Top 5 Safari Game Lodges in South Africa

Safari Travel Photographer

Feb 63 min read

My Top 5 Favorite Safari Lodges in South Africa

As a travel photographer who thrives on capturing the beauty of nature and wildlife, I've had the privilege of staying at some incredible safari lodges in South Africa. Each offers a unique experience that leaves an indelible mark on my heart and an abundance of stunning photographs. Here are my five favorite safari lodges, each with its own charm and allure.

1. Royal Malewane

Located in the Thornybush Game Reserve, Royal Malewane is a haven of luxury and exclusivity. This lodge combines opulence with the raw beauty of the African wilderness.

Why Recommend Royal Malewane?

Exceptional Game Viewing: With access to the Greater Kruger National Park, the game viewing here is spectacular. Experienced rangers lead private game drives, ensuring guests have an intimate experience with wildlife.
World-Class Facilities: The lodge features elegant suites with private pools, a lavish spa, and a wine cellar stocked with some of the finest vintages in South Africa.
Culinary Excellence: The dining experience is exceptional, with meals prepared by a top chef. The combination of local flavors and fine dining elevates the safari experience.

A vibrant room with a floral vase and colorful pillows in focus. Background shows a mural of people in vivid attire against a patterned wall.

Royal Malewane InteriorVibrant dining setting with blue chairs. A decorative orange bowl of fruit sits on a wooden table with colorful dishes and glasses.

Royal Malewane living room, Cozy living room with yellow walls, a lit fireplace, red and brown chairs, a large painting, and a TV above the mantel. Warm ambiance.

Royal Malewane Dining room with a wooden table, blue chairs, and a red patterned rug. Yellow walls, large windows, chandelier, and a blue cabinet.

Royal Malewane Vintage table with books, notebooks, a potted plant in a teal tray, and a glass candle holder. Cozy beige couch in the background.

A tray with croissants, bread slices, and a bowl of fruit jam on a light surface. The pastries are golden brown and look fresh.

Royal Malewane Cozy dining setup with blue placemats, green glasses, and patterned chairs. Background shows wicker furniture with striped cushions.

Vibrant living room with yellow walls, colorful couches, art, and a large TV. A table with a red-patterned bowl adds a cozy, artistic vibe.

Four people gather around a safari vehicle, pouring drinks at sunset near a lake. Bottles are visible, with a serene, golden-lit landscape.

Woman in a hat smiling in a safari jeep. Background shows two elephants by a waterhole, trees, and a clear blue sky. Warm, sunny ambiance.

2. Rockfig Safari Lodge

Nestled in the heart of the Timbavati Game Reserve, Rockfig Lodge is a hidden gem that offers a more intimate and personal safari experience.

Why Recommend Rockfig Lodge?

Intimate Setting: With only a few luxury suites, Rockfig Lodge provides a cozy atmosphere that encourages connection with nature and fellow guests.
Unique Wildlife Experiences: The reserve is known for its white lions and diverse wildlife. The knowledgeable guides share insights about the ecosystem, enhancing your understanding of this unique environment.
Eco-Friendly Approach: Rockfig Lodge prides itself on sustainable practices, including solar energy and locally sourced materials, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

Rockfig Lodge Living room with a blue sofa, green pillows, wooden table, and an animal painting. Warm lighting, earthy tones, and cozy atmosphere.

Rockfig Lodge Outdoor patio with a gray sectional sofa and colorful pillows under a wooden roof. A rustic table has vases. Trees and dry landscape visible.

Hanging wooden decor in warm tones fills the ceiling of a bar area. Two people in the background, drinks lining the wooden counter.

Travelers having lunch on the veranda at Rockfig Lodge

Outdoor patio with a table featuring Amarula bottle, glasses, pitcher of lemonade, and chocolate cups. Sign reads: "CHOCOLATE CUPS AMARULA ICED COFFEE & HOMEMADE LEMONADE."

Sundowners at Rockfig Lodge Bottles of various alcoholic drinks set against a sunset sky, including vodka, wine, gin, and juice. Silhouetted trees in the background.

Mini chocolate tarts with golden crusts on a wooden board, dusted with powdered sugar. Soft focus background, warm lighting.

Woman in beige dress and hat sits by a pool, overlooking a savannah with green trees. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are in the background at Rockfig Lodge

3. Singita

Singita is synonymous with luxury and conservation. With several lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park, Singita offers an unparalleled safari experience.

Why Recommend Singita?

Conservation Commitment: Singita invests heavily in wildlife conservation and community upliftment, making your stay feel impactful.
Stunning Architecture: Each lodge is designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape, featuring open spaces and natural materials that enhance your connection to nature.
Gourmet Dining: The culinary offerings are exceptional, with farm-to-table meals prepared using fresh, organic ingredients. Wine pairings are thoughtfully curated, ensuring a gastronomic delight.

A baby elephant stands in a dry, grassy savanna with large ears flared. The earthy tones of its skin blend with the muted background.

A person holds a green and brown chameleon on their finger. The background is blue sky. The person wears a dark blue shirt, appearing focused.

Safari jeep with people at sunrise in savannah. Hats and jackets worn. Grassland and trees visible, with a warm, serene mood.

Man in green safari outfit and hat uses binoculars, observing outdoors. Background is blurred with earthy tones. Focused and attentive mood.

Close-up of a young elephant in warm golden light, with large ears and a peaceful expression. Background blurred with earthy tones.

Silhouette of a tree against a vibrant orange sunset. The sky is streaked with dark clouds, creating a tranquil and dramatic scene.

Note with handwritten welcome message from Singita Sasakwa Lodge on a table. Decorative background with wood and ivory patterns. Warm tone.

Plate of golden, crispy arancini on a wooden stand. Blurred background shows a warm, rustic interior with candles and a ceramic vase.

Outdoor dining scene with plates of bread rolls, fries, salad, broccoli, and more. Person's hands visible, sunny ambiance.

Four-poster bed with white linens, brown decorative pillows, and a light net canopy. Room features earth tones and soft lighting.

4. Londolozi

Londolozi is a pioneer in luxury safari lodges, located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It has a rich history and a commitment to wildlife conservation that resonates with every guest.

Why Recommend Londolozi?

Family-Owned Legacy: Being one of the first private reserves in South Africa, Londolozi has a deep-rooted commitment to conservation and community, creating a unique family atmosphere.
Tailored Experiences: The lodge offers personalized safari experiences, including yoga safaris, photography workshops, and wellness programs, ensuring every guest finds something special.
Exceptional Guides: Londolozi is renowned for its highly skilled guides who provide insightful commentary on the wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem.

A rustic bar with woven chairs, pendant lights, and a stone wall. Shelves hold bottles and decor. Large plants add greenery, serene ambiance at Londolozi

Londolozi Cozy living room with large abstract painting, neutral-toned sofas, patterned cushions, wicker chairs, and a leopard statue on a wooden floor.

Londolozi Stylish living room with wicker chairs, beige sofa, patterned pillows, plants, and framed photos. Rustic ceiling and wooden floor enhance coziness.

Silhouette of a zebra standing in tall grass against an orange sunset sky. A peaceful, serene atmosphere prevails. No text visible.

Safari vehicle with six people in a grassy landscape at sunrise. The driver is in front, others seated, enjoying the view, serene atmosphere.

Leopard sitting in lush green foliage, looking to the right. Sunlight filters through the leaves, highlighting its spotted coat.

5. Camp Jabulani

For a truly unique experience, Camp Jabulani in the Kapama Private Game Reserve offers an unforgettable stay centered around elephant conservation.

Why Recommend Camp Jabulani?

Elephant Interaction: The lodge is home to a herd of rescued elephants, and guests have the opportunity to engage with these magnificent creatures in a responsible manner.
Luxurious Accommodations: The lodge features beautifully appointed suites, a spa, and gourmet dining, ensuring a luxurious experience amidst the wilderness.
Community Involvement: Camp Jabulani is dedicated to local community upliftment, providing support and education to nearby communities, making your stay impactful.

Each of these safari lodges offers a unique blend of luxury, wildlife experiences, and a commitment to conservation. As a travel photographer, I cherish the memories created at each lodge, and I encourage you to explore these incredible destinations that truly capture the essence of the African safari experience. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature, these lodges will undoubtedly exceed your expectations. Happy travels and happy photographing!

Love

Lou xxx

LUXURY SAFARI TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER