Recently, South Africa was placed under advanced lockdown level 3 restrictions. Although these restrictions have halted certain industries, game parks still remain open. This presents an opportunity to explore the abundant and beautiful wildlife that our country has to offer. As many of us still battle with isolation fatigue, going on a safari getaway to connect with nature in a Covid-19 regulated environment could be just the reset needed to start off 2021 on a high note.
Safari.com is offering luxury safari specials for SA residents, which include up to 68% off on lodge bookings across South Africa. These specials were created to challenge the idea that luxury safari getaways are reserved for wealthy foreign tourists and to give South Africans a chance to explore the country’s game reserves. Included in the SA residents specials is bird watching, game drives, walking safaris, Big 5 viewing, boma dinners, and many more — all of which make for an unforgettable experience!
Here are the top 5 luxury safari specials that SA residents should consider booking:
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
The Simbavati Hilltop Lodge finds itself in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which is located in the Greater Kruger Park. This luxury safari lodge provides guests with gorgeous views, with the Nhlaralumi River, the bushveld, and the Drakensberg Mountain acting as a backdrop in the distance.
The facilities provided here include a lounge with board games and books for entertainment, a dining area, a lounge and deck area, a deck area suited for viewing wildlife, WiFi in the reception area, a bar, a curio shop, and an infinity pool providing exquisite views of the vicinity.
At Simbavati, there are 8 individual luxury tents, each consisting of a main tent that houses the bedroom and a second tent with a bathroom. Guests can expect to pay R3500 per person sharing, which is inclusive of accommodation, game drives, and more.
Simbavati River Lodge
The Simbavati River Lodge is also located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. This gorgeous accommodation is family-friendly and offers privacy, luxury, excellent service, and spectacular views.
The Simbavati River Lodge kisses the Nhlaralumi River as it is built right on its banks, giving guests an up-close-and-personal view of this beautiful wonder of nature. There are 8 luxury tents and 3 family chalets. The luxury tents are fitted with twin beds, with each tent having an inside shower and an outside bath or vice versa. On the other hand, the family chalets consist of 2 separate bedrooms and a shared bathroom.
Facilities at this lodge range from a lounge area with books and board games, a curio shop, an outdoor boma, a bar, a spa, WiFi in the main lodge areas, a pool, a meeting room, and a game viewing deck. From just R2900 per person sharing, you can access this grand lodge and experience a magnificent holiday.
Thornybush Game Lodge
In the Thornybush Game Reserve lies the Thornybush Game Lodge, a luxury accommodation that borders the Kruger National Park. This 5-star private lodge consists of 18 luxury suites and 2 family suites. The luxury suites feature an en-suite bathroom with a bar, indoor and outdoor showers, a minibar, airconditioning, and a deck that provides a view of the Monwana River which is seasonal. The family suites are fitted with a lounge area, a spacious private deck, a plunge pool, and a sleeper couch that can be converted into an additional bed.
For just R3999 per person sharing, guests will have access to a swimming pool, conference facilities, a library with internet, an outdoor boma, Amani Spa and babysitting services. Added to that, the kids’ program, called Kids at Thornybush Game Lodge, allows children to participate in fun, kid-friendly safari activities — which makes this lodge even more family-friendly.
Guests at Thornybush can enjoy walking safaris and game drives, as well as birth watching, boat cruises, hot-air ballooning, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, and many more.
Jock Safari Lodge
Jock Safari Lodge, named after the famous book Jock of the Bushveld, is located in the South-Western corner of the Kruger National Park. It features 12 thatched suites and a main lodge. The 12 suites offer opulence and privacy all-in-one. Each suite contains an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, air conditioning, a private deck, a plunge pool, and a minibar. The main lodge includes a gift boutique, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a sauna, exercise room, library, pool and complimentary WiFi.
From R4525 per person sharing, you can experience game drives and bush walks that will allow you to see the majestic Big 5 face-to-face. Bird watching, golfing and bush dining are also available.
Experience the authenticity of South African wildlife under the African sunset, while simultaneously accessing the luxury that Jock Safari Lodge provides.
Imbali Safari Lodge
Next to the banks of the N’waswitsontso River lies Imbali Safari Lodge. This lodge caters to a variety of travellers — from solo travellers, couples and families. It is found in the Kruger National Park, which gives guests ultimate access to wildlife. Imbali Lodge was also built with the environment in mind, so guests can enjoy their stay without impacting the surrounding nature negatively.
There are 12 expansive private suites available for stay, whose aesthetic resembles African safaris in the 20th century. They feature a large French door, a king-sized bed, an en-suite bathroom, a lounge, a fireplace, a deck and a jacuzzi.
From R3050 per person sharing, guests can experience the best of South African wildlife from game drives, bush walks, birding, and plenty of other activities.
The South African wildlife landscape provides a range of options for residents to choose from. By booking with Safari.com, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience at any one of the five luxury lodges listed above. For more information and to get started with booking your safari getaway, click here.
