Asante’s favourite South African Lodges | Our first ten

There are so many things that are unique to Africa, most notably its incredible natural beauty and wildlife. Add to that, the humble and friendly hospitality. It’s a place you want to return to again and again. And when luxury is done right, an unforgettable holiday has a completely different meaning.

We’re especially fortunate to have some of the most awe-inspiring lodges in South Africa, where the combination of fantastic architecture and interior design meets the best culinary experiences and hospitality to a fault.

These unique packages are completed with expert rangers who, with the rest of the teams, have a passion for ensuring that every minute of your wonderfully wild getaway is a once in a lifetime experience.

We’ve rounded up the first ten of Asante’s favourite South African Lodges (in no particular order), from the lush and expansive Kruger National Park to the unique and mesmerising Kalahari. And what would a truly South African experience be without unspoiled beaches?

Exhale the stress of the world and inhale the beauty and fresh air of nature. Come on, let us take you on the adventure of a lifetime!

Singita Lebombo | Kruger National Park

Singita Lebombo, situated in a private concession in the Kruger National Park, has a foundation of ecotourism and conservation. They have a commitment to preserve and protect the wilderness within Africa and help the surrounding communities, which allows future generations to reap the benefits.

Positioned along the N’wanetsi River, this Eagles’ nest inspired lodge has 15 sophisticated loft-style suites with walls made of glass that slide open onto wooden viewing decks.  The exquisite rooms with views that will take your breath away merges the exquisite exterior with the carefully designed interior and is equally suited for a romantic getaway or family retreat.  The two 2-bedroom suites have their own private pools and for ultimate luxury, you can stay in the 4-bedroom villa with its own pool, lounge and dining room.

For the enjoyment of all residents, the 25-metre lap pool promises a wonderful reprieve on a hot day, an extension of ultimate relaxation after your indulgent massage in the luxury spa. Here you can stargaze to your heart’s content, get close to nature on guided safari walks.

Tswalu | Northern Cape

You might wonder what a desert landscape can offer, but the Kalahari is a place so magical that it leaves a little piece of itself lodged in your heart. For the most luxurious Kalahari experience, Tswalu is the perfect destination.

The name “Tswalu” is a Setswana word meaning “new beginning” and they aim to carry that meaning out and involve the communities in achieving this.

Tswalu’s overall purpose is to leave our world better than how they found it, and they do this through restoring the Kalahari landscape and bringing it back to its own natural beauty.

With conservation at its core, Tswalu offers the Motse and Tarkuni lodges, exquisitely designed and decorated, making the best of the vast expanses of the beautiful Kalahari.

The Motse is a secluded ‘village’ of nine houses, each with an open viewing deck and open fireplace. Enjoy the comfort and privateness that each room offers. This family friendly location has an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a gym and a walk-in wine cellar.

The Tarkuni Homestead offers a natural, home from home bush camp with 5 individual suites, offering elegance, luxury and tranquillity. Tarkuni’s beautiful private suites include a spacious bedroom, outdoor showers, as well as seating and study areas. You can also sleep under the stars on the wooden decks where daybeds turn into soft stargazing vantage points.

We’ve had the privilege to visit Tswalo recently and can confirm that this unique lodge has a special place in Asante’s favourite South African Lodges!

Londolozi Tree Camp | Sabi Sand

Londolozi is synonymous with the most exquisite South African luxury you can find and at the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve along the Sand River, Londolozi Tree Camp is a feast for the senses.

Built within a Leadwood tree canopy, you can have a front row seat as the best wildlife experiences occur along the river banks. With only 6 suites, each with its own deck and splash pool, the relaxation of luxurious relaxation meets the unbeatable beauty of the African bushveld. With Ralph Lauren inspired interiors  and bespoke leather furniture, the attention to detail of the décor is only a small sample of the mind-blowing experience that is Londolozi.

The expansive 16,000 hectares of land ensures that no two game drives will ever be the same. Immerse yourself in the wonder of nature on games drives with expert trackers and game rangers.

Londolozi Tree Camp has a commitment to conservation through their four chapters that help individuals understand their work and their impact. They use nature, technology and ancient wisdom from the past five decades so that humanity and nature can work as one.

Jamala Madikwe | Madikwe Game Reserve

Jamala Madikwe prides themselves on being fit for a king and you’ll experience the best hospitality in this amazing game reserve in the North West Province. With 75,000 hectares of land to explore with your expert game ranger, it’s best to ensure that you have the right photographical equipment to capture all the once in a lifetime moments you will experience here.

With five free-standing luxurious villas, each with exclusive views over the waterhole and open savannah views, you might need to pinch yourself.  Each villa has its own plunge pool, a lounge that includes a fireplace, a walk-in dressing room and outdoor shower. The definition of safari elegance!

The main lodge includes a lounge and library with a fireplace, boma and star deck, a private waterhole, open air bar, large lap pool and spa.

Ivory Lodge | Lion Sands Game Reserve (Sabi Sand)

Ivory Lodge is the jewel in the Lion Sands crown with its modern take on the ultimate lodge experience. The lodge’s eight one-bedroom villas are built with glass, wood and concrete, simple and elegant. You can view the river from your private patio and deck which includes a private pool.

The combination of its carefully designed villas and facilities and access to a 10 000 hectare reserve, fulfils the intent of creating those experiences that are life enriching and impactful, every moment spent here is filled with precious moments that are meaningful and beautiful. Not only is Ivory Lodge an amazing romantic getaway, it’s also family friendly.

Ivory Lodge plays a large role in giving back to the communities by creating initiatives from helping kids in school, farming or creating package supplies for the individuals.

Morukuru | Madikwe Game Reserve

Morukuru wants to reconnect families, friends and nature. It’s three different types of accommodation on the Madikwe Game Reserve include the Owner’s House, River House and Farm House. These locations offer a “freedom concept” where they base this idea around doing what you want, when you want, where they create a beautiful and unique experience for you.

Driven by family, Morukuru encourages family travel because they know how important it is to create those special memories with your loved ones. Owner’s house is a two-bedroom private bush house along the Marico river and is ideal for couples or small party of four. River house is a three-bedroom private bush house, also along the Marico river, suitable for families or a party of 4 or 6. The Farm house is a five-bedroom safari house that is suitable for multi-generational families, with space for 10.

Conservation and sustainability are at the heart of Morukuru. Their “Goodwill Foundation” works with teams in and around the reserve where their efforts also benefit the communities. You can support this foundation by purchasing a tree that will be planted in the reserve, funding their school projects or getting involved with the park’s wildlife collaring, darting, monitoring and relocation.

Royal Malewane | Thornybush Game Reserve

Part of the Royal Portfolio, the Royal Malewane is situated in the Greater Kruger Park, South Africa’s lush wildlife treasure.

The main lodge is the definition of opulence and its variety of 6 exquisitely decorated and designed suites, has luxury and comfort as its main objectives. With a wisp of French flair, the Farmstead has three luxury farm suites, each with a spacious deck and private pool from where you can peer over the wondrous landscape and revel in the sight of Africa’s unique wildlife. Your accommodation includes a private chef, housekeeper, butler, private safari vehicle, ranger and tracker.

If you are looking for a completely private experience, the Africa house is an exclusive-use bush villa with six en-suite bedrooms that include private outdoor showers and decks where you can dine with nature.

The Royal Foundation strives in uplifting the communities, protecting the environment and promoting conservation. By staying here, you are contributing to all of this and more.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge | Sabi Sand Game Reserve

One of South Africa’s most beloved and famous reserves, Sabi Sabi has been operating since 1979. Situated in the Greater Kruger, offers the big 5 and 200 other species roaming the land. Within this private reserves are several award-winning lodges.

Described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is a luxury safari lodge which symbolises a new era by drawing inspiration from the surrounding environments such as texture, light and space.

A stone and wood dream, framed by breathtaking views, it offers 13 ultra-luxurious suites, each with its own private deck and plunge pool. One of these suites include the Amber Suite, a feast for the senses and luxury beyond imagination. It boasts its own outdoor boma and the dining area overlooks a watering hole. Choose from its wine cellar which holds over 6 000 bottles.

Extend your relaxing stay by indulging in treatments at the Amani Spa, complemented by excellent cuisine and thrilling wildlife experiences on game drives and walks by expert game rangers and trackers.

Morukuru Beach Lodge | De Hoop Nature Reserve

Joining the Morukuru collection, this beautiful lodge in the De Hoop Nature Reserve gives you private access to one of South Africa’s untouched beaches.  Morukuru Beach Lodge offers five exquisite bedrooms, which you can book per suite or the entire lodge for ultimate privacy for those special occasions.

With a view of the ocean as far as the eye can see and local Fynbos vegetation surrounding the modern stone, glass and wood lodge, immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.  Disconnect with the world and reconnect with earth, sky and water.

With its modern, understated design and décor, natural colours blend with its surroundings.  You might find yourself glued to a comfortable spot – which could also include the hot tub – on the roof terrace as the waves crash below you.

Drinks over a roaring fire at night, splashing in the swimming pool and long walks or runs on the beach are all you have to think about here.  For a more active stay, include snorkeling, a Fynbos, whale watching, mountain biking, a nature drive, sandboarding, bird watching or indulge in a sumptuous massage.

Grootbos Forest Lodge | Gansbaai, Western Cape

Last but not least of Asante’s favourite South African Lodges, the incredible beauty of the mountains and fynbos at the Southern-tip of Africa comes together in the 2 500 hectares of wilderness that is Grootbos.

With something for everyone in its three varying lodges, the Garden Lodge is vibrant and warm more suited for families, the Forest Lodge is sophisticated and serene with the Private Villas exclusive and unsurpassed, offering only two villas with exquisite views, own swimming pool, office, cinema room, wine cellar and fully equipped gym.

Combine your luxury experience with nature – a walk through the forest, soak up the beauty that is the fynbos or just enjoy the views of mountains and ocean.

Grootbos has their own initiative called the Grootbos Foundation where their vision is for the conservation of Cape Floral Kingdom as well as the upliftment within the communities.

The reserve offers a variety of experiences such as mountain biking, shark cage diving, marine safari, horseback riding, scenic flights and many more activities that you can involve yourself in the immerse with nature or take a break and relax.

Ready to pack your bags and jet off to one of Asante’s favourite South African Lodges?  We cannot wait to help you plan the ultimate getaway for you!

Please get in touch with us at  info@asantejourneys.com for a tailor-made getaway.  We love assisting you in creating life-changing experiences and treasured memories.