What Are Safari Lodges?
A safari lodge (also known as a game lodge) is a type of tourist accommodation in southern and eastern Africa. Lodges are mainly used by tourists on wildlife safaris and are typically located in or near national parks or game reserves.
Lodges are usually in isolated rural areas, offering meals and activities such as game drives and accommodation. The standard of accommodation varies considerably, from rustic bush camps, sometimes tented, to luxury lodges with the character of upmarket hotels. Unlike hotels or pensions, which typically consist of houses with many rooms, the dwellings in clubs are often in separate buildings with a bedroom, a bathroom, a terrace, and sometimes a small kitchen. The set is closed to ensure the safety of tourists.
Accommodation will not be tented and rooms will have en suite plumbed ablution facilities. Central areas will be considerable, even in boutique lodges, and are likely to have extra facilities including a swimming pool. Lodges will vary hugely in size and quality, from small, exclusive properties to large, mainstream hotels. Whilst safari lodges often offer fantastic facilities and a sense of ‘safety’, you do sometimes to lose out on the ‘close to nature’ experience afforded by tented camps and lodges (especially with the larger properties).
Top Safari Lodges In South Africa?
- Londolozi Lodge
Situated within an area of the greater Kruger National Park with the highest concentration of big cats, Londolozi Game Reserve’s five exquisitely appointed camps offer up the ultimate in safari luxury. Family-run, Londolozi’s conservation efforts have yielded a wilderness area packed with game, perhaps most notable being its significant leopard population.
- Dulini Lodge
Located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which shares a fenceless border with the Kruger National Park, Dulini’s passionate and expert guides will astound you with their knowledge on morning and afternoon game drives, as well as guided bush walks. Being set so deep in the bush, it’s not uncommon to spot wildlife right from your lodge’s viewing deck. All the Big Five are residents here, as well as a healthy leopard population.
- Elephant Plains
Attention to detail, warm hospitality, and personal service make Elephant Plains Game Lodge a destination guests keep returning to.
While the Big Five and a host of other games roam this area, it’s also famous for its vast array of bird species. Indulge in stargazing excursions, twice-daily guided safaris, and ultra-immersive bush walk, between fine dining and sampling the lodge’s impressive wine cellar. Elephant Plains boasts an abnormally high concentration of leopard sightings, so if you’re aiming to spot this elusive big cat, look no further.
- Kapama Game Reserve
With the Klaserie River crisscrossing this pristine location, Kapama plays host to a wealth of creatures big and small, including an impressive list of 350 bird species. Four luxury lodges (Buffalo Camp, Southern Camp, River Lodge, and Karula) offer up the utmost elegance, exclusivity, and a warm welcoming African bush atmosphere.
- Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
One of the most environmentally sensitive safari lodges in South Africa, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve was conceived to blend in with its natural environment from every angle. Get in touch with nature’s restoring tranquility while soaking up undisturbed views of the endless bushveld.
- Singita Boulders Lodge
Located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve next to the world-famous Kruger National Park, Singita Boulders Lodge takes its name from the Shangaan phrase ‘places of miracles’. Twelve luxurious glass-fronted suites blend into the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, each featuring a private deck, heated pool, fireplace, and outdoor shower.
- Ulusaba Rock Lodge
As one of Sir Richard Branson’s collection of lodges within Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Ulusaba Rock Lodge represents the peak of style and comfort. Uninterrupted panoramic vistas over the African bushveld will have you shaking off your city blues in no time at all. Located on a hilltop, each suite is individually decorated and offers up sumptuous accommodation.
- Lion Sands River Lodge
The only private reserve sharing access to the perennial Sabie River with Kruger National Park, Lion Sands Game Reserve features stunning views and incredible wildlife viewing. Apart from the Big Five, the area is renowned for its record number of leopard sightings, a rare treat when it comes to this elusive big cat.
- Tintswalo Safari Lodge
Serene and delightfully secluded Tintswalo safari lodge is located next to Kruger National Park in the Manyeleti Game Reserve. Every suite is kitted out in 19th-century charm, with a private pool, all the creature comforts you could desire, and stunning views of the waterhole, guaranteeing spectacular wildlife sightings.
- Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge
Situated on the banks of the Mluwati River, Hoyo Hoyo safari lodge blends traditional Tsonga style with the ultimate in luxury. Hosting a maximum of 12 guests at a time, exclusivity is guaranteed, and hospitality is supreme. Indulge in spa treatments, tuck into three-course dinners, and enjoy the privacy of your own deck.
What Does Safari Lodge Do?
Lodging Services means space used by the service personnel within the individual lodging facilities such as front desk area, bell staff, valet, housekeeping, central reservations, call centers, Property Management, security and administrative offices and storage related to the forgoing.
What Is The Importance Of Safari Lodge?
People who travel and stay away from home for more than a day need lodging for sleep, rest, food, safety, shelter from cold temperatures or rain, storage of luggage and access to common household functions.