Best Hotels & Lodges

The famous Mala Mala Game Reserve is connected to two of South Africa's most game-rich reserves by unfenced borders. The wildlife in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve roams freely between these great wilderness areas. The lodge itself is smaller and more intimate compared to other nearby Mala Mala camps. Its elevated position grants views across the lazy Sand River and game viewing is often done from the comfort of the deck—G&T in hand. Unless it's a private group, there will never be more than 14 guests at the camp at one time. Guests are therefore free to simply take in the wilderness around them.

Lokuthula (meaning, "place of peace") has large grounds and comfortable accommodation options, offering a restful mid-range retreat within easy walking distance of the world renowned Victoria Falls. The lodge is surrounded by indigenous bush, allowing you to enjoy some decent wildlife viewing and a wide variety of birds directly from your doorstep. Two and three-bedroom chalets, set amongst lush, treed gardens, can be booked on a self-catering or a bed and breakfast basis. There are some good in-house activities to keep you interested while you're not busy with the many other things to do in and around town, but the best feature of the lodge is without doubt its three-tiered palm-fringed swimming pool looking over a magnificent waterhole that attracts wildlife from far and wide.

A chic safari camp in an exclusive concession in the Delta

At the end of 2017, Wilderness Safaris welcomed another stylish camp to their portfolio: Qorokwe Camp. Located in the exclusive Qorokwe Concession, bordering the renowned Moremi Game Reserve in the south-eastern part of the Okavango Delta, the location certainly ticks quite a few boxes. The remote landscape is rather special too, with crystal-clear waterways, jewel-like islands dotted with palm trees, and dense riverine forests opening out onto wide plains. Wildlife is equally as diverse, and highlights include cheetah, leopard, large prides of lion, even bigger herds of buffalo, elephant and lechwe. So, all the ingredients for a fantastic safari - and the camp certainly doesn't let the side down either!

Built around a 200-year-old Jackalberry tree, right on the banks of the Sabie River, Lion Sands Tinga Lodge is tucked away in the Lion Sands Game Reserve in the infamous Greater Kruger National Park - an area known for its breathtaking bushveld flora and fauna. Falling inside the bounds of the Greater Kruger National Park, the reserve is one of the oldest private reserves in South Africa, and a pristine natural environment known for its spectacular wildlife sightings. Slow down and unwind in a romantic bubble of bush and natural beauty; a perfect escape.

The sweeping, double-story grass thatched structure of A'Zambezi River Lodge is surrounded by extensive lawns and set right on banks of the Zambezi River, above the magnificent Victoria Falls. More like a mid-sized hotel than an intimate lodge, it has eighty-seven rooms and a large central garden with a swimming pool. It is well-positioned to take advantage of the town of Victoria Falls and its multitude of activities; the fact that guests can embark on a river cruise directly from the lodge itself is a major benefit. A magnificent mile-wide waterfall straddling Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls needs little introduction. There are several ways to experience it, offering guests varying degrees of adventure. A visit between May and October is optimal.

Tucked away in Franschhoek, just off the main road, is La Rive, a tranquil haven in this fair heart of the Cape Winelands. The thatched villa marries colonial English and traditional Dutch/Afrikaans heritage beautifully in its design, with all mod cons for convenience. The warm and homely atmosphere, large and lovely interiors – and 5 bedrooms – make this the perfect retreat for a family or group of friends. For the duration of your stay, the villa, its gardens and pool (perfect for lazy dips after wine-tasting tours) and staff are for your sole use. Welcome to the Winelands!

Quatermain’s 1920s Safari Camp is a delightfully authentic recreation of the adventurous safaris made famous by the fictitious and intrepid explorer, Allan Quatermain, more than a century ago. The camp itself has just three tents, so it’s an intimate setting, and a good choice if you’re looking for a true bush experience far from present day intrusions. Situated within the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve, Quatermain’s is a wonderful base from which to explore the surrounding wilderness on foot just like the olden-day explorers would have done, with the welcome modern option of guided game drives.