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Lodges in South Africa we love – and why!

Author: Frank Steenhuisen

Safari Guide

Post Last updated on February 28, 2024

Hello lovelies,

It’s Gesa and Frank again and today we would like to share with you five of our favorite lodges in South Africa!

1.     Return Africa Pafuri Lodge

Pafuri Lodge feels like home to us. The lodge lies in the Makuleke Concession, in the very North of the Kruger National Park. This is where we did our guide-training. Pafuri Lodge lies on the banks of the Levhuvhu-river, where hundreds of elephants love to bathe and drink. The luxury tents with wooden floors are situated alongside a long boardwalk and have en-suite bathrooms as well as an outdoor-shower. Pafuri also offers two back-to-basics trails camps from where you can do bush walks and drives. The Pafuri area is known for huge buffalo and elephant herds and looks like a fairytale forest!

This is still a secret spot and we share it with you because we love you.

Pafuri Makuleke Kruer National Park Sunset Deck

 

2.     Misava Safari Camp

This is our absolute go-to-lodge for special trips or occasions. Perfect for honeymooners, too!

The camp has recently been refurbished and offers five chalets, accommodating a maximum of ten guests.  Misava camp is perfect for multi-generational family safaris or small groups.   Three chalets are authentic African rondavels (chalets) set amongst landscaped gardens.  Each chalet features an en-suite bathroom with large shower, and is tasteful decorated and named after a local artist from the area, along with a framed copy of the artist biography and artwork. There are also two larger river view chalets which have unmatched views and slightly fancier facilities than the garden chalets.

The main area provides a comfortable lounge, a dining area along with a modern, spacious open plan kitchen, scullery and laundry.  The outdoor areas incorporate a beautiful handcrafted wooden bar and rim flow pool overlooking the reserve, boma and another dining area. Best views around by far!

Guest can enjoy two guided game drives per day which are scheduled at the guests’ leisure. The professional guides provide and insight into the ecosystem of the bushveld, the traits of the animals and the diverse terrain and plant life, from flat planes to rocky outcrops and hilly landscapes. The reserve is home to a wide variety of predators, including lion, leopard, smaller cats, spotted hyenas, jackals and wild dogs.

south africa klaserie misava safari camp luxury 32

 

3.     Bateleur Eco Camp

Bateleur Eco Camp in the Timbavati Nature Reserve got so many things right! The camp lies in the shade of a quiet thicket along the river, where Nyalas and bushbuck take shelter. You will stay in simple yet comfortable (and huge!) tents with en-suite bathrooms. The whole lodge is built eco-friendly and runs entirely on solar… and did we mention the food? Wholesome, homemade, delicious – what else could you expect from a chef named “Comfort”? The guiding team are amongst the best trackers we know and if you are keen, will take you on a prolonged bush-walk to track down a crush of rhinos or a pride of lions…

bateleur timbavati new rooms

 

4.  Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp is a venture by the dedicated team of conservation-minded people running Shindzela Tented Camp. Both camps are owned by the same family and are situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve that forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Thabamati, meaning “mountain and water”, became a reality in 2019. The camp consists of 4 luxurious and spacious en-suite safari-style tents, each overlooking a beautiful dam with amazing views of the Drakensberg Mountains beyond. The elegant intimate tented camp accommodates only 8 guests, which is an added attraction.

The camp is eco-friendly, utilizing only solar power and gas, however still offering modern day luxuries. This means that you can enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer with a green conscience.​

south africa timbavati private nature reserve thamabati luxury tented camp 12

 

5. Notten’s Bush Camp

Notten’s Bush Camp is a hidden gem in the famous Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, one of the oldest and finest family run lodges in Africa.  Notten’s Bush camp offers an authentic African safari experience, as well as impeccable standard of service and warm hospitality.

Nine elegantly decorated suites with open plan bedroom and en-suite bathroom.  All suites have both indoor and outdoor showers. Each suit leads onto a private wooden deck overlooking the bush.

The main area offers an indoor lounge and a fully stocked bar and wine cellar, as well as an open-plan lounge and dining area leading to a wooden overlooking the vast plain and waterhole.  The camp also boasts a 20-meter lap pool for cooling off in the hot summer months. Treat yourself to a massage in the Notten’s Nature Spa…

The excellent cuisine consists of a traditional bush breakfast with fresh fruits, yogurts, mueslis and freshly baked muffins followed by eggs of one’s choice, crispy bacon, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, and the chef’s specialty of the day. The buffet high tea/lunch, served at three o’clock is a delicious spread of freshly baked quiches, breads and pies, an array of succulent garden salads, a selection of cheese and cold meats all to be finished off with the chef’s heavenly cakes. Trust us on this one, one of the best lunches anywhere!

sabi sands nottens bush camp sundowners

 

Frank Steenhuisen

Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, Frank Steenhuisen's early exposure to the wilderness of the Greater Kruger National Park ignited a lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation. Despite relocating to Australia during his youth, Frank's heart remained in Africa, leading him back to become a professional safari guide.

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