From $650 per person/night

Views. They’re something that turn an ordinary safari experience into something extraordinary, especially when they involve the unique combination of permanently flowing water slicing through a pristine African wilderness. At Bundox River Lodge, the views over the omnipresent Olifants River create pure safari magic… This is unplugged Africa at its best!

Mbizi Bush Lodge

Balule

From $260 per person/night

Mbizi Bush lodge is for the distinguished nature travellers who share a love of nature, the depth of its silence and the beauty of our Greater Kruger Big5 reserve. Mbizi bush lodge is a family-owned and operated luxurious safari lodge. It is an exclusive small boutique lodge nestled in the African bush. Our reserve is situated in a low risk malaria zone. A stay with us will provide you authentic atmosphere and warm hospitality with fabulous food. Guests arrive as visitors and leave as friends. You can either watch the game in the privacy and tranquility of your own veranda or from the veranda at the main house overlooking our private waterhole. As Mbizi is not fenced around the property, its a perfect place to relax and watch majestic creatures including the Big Five. Mbizi offers incredible viewing opportunities as the animals wander around in their natural habitat. They are part of Balule Greater Kruger, which means our reserve has open borders with Kruger National Park. If you wish to visit Kruger National park, the Phalaborwa gate is only 25 km away from us. Mbizi is the perfect place to view all big 5 you would see in Kruger national park at our door step with drink in your hand.

Khanya Conservation Camp

Balule

From $330 per person/night

Nestled within the heart of the Balule North Reserve, Khanya Conservation Camp epitomizes the enduring charm of an authentic safari experience. Surrounded by the Greater Kruger’s Big 5 territory, this rustic-tented retreat beckons those seeking the essence of a classic safari amidst the untamed beauty of the African wilderness. Crafted for friends, families, and wilderness conservation enthusiasts, Khanya Conservation Camp strategically positions itself amid dense mopane woodlands, offering an immersive and genuine safari adventure. Embrace a rugged outdoor lifestyle beneath the sprawling African skies, revelling in uncompromised comfort.

Bundox Explorer Camp

Balule

4 Rooms

From $280 per person/night

The Explorer Camp tents are simplistic yet comfortably equipped with all the modern amenities required to add extra ambiance and comfort. The tents are placed in close proximity without encroaching on the other tents’ privacy.

18 On The Hill

Balule

9 Rooms

From $610 per person/night

Perched at the top of its own little world in the Maseke Game Reserve, this intimate five-star lodge enjoys some of the most commanding views in the Greater Kruger. The unfenced borders with the national park mean that wildlife wanders freely across more than 11,000 hectares of wilderness, including a riverfront traverse along the Olifants River where big cats come to drink and hippos bask in the shallows. The motto here is I matutu vana va tavasi – Tsonga for 'it is plenty', and the emphasis is on quality over quantity – exceptional guiding, beautifully considered design, and the kind of personal attention that larger lodges struggle to replicate. Wildlife wanders freely through camp, and the elevated position means sundowners come with views that stretch all the way to the Drakensberg.

Nyala Safari Lodge

Balule

From $430 per person/night

Both lodges situated within close proximity of each other are set amongst ancient Jackalberry and Boer-Bean trees on the banks of the Mohlabetsi River. Each one unique in its décor and layout, offering you the ultimate ‘Nyala Safari’ experience, one that you have always dreamed of, one that offers everything an African Safari should offer. Our small, unique and intimate safari lodges offer the perfect authentic safari retreats on a catered or self-catered basis. Our lodges are ideal for couples, groups of friends or families, giving you the chance to unwind, relax and reboot. Whilst on your guided early morning and afternoon game drive, marvel at the beauty of your surroundings as your senses are awakened by your interaction with nature.

Kwenga Safari Lodge

Balule

8 Rooms

From $340 per person/night

Kwenga, meaning ‘the lead buffalo’ is a refined and elegant lodge. The 8 thatched chalets at Kwenga are designed to create a delicate mix of elegance and simplicity. Dining under the African night sky is an exceptional experience where you hear the roar of a lion in the air. At Kwenga, meals are served in the ‘boma’ where you are wrapped in the intimacy of the galaxy of stars above. A stunning waterhole is situated close by and is frequented by all of the game species affording guests wonderful sightings whilst enjoying a cocktail on the terrace. This is a true African safari holiday spot where you are woken early for your guided safari tour or bush walk amongst the Big Five.

Royal Ingwe River Lodge

Balule

From $690 per person/night

As dawn crescendos with birdsong, the morning sun awakens Earth’s creatures – big and small – that await you on game drives, guided walking safaris and private bird hide excursions. As you immerse yourself in Africa’s wilderness, each moment becomes a life-defining experience. Come nightfall, nature serenades you beneath its celestial canopy.

umVangati House

Hoedspruit & Surrounds

6 Rooms

From $110 per person/night

A handcrafted canyon retreat, 100% solar powered, with the Blyde River on the doorstep.

The name comes from the Swazi word for the Kiaat tree — and the owner, Giel, cut and shaped that same timber into every door, cupboard, kitchen, vanity and piece of furniture in the house. That detail tells you most of what you need to know about umVangati House: it is a place built with genuine care, by hand, in one of South Africa's most dramatic natural settings. The property sits on Swadini Road in the heart of the Blyde River Canyon — the third largest canyon in the world and the deepest of its kind — with the Panorama Route and Kruger both within reach. Entirely solar powered and adults only, it is a guesthouse that has worked out precisely what it wants to be. Quiet. Personal. Unhurried.

Cape Vulture Lodge

Hoedspruit & Surrounds

9 Rooms

From $290 per person/night

Take flight and escape the ordinary.

Cape Vulture Lodge has been purposefully designed to immerse guests in the wonderful African wilderness that surrounds it while keeping its environmental footprint to an absolute minimum. The spacious main lodge building and its expansive viewing decks are where you'll discover the meaning of "escape" as you relax to the songs of a myriad birds, enjoying the breathtaking views of the mountains beyond. With its spacious indoor and outdoor lounge and dining areas, sunken boma for evenings around a crackling log fire and fully stocked bar, this is the beating heart of Cape Vulture Lodge.

Tshukudu Game Lodge

Hoedspruit & Surrounds

From $870 per person/night

Get up close with nature. Be it a sunset game drive, a dip in the pool, a trip to the spa, or a delicious meal accompanied by an artisanal drink, Tshukudu Game Lodge is here to ensure you get the rest and relaxation you need… no, deserve! Tshukudu, meaning “rhino” in Sotho, borders the Greater Kruger National Park. This little piece of heaven provides a much-needed retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Isn’t it time you allowed yourself an immersive South African wildlife experience in the Lowveld, open savannah plains and dense treescapes of a 3800-hectare private game lodge?

Bundox Safari Lodge

Hoedspruit & Surrounds

8 Rooms

From $90 per person/night

From the moment you arrive at Bundox Safari Lodge you can feel the outside world become more distant and muted. Perhaps it’s the breeze moving in the branches of the tall, riparian trees that surround you, or the birdsong that fills the air. Maybe it’s the sound of Africa welcoming you to a place where time has no meaning…

Ngama Tented Safari Lodge

Hoedspruit & Surrounds

From $90 per person/night

Ngama meaning ‘place of the eagles’ is a delightfully intimate, family run tented safari lodge, that offers a true African experience. Where guests fall asleep to the sounds of the bush and are pampered with the warm hearted service that embodies the soul of Africa.

Lion Tree Top Lodge

Hoedspruit & Surrounds

From $120 per person/night

Experience total tranquillity and true African hospitality at Lion Tree Top Lodge near Hoedspruit, they are situated in a private nature reserve in the heart of the game-rich area, bordering the Kruger National Park’s western boundary in Limpopo, this is Glamping near the Kruger Park at its best. They are a small exclusive lodge offering a unique African experience. There are five intimate and private, luxury tree top tents with sunken or corner baths, inside and outside showers, large decks, fans and bar fridges. All accommodation offers a choice of king or twin beds with canopy-style mosquito nets. There are also cosy sitting areas with tea and coffee stations in all our tents. Please email the lodge for more information.

Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit & Surrounds

138 Rooms

From $170 per person/night

Safari luxury with Drakensberg views and proper Kruger access - fresh from the box.

Just outside Hoedspruit, this shiny new addition to South Africa's safari scene opened in February 2024 with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a modern safari hotel. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains, the property puts you within striking distance of Kruger National Park whilst offering all the contemporary comforts. With 138 rooms spread across manicured grounds, two swimming pools, a proper spa, and dining venues that showcase local flavours, it's designed for safari-goers who like their wilderness with a healthy dose of creature comforts. The location is spot-on for exploring both Kruger and the spectacular Blyde River Canyon.

Khaya Ndlovu

Hoedspruit & Surrounds

9 Rooms

From $390 per person/night

Khaya Ndlovu is situated in the Khaya Ndlovu Game Reserve, surrounded by nature, yet a stone’s throw away from Hoedspruit, gateway to the greater Kruger - wildlife haven of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Khaya directly translates to 'home' or 'haven' in the isiZulu language, one of South Africa’s eleven official languages. It could not be more appropriate for what they represent. They offer a true home away from home experience, where you set the pace of your own holiday, working only to a time-lapse deadline! Offering a variety of rooms to accommodate any African safari traveller. The Leadwood Honeymoon suite is perfect for the romantic couple looking for a luxurious option or travellers that enjoy the finer things in life. The Acacia Family Suite is suitable for a family of 4 or a group of 4 adults who don't mind sharing a bathroom. There are 2 other suites inside the Manor House. There are also garden units available which offers incredible spacious options for any traveller needing to get away from it all. Game drives are conducted on the 5,500 hectare Rietspruit Game Reserve which is home to a huge variety of wildlife with wide-ranging views of the beautiful Drakensberg Mountain Range and Blyde River Canyon.

Phelwana Game Lodge

Hoedspruit & Surrounds

From $150 per person/night

Set in a private reserve, our guests have the chance to see some of Africa's most renowned plains animals up close, including hippos, zebras, buffalos, and giraffes. With game drives and bush walks available, opportunities are plentiful to explore the breathtaking landscape with one of our experienced guides and get up close and personal with the wildlife. For the fishing enthusiasts, catch-and-release fishing is offered on two magnificent dams on the reserve. Mealtimes are a decadent affair, bringing families and friends together. Delicious meals are made with fresh locally sourced produce and served with a warm smile by our friendly servers. Phelwana Game Lodge is an incredible destination that's sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi

The Heritage Safari Lodge was originally built in the 1940’s as a hotel and was a landmark pitstop for weary travelers between Maputo and Durban. Acquired in 1996, the gracious building was lovingly restored to its original colonial grandeur, enhanced with new accommodation, and tastefully themed to highlight Zululand’s unique cultural heritage. With buffet-style meals in the restaurant, the wide, welcoming veranda and the ‘human watering hole’ – the pub or thatched boma, warm and relaxing atmosphere is conducive to shared good times and conviviality.

Zulu Nyala Hemingways Tented Camp

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi

The Hemingway Tented Camp is on the same grounds as the Heritage Safari Lodge – tasteful, beautifully furnished tents offer stylish ‘glamping’ within exquisite gardens. Submerge yourself in the atmosphere of bygone days and allow yourself to relax on your tent’s veranda with views towards the Lebombo Mountain Range.