South Africa Safari Game Lodge Accommodation

Definition: South African travel guide definition of Safari Game Lodge Accommodation: Safari Game Lodges are located within private game reserves, provincial reserves or private game farms. Game lodges vary from rustic to luxury accommodation with excellent cuisine catering for those who wish to enjoy the wilds in style. Such lodges pride themselves on the personal attention devoted to each guest and the skill of the guides and trackers. The rates charged are usually inclusive of an experience offered at the lodge, viz game drives, etc. In general, food and beverage services are provided for all meals.

South Africa is home to some of the most prestigious Safari Game Lodges in the world. The Private Game Reserves; Mala Mala, Sabi Sabi and Singita are familiar to any avid traveller to the African continent. Most of South Africa's Safari Game Lodges offer fully catered luxury accommodation at a price with very few offering options that are affordable to the budget traveller.

Longlee Lodge at the luxury Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, winner of three 2005 World Travel Awards

Photographer: EcoTravel Africa

At the 2005 World Travel Awards Shamwari Game Reserve came out tops in the awards for the eighth consecutive year, winning two global awards: the world's leading conservation company and the world's leading safari and game reserve. The reserve was also voted Africa's leading safari. The world's leading responsible tourism project went to Bushman Sands in the Eastern Cape.

Although it’s hard to beat the game-viewing on offer at South Africa's national parks, you may prefer to visit one of the many private lodges where you will enjoy a far greater level of luxury (at a correspondingly higher price, of course).

Private game reserves pride themselves of their spectacular settings, personalized service and extreme attention to detail. The usual routine at a game lodge is to be woken up early. After a quick early morning snack of coffee or tea and rusks (similar to biscotti), or perhaps muffins you bundle up against the chill, and head out in an open safari vehicle for the morning game drive, where you may or may not stop for more coffee.

Upon returning, you have a few minutes to freshen up, and then sit down for a slap-up brunch. In the heat of the day, when the animals are hiding in the shade, you can indulge in plush surroundings, lounge around the pool, sleep, read, engage with fellow guests or spot birds from your balcony.

Tea is served in the late afternoon and usually involves a lot more than a cup of tea. You then head out on the evening game drive. At sunset, you will stop somewhere beautiful for sundowners and snacks.

You return to camp in the dark, viewing nocturnal animals by spotlight. Once back at camp, you will be fed a huge, delicious dinner, probably around the campfire, and then it’s off to bed. (Unless you’d rather hang around the campfire and swap tall stories.)