Game reserves, wildlife, breathtaking landscape, and accommodation options ranging from five-star grandeur to rustic simplicity are all abundant in South Africa. Some of my favorite safari lodges in a range of settings and styles are included in this list of the top safari lodges in South Africa.

1. Timbavati Private GR’s Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Every traveler to South Africa should have a safari in one of the Greater Kruger Area’s private game reserves, where up-close views of the Big 5 are practically a given. With so many lodges offering essentially the same activities and chances to see animals, how do you decide which one to pick? In the Timbavati, Tanda Tula is a truly unique location. It is tented, to start, however it has the most opulent, fashionable tents.

More intimate than spending the night cooped up inside a brick chalet, sleeping in a tent lets you hear the sounds of the African night. Tanda Tula stands out because there aren’t many tented choices in the Greater Kruger area. A vibrant duo that genuinely care about their employees own and operate Tanda Tula. You can sense the upbeat, joyful vibe as soon as you walk in the door because the majority of the crew has been there for many years. It may sound cliche, but you truly do feel as though you have joined the family and made new friends.

2. Sabi Sands’ Nkorho Bush Lodge

It’s crucial to include a lodge that is more reasonably priced, or at least not as outrageously pricey, on any list of the top safari lodges in South Africa. This is particularly true in Sabi Sands, which is arguably the greatest place in Africa to see leopards.

The majority of Sabi Sands’ upscale lodges, which feature spas, vintage wine lists, and pillow menus, are somewhat pricey. Although it lacks some of the opulent extravagance, Nkorho is a tiny, straightforward lodge that provides amazing game viewing opportunities. Dinners are shared around the fire in the boma, and it has charming thatched cottages that can house up to 12 people. Leopard sightings are virtually guaranteed, and their guides are excellent.

3. Madikwe Private GR’s Jaci’s Tree Lodge

Families will love the malaria-free Madikwe Private Game Reserve, which is just a 3½-hour drive from Johannesburg. In addition to being a Big 5 reserve, it is well known for seeing wild dogs. Jaci’s Lodges comes in two varieties: Jaci’s Tree Lodge offers eight distinctive treehouse suites, each custom-built on wooden stilts and connected by elevated walkways high above the ground.

Jaci’s Safari Lodge offers two private family suites, six luxurious tented suites, and two special star-bed suites. Both lodges are well-known for their vivid, colorful décor and are owned and operated by Jaci. For up-close views of the waterhole’s fauna, photographers will like the underground Terrapin Hide. Additionally, Jaci’s Lodges provide “conservation safaris,” which allow visitors to support local wildlife conservation initiatives in the larger Madikwe Game Reserve.

4. The Northern Cape’s Tswalu

Due to its breathtaking setting, unique animals, and opulent guest experience, this safari lodge has to be at the top of my list of the best in South Africa. Located in the vast, pristine southern Kalahari, Tswalu is the largest private game reserve in South Africa. It is well-known for its exceptional and uncommon wildlife. The highly endangered desert black rhino, African wild dogs, and gorgeous black-maned lions can all be seen here.

Spending time with habituated meerkats is another joy. One of the best locations in Africa to maybe spot the elusive aardvark or pangolin is Tswalu. This five-star safari experience is definitely rare. To allow you to have a totally customizable schedule, you are given your own game drive car, guide, and tracker. In between game drives, there are dune picnics, wine tastings, champagne brunches, boma feasts, bush dinners, and sundowners. Walking safaris and horseback riding are among the activities. Of course, there are also upscale spa services available.

5. The Grootbos

Last but not least, I’ve included Grootbos to my list of South Africa’s top safari lodges for something quite different. Nestled between mountains, woodland, and the sea, Grootbos is a luxurious eco-lodge in a pristine, private reserve on Africa’s southern coast. Cape Town is only two hours away. You can visit the Marine Big 5 (great white shark, penguin, whale, seal, and dolphin) even if you won’t see any big game here.

The 800 plant species and 1000-year-old milkwood woods that make up the Cape Floral Kingdom are found in the reserve. Grootbos has earned every travel accolade available, including Tatler’s Best Family Hotel in the World and Fodor’s Top 100 Hotels, to mention just two. It features two chic, ultra-luxurious lodges in either the milkwood or fynbos woodland. You can take part in marine safaris, botanical tours, horseback riding, spa treatments, award-winning social upliftment programs at Grootbos, or simply take in the breathtaking vistas of the coast.