10 Amazing Game Lodges – Pictures to Inspire

10 Amazing Game Lodges (in no particular order):

1. Safari Lodge at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
2. Thanda Private Game Reserve
3. Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands Private Game Reserve
4. Tree Camp at Londolozi Private Game Reserve
5. Msenge Bush Lodge at Pumba Private Game Reserve
6. The Motse at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
7. Gorah Elephant Camp
8. Dwyka Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
9. Tinga Private Game Lodge
10. Nguni River Lodge

Please bare in mind that this is a subjective list, not a definitive list – there are hundreds of outstanding game lodges in South Africa. It is not my intention to offend other game lodge owners, but rather to inspire travellers with the beauty of our country.

1. Safari Lodge at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve

Safari Lodge is located beneath a canopy of ancient trees on the edge of a dry riverbed. The rooms are built ‘tree house’ style and you really get the feeling of being at the heart of life in the bush. Your room will provide fascinating views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby watering hole. Owned by Sir Richard Branson, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is set in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, bordering the sprawling Kruger National Park.

2. Thanda Private Game Reserve

Winner of Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge in South Africa and South Africa’s Leading Safari Lodge at The World Travel Awards, Thanda Private Game Reserve is situated on a 7800 hectare Big Five private game reserve in northern KwaZulu Natal. The nine luxury bush villas at the main lodge each have a private infinity pool, viewing deck, private sala (thatched outdoor day bed area), lounge, fireplace and full bathroom with both inside and outside showers.

3. Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands Private Game Reserve

The international award winning Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is ultra luxurious, yet simple and uncluttered. The Lodge comprises six generously sized privately situated villas, each with a separate living room, heated swimming pool and an open plan en-suite bathroom with an enclosure for the outdoor shower – 6-star luxury in the middle of the bush – with breathtaking views of the Sabie River.

4. Tree Camp at Londolozi Private Game Reserve

Londolozi Private Game Reserve is an unashamedly exclusive and luxurious safari destination covering 14 000 hectares in the heart of the game-rich 56 000 hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Tree Camp is so named because of the dense riverine forest environment and most notably the ancient Ebony Tree shading the camp and offers six lavish suites elevated 70 feet above the Sand River.

5. Msenge Bush Lodge at Pumba Private Game Reserve

Nestled in the heart of the malaria-free Eastern Cape, Pumba Private Game Reserve is a hidden gem offering the ultimate in African Safari luxury. Msenge Bush Lodge offers 11 exclusive chalets, which flow naturally into the African bushveld, allowing you to become one with nature. Dreamy bathrooms with magnificent views, luxury bedrooms opening onto private timber decks complete with plunge pools and outdoor showers.

6. The Motse at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest privately owned game reserve, situated in the heart of the malaria-free Northern Cape. Designed to blend inconspicuously into the mountain range surrounding the game reserve, the Motse consists of eight spacious suites, all designed with a distinct and elegant African character.

7. Gorah Elephant Camp

The incomparable thrill of quietly observing a passing herd of elephant while being served tea on the verandah of a stately Colonial manor house is the stuff of dreams and legends – at Gorah it’s an everyday occurrence. Sheltered beneath thatched canopies, Gorah’s 11 tented suites are luxurious and spacious, recalling the golden era of safari in the early 1900s.

8. Dwyka Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

The sheer expanse (54,000 hectares) and stark beauty of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, in the Klein Karoo of the Western Cape, gives one a sense of humbleness. Dwyka Lodge comprises of 9 luxurious and secluded tents, which exude an atmosphere of pioneering adventure in this vast landscape. Each luxury tent has its own private deck, outdoor shower and plunge pool.

9. Tinga Private Game Lodge

Tinga Private Game Lodge is located on a 5000 hectare private concession on the banks of the Sabie River, in the prime game-viewing area in the Kruger National Park. Tinga’s two exclusive Lodges, Legends and Narina, each comprises nine suites which are well spaced to ensure complete privacy. Each suite has an en-suite bathroom and a double shower, a separate lounge, heated plunge pool and private viewing deck.

10. Nguni River Lodge

Nguni River Lodge is situated in the Greater Addo Elephant Park, an area well known for its high concentration of elephants together with its conservation efforts to re-introduce species lost in the past. There are 8 luxurious suites, each with an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, private balcony, fireplace, stone bath and private plunge pool.

Useful Links:
South Africa Game Reserves
South Africa Hotels
South Africa Accommodation

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• South Africa Game Reserves & Lodges
• Game Drive photograph by Justin Cohen