Your Guide to South Africa Safari Lodges
Discover independent, owner-run and characterful safari lodges and camps across South Africa. Book direct – no middleman, no fluff…And we support conservation.
Direct Enquiries
You always deal directly with lodge owners
or their teams, ensuring a seamless process.
Conservation Minded
We support conservation by donating a portion
of listing fees to organisations of our choice.
Safari Guides
Discover our niche collection of practical travel
guides, helping you find the right lodge.
Handpicked Stays
Our latest South Africa safari lodge listings
From Kruger classics to intimate tented camps and comfortable mid-range lodges to rustic stays with personality,
and under-the-radar reserves, it's here that you'll find your place in the wild.
We focus on places where the bush and wildlife comes first. Browse by reserve, compare lodges, and book direct.
Top Game Reserves
Browse South Africa safari lodges by game reserves
From the Team
The first time I went on safari in Kruger, I noticed how "loud" the silence was - and the incredible smells of the vegetation. The sky also seemed all encompassing - and so vivid. You arrive, and you're hit with this weird sense of peace and slow pace of life. The chorus of birdsong in the morning is SO loud and the echoing of hyenas always cuts through the still of the night. I wish I could recapture my first time on safari - it was completely sensory.
Your Safari FAQs, Answered
Are safari lodges all-inclusive?
If you stay within a private reserve or concession, access is restricted and the number of lodges is limited. Guests typically cannot self-drive or visit nearby shops. These lodges usually offer all-inclusive rates that cover accommodation, meals, drinks, high tea, and safari activities. Some properties charge separately for drinks, while others include them in the rate. Accommodation outside private reserves offers a wider range of options, with inclusions varying depending on the property and package selected. The Kruger National Park and other national parks in South Africa are managed by SANParks and feature numerous rest camps with self-catering chalets, as well as on-site restaurants and shops where visitors can purchase food and supplies.
How does booking through Safari Search help conservation?
We donate a portion of the listing fee from each lodge to conservation. By choosing to stay at one of the lodges on this website, you know that a portion of their marketing efforts is donated to conservation.
Does Safari Search have any destination advice?
We have a few recommendations for certain types of safari travellers. For families on safari, we recommend Madikwe Game Reserve or somewhere in the Eastern Cape. They are both malaria-free and plenty of activities for families. For the more adventurous and fit traveller, we recommend a walking safari in Kruger which you can book through professional trails companies. Second time or seasoned safari travellers should really consider exploring the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape. For those who want a quick add-on safari while staying in Cape Town, there is an option to stay at places like Sanbona or Inverdoorn, just a few hours just outside the city.
4 hours outside of Cape Town is the Garden Route where we recommend Botlierskop or one of the many other reserves.
How much does a South African safari cost?
It ranges from roughly R2000 to well over R30 000 per person per night. The lower end is usually within the national park at rest camps or self-catering camps. Lodges and camps outside of Big 5 private reserves and national parks tend to be more budget friendly. Mid-range camps and lodges within private reserves offer a price that includes accommodation, all meals and twice-daily game drives/bush walks. The most affordable of these is roughly around R4000 per person per night.
What is the best time of year for a safari in South Africa?
May to September is the best time for a safari in Kruger as it's the dry season. Peak is from end of May to August, while April and September are typically quieter and offer some good specials. The Summer is wet, dense and rainy but incredible for birding and photographing landscapes.