“There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.” Karen Blixen (Danish author “Out of Africa”)
As South Africa approaches winter, those in the know make plans for visiting the bush and the country’s special and vast reserves set up to protect wildlife. The days are warm and sunny, even hot and nights are cool to cold but not uncomfortably so. The night sky is bejewelled and sitting around a fire with the night sounds of the bush and grunt or roar from lion, is indescribable. Karen Blixen was right… one does feel a little heady as if from champagne. It is the mix of the unknown in the darkness, the awareness of dangerous animals around and pure magic enveloping everything. The sense of being alive and part of this magic, is palpable. It is easier to view wildlife as foliage clears and dryer conditions mean that the waterholes with their fantastic photographic opportunities, attract more game.
The Saunter recommends a combined wildlife experience with a safari at your chosen private lodge as well as time in the simple but comfortable parks board controlled reserves such as Mkuse and Huhluwe- Umfolosi in KwaZulu Natal, the renowned Kruger in the interior and Addo in the Eastern Cape. The combination of being driven by an experienced and knowledgeable ranger in a safari experience, plus self- driving through the reserves when you can stop and watch for as long as you want to, is the best.
The 5 and 4 star lodges we recommend here, are each so different. To get a full picture, click on the names next to photos and be inspired to book!
Mala Mala, begun in 1927, is the iconic private lodge and safari experience and enjoys 20km of Sand River frontage which attracts game all year round. It borders the unfenced Kruger.
Singita is almost as old and also borders the Kruger. The lodge we have selected is built with natural stone with earthy wooden tones. Suites overlook the river and food is divine. It is known for its leopard sightings.
Gorah Elephant Camp is a luxurious mix of nostalgia for the Out of Africa type experience with modern luxury. It is set within Addo which has a 600 rich elephant population. A water hole right in front of the lodge brings in a variety of game and you can observe from the verandah, drink and snacks at hand.
The next private lodges have special routes or destinations near them, so we link them differently.
Zimanga is recognized as Africa’s top lodge destination for wildlife photographers. Cleverly positioned hides including all night options, allow superb close observation of wildlife. Guests are treated like family and photographic advice if needed, makes the visual memories of this lodge, fantastic. One wildlife photographer said she did not need all her lenses as the game was so close! A visit to Zimanga should be combined with a visit to the stunning beaches of the North Coast and iSimangaliso.
4 star Sibuya is fantastic value for money. The experience starts with a boat trip from beautiful Kenton on Sea to the reserve. With a lovely river along its length, canoeing, swimming and fishing in the river is possible as there are no crocodiles. Combining this reserve with a stay in Kenton, one of South Africa’s most scenic beach areas, is good in both summer and winter.
Botlierskop is a family owned private lodge with a fantastic selection of accommodation within the game reserve, including self- catering. All ages are welcomed and families enjoy a special lodge with great facilities for kids. It is on the Garden Route so you can easily incorporate it into your Garden Route trip.
Babanango Game Reserve is partly community owned and combines well with a visit to the Anglo Boer War Battlefields. This Big 5 reserve is a re wilding success story with game introduced onto previously over grazed cattle areas. It is a fascinating area geologically too. With super lux tented lodge Madweleni, Babanango competes well with the private lodges in the Kruger. Zulu Rock is an upper 4* haven and Matetane Camp, situated on the Game Reserve’s border, outside the reserve, offers a fantastic cost effective option for families and groups on a budget.
Nambiti Hills is a 5 star intimate lodge with just 8 luxurious suites, heated pool and a spa to pamper you. The almost 10000 hectare reserve has a variety of eco zones with some very pretty areas for the big 5 to roam. Combine this lodge with the stunning Drakensberg, just 2 hours away.
Private luxury game lodges offer 2 game drives a day and the possibility of an informative walk with a ranger. Expert guides and trackers take you right to the action in open-air safari vehicles. They are remote and intimate with just a small number of guests encountering fantastic wildlife experiences. For those who want to relax in between the game drives, there is swimming and quiet reading, dozing to the sounds of the African bush, a G and T within reach and spa treatments to pamper. The top lodges offer gourmet meals and everything is included, except French champagne!
For the best deal… always book directly with the lodge or accommodation, generally. Some lodges offer fantastic winter deals to SA ID holders.
As with everything on The Saunter… only highly recommended options make it onto our guide. In these superb choices, most are big 5 reserves. We also suggest on the website, some wonderful nature reserves with a variety of buck, giraffe, zebra and other plains game. Plus … of course, all our wild places have abundant and spectacular bird life.
Cheers to a wonderful safari!
