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Southern Africa Safari Stays – My Top Recommendations

27 items

Cornelia Van Zyl

As a South African who’s had the privilege of staying at some truly breathtaking safari lodges, I’ve put together my favourite picks for unforgettable wildlife experiences and luxurious comfort. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family adv...

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Sections

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Okavango Delta, Botswana

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Kruger National Park, South Africa

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Kruger National Park a couple of times. Spanning nearly two million hectares, it’s home to the Big Five, and offers both guided and self-drive safaris. Whether you're seeking budget-friendly camping or luxurious lodg...

Experience wildlife like never before at Kruger National Park, South Africa, spot lions, elephants, rhinos, and more in one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Go on an early morning game drive, animals are most active at sunrise, and the go...

Kruger National Park

Nyati Safari Lodge, Hoedspruit is an authentic safari experience. Luxury lodges, guided game drives, and breathtaking bush views make it unforgettable. Book a morning game drive to see predators at their most active and enjoy a quiet sunrise over the...

Nyati Safari Lodge, Hoedspruit

My Secret Safari Spot: Wilderness Lebombo! Perched on Kruger’s cliffs with jaw-dropping River views. Contemporary suites? Check. Epic game drives? Absolutely. But their walking safaris are next-level magic. My heart-pounding dose of untamed Africa. F...

Lebombo Luxury Lodge & Safari | Kruger National Park | Singita

Experience true bush luxury at Tomo Safari Lodge. Elegant safari suites, exceptional game drives, and incredible wildlife sightings make it a standout choice for an unforgettable safari escape. Book an early morning game drive, that’s when predators ...

Tomo Safari Lodge, Hoedspruit

Kruger Shalati was truly one of the most unique stays I’ve ever experienced. Sleeping in a luxuriously restored train carriage suspended above the Sabie River felt surreal. I’ll never forget sipping my morning coffee on the deck while watching elepha...

Kruger Shalati - Train on The Bridge & Garden Suites

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Having visited Sabi Sand multiple times, I can confidently say it’s one of the best safari destinations for leopard sightings in the wild. The reserve’s exclusive off-road game drives offer intimate and unforgettable wildlife encounters, far from the...

Sabi Sands River Lodge, South Africa is the ultimate safari escape, luxury lodges, wild game on your doorstep, and the iconic Big Five just steps away. Book an early morning game drive. The wildlife is most active at sunrise, and the light over the river makes for stunning photos!

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve

Experience ultimate luxury at Dulini Moya, Dulini Private Game Reserve, South Africa. Exclusive lodges, personalized safari drives, and close encounters with the Big Five make every stay unforgettable. Opt for a private morning or evening game drive ...

Dulini Moya | Dulini

Okavango Delta, Botswana

I highly recommend visiting the Okavango Delta, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique wildlife and stunning waterways. Exploring this remarkable ecosystem by mokoro canoe offers a peaceful yet exhilarating way to spot elep...

Explore the magic of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO-listed inland delta where crystal-clear channels, lush islands, and exceptional wildlife create one of Africa’s most unique safari experiences. Think mokoro canoe safaris, close-up elephant encounters... Pro tip: Combine a water-based safari (mokoro or boat) with traditional game drives. The mix gives you completely different perspectives and maximizes wildlife sightings.

Okavango Delta

2026’s hottest safari secret? This newly launched camp blends vintage explorer charm with modern indulgence, and all in Botswana’s wildlife-thick Delta. Think heritage aesthetics, silk-soft linens, and hippos grunting at your private deck. Don’t just...

Mbamba Camp

Experience the pinnacle of Okavango luxury at Xigera Safari Lodge. Stunning design, world‑class guiding, and exceptional wildlife viewing right in the heart of the delta. Join a mokoro (canoe) safari at sunrise, gliding through narrow waterways with ...

Xigera Safari Lodge, Ngamiland East

Immerse yourself in classic bush luxury at AndBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp. Spacious tented suites, expert guides, and world‑class game viewing make it a bucket‑list safari experience. Don’t miss an early morning boat safari on the Chobe River, it’s one of the best ways to see elephants, hippos, and birds up close in magical golden‑hour light.

AndBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp | Chobe National Park, Botswana

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

South Luangwa is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique safari experience. Known for its walking safaris, you’ll explore the African bush on foot, guided by expert trackers. The park’s high concentration of wildlife along the Luangwa River offers s...

Explore the wild at South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. A safari paradise famous for walking safaris, abundant wildlife, and untouched African landscapes. Take an early morning walking safari with a guide. It’s the best way to see leopards, elephant...

South Luangwa National Park

Camp Sabali offers a serene and authentic escape in the heart of Zambia's South Luangwa National Park. You will love the guided walking safaris, thrilling game drives, and stunning sunsets, Camp Sabali is the perfect retreat for those seeking adventu...

Camp Sabali & Safaris, Mfuwe

Stay at Sungani for an exclusive, off-the-beaten-track safari in the remote southern reaches of South Luangwa National Park. With just a handful of luxury tents, expert guiding, and exceptional predator sightings, Sungani delivers an intimate, authen...

Sungani

Etosha National Park, Namibia

I highly recommend Etosha National Park for its unique salt pan landscapes and outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities. The park’s numerous waterholes attract a rich variety of animals—from majestic elephants and rhinos to powerful lions and color...

Experience the wild at Etosha National Park. One of Africa’s premier safari destinations with abundant wildlife, vast salt pans, and iconic waterholes perfect for spotting lions, elephants, and rhinos. Visit the Okaukuejo waterhole at dusk, it’s one of the best times to see animals gather and for stunning golden-hour wildlife photography!

Etosha National Park - Namibia

Etosha Mountain Lodge, Namibia is a unique safari experience, it offers stunning mountain views, luxurious accommodations, and easy access to Etosha National Park’s incredible wildlife. Book a sunset game drive. The lighting over the savannah is perf...

ETOSHA MOUNTAIN LODGE

Experience the wild in style at Ohorongo Luxury Tented Camp, Namibia. The upscale safari tents, incredible Etosha wildlife, and a true bush adventure with comfort. Choose a tent with a private deck and enjoy morning coffee while watching wildlife roa...

OHORONGO LUXURY TENTED CAMP

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

As Zimbabwe's largest game reserve, Hwange National Park is home to a vast array of species, including significant populations of elephants, giraffes, lions, and wild dogs. The park's diverse habitats, from woodlands to savannas, support a rich biodi...

Discover the thrill of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. The vast wilderness, incredible elephant herds, and diverse wildlife make it a safari bucket-list destination. Go on an early morning game drive for the best chance to spot lions, elephants, and ...

Hwange National Park

Experience classic African safari vibes at Wilderness Linkwasha Camp, a relaxed yet authentic tented camp right in the heart of wild, game-rich wilderness. Don’t miss a walking safari, Mana Pools is one of the few parks where you can track wildlife on foot with expert guides, making it an unforgettable adventure!

WILDERNESS LINKWASHA CAMP

Stay at Hideaways Elephant's Eye for an authentic safari experience, luxury tents, elevated decks, and close encounters with elephants and other wildlife make it unforgettable. Don’t miss their traditional game stew, rich, flavorful, and locally insp...

HIDEAWAYS ELEPHANT'S EYE, HWANGE - (Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe)

Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Owned by luxury safari operator AND BEYOND, Phinda Private Game Reserve spans over 70,000 acres featuring seven unique habitats, including rare sand forests. This reserve offers exclusive, intimate safari experiences with limited lodges and vehicles,...

Immerse yourself in luxury and wildlife at AndBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, exclusive lodges, private safari experiences, and the chance to see the Big Five in their natural habitat. Opt for a morning or evening guided safari, the wildlife is most active then, and you’ll get the best light for incredible photos!

AndBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve | South Africa Safari

Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Located near the Botswana border, Madikwe is a malaria-free reserve ideal for families. The reserve boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five, cheetahs, and the endangered African wild dogs. With fewer visitors, Madikwe offers a qui...

Stay at Mateya Safari Lodge for pure safari elegance in the heart of the wild. From handcrafted African art to exceptional gourmet dining, every detail feels curated and exclusive. My favourite spot? The private plunge pool overlooking the bush, perf...

Mateya Safari Lodge - Madikwe Game Reserve

Indulge in safari luxury at Jamala Madikwe, elegant lodges, private decks, and exceptional Big Five game drives make it a top choice for an unforgettable bush escape. Don’t miss their roasted game meat platter — locally inspired, perfectly cooked, and a true taste of the African bush.

JAMALA MADIKWE

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa & Botswana

A unique transborder park that spans South Africa and Botswana, offering a striking desert landscape. Famous for its black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large herds of springbok and oryx. The open terrain makes for excellent predator ...

Escape to raw, untouched wilderness at !Xaus Lodge, a remote desert retreat overlooking a tranquil salt pan, perfect for stargazing and red-dune safari magic. Pro tip: Stay up after dinner, the Kalahari night sky here is phenomenal, making it one of the best stargazing spots in South Africa.

!XAUS LODGE - (Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa)

Stay in true safari luxury at The Kalahari Sands Exclusive Safari Lodge, elegant suites, personalized game drives, and immersive bush experiences right in the heart of the Kalahari. Book a sunset game drive, the light over the red dunes is spectacular, and wildlife sightings are especially active as day turns to evening!

THE KALAHARI SANDS EXCLUSIVE SAFARI LODGE (Kuruman, South Africa)

Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Located within the Okavango Delta, Moremi combines lush waterways with dry savannah, providing a diverse wildlife experience. One of the best places to see African wild dogs, as well as elephants, hippos, leopards, and a variety of bird species. Offe...

Stay at Camp Moremi for an authentic Okavango Delta safari experience, a classic tented luxury, incredible Big Five sightings, and prime wildlife viewing in one of Africa’s richest ecosystems. Don’t skip the early morning game drive, predators are mo...

CAMP MOREMI - Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Experience elevated safari luxury at Okuti by Ker & Downey Botswana, a stylish lagoon-front suites, exceptional guiding, and prime wildlife viewing in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Try to request a room overlooking the lagoon, you can often sp...

OKUTI - KER & DOWNEY BOTSWANA - (Moremi Game Reserve)