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The Best Safari Accommodations in South Africa

Morgane Croissant, Staff Writer

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June 24, 2026

Best lodges and camps in South Africa: Tswalu

If you’re in the early stages of booking a safari, there’s one thing you ought to know: Safari lodges and safari camps aren’t the same thing. A safari lodge is like a boutique hotel in the bush. It has amenities such as restaurants, a pool, a spa, and Wi-Fi, and offers guests spacious, brick-and-mortar accommodations. A safari camp, however, is much more rustic. Accommodations are under canvas and there are very few amenities. Both safari lodges and camps can be extremely luxurious and both present advantages: lodges offer modern comforts in a scenic environment, while camps are all about giving guests an immersive experience in the wilderness. No matter what floats your boat, we have selected the best six ultra-luxurious accommodations for your South African safari. Pick your favorite and get out there – a safari is always a good idea.

Singita

Probably the most lauded luxury safari brand on the continent of Africa, Singita operates dozens of lodges, camps, houses and villas in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Botswana. Its high-end and private offerings make it A-listers’ favorite safari brand, including Oprah, George Clooney, Sydney Sweeney, Elton John, and more. Singita has five properties in South Africa, but we like Lebombo and Ebony best.

Singita Lebombo

What makes Lebombo Lodge so special is its location: within Kruger National Park, it’s the largest game reserve in South Africa. But, of course, there’s more. Lebombo is home to only 15 suites (one or two bedrooms), making any stay very intimate. For guests who want more privacy, there’s a four-bedroom villa, fitted with a private swimming pool. While the two-bedroom suites and the villa have their own pools, there’s also one in the main lodge area for everyone to enjoy. Further amenities include a fitness facility, a spa, and private or group yoga classes. A safari at Lebombo includes game drives, guided safari walks, stargazing and bird-watching experiences.

Singita Ebony

Ebony Lodge is a 12-suite lodge located in the 45,000-acre Sabi Sand nature reserve along the Sand River. There are two family suites, each with a private deck and heated plunge pool. The suites are suitable for up to four guests (two adults and two children, or three adults), but if you want something bigger, you can opt for the Ebony Villa. The villa is the combination of two family suites with an additional private lounge that connects the two. The villa comes with a private guide and vehicle, chef, and personal waiter. During your stay at Ebony Lodge, in between game drives and safari walks, you can pay a visit to the local anti-poaching canine unit and learn all about the dogs’ skills and accomplishments.

Royal Malewane

The Royal Portfolio is extensive. It includes a gigantic property in Franschhoek Valley, an architectural masterpiece above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town, and private villas and residences. Royal Malewane is the Royal Portfolio’s safari collection and it includes four properties: three lodges and one camp, all located in Greater Kruger National Park. Here are the ones we like best.

Malewane Lodge

Malewane is where the Royal Portfolio started. In 1999, the Biden family, who owns and operates all of the Royal Portfolio products converted their family vacation home into what is today Malewane Lodge, their very first guest property. Malewane Lodge comprises eight luxury suites, allowing for only 20 guests at a time. The Royal Suites are the most opulent accommodations on site, each has a private heated plunge pool, a central fireplace, a private deck, and comes with private services including a chef and a private safari vehicle with their own dedicated field guide and tracker. All guests at Malewane Lodge can partake in two game drives every day, as well as bush walks, a K9 conservation Unit demonstration and even a rhino dehorning experience.

Waterside Lodge

Waterside Lodge is built near a watering hole, hence its name. Such a location means that you’ll be able to observe wildlife from the comfort of the lodge’s library, pool, and its propose-built hide. Waterside Lodge is composed of seven boldly decorated suites that can accommodate up to 16 guests, as well as one colorful villa that can sleep up to eight people. Those that opt for the villa get to enjoy their own plunge pool, private decks, lounge, dining area, and open-plan kitchen. They also benefit from the services of a private chef and private safari vehicle with a guide and tracker.

Masiya’s Camp

Despite its name, Masiya’s Camp is a mix of under-canvas accommodations and brick-and-mortar lodge. All six suites on site are tented under striking pink canvas, while other parts of the property, including the lounge, the dining area, and the boutique have solid walls and roofs. Despite being tents, the suites are very luxurious, featuring king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, private decks, heated plunge pools, and underfloor heating. All six suites are also decorated in a vivid, joyful fashion that presents a striking contrast with the surrounding wilderness for a unique safari experience. Some of the activities available on site include game drives, bush walks, wine tastings, and helicopter flights. Conservation-focused experiences are also available.

Tswalu

Tswalu is a private game reserve in South Africa. In fact, it’s the largest in the entire country, extending over 460 square miles. Within that immense area are three safari camps and lodges: Loapi, Motse or Tarkuni. Loapi comprises six individual tented homes, all spaced apart to ensure guests’ privacy. Motse is a six-suite lodge capable of accommodating up to 18 guests at a time. Tarkuni has only five guest suites under one thatched roof and can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests. No matter which camp or lodge you opt to stay at, privacy and luxurious amenities are the focus at Tswalu. Tswalu offers a variety of experiences to its guests, including private vehicle safaris, guided walks, stargazing-focused nights of camping, visit to rock art sites, horse riding, night drives to see elusive species, and more.