South Africa's Most Impressive Luxury Bush Breaks

No trip to South Africa would be complete without a visit to the bushveld. We’ve rounded up the best luxury breaks for those who like the finer things in life.
Dithaba Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve
Lodge

Fish Eagle Villa, Lion Sands Game Reserve
Resort, Hotel, Lodge

Lion Sands Game Reserve Ivory Lodge’s Fish Eagle Villa is the ultimate private getaway for family and friends. Accommodating up to six people, this spectacular villa comes complete with an in-house chef, a dedicated field guide, and a private game-viewing vehicle. There’s also a wellness area, private exercise facilities, and a lap pool and jetty with breathtaking views of the Sabie River.
Kapama Karula
Lodge

There’s no doubt why Karula is Kapama Private Game Reserve’s flagship lodge. Set in the Greater Kruger National Park, Karula boasts 12 suites with views stretching as far as the eye can see. Each is decorated to reflect true African style and design and has a private deck area and a full-sized heated pool. Two daily game drives ensure that visitors are able to get into nature and see many of the country’s magnificent animals, including the Big Five. Karula’s luxury villas are ideal for romantic getaways, while each family villa comes complete with a flatscreen TV, a selection of movies, and a Wii game console, perfect for entertaining the kids.
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
Lodge

Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge is situated in the heart of the malaria-free Pilansberg Game Reserve on the slopes of an extinct volcanic crater. Situated only 143 miles (230 kilometres) from Johannesburg, this is the ideal city escape for families, couples, and friends. On game drives, experienced field guides will share their knowledge of the fauna and flora found in the reserve, including the Big Five and over 300 species of bird. Don’t forget to head to the hide (via a tunnel connected to the lodge) and see animals up close as they get their daily fill at the waterhole.
Marataba Safari Lodge
Lodge

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Lodge

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is situated in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest proclaimed nature reserve, and a stay here is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re honeymooning or simply after a luxurious getaway, you’ll be staying in the heart of the bushveld. When venturing away from the amazing accommodation set-up, safaris, bush walks, Zulu cultural visits, and many other activities await.
Bayethe Tented Lodge, Shamwari Game Reserve
Lodge

Private Granite Suites, Londolozi Game Reserve
Lodge

Looking to impress your significant other with a romantic weekend away? Look no further than Londolozi Game Reserve’s Private Granite Suites (so-called because of the extrusion of granite rocks in the area). Suites sleep two people and overlook the Sand River, where elephants love to spend lazy afternoons taking mud baths and cooling off. Each suite includes an outdoor bath and a private heated swimming pool where you’re guaranteed to spend much of your time. No children under the age of 16 are accommodated here.
MalaMala Game Reserve
Lodge

MalaMala’s Sable Camp has a more intimate feel than the reserve’s Main Camp, and is perfect for small groups traveling together, families, or even couples. Situated on the Sand River, the camp’s large wooden deck allows for hours of relaxation and spotting animals from all angles. What sets MalaMala Game Reserve apart from its competitors is the absolute remoteness of the area. Undisturbed by human intervention, the reserve is as natural as it gets. Apart from safari vehicles, no other cars are seen here, so animals are left to be their wonderful, wild selves. This means that only those staying in the reserve have the luxury of experiencing all it has to offer. Sable Camp sleeps up to 14 guests and can be reserved for exclusive use.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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