1Luxury
Marataba Safari Lodge
Marakele National Park, Waterberg Region
Set beneath the dramatic Waterberg Mountains, Marataba offers a luxurious wilderness stay in one of Limpopo’s most scenic landscapes.
Highlights
- Malaria-free location with Big 5 viewing.
- Home to a renowned Cape vulture colony.
- Excellent scenery, walking safaris and night drives.
- Ideal for private groups and luxury-focused travelers.
Price RangeR12,000 – R18,000 per person per night – all-inclusive
2Mid-Luxury
Mabula Game Lodge
Mabula Private Game Reserve, Waterberg
Only around 2.5 hours from Johannesburg, Mabula combines accessibility, family-friendly facilities and a memorable safari experience.
Highlights
- Malaria-free Big 5 reserve.
- Dedicated children’s programs and family facilities.
- Hot air balloon safaris, spa and pools.
- Excellent for first-time safari visitors.
Price RangeR3,500 – R5,500 per person per night – all-inclusive
3Ultra-Luxury
Makumu Private Game Lodge
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger
Makumu delivers an intimate, elegant safari in the unfenced Greater Kruger ecosystem, with exceptional wildlife viewing.
Highlights
- Only five luxury suites for an exclusive stay.
- Outstanding Big 5 viewing, especially leopards.
- Pool overlooking a waterhole.
- Gourmet cuisine and expert guiding.
Price RangeR9,000 – R14,000 per person per night – all-inclusive
4Boutique
Ant’s Nest
Waterberg, Limpopo
Built into natural rock formations, Ant’s Nest blends unique architecture with a personalized, conservation-focused safari experience.
Highlights
- Malaria-free location suited to families.
- Distinctive granite rock architecture.
- Four of the Big 5, excluding buffalo.
- Only eight suites and excellent bird watching.
Price RangeR5,500 – R8,500 per person per night – all-inclusive
5Mid-Range
Sefapane Lodge and Safaris
Phalaborwa, Greater Kruger
Sefapane offers comfortable accommodation close to Kruger National Park’s Phalaborwa Gate at a highly accessible price point.
Highlights
- Convenient access to Kruger National Park.
- Good value and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Ideal for combining a lodge stay with self-drive safari time.
- Pool and comfortable relaxation areas.
Price RangeR2,800 – R4,200 per person per night – all-inclusive
6Luxury
Jembisa Bush Home
Waterberg Biosphere, Limpopo
This exclusive-use lodge offers privacy, flexibility and the feeling of a private home in the African bush.
Highlights
- Exclusive-use property suited to groups.
- Malaria-free Waterberg setting.
- Big 4 viewing, excluding lions.
- Private guide and chef with flexible activities.
Price RangeR6,500 – R9,500 per person per night – exclusive-use rates available
7Luxury
Kapama Karula
Kapama Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit
Kapama Karula pairs luxury suites and refined service with excellent game viewing in a prime Hoedspruit location.
Highlights
- Private Big 5 reserve with elephant and rhino populations.
- Luxury suites with private plunge pools.
- Spa, wellness experiences and refined dining.
- Only around 15 minutes from Hoedspruit airport.
Price RangeR8,500 – R13,000 per person per night – all-inclusive
8Mid-Luxury
Kambaku Safari Lodge
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger
Located in the famous Timbavati, Kambaku provides an authentic bush atmosphere with contemporary comfort and free-roaming wildlife.
Highlights
- Part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem.
- Excellent Big 5 viewing opportunities.
- Chance of white lion sightings.
- Walking safaris and a pool overlooking the riverbed.
Price RangeR5,800 – R8,500 per person per night – all-inclusive
9Boutique
Kololo Game Reserve
Waterberg, Limpopo
Kololo combines personal service, affordability and a malaria-free environment for relaxed Waterberg safari escapes.
Highlights
- Malaria-free Waterberg location.
- Big 4 viewing: elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo.
- Walking safaris and mountain biking.
- Great for weekend escapes and families seeking value.
Price RangeR3,200 – R4,800 per person per night – all-inclusive
10Mid-Range
Nkorho Bush Lodge
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Greater Kruger
Nkorho offers access to the renowned Sabi Sands wildlife experience in a rustic, comfortable and comparatively accessible lodge setting.
Highlights
- Excellent leopard and Big 5 viewing.
- Authentic bush camp atmosphere.
- More accessible entry into a celebrated safari region.
- Unfenced camp where wildlife can pass nearby.
Price RangeR4,500 – R6,800 per person per night – all-inclusive