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.
1. Dithaba Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve
Lodge
2. 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.
3. 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.
5. Marataba Safari Lodge
Lodge
6. 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.
7. Bayethe Tented Lodge, Shamwari Game Reserve
Lodge
8. 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.
9. 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.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
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.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.