You may have thought that affordable luxury safari lodges are but a dream… we’re here to deliver the good news – they exist! And they offer incredible value for money, with 4 and 5-star luxury accommodation and out of this world safari experiences for less. These luxury safari lodges offer everyone the chance to experience a luxury bush break without breaking the bank.
1. Kwena Lodge, Gondwana Game Reserve, EC
Located in Gondwana Game Reserve along the Garden Route in the Eastern Cape, Kwena Lodge is a 5-star luxury lodge nestled amongst pristine bushveld. Enjoy an affordable bush break at this world-class lodge and experience attentive service and luxurious accommodation in the privacy of your own bush villa. Sip a coffee on your private patio and watch as the likes of elephants pass right by. Cool off after your game drives in the infinity pool and dine in the candlelit boma by night.
2. Hamilton’s Tented Camp
Hamilton’s Tented Camp is a charming and elegant safari camp, offering guests looking for a private getaway a tranquil and secluded affordable bush break. Stay in one of six waterside tented suites, luxuriously decorated and providing exemplary comfort and personalised service. Stroll along the raised timber walkways that connect the suites to the main lodge and make use of the cosy guest lounge, sparkling pool and outdoor dining area.
3. The Last Word Kitara, Kruger Park
Soak in the natural surroundings and beauty of this undisturbed sanctuary, set along the banks of the Klaserie river. Watch the passing wildlife and birdlife as you relax on the viewing deck or in the infinity pool and take some time out in the comfortable lounge area or library. Dine on magnificent meals in the stately stone dining hall and retire to Victorian-style villas in the evenings, having a drink on the deck overlooking the riverbed to end off your days. The Last Word Kitara offers guests looking for a Kruger Park safari, an affordable bush break.
4. Karongwe River Lodge
An enchanting affordable bush break awaits at Karongwe River Lodge, nestled in Karongwe Private Game Reserve near Kruger National Park. The use of natural materials and timber makes for cosy and inviting atmosphere with the main lodge boasting an expansive viewing deck, sparkling swimming pool and relaxing guest lounges. Dine on African-inspired cuisine beside crackling fires and lamplight under the stars in the outdoor boma after a day of breath-taking game drives. Activities also include interactive cooking experiences, bush walks, picnics and photography workshops.
5. Lion Sands River Lodge
Lion Sands River Lodge is set along the Sabi River, boasting timber lamplit walkways, spacious guest areas, a spa, gym and 2 swimming pools. Watch the passing wildlife and soak in the scenic vistas from the viewing deck after a day packed with exciting activities ranging from game drives, leopard tracking, guided walks and a treehouse campout experience. Suites offer the ultimate luxury, with soak-in bath tubs overlooking exquisite bush views and private decks to enjoy a quiet drink together in nature.
6. Kariega Settlers Drift
Experience 5-star luxury while also getting to enjoy a tented safari at Kariega Settler’s Drift in the Eastern Cape, for an incredible affordable bush break. Each spacious tented suite boasts opulently decorated sleeping quarters, lounge area, private viewing deck and a full en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers. Rest with a book in the guest lounges or grab a pair of binoculars and indulge in some out-of-this-world bird viewing from the deck. Dinners compromise 5-star cuisine and even African-inspired barbecues in the lantern-lit outdoor boma. Over and above game drives, the lodge also offers safari river cruises and kayaking.
7. Botlierskop Village Lodge
Perfect for a child-friendly affordable bush break, Botlierskop Village Lodge in the Western Cape offers farm-style charm with modern luxuries such as a spa, dining area, guest lounges and swimming pool. Activities include horse-riding, game drives, guided trails, tadpole fishing among many more. Suites are contemporarily decorated with indoor and outdoor lounges, a fireplace and luxury guest amenities.
8. Cheetah Ridge at Nambiti
Set within the Big 5 Nambiti Game Reserve in KZN, Cheetah Ridge is a 5-star safari lodge boasting ten luxurious private suites that overlook the waterhole. The lodge compromises of sprawling gardens, a pool and outdoor lounge area with activities including game drives, bush walks and photography workshops.
