Safari and game lodges in South Africa

Planning a safari doesn’t have to mean travelling to the far corners of the country. In fact, South Africa has malaria-free game reserves and safari destinations within just an hour from major cities like Pretoria and Cape Town.

In this post, we list some of the best game lodges and bush camps across five provinces in South Africa, all available to book on Night Sky Bookings, from the Greater Kruger regions to the Garden Route.

Safari lodges at a glance

• Rio Dos Elefantes River Camp: Greater Kruger, near Hoedspruit, Limpopo
• Thulani Game Lodge and Eco Estate: Waterberg, Limpopo, about two hours from Johannesburg
• Thorn Tree Bush Camp: Dinokeng, Gauteng, about an hour from Pretoria
• Kareekloof Game Farm: near Derby, North West
• African Safari Lodge: near Makhanda, Eastern Cape
• Pabala Private Nature Reserve: near Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape
• Bon Game Reserve: near Mossel Bay, Western Cape

Rio Dos Elefantes River Camp, Greater Kruger

If you’re looking for an authentic wildlife experience, Rio Dos Elefantes River Camp, located within the Greater Kruger region, is a place where comfort and luxury meet the untamed beauty of the African bush. While enjoying beautifully appointed, comfortable, African-inspired rooms along the river, take in the breathtaking views and opportunities for elephant and hippo sightings.

Morning and late afternoon guided game drives and bush walks, accompanied by knowledgeable guides, take your wildlife experience to the next level, while the abundant birdlife around the camp and river makes Rio Dos a bird lover’s dream.

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Thulani Game Lodge and Eco Estate, Waterberg

Nestled in one of South Africa’s most beautiful wilderness regions, the four-star Thulani Game Lodge & Eco Estate offers the perfect escape to enjoy the diverse landscapes, wildlife and outdoor adventures of the Waterberg.

Enjoy luxury accommodation in the tranquil, malaria-free private nature reserve in Limpopo, located just two hours from Johannesburg.

The wildlife and scenery are one for the books, with game viewing, birdwatching, hiking, mountain biking, and stargazing all on the itinerary. The lodge caters to everyone, from families and corporate groups to more private accommodation for couples and honeymooners looking for an authentic bush experience.

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Thorn Tree Bush Camp, Dinokeng

The family-run Thorn Tree Bush Camp in Dinokeng Game Reserve is South Africa’s first public-private conservation reserve, just one hour from Pretoria. Expect warm hospitality and comfortable accommodation set within pristine bushveld, providing guests with a truly authentic and memorable safari experience.

Wildlife experiences are around every corner, with guided game drives providing encounters with Africa’s iconic Big Five, or discover the beauty of the African bush on foot on bush walks. Other incredible opportunities include scenic picnic and sunset spots, stargazing, and nature photography, among others.

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Kareekloof Game Farm, North West

For a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern living, Kareekloof Game Farm offers just that. Here, true South African hospitality is the order of the day, complete with comfortable self-catering accommodation, authentic bushveld living, and peaceful, natural surroundings. Located in Derby in the North West, Kareekloof offers the ideal respite for travellers seeking solitude, wildlife, or just the chance to relax, recharge and reconnect with nature.

For the more adventurous types, enjoy guided game drives, mountain biking, hiking and trail running, and birdwatching. At night, clear skies create the perfect conditions for astronomy and telescope viewing. Limited mobile connectivity also means guests can fully immerse themselves in nature.

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African Safari Lodge, near Makhanda

Located just 17km outside Grahamstown, African Safari Lodge is a nature-filled destination for guests looking for luxury accommodation combined with wildlife encounters and outdoor relaxation. It borders the Thomas Baines Nature Reserve, surrounded by lush indigenous bush, thornveld vegetation, and wide-open grasslands, the perfect haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and travellers looking for an authentic safari-style getaway without going too far.

Guests are invited to spot antelope and other animals along the riverbanks, explore the surrounding bushveld and river landscapes on foot during nature walks, enjoy excellent birding opportunities, or take a day trip to the nearby beaches at Kenton-on-Sea. For a romantic getaway, family holiday, or peaceful nature retreat, add African Safari Lodge to your bucket list.

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Pabala Private Nature Reserve, near Jeffreys Bay

Let the unspoilt wilderness of the Eastern Cape call your name at Pabala Private Nature Reserve, located near Loerie along the scenic Garden Route. Close by are the famous beaches of Jeffreys Bay, offering a unique bush and coast adventure that only South Africa can provide.

Pabala is the perfect escape for nature lovers, offering guided game drives, nature walks, birdwatching (it's home to over 200 recorded bird species), and guided photo safaris to nearby iconic destinations. There are also 4x4 adventures for the adrenaline-seeker, while honey tasting and sundowner excursions offer more tranquil yet equally memorable moments in the bush.

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Bon Game Reserve, near Mossel Bay

Another Garden Route escape, Bon Game Reserve near Mossel Bay is a unique wildlife and adventure destination with something for everyone. You’ll be surrounded by mountains, rivers, and diverse wildlife during your stay here, providing a lovely base from which to explore the region. It is also home to South Africa’s first commercial hovercraft, making for unforgettable experiences for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers alike.

For the ultimate immersive outdoor experience, Bon Game Reserve also features 15 off-the-grid wild camping sites located along the river, perfect for a more peaceful and authentic riverside camping experience. During the day, explore the reserve on game drives, enjoy bird watching or go on river adventures, while nightfall is for stargazing and lapping up your tranquil surroundings.

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Plan your safari getaway

From Greater Kruger to the Garden Route, South Africa has game lodges and bush camps for a weekend away or a longer trip.

Browse safari accommodation on Night Sky Bookings and find the reserve that suits your route.