Top 5 South African lodges

South Africa is a leader when it comes to luxury safari lodges which is why we are not surprised that people return there time and time again. South Africa has the best food, best game viewing and best safari lodges in all of Africa – the only thing is lacks is the freedom of some of the other countries but once you’re enveloped in your heavenly luxury safari lodge we don’t think many people care. African wildlife is sadly under much persecution at the moment, and the fenced in areas of South Africa are much easier for anti poaching teams to protect – sadly the future of all Africa’s wildlife is probably in fenced areas of wilderness. If you want a luxury holiday as well as a safari then this is the place for you – nothing can compare to seeing amazing wildlife sights in the morning, following by massages, gourmet food and relaxing lazy days. South Africa is also a very safe country and many drive between these luxury lodges, or you can fly directly into their airstrips. Here are our top five luxury lodges in South Africa: 1. Chitwa Chitwa Safari Lodge, Sabi Sands Chitwa Chitwa is a heavenly safari lodge with some of the best game viewing one could expect to have anywhere in Africa – it also recently won an award for it’s walking safaris so you can get out of the vehicle and do some exercise if you prefer, and you can expect to see plenty of big game at the same time. This luxury safari lodge in South Africa is owned by an artist and as such the décor is modern and extremely luxurious. Every suite is individual and they all have huge verandahs facing a dam, which is full of hippo and elephant regularly. Chitwa has some of the best food you will experience anywhere in South Africa and their stay four pay three special offer means there is no where as nice which is such good value for money. 2. Madikwe Hills, Madikwe Madikwe is right on the border of Botswana and is wonderfully remote with mountains, red earth and stunning sunsets. It also boasts two of South Africa’s best safari lodges – the first is Madikwe Hills who’s smart and luxurious suites are very spoiling – the food here is also unbelievable and the guides some of the best in South Africa. The atmosphere is relaxed and you feel immediately welcome and at home. Madikwe is often overlooked in favour of the Kruger surrounds, but Madikwe has a vast amount to offer. 3. Molori Safari Lodge, Madikwe Molori is the second luxury safari lodge of note in this area and attracts celebrities and high net worth individuals alike. It is very modern and there is no detail which hasn’t been thought of here. Molori’s owners were the pioneers in Madikwe for their award winning methods of anti poaching and as such this area offers unrivalled game viewing. Molori will leave you feeling as if you have just experienced one of the world’s best hotels, but with an intimate and personal nature. 4. Phinda Vlei Lodge, Kwa Zulu Natal This luxury &Beyond safari lodge is set right down in the middle of the wilderness, in such a location that there is often wildlife in camp. The vast suites each with their own private plunge pools offer guests the chance to relax between game drives, which are all of a very high and rewarding standard on this vast reserve. Phinda is fantastic for seeing cheetah, and the guides are known to be some of the best in Africa. 5. Kwandwe Ecca Lodge, Eastern Cape The Eastern Cape is famous for vast vistas, and rolling mountains and hills but is not great as a safari destination, until you hear about Kwandwe which is leagues above it’s neighbours in terms of it’s luxury safari lodges and it’s game viewing. Ecca Lodge will blow you away and you will never want to leave, a problem we constantly have when we visit Africa. The Eastern Cape safari properties are the ideal stop at the end of a relaxing and leisurely drive down the famous and beautiful garden route in South Africa. Rose Hipwood is Managing Director of The Luxury Safari Company. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.