1. Singita Boulders Lodge

Singita Boulders Lodge is situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to the world famous Kruger National Park. Its name is taken from the Shangaan word for “places of miracles”. Twelve exquisite glass-fronted rooms blend into the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, each with a private deck, heated pool, fireplace and shower outdoors.

Vast decks and walkways maintain the immersion in nature, while varied experiences and activities provide exclusive access to 45,000 acres in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Whether you’re looking for wildlife drives and guided bush walks, or prefer birdwatching excursions and stargazing adventures, a stay here offers plenty of opportunity to go out and about in the natural world.

After a day of elephant, lion, leopard, hippo, wild dog and other wildlife spotting, enjoy at dinner in the resort the large variety of wines. Singita Boulders is known for its large vintage wine collection, which is one of the reasons why it is considered to be one of the top South African safari lodges.

2. Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

Leopard Hills is a safari resort in the Big Five Sabi Sand Game Reserve, an oasis of luxury in the wild. There are eight suites constructed into the hillside overlooking a watering well. Imagine stepping out onto your own private deck with a drink in hand to watch animals drink and play in the water below. There is a private plunge pool on each deck, excellent for cooling down after a day in the wilderness. But the elephants of the reserve have also been known to like the plunge pools so you may witness an elephant trunk dipping in for a drink of water.

The suites, verdant retreats, are finished off with opulent bathroom amenities, indoor and outdoor showers, air conditioning, king-sized beds and stocked minibars.

In addition to morning and afternoon game drives to see the Big Five, you may join photographic safaris to capture amazing wildlife memories and walk the trails to get to know the nature around you better. Leopard Hills is a great place for big cat safaris, as the name suggests, and the elegant leopard is the star of the show.

If you’re looking for a South African safari resort where you have the best chance of seeing leopards in the wild, Leopard Hills is one of the top choices.

3. Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Tanda Tula Safari Camp is a wonderful setting in Timbavati Game Reserve on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River, with a photographic hide and excellent dining experiences.

Tanda Tula was named Best New Safari Property in Africa at the 2024 Safari Awards, cementing its spot on the list of South Africa’s greatest safari lodges. Wandering among the glass and canvas accommodations, it’s simple to see why. To name but a few, this amazing home has huge bathrooms, private plunge pools, and recessed outdoor lounging areas from which to enjoy expansive views of the nature.

There is also a photography hide overlooking a watering spring at the site. Wildlife needs water sources. Here you can view a range of species, from elephant families and impala herds to a solitary leopard and southern carmine bee-eaters.

Dishes are inspired by childhood favourites and traditional recipes to create heart-warming meals that emphasise great local ingredients. Breakfast in the bush is a full meal and you will continue with your wildlife sightings from your morning game drive. Lunch is an outdoor affair so take your time to relish. Dinner is a chance to share your safari with other safari-goers beneath the stars. To accompany lunch or dinner, choose South African wine pairings.

A visit to Timbavati offers the opportunity to get involved in hands-on conservation activities, such as helping with the monitoring of endangered vultures and ground-hornbill studies.

4. andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge

If you’re looking for unique luxury safari lodges in South Africa then this lodging should be on your list. Phinda Forest Lodge is located in a rare sand forest and is the ideal site to combine a land and ocean safari. Then proceed to the shore after day and nite game drives to witness the Big Five plus cheetahs, tiny suni antelopes and more than 400 kinds of birds.

Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal, an oceanside region of South Africa. The ocean safari may include sightings of dolphins and humpback whales, and snorkelling among the beautiful reefs of coral.

There are 16 fairytale apartments inside the forest with large glass windows and doors, so that you get sweeping views of the woods around you. Sustainability and eco-conscious travel are a huge part of the Phinda Forest resort ethos, thus not a single tree was destroyed or damaged in the construction of the resort.

The Bespoke African Safari Co. Tip: For a unique safari experience, participate in the pangolin conservation project. You’ll join a researcher as they track a pangolin, do a general health check, and download critical data from the pangolin’s tag.

5. Marataba Mountain Lodge

Marataba Mountain Lodge in the Waterberg Mountains of Limpopo is the ultimate off-the-grid refuge for those searching for an intimate, private safari experience with only five accommodations. Here minimalism allows the wilderness views to take pride of place, but not at the expense of luxury. From the wood-burning fireplace and viewing deck to the rain shower and air conditioning, all the details enable you to enjoy your accommodation in the highest comfort and style.

There are several opportunities to experience the bush including wildlife drives, walking safaris and sunset water safaris on the Matlabas River. For the ultimate adventurers, the rhino conservation trip takes you into the wilderness to get involved in the veterinary care of a rhino. This can be as simple as putting a tracking collar, microchipping horns and taking tissue samples.

Must-Do: Marataba stands out as one of the romantic top luxury safari lodges in South Africa. If you’re on a couple’s safari, spend a night under the stars in the treehouse. You’ll arrive in time for sundowners, enjoy a catered picnic, and be lulled to sleep by the sounds, scents, and activities of the bush.

6. Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge

Madikwe Game Reserve is a malaria free wildlife paradise, home to five private villas and one exclusive lodge, taking luxury South African safaris to new heights. Enjoy a lavish meal and then snuggle up in front of the fire in your villa. After game drives, have a swim in your own rim-flow pool. Unwind in the sala which looks out over the waterhole. These are just some of the experiences you will have on a safari at Jamala Madikwe.

One of the things that makes Jamala safari lodge in South Africa so special is the chance to go on “sofa safaris”. Imagine stepping out onto the pool deck, selecting your favourite safari drink (be it a crisp white wine or a refreshing gin and tonic), lounging on a lounger and watching elephants play in the water in front of you.

Every aspect of a visit here is marked by attention to detail, particularly in the dining experiences. The edible flowers on your plate (there are no buffets), the ample and tastefully prepared goodies during high tea and the several magnificent settings to have dinner, like the watchtower.

Fun Fact: Madikwe is home to the “Super Seven”. This is the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), along with wild dogs and cheetahs.

7. Tswalu

Tswalu has three safari camps in South Africa – Loapi, Motse and Tarkuni. Loapi is made up of six unique tented cottages for exclusive use, each functioning as a tiny camp with a plunge pool and fire pit.

Motse has six two-person accommodations and three family suites, making it ideal for family safaris and couples vacationing. Walk around the indigenous gardens here, watching for birds and antelopes in the undergrowth.

Tarkuni Homestead is an exclusive-use property for 10 people sleeping in five suites. Your safari – from activities to dining – will be personalised entirely to you, with a dedicated host, private chef and private safari vehicle, guide and tracker to offer a genuinely intimate experience.

A safari in the Kalahari offers the chance to view rarer species such as the elusive five: pangolins, brown hyenas, aardvarks, aardwolves and bat-eared foxes.

8. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge was designed to blend in with the natural environment from every perspective. Breathe in the restorative quiet of nature and enjoy unobstructed views of the unending bushveld.

Highlights include the Day Bar where ankle-deep waters are there for you to immerse your feet, a wine cellar with some of South Africa’s best vintages, a spa offering holistic treatments and a one-of-a-kind outdoor boma. There are local trackers and most experienced guides to take you on daily wildlife drives for an experience of the wilderness that you won’t forget in a hurry.

This luxurious safari lodge has 12 rooms, all with custom-made furniture, an indoor-outdoor lounge, a private plunge pool, a huge bathroom and both an indoor and outdoor shower. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is one of the most ultra-luxurious of all five star lodges in South Africa.

9. Dulini Moya

Dulini Moya’s six beautiful rooms are situated in a tranquil riverine forest, surrounded by a lush canopy of huge ebony trees, and each has private views of the Mabrak River with warm plunge pools, outdoor showers and shady terraces. Interiors are the height of romance, with billowing mosquito net canopies and lovely baths.

The unique safari accomodation is complemented by fine wine and food, accentuated by the culinary tradition of African tastes. Exercise in the gym, which is well-equipped, or unwind in the guest lounge, eat under age-old trees or slip away for a romantic private dinner in your room.

Dulini Moya is situated in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and may be visited by game drives, walking safaris and photographic safaris. Off-road vehicles are a nature photographer’s dream! They have comfortable mounts for cameras and big central storage compartments for extra lenses and batteries.

10. MalaMala Rattray’s Camp

MalaMala Private Game Reserve is unfenced and borders Kruger National Park and is a great choice if you wish to see the Big Five on safari. And with over 300 species of birds, birders won’t be disappointed either!

Here, the South African wildlife safari experience becomes even more fantastic with a stay at Rattray’s Camp on the banks of the Sand River. This all-inclusive safari resort in South Africa combines the untamed nature with luxury, making it the ideal escape for tourists seeking a bush experience without compromising on luxurious facilities.

The eight suites have his and her bathrooms with a ball-and-claw-foot bathtub and double shower. Air conditioning and fans keep you comfortable all the time and the indoor and outdoor dining settings are great for romantic meals when you don’t feel like dining in the traditional reed boma. An indigenous private garden is the ideal place to soak up the tranquillity of nature and observe the birds of the reserve fluttering about.