Montusi Mountain Lodge
Come discover space, luxury and tranquillity when you visit Montusi Mountain Lodge, our accommodation in the Northern Drakensberg. Witness the natural splendour and romantic ambience of this mountain haven.
Situated midway between Johannesburg and Durban, our child-friendly lodge is one of the few destinations with a panoramic vista of the Drakensberg's most famous feature, the Amphitheatre escarpment.
Established in June 2000 by the Carte family, Montusi Mountain Lodge has created a unique opportunity for you to indulge in the freedom of the wild Drakensberg experience. It is the perfect place to simply wind down and enjoy our little bit of paradise while recharging your batteries, or getting involved with some of the activities.
Our Accommodation
We boast 16 beautifully appointed suites set in open gardens each with panoramic views of the dramatic Amphitheatre cliff face and surrounding mountains. All the suites are equipped with tea and coffee making facilities as well as a bar fridge. A minibar facility in the suite is available upon request.
Our comfortably ambient restaurant with log fireplace is renowned for much praised, sumptuous local cuisine with innovative menus. In summer we dine outside on the Phumleni with the Amphitheatre view enchanting our guests while you enjoy delicious meals. Dinners are a three-course meal served in the dining room at the main lodge.
Our Activities
The art of doing nothing is a sought after pastime which can be enjoyed at our Montusi Mountain Lodge. There is no pressure and no wake-up calls (no telephone in the room). Join us and enjoy the beautiful Drakensberg mountains from our luxury setting where you can be as active or relaxed as you choose.
The outdoor activities offered range from horse riding, hiking, birding, swimming, fishing, mountain biking and trail running to tennis and full moon walks. Alternatively relax by doing yoga or enjoying a massage, an hour or two of complete bliss await.
We believe that preservation is an integral part of conservation in the Northern Drakensberg. With this in mind, over the last 10 years invasive wattle trees have been eradicated from Montusi and the area rehabilitated by planting indigenous trees. This effort has culminated in the indigenous forests, and resultant indigenous birdlife, flourishing. Additionally, this has seen the return of mountain reedbuck, Vaal rhebuck, bushbuck and the elusive eland that have begun to populate this area once inhabited by the cultural group of the San.
Mvuu Lodge
The place of the hippo - Tucked away in Zambia, our stunning Mvuu African Safari Lodge is situated right on the banks of the Zambezi River which is home to a plethora of intriguing flora and fauna. Our friendly staff will make you feel welcome, passionate chefs conjure up superb meals, informed guides make your safari experience completely unforgettable!
The magnificent Zambezi River is undoubtedly a bucket list destination and our team would like to share this enchanting African paradise with you.
Our Accommodation
At Mvuu Lodge we live close to nature. Our luxury tented camps, self catering and bush camp accommodation is situated in a secluded location deep within the game rich Chiawa area, next to the Zambezi National Park and opposite the world heritage site of Mana Pools.
Choose between the 10 luxury stone Bemba cottages and safari tents or for self-catering the en-suite Tonga chalets which are equally comfortable and have one family unit, as well as our famous campsites. Alternatively enjoy a luxurious stay at our elegant flagship tent, Shaka Deluxe, which is tucked away from the main camp and, with its lounge area, a king size bed and two single beds, is equally ideal for a family of four or for a secluded couples retreat.
Activities
Game drives, fishing, canoeing and river cruises. Mvuu has a variety of activities for the whole family. Indigenous bush surrounds our lodge, wildlife roam freely through the camp and the almost un-spoilt, abundant river offers phenomenal game fishing, with trophy, catch and release Tiger fishing being our specialty. Alternatively relax in our swimming pool area.
Dining
Our thatched restaurant and bar, with its stunning deck that extends over the banks of the Zambezi River, is the perfect spot for absorbing those breathtaking sunsets whilst sipping a sundowner, dining out under a canopy of brightly lit stars whilst the evening fire and sounds of the bush fill the background, or for having your early morning coffee whilst the dramatic dawn announces the new day in true African splendour. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on a set menu basis, and the bar is open from 10.00 till 22:00.
If you are camping or on a self-catering package, you are more than welcome to join us at the bar or restaurant for a meal or two if you are not in the mood for cooking. Please book these meals in advance with your accommodation, so that the kitchen can plan ahead in terms of supplies.
Namib Naukluft Lodge
The Nam Nau Habitat, a 25,000 ha Private Nature Reserve bodering this World Heritage Site from the Namib Desert to the Naukluft Mountains and offers a unique and diverse desert environment for its plentiful wildlife. Two establishments: The Namib Naukluft Lodge and the Soft Adventure Camp are located on this peaceful desert reserve, both offering an unforgettable desert experience.
As the pioneer of Sossusvlei Shuttles, African Extravaganza has been operating on daily basis for 25 years to the one of the most beautiful lanscape in the world: The Sossusvlei. Your journey start from Windhoek, Swakopmund or Walvis Bay with a pleasant ride and ends with a pleasant stay in Namib Naukluft Lodge and Soft Adventure Camp, our beautiful stopover in the desert with an exceptional desert scenery.
Our Accommodation
The upmarket Namib Naukluft Lodge is located on the Nam Nau Habitat: Backed by impressive granite hills with striking views over the open desert plains. The peaceful environment and friendly staff lets you enjoy your holidays. Namib Naukluft Lodge consists of a total of 16 rooms and offers the ideal gateway to the Namib Desert for the individual traveler and small groups. All 16 rooms are ensuite. The spacious interior is tastefully furnished without being overloaded with extra frills. The king-size or twin beds are furnished with Simmons - world class mattresses dressed up with white percale cotton linen for exquisite comfort. All rooms also offer air conditioning and a fridge as well as a private veranda with inspiring views.
The main building invites you to unwind in the comfortable lounge exhibiting local decor items as well as original paintings, prints and hand-woven carpets from local artists. Delicious traditional meals are served on the veranda or prepared by the chef on the open fire in the Lapa, enhancing the feeling of a very special desert evening. The bar and in winter with a fireplace offer a cozy round-up of a great and adventurous day.
In the early morning hours, when the desert seems to wake up and stretch, the sun giving its first tender light, it is the ideal time to go for an easy walk. Well marked walking trails lead up the granite hill, around the mountain or to the nearby bird hide. This is the best time for the keen photographer!
During the heat of the day after taking part in one of the excursions the best spot to linger is at the crystal clear swimming pool which offers a sunbath as well as a cool splash!
Namib Outpost
In the middle of the 7,000 hectare private nature reserve of the Desert Homestead Lodge, bordering the Unesco World Heritage Site Namib Sand Sea, Namib Outpost opens its gates and welcomes you with casual, natural hospitality. In the adjacent wide plains you can often watch cheetah roaming the endless grass savannahs.
We cordially invite our guests to take advantage of all the activities offered by the Desert Homestead Lodge. Our facilities include a pool with sundeck, a lounge area and a restaurant. We also offer horse riding, hot-air balloon rides, sundowner drives, Sossusvlei and Naukluft excursions.
Our Accommodation
Enjoy the impressive panoramic view from one of the 12 guest houses, picturesquely situated at the foot of a mountain.
The Superior Unit of Namib Outpost was built in the style of a hideaway. A special place awaits you on approx. 90 square meters of living space. Experience the panorama of the Namib, lined with the mountains and the red dunes of Sossusvlei from the living room through a huge window, or from the 2.80 meter wide four-poster bed in the bedroom. You enter your screened, shady terrace through a separate door, which offers you a breathtaking view of the landscape or the starry sky. The superior unit is a bit remote from the other houses and will let you experience the silence and expanse of the Namib desert.
Namib's Valley of a Thousand Hills
Located 180 km southwest of Windhoek, Namib's Valley of a Thousand Hills is set in the Namib highland with a view of the Guab Valley, which is riddled with thousands of hills creating a photographer‘s heaven. This natural scenery creates a fairytale feel to a place otherwise known for its dry and arid conditions and is Namibia's youngest tourist attraction which proves to be a must see.
Our lodge is accessible by car and offers you the ideal halfway point between Sossusvlei, Walvis Bay and Windhoek.
Our Accommodation
We have a fully functioning restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a bar, an infinity pool with magnificent Namib desert views and a lounge to relax in, with a free Wi-Fi spot.
Our bungalows are placed about 300 metres away from the lodge to maximize the scenery but also to preserve privacy. Choose between three luxury en-suite bungalows with twin beds, and the three sleeper bungalow or the family unit. There are no electricity points in the bungalows. Lights and hot water is generated by solar power.
Alternatively stay at one of our three unique camp sites with structures providing shade, own ablutions wit hot water and a stunning, panoramic desert view.
Pezulu Tree House Game Lodge
Whether you're after excitement or tranquility, The small exclusive Pezulu Tree House Game Lodge is situated in the game rich area of Hoedspruit within South Africa's Limpopo Province, and is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a wide variety of experiences, being near to the world famous Kruger National Park and the scenic Panorama Route, visiting Pezulu is something you'll simply never forget.
Our Accommodation
With each tree house built around the canopy of growing trees, our unique 4 star accommodation fuses nature and comfort. Built to celebrate its surroundings, with a total of 37 people who can be accommodated, this child-friendly lodge is intentionally small, to keep the experience personal for each guest.
Children love tree houses, and ours are no exception. Give your young ones a lifelong memory to cherish with our large family tree houses, and let their imaginations run wild in the South African bush. If it's a romantic get away you are looking for, our tree houses are well spaced from each other and completely private - our honeymoon suites are especially cosy!
If you need to unwind on those hot summer days in the African bush, the magnificent rock pool is the place to be. Grab a pool lounger and let the stress melt away! Once the heat of the sun subsides, enjoy a drink at the panoramic lookout point as the sun sets over the Drakensberg mountains.
Pezulu is a one-of-a-kind place, with a friendly team who strives to provide unmatched experiences and service to ensure every minute is a memory. The thatched main building of the lodge is interweaved with a large Marula tree. Inside you'll find a cosy lounge, the reception, a dining area, a curio shop and a charming bush bar.
A delicious 3 course dinner is served under the stars around a log fire in our beautiful Boma, and if you'd like to celebrate something special, simply ask!
Pondoro Game Lodge
Welcome to the majesty of the South African bush and the award winning Pondoro Game Lodge in the Balule Nature Reserve. Expect an intimate and luxurious safari adventure like no other, a truly bespoke experience. We strive to provide the perfect balance for those looking for a getaway that is both romantic and exclusive, while offering you a wide range of activities ranging from safari drives to romantic picnics at our tree house hide.
Our Accommodation
At Pondoro Game Lodge you will have the opportunity to choose from 5 truly luxurious suites. All our suites are air-conditioned and offer modern comforts in an exquisite African wildlife setting. Each suite has a private patio, lounge area, an outside shower and Jacuzzi built into the wooden deck in front of the suites facing the river. This is truly game lodge accommodation at its finest. Each suite offers complete privacy to compliment the romantic setting.
Pondoro Game Lodge also has three tastefully designed chalets decorated in keeping with the African aesthetic and overlooking the Olifants River. All chalets have en-suite bathrooms (with a shower and bath overlooking the river), air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck.
Pondoro boasts an overnight Treehouse Hide Experience as well. This hide overlooks a spotlit waterhole in the middle of the bush and is a must for those with a taste for adventure. Your adventure will begin after dinner with a late night drive to the hide. You will be picked up again during the morning safari.
The lodge was awarded the Best Small and Exclusive Property in Africa, Asia and the Middle East at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026.
Our Facilities
With no boundary fences between Balule Private Nature Reserve (50 000ha) and the Kruger National Park a great diversity of wildlife is found here. Game drives on our safaris traverse an area of 10 000 hectares (24 700 acres) and strict vehicle limits at sightings ensure the exclusivity of your game viewing experience. Off-road driving on most areas enables the best possible view of any exceptional sighting and rangers are constantly in 2-way radio communication with each other to keep track of animal movements. Our experienced guides will not only use all their vast knowledge and bush craft to try and show you the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) and other plains game such as zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, but they will do their best to paint memories of an Africa that will never fade away.
Dining at Pondoro promises a fusion of Traditional African Cuisine and modern European trends. Vegetarians are specially catered for. To compliment the food, wine can be selected from our extensive wine cellar. Our bar also stocks a selection of some of the finest Whiskies in the world; whether you’re looking for an exquisite blend or smoky single malt. After dinner you’ll be able to relax with a Cuban cigar and enjoy a glass of Port or Cognac, should that be your fancy. All meals are served on a wooden deck high up in the tree canopy overlooking the Olifants River. An unforgettable bush dinner will await those who stay for a third night.
Serenity Spa at Pondoro Game Lodge offers an indulgent escape from the wild, where one is surrounded by elegant décor and cascading waterfalls to create a relaxing ambient environment. Revitalize your mind, body and soul with classic Southern African spa treatments. Our exclusive personal approach incorporates innovative and authentic spa and face treatments which range from a glass covered steam room, a spa bath under the wide African sky to a massage in the privacy of your room.
Pondoro Game Lodge is a private wedding or honeymoon destination that offers the finest safari experience on a scale that delivers an intimate experience. Your African honeymoon safari will be tailored according to your needs and we will ensure that no stone will be left unturned in your quest for the perfect, romantic honeymoon. Allow us to spoil you with a romantic private river dinner, a candlelit romantic bath in your suite and a whole lot of other honeymoon surprises. We will tailor a romantic safari wedding that will exceed your wildest dreams.
Pumba Private Game Reserve
Awake to the sounds of the African bush veld as the sun makes its appearance on the horizon bringing with it the prospect of another perfect day. Eco friendly Pumba Private Game Reserve, a proud member of the Green Leaf Conservation Initiative, is set 19 km southwest of Makhanda (also known as Grahamstown) and an hour from Gqeberha, in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, and provides an intimate African safari experience never to be forgotten.
The reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five as well as rare white lions, hippos, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, various antelopes and more than 300 bird species. Feel the heartbeat of nature as you explore the reserve in custom land rovers or on guided walking safaris.
Our Accommodation
We offer 5 star luxury accommodation. There are two lodges on the reserve, Bush Lodge and Water Lodge. Both are equally luxurious whilst being completely individual in look and feel.
Msenge Bush Lodge offers 11, glassed enclosed, thatched chalets, which flow naturally into the African Bushveld, offering intimate and private accommodation. Dreamy bathrooms, warm fireplaces and luxury bedrooms opening onto private timber decks with plunge pools and outdoor showers combine to create a tranquil and romantic hideaway in the African bushveld.
Set amongst dense bushveld overlooking Lake Cariega, Pumba Water Lodge offers 12 stone walled, thatched chalets, boasting expansive views over the lake. Each chalet has its own private viewing deck, an outdoor shower and plunge pool, is individually designed and unique with spacious bathrooms and cosy fireplaces for those colder winter evenings.
Our Activities & Services
There are two game drives per day included in a stay at Pumba, providing you the opportunity to see various different animals as well as participate in other exciting activities.
Experience the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat while exploring the reserve in an open Land Rover. Our passionate rangers are committed to providing guests with memorable wildlife encounters.
Also enjoy bush walks, nocturnal game drives, birding or photographic safaris, star gazing, bass fishing, archery or our seven fountains tour to our local community.
Unwind and relax afterwards at the Nature’s Health Spa, a sanctuary of serenity at Bush Lodge. There is nothing like a soothing treatment with aromatic products in an uplifting atmosphere to revitalize your body, mind and spirit.
Whether dining indoors or under the starlit sky, meals at Pumba are simply sublime. Enjoy African fusion cuisine with an Eastern Cape flair complemented by a superb selection of local wines from our Director’s Cellar.
Weddings & Conferences
We believe there is nothing more romantic than a safari setting for the start of your ‘Happily Ever After’. Say your vows in the heart of the African bushveld, celebrate your union in timeless African style, create incredible memories against the iconic safari sunset backdrop and slow dance under a starlit sky.
Conferencing at Pumba Private Game Reserve is synonymous with luxury, exclusivity and adventure. Your next corporate strategy session or function can be surrounded by the tranquillity of nature, wildlife and the beauty of the African bush. Break away from the norm and opt for a unique conferencing experience on safari.
Raptor Retreat Game Lodge
Escape from the ever-moving and bustling cities to our Raptor Retreat Game Lodge within the African bush of the Balule Parsons Nature Reserve, a place where time seems to stand still and part of the Greater Kruger National Park to which we offer easy access to its gates. Experience the thrill of the untamed animals looking you in the eye, making you feel the true beauty of being alive while luxuriating in absolute comfort. Raise your awareness of the wild breathing around you and acknowledge that these animals share a heartbeat just like yours.
We are situated in the Mopani region, approximately 40 km north of Hoedspruit and only a 4 km game drive from the banks of the Olifants River.
Our Accommodation
Our owner-managed game lodge offers you excellent service and luxurious accommodation, delving into wilderness and ranging from two private, air-conditioned lodges, each with their own splash pool, to an exclusive safari tent and an air-conditioned two bedroom cottage. You will feel right at home with comfortable accommodation set deep in the African bush, game drives etching you into the ebullience of your surroundings and the careful touch of true hospitality.
Safari Activities
With the possibility of having the Big 5 on your doorstep and an abundance of birdlife all around you, feel free to explore by booking a guided game drive or bush walk, accompanied by an experienced ranger, promising you much more than just a game viewing experience. This unspoiled corner of South Africa is also renowned for its abundance of wildlife, mountainous scenery with cascading waterfalls, indigenous forests and diverse cultures.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Experience with us a luxury safari in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Big 5 Park, the oldest nature reserve in Africa. Our Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the only private lodge in the iconic Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. Situated on the western boundary, our game lodge offers a chic alternative to the traditional park visit, with exciting extra options thrown in.
Our Accommodation
What sets Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge apart is a breathtaking combination of its expansive natural views and visionary architecture which strategically makes the most of its prime position overlooking the local drinking hole and wild game of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. The exquisite surrounding wilderness is brought into the lodge by incorporating open spaces and maximising the expansive views over the reserve. Accommodation rates include two game drives per day.
As a luxury safari lodge, we make every effort to ensure that our guests enjoy a true African safari experience - without compromising on luxury and comfort. The lodge features slick, contemporary design and boasts a deck that extends along one side of the lodge, an 11 metre infinity lap pool and a sundeck as well as a spa.
The 18 modern guest rooms are nestled high up on the ridge with views of the game reserve and offer utmost privacy. Choose between four room types: 2 honeymoon villas nestled in the indigenous bush with private plunge pools overlooking the reserve; 8 glamorous bush villas with deep baths and open fireplaces; 4 safari rooms with showers opening out onto the bushveld; and 2 child-friendly safari suites ideal for families.
Activities
At Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, we want you to have the opportunity to have a taste of the places, people, fauna and flora of wildest Africa. Our safaris through the Big 5 Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park are all about that you enjoy truly what Africa has to offer. That’s why we offer a range of activities to enrich your stay with us, including guided gorge and bush trail walks, game drives and cultural experiences. Our Zulu homestays give you the unique opportunity to step into the world of a traditional Zulu family.
The Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park is home to an incredible array of creatures great and small, including the Big 5. Whether on an interesting safari drive, on a bush walk, or even from the comfort of your room, the exciting sightings will make your trip a memorable one.
Wellness
Complete your Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge experience with a rejuvenating wellness treatment in our in-huose Spa. Best of all, our tranquil treatment rooms overlook the African bushveld below. Where else can you spot a rhino, giraffe or zebras while indulging in the ultimate relaxation on your spa holiday in South Africa?
Rhino River Lodge
Situated 30kms north of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, our family-owned and operated Big 5 Rhino River Lodge is located in the magnificent, 23,000-hectare Manyoni Private Game Reserve in the very heart of Zululand. This area is renowned for its African wildlife and rich cultural heritage.
Our relaxed safari lodge has a reputation for excellent customer service and superior value for money. Experience South Africa at its best, amongst untamed nature and warm hospitality. Join us for our guided game drives in an open safari vehicle, where a knowledgeable ranger will show you the Big 5 and many other African animals and birds. Enjoy hearty South African cuisine highlighting local ingredients, served under the stars around a campfire. Indulge in a comfortable night’s sleep in our well-appointed safari accommodation.
Accommodation
Rhino River Lodge offers three types of accommodation to suit our guests’ various needs. Guests can choose from double en-suite luxury rooms, family chalets or one of our two-bedroom private safari homes (the Cottage and the Homestead). The camp accommodates a maximum of 24 people at any time. Our game lodge grounds sprawl through an area of thick riverine vegetation, rich with bird and animal life, and filled with magnificent fig and fever trees. The grounds include the reception with curio shop, a swimming pool, a dining room with bar and a guest lounge. Wi-Fi is also available.
Safari Activities
We have become one of the premier wildlife viewing destinations in Kwa-Zulu Natal and feature beautiful varied landscapes from acacia thornveld to open savannah and riverine forest. Game drives are regulated by the reserve and coordinated by ecotourism businesses to minimize the impact on the environment and the wildlife and to provide guests a better and more intimate game viewing experience.
While on a guided safari at Rhino River Lodge you will have the opportunity to not only see the Big 5 - rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard and lion, but also cheetahs, wild dogs and much more game. Your day will begin just before the sun rises as guests meet up at the main lodge area for a cup of coffee or tea and freshly baked muffin before the three hour morning game drive begins at first light, which includes a midway coffee/tea break.
Upon returning to camp, enjoy a full English-style breakfast. After breakfast the day is yours to relax and at approximately 1:30 a light lunch will be served. The afternoon game drive begins about 2.5 hours before sunset. Just before sunset the game drive vehicle will stop for a special safari tradition, the sundowner. As the sun sets, take in the air, sights and sounds of the African bush while having a refreshing beverage. The drive will continue on for a short while after the sun sets, in search of the more rarely observed nocturnal animals.
Back at camp, a hearty three-course dinner is served, weather-permitting, under the stars around the campfire under the stars. After dinner, you are welcome to join us around the campfire for a night cap.
Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve
Situated in pristine wilderness about 9 km northeast of Lavumisa, our very uncommercialised Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve in the Kingdom of eSwatini emphasizes on conservation as well as preservation, comprises of 5 ecosystems on Lake Jozini and offers privately owned lodges for short stays.
Our Accommodation
For bush break accommodation, Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve provides varied types of accommodation ranging from a self-catering tented camp for 16 guests and a bush lodge cottage for 2, to 4-bedroomed bush lodges each sleeping 8 people. These private homes are surrounded by African wildlife, while still offering you all the comfort and luxury you would anticipate when booking that well-deserved getaway in Africa. The are housekeepers and domestic help on hand to assist wherever necessary, and all lodges are supplied with quality towels, linen, drinkable water and more.
We are totally OFF GRID and each game reserve bush home accommodation is eco-friendly, has a boma with a braai (barbecue) area as well as modern amenities. Don’t want to cook? Royal Jozini has one lodge where you can bring your drinks and food with which the head housekeeper will prepare and cook your breakfast and dinner each day! This lodge is also suitable for group bookings and conferences which are catered for.
Our Activities
Game drives - The Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve is split into two areas, the exclusion zone known as East Shore Reserve which has no elephants inside, and the rest of the reserve which is an active elephant zone. For an independent stay at the game lodges, you can explore the East shore section of the wildlife reserve in your own vehicle, with roads interweaving through the game reserve at the base of the Lebombo Mountains and with spectacular African bush scenery. You are most likely to see zebras, wildebeests, warthogs, nyalas, impalas, differents bucks and a huge variety of birds. Take binoculars to spot hippos and crocodiles at the lake. As our elephants are not habituated and the West Shore Reserve has thick bush thickets and narrow, windy roads we encourage visitors to book a guided game drive if you wish to traverse areas outside of the exclusion zone.
Activities at Lake Jozini include game cruises at sunrise or sunset, providing unforgettable game viewing. Lake levels, wind and water conditions determine boat launching.
Bush walkabouts - Take a hike or a stroll and breathe in the beauty of the African bushveld! Check with us where it is safe to take a walk. There are elephants in the non-exclusion zone of the reserve and occasionally buffalo are seen in the exclusion zone.
Indulge your senses in spotting as many of Eswatini’s 450 resident bird species as you can! 300 species alone have been spotted within the five ecosystems of Royal Jozini!
Pedal power rules here! Explore our game reserve with a mountain bike. According to the conservation rules, NO motorbikes or quad bikes are permitted! Check with us which areas are free of elephants.
With its 27 species of fish, including a remarkable Tiger Fish population, Lake Jozini promises an excellent opportunity for passionate fishermen. Reputedly the best freshwater fighting fish and an exclusively African game-fish, the Tiger Fish poses a memorable challenge for adrenaline seekers but please do check with us on the water level of Lake Jozini. Drought years may mean that the levels are too low to launch a boat. If conditions are good, you’re welcome to bring your own boat, or book a charter. Please note fishing and/or a boat charter is only available to staying guests and must be provisionally booked in advance.
Alternatively, chill at your lodge, take a dip in the pool, have a braai, relax around a boma fire and make memories that last!
Sacred Mountain Lodge
Down a quiet country lane, a stone’s throw from an incredible expanse of white sands and turquoise sea, embraced by magnificent mountains to its back and sides, lies the lush valley of Noordhoek, and at its heart: Sacred Mountain Lodge. This tranquil and enchanting experience is steeped in history, holding many secrets of the Valley’s past. Surrounded by the peaks of Table Mountain National Park on three sides and the ocean to the front, approaching from Chapman’s Peak Drive, the views and sunsets across the waters are nothing short of spectacular!
All of our accommodation offer beautiful and tranquil forested garden views.
Sacred Mountain Lodge in Noordhoek has an enviable position surrounded by the peaks of Table Mountain National Park on three sides and the ocean to the front.
Our suites and cottages are luxurious and comfortably furnished. Start your day with a rich breakfast, served in your room or in our indigenous garden and enjoy a relaxing evening with your private barbecue.
Samara Karoo Reserve
Welcome to a unique BIG5 African safari experience 55 km from Graaff-Reinet in South Africa's Great Karoo semi-desert. Samara Karoo Reserve is an award-winning conservation journey in a heart-stoppingly beautiful setting. Born in 1997 of a desire to restore the Great Karoo to its former glory, this private game reserve has pioneered the rewilding of a landscape that had been turned over to agriculture for the best part of three centuries.
Assembling 11 farms totalling 67,000 acres, Samara’s founders vowed to restore the magic of this place, embarking on an ambitious programme of land restoration and wildlife reintroduction. Today, thousands of wild animals roam this born-again wilderness and Samara is working with local stakeholders to extend the conservation ethic to over 3 million acres. 26 guests at a time are invited to join Samara’s conservation journey and help to shape it for the future.
Whether you want to go on safari with the whole family or on foot, you are looking for a romantic retreat and want to sleep under the stars, have a bush picnic or would like to celebrate a special occasion or even experience the game reserve on a mountain bike, Samara is a BIG 5 game reserve where guests get their own private piece of Africa to play in.
Luxury Accommodation
Two intimate, five-star and owner-run lodges, with a true sense of place and sleeping 26 people, offer a quintessentially warm Karoo welcome, with myriad activities on offer to explore, entertain and educate. Whilst on safari at Samara you will bask in the exclusivity of being one of few people in a vast wilderness of the African bushveld.
The Karoo Lodge
Encircled by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, the lovingly renovated farmhouse sits in perfect harmony with its wild surrounds and lies on the first property bought by the Tompkins family when they started Samara in 1997. Combining modern day comforts with a rustic and welcoming feel, Karoo Lodge is the perfect place to relax and allow the tranquillity of the Karoo to envelop you – on the wide verandah in summer or by the cosy fire in winter. With 9 double rooms of varying sizes, it caters for individual travellers, couples and families.
The Manor House
Contemporary style meets Karoo living in the Manor House which can also be booked exclusively. This luxury villa offers a contemporary take on Karoo living, sleeping up to 8 guests in comfort and style. The villa opens up into two living areas and two smaller breakaway lounging alcoves. In summer large glass doors are cast wide open to the patio, with a large infinity pool, and in the winter months you can unwind by the fireplace where a crackling fire burns. Dining takes places in a well-appointed dining room adjacent to the comfortable bar area. There is also a small breakfast room next to the kitchen, which can double up as a study.
When the weather is fair, candlelit dinners are set up on the verandah, on the lawn under the purple-flowered Jacaranda tree or out in the bush beneath a star-studded sky. A Karoo-style boma, fashioned out of an old water reservoir, is the perfect place for pre-dinner drinks around the fire.
Reconnecting with Nature
Regenerating South Africa's Great Karoo region through rewilding and responsible tourism - In staying at Samara, every guest plays a role in safeguarding the landscape in perpetuity. Yet for those who visit, Samara’s magic extends beyond its conservation importance. To immerse oneself in this soulful landscape of infinite horizons is to experience a recalibration of the frantic modern mindset and a deep reconnection with nature.
Our aim is for every guest to leave Samara Karoo Reserve empowered by the healing energy of nature, having reconnected with what's truly important.
Sani Valley Nature Lodges
If you are looking for a luxury private lodge in the most magnificent setting that also caters to your ideal level of seclusion, then the Sani Valley Nature Lodges are the place for you!
Our private nature lodges are only a two hours drive from Durban. They sit within the malaria-free dramatic Drakensberg mountain range, border a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are the closest luxury lodges to the famous Sani Pass.
Our Accommodation
Enjoy a memorable experience at our Sani Valley Nature Lodges offering you very comfortable accommodation, delicious food and breathtaking scenery. Remember to pack your camera!
We provide all the facilities that let you select your level of seclusion and isolation. Our five spacious lodges have different open-plan layouts and are individually dotted around a large lake, giving you true privacy. Each lodge provides a different aspect and panoramic view of the spectacular Drakensberg mountains.
Choose between fully or semi-catered and self-catering options where you have your own full kitchen, meaning you select the level of interaction with food and chefs. If you do not want to cater for yourself delicious breakfast dishes and taste bud-tingling dinners are prepared with great care by our kitchen. No Michelin star chef is on call, just yummy dishes prepared with top-quality local ingredients.
Our club house offers a great central dining facility downstairs with glass sliding doors linking a protected lake-side veranda. The club house can comfortably seat 60 people for dinner parties, mini conferences, company parties or milestone celebrations like birthdays, wedding parties or other private events.
The upstairs area offers a great bar facility, a large TV to watch your favourite sporting event, comfortable couches, great fishing memorabilia and a decked veranda, with wonderful views onto the Drakensberg mountains and down the Sani Valley across the lake. The bar is not stocked permanently but can be on request. Our motorized boats are parked securely in the boat house directly on the water. For all boat and fishing rod hire, please enquire at reception.
Outdoor Activities
Get in touch with your wild side! Enjoy the freedom of 260 acres of lake, surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and game. Game viewing, fishing, horse riding and bird watching are only a few of the activities on offer at Sani Valley Nature Lodges.
We doen't have the big five, but you will be able to walk among the zebra, wildebeest, eland, springbok and many other antelopes within our well stocked boundary fence. Sani Valley offers some of best game viewing and bird watching in the Drakensberg region.
Alternatively, pamper yourself with a soothing massage by one of our experienced masseurs on your private deck overlooking the lake. Or enjoy the warmth and bubbles of a soothing hot tub and let the powerful jets massage your cares away! Our lodges Lakeside, Early Mist and Bushman all boast a private and easy-to-operate Jacuzzi to help you relax and unwind on holiday in South Africa.
If clean air and no crowds is what you are looking for, then come and visit us.
Sentinel Mara Camp
Enjoy authentic Out of Africa safari elegance close to nature at the luxury, owner-run and eco-friendly Sentinel Mara Camp & Safaris, which is tucked away in a riverine forest within the Big 5 Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Our Accommodation
Apart from the safari lounge, fine dining tents, gourmet bush picnics, 3 lounge tents where Wi-Fi as well as charging facilities are available, and game viewing or Maasai cultural activities, this gorgeous boutique camp offers excellent privacy with 8 spacious en-suite safari tents facing the Mara River as well as 2 forest facing tents. Each tent is tastefully furnished with campaign furniture to capture the romance and adventure of a bygone era.
This excellent safari camp is situated in the prime Musiara Marsh area of the Masai Mara National Reserve, renowned for its outstanding game viewing. It is here where both the BBC "Big Cat Diaries" and Disney's "African Cats" were filmed. You are assured of an excellent game viewing experience. During the annual migration, various crossing points are easily accessible from Sentinel.
The camp itself is set up along the Mara River with wonderful bird life and the private and natural setting ensures that you have a most enjoyable, authentic experience of the African bush. Being on high banks above the river means that there are always hippos and crocodiles in the river below to be seen with other animals coming to drink, or crossing the river at times.
Our Activities
In addition to time spent relaxing at the camp with the river and wildlife seen from this amazing location, there are a number of activities for you to enjoy. Our bespoke approach to safari hospitality means that each group enjoys a personalized and flexible experience to match their particular preferences while at our camp.
Daily game drives can be complimented by guided bush walks in a nearby area with our naturalist, or a bird walk in the forest around our precincts. We offer a longer walk on the escarpment with amazing vistas of the savannah plains.
You can also visit a Masai village for an opportunity to see their lifestyle and learn about their customs and culture. A balloon safari with champagne breakfast is another option. Our passionate and well qualified guides are always ready to engage in conversation ranging from history and current affairs to culture and conservation in a way that is entertaining and educational. They have a whole range of stories to tell you!
Shikwari Nature Reserve
Situated close to Kruger Park and the Panorama Route, our Shikwari Nature Reserve offers two camps as well as giraffes and other African wildlife such as zebras, wildebeests, kudus, impalas, nyalas, waterbucks, bush bucks and steenboks as well as duikers and ostriches plus many birds. A full breakfast and dinner are offered and usually served al fresco on the veranda or deck Boma. Enjoy a friendly, relaxed service in amazing bushveld surroundings where we also have wonderful areas for celebrations and weddings.
Our Accommodation
Shikwari Suites, 4 star rated with the TGCSA - Free Wi-Fi is available for both camps in the lounge/veranda area of this main camp. Relax on the shady lodge veranda taking in the view and cool off in the pool with an amazing view. All meals are taken at this camp. The breakfast is a buffet Continental and a plated English; dinner is a 2 course meal - main and dessert, including homemade bread and dips as an appetizer.
Six luxury thatched suites are tucked into the natural bush, are decorated with stylish furniture and offer each a private bathroom and outdoor shower, a small patio, a mini fridge stocked on request as well as a choice of beds with percale linen. Enjoy the hospitality tray with fresh ground coffee, a French coffee press, a choice of quality teas and homemade cookies. There is also a turndown service with homemade nougat/chocolates and a paid laundry service. Guests at this camp are only booked on a half board option.
Please note there is no capacity for more than 2 adults neither in the suites nor in the rondavels - However, 2 children, between 5 and 12 years, may share each unit with their parents or an older sibling.
Pangolin Rondavels - These are in a separate area from the Shikwari Suites and not graded. This comfortable budget option camp is located approximately 500 meters from the main lodge and offers 4 traditional thatched rondavels grouped around a pool.
There is no television or Wi-Fi in this camp. However these are available at the Shikwari Suites lounge, including satellite premium DSTV and free Internet connection. This camp consists of two rondavels with bush bathroom - with outdoor shower, covered toilet and basin, plus the other two rondavels share a separate bathroom as well as an outdoor shower.
Beds offer percale linen and towels are supplied. All rooms have a wardrobe, seating, ceiling fans and a hospitality tray with kettle, milk, coffee and teas. One room is air-conditioned.
A Boma is available for braais (barbecues) where guests need to bring their own braai tools, tableware and charcoal. Breakfast is included in the Pangolin rate and there is a half board option as well. All guests take meals booked at the main Shikwari Suites camp.
Activities
Guided game walks are available at the lodge and trips to Kruger National Park with our FGASA guide in an open game vehicle. The reserve is also close to many other exciting day trips such as the Panorama Route and the Graskop Gorge Lift, Blyde boat cruise, Jessica Hippo, Hoedspruit Endangered Species, Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation and Echo Caves plus some exciting adventure options such as quad biking, paintball and abseiling as well as canopy tours. Please note: We are unable to accept day visitors.
Sibuya Game Reserve
After arriving at the reception of our breathtakingly beautiful and malaria-free Sibuya Game Reserve in Kenton-on-Sea, you embark on a 45 minute boat cruise along the Kariega River. Sibuya is one of the country’s most unique safari destinations. From its reception near the ocean, it is unique in that it has more navigable river than any other game reserve in South Africa. Consequently, with nearly 400 different species, as a birding destination it is hard to beat. It is also a sanctuary to an abundance of diverse wildlife from elephants to otters, and almost everything in between, including the Big Five, which guarantees you fantastic game-viewing experiences.
Our Accommodation
We offer accommodation in two luxury tented camps as well as superb cuisine. On arrival at either the Forest Camp or River Camp, you will settle first into your luxury en-suite tent on a raised wooden deck, and then proceed to a scrumptious buffet-style lunch. With just four tents at River Camp or eight luxury tents at Forest Camp, our guests are ensured of a secluded and personalised stay.
Almost exclusively run on solar power, both camps do not make allowance for Wi-Fi, air conditioning, fans, hairdryers and the like. Guests are invited to relax and enjoy the simplicity of life without these modern conveniences. We highly recommend if you require these extra features choose rather to stay at our secluded and luxurious bush lodge which has grid electricity and caters to these needs.
Guests staying at our luxury, thatched bush ldge, lying in a pristine valley just outside the main reserve, enjoy a short transfer with their guide in a game drive vehicle from the river to their lodge where a delicious buffet-style lunch awaits. As the bush lodge has only five suites, you will be spoilt by the professional and friendly, ensuring a memorable stay.
Activities
Sibuya’s extremely knowledgeable and professional guides share their passion on personalised and informative game drives, a variety of relaxing or exciting activities and exclusive boat trips. Relax afterwards by the pool or in a hammock.
Volunteering
As part of a gap year, a sabbatical or eco travelling, the Sibuya Wilderness Experience offers volunteers the unique and exciting opportunity to get behind the scenes and involved with the conservation efforts of Sibuya Game Reserve. This is the perfect eco volunteer program for you, if you are looking for a meaningful travel opportunity abroad that puts your passion for nature, environment and wildlife to good use, trying to make a difference.
Spion Kop Lodge
Experience an unmatched getaway between Ladysmith and Winterton. Situated on an expansive 700 hectare game farm, our Spion Kop Lodge is set against the backdrop of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains on the Kwazulu-Natal battlefields route. Our lodge offers visitors an awesome sense of space and beauty, supreme comfort and warm hospitality as well as the perfect base from which you are able to explore the battlefields, berg, bush and birds of this region of Kwazulu-Natal.
The turn of the century farmhouse has been beautifully restored in Natal colonial style. The converted barn now forms the magnificent dining room that boasts spectacular views. Guests savour fine cuisine and excellent service whilst appreciating the African landscape and battlefields.
Our Accommodation
We offer 9 luxurious, double en-suite guest rooms as well as two individually furnished and appointed Colonial style chalets which are located in the park-like grounds, each ensure luxury en-suite accommodation in an out-of-Africa setting, with the majestic Drakensberg mountains nearby. You have the choice between full board or self-catering facilities.
Cool down in the natural rock pool surrounded by water features. Enjoy a quiet drink at the pub or spend time in the historic library.
Activities
There are a multitude of activities on offer such as sunset boat cruises on the Spion Kop Dam and game viewing amongst rhinos, giraffes and a variety of antelopes as well as over 320 bird species.
Conferencing & Events
Our well equipped conference venue near the Drakensberg offers exceptional packages and team building activities to suit all guests and ensure a successful conference in South Africa. The venue can accommodate up to 40 delegates. The lodge and game farm also offer an ideal wedding venue.
History
The Battlefields Experience - Relive the memories on the historic battlefields route and walk in the footsteps of three great leaders, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and Geneneral Louis Botha. Your host, Raymond, or his son, Alastair, will accompany you to the many historic sights. Tours to the various battlefields can be made on horseback or in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.
Teufelskrallen Lodge
The tents of the Teufelskrallen Lodge are located on the first westernmost Kalahari dune and offer their guests a panoramic view of the endless expanse and the spreading Kalahari. The fully furnished and comfortably equipped tents have a large viewing terrace and a private bathroom. A short walkway connects the tent house with the bathroom.
Reception, restaurant and pool are located in the "old farmhouse", which is 3 km from the tents. On hikes and off-road drives that start from the Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge, guests can experience the breathtaking beauty of the Kalahari with the up to 30m high red dunes and the rich population of wild animals.
Our Accommodation
The six modern and spacious tents are comfortable and very tastefully furnished. Tent and glass are the determining elements and make it possible to experience overnight stays on the first and westernmost dune of the Kalahari. You have your own bathroom, which you can reach through a wooden walkway. The tents are equipped with a refrigerator and a minibar. The tent conveys a safari feeling, but also sufficient comfort to feel rested.