https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/blog/ Ranked guides to Kruger National Park and the African bush — safari lodges, rest camps, private game reserves, game drives and lodges near every Kruger gate. en-us https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/africa/best-gorilla-trekking/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/africa/best-gorilla-trekking/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best lodges for gorilla trekking in 2026 are Wilderness Bisate and Singita Kwitonda on the edge of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, and Volcanoes Safaris' Virunga Lodge in Rwanda and Bwindi, Mount Gahinga, Kyambura Gorge and Kibale lodges in Uganda, which combine gorillas with chimpanzees. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/africa/best-luxury-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/africa/best-luxury-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best luxury safari lodges in Africa in 2026 are Singita Sasakwa in Tanzania's Grumeti Reserve, Wilderness Mombo in Botswana's Okavango Delta, Wilderness Bisate and Singita Kwitonda for gorillas in Rwanda, Angama Mara above Kenya's Maasai Mara, and Londolozi and Singita Lebombo in the Kruger area. Each pairs exceptional wildlife with private traversing. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/africa/best-safari-destinations/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/africa/best-safari-destinations/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari destinations in Africa in 2026 are South Africa's Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand for reliable Big Five, Botswana's Okavango Delta and Chobe, Kenya's Maasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti for the Great Migration, Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park for gorillas, Zambia's South Luangwa for walking, Zimbabwe's Hwange and Namibia's Etosha. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/balule/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/balule/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari lodges in Balule in 2026 are Pondoro Game Lodge, with riverfront chalets on the Olifants River and a treehouse hide, Parsons Hilltop Safari Camps, with tents, a house and riverside cottages with plunge pools, and Mohlabetsi, an intimate lodge with only 23 beds. Balule is unfenced with Kruger. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/botswana/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/botswana/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari camps in Botswana in 2026 are Wilderness Mombo on Chief's Island, Vumbura Plains and Little Vumbura in the northern Okavango, Great Plains' Duba Plains Camp for lions hunting buffalo, Qorokwe and Chitabe for wild dog, &Beyond Sandibe bordering Moremi, and Chobe Game Lodge inside Chobe National Park. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/eastern-cape/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/eastern-cape/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari lodges in the Eastern Cape in 2026 are Kwandwe's Great Fish River Lodge and Ecca Lodge, Shamwari, Samara Karoo Reserve, Gorah Elephant Camp and RiverBend on private concessions inside Addo Elephant National Park, Kariega and Amakhala. All are malaria-free and an easy add-on to the Garden Route. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/greater-kruger/best-luxury-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/greater-kruger/best-luxury-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best luxury lodges in Greater Kruger in 2026 are Londolozi, Singita Ebony, Rattray's, Lion Sands Ivory, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge and Cheetah Plains in the Sabi Sand, Tanda Tula in the Timbavati, Saseka in Thornybush and Kapama Karula near Hoedspruit — plus Singita Lebombo on its concession inside Kruger itself. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/greater-kruger/best-private-game-reserves/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/greater-kruger/best-private-game-reserves/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best private game reserves in Greater Kruger in 2026 are the Sabi Sand for leopards and the most famous lodges, Timbavati for white lions and better value, Klaserie and Umbabat for quiet, Manyeleti for exclusivity on a smaller budget, and Balule for the widest price range. All share an unfenced border with Kruger National Park. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/hazyview/best-adventure-activities/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/hazyview/best-adventure-activities/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best adventure activities in Hazyview in 2026 are the Skyway Trails aerial cable trail and Perry's Zipline, Induna Adventures for Sabie River rafting, quad biking and paintball, ethical elephant encounters at Elephant Whispers, and Perry's Bridge Trading Post for shops, food and the zipline in town. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/hazyview/best-game-drives/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/hazyview/best-game-drives/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best Kruger game drives from Hazyview in 2026 are PK Safaris (Private Kruger Safaris) for a private open vehicle for up to nine, Kurt Safari for shared or private morning, afternoon and full-day drives, Ama-Zing African Safaris for drives plus guided walks, and Induna Adventures. All collect you from your Hazyview accommodation. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/hazyview/best-hotels/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/hazyview/best-hotels/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best hotels and resorts in Hazyview in 2026 are Kruger Park Lodge and Sabi River Sun for families and golf, Perry's Bridge Hollow in the center of town, Hippo Hollow on the Sabie River, Rissington Inn, 10 minutes from Phabeni Gate, and Umbhaba Eco Lodge. Hazyview is the closest town to Kruger's Phabeni Gate. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/hoedspruit/best-attractions/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/hoedspruit/best-attractions/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best things to do in Hoedspruit in 2026 are visiting Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC), taking a sunrise balloon flight with Sun Catchers, meeting snakes at Khamai Reptile Centre, and driving up to the Three Rondavels in Blyde River Canyon. All are easy additions to a Greater Kruger safari. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kapama/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kapama/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best Kapama lodges in 2026 are Kapama Karula for ultra-luxury villas with heated pools, Kapama River Lodge for its spa and family suites, Kapama Southern Camp for families with its children's eco-programs, and Buffalo Camp for a classic tented safari. All four share the 15,000-hectare Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kenya/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kenya/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best Maasai Mara safari camps in 2026 are Angama Mara, 1,000 feet above the reserve, Great Plains' Mara Plains Camp and Virgin's Mahali Mzuri in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, &Beyond Bateleur and Kichwa Tembo under the Oloololo escarpment, Governors' Camp near the Marsh Pride, Cottar's 1920s Camp and Wilderness Mara in the Mara Triangle. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/klaserie/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/klaserie/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari lodges in the Klaserie in 2026 are Africa on Foot for walking safaris on 13,000 hectares, nThambo Tree Camp for elevated treehouse chalets, and Simbavati's Camp George and Amani for comfortable family-friendly stays. The Klaserie is unfenced with Kruger and lightly visited, which makes it ideal for walking. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-budget-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-budget-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best budget places to stay for a Kruger safari in 2026 are SANParks rest camps such as Lower Sabie and Satara, the bushveld camps, Nkambeni and Mdluli inside the park near the southern gates, Umkumbe in the Sabi Sand, Parsons Hilltop and Mohlabetsi in Balule, and Trees Too and Foxy Crocodile near Crocodile Bridge Gate. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-bushveld-camps/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-bushveld-camps/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best bushveld camps in Kruger National Park in 2026 are Sirheni, with its resident leopard and two river hides, Talamati for open-valley game viewing near Orpen, Biyamiti in the game-rich south, Shimuwini under ancient baobabs on the Letaba River, and Bateleur, the oldest and smallest. All are booked through SANParks. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-campsites/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-campsites/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best campsites in Kruger National Park in 2026 are Tsendze, a rustic campsite under big trees south of Mopani, Maroela on the Timbavati River near Orpen, Balule's unfenced-feeling satellite camp near the Olifants, Malelane on the Crocodile River, and the camping areas at Lower Sabie and Punda Maria. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-family-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-family-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best family-friendly places to stay in Kruger in 2026 are &Beyond Ngala with its WILDchild program, Lion Sands Tinga's family villa, Jock's exclusive-use Fitzpatrick's, Lukimbi's family suites and Kruger Shalati at the luxury end, and Mdluli, Nkambeni and SANParks' Lower Sabie Rest Camp for families on a budget. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-game-drives/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-game-drives/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best Kruger game drives in 2026 are SANParks' own morning drives, which leave half an hour before the gates open, its sunset and night drives, private open-vehicle safaris from Hazyview with PK Safaris, Kurt Safari or Ama-Zing African Safaris, and drives run by Kruger Gate Hotel and Buhala Lodge near the southern gates. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-hotels/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-hotels/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best hotels in and near Kruger National Park in 2026 are Kruger Shalati on the Selati Bridge at Skukuza, Kruger Gate Hotel beside Paul Kruger Gate, Leopard Sands and Elephant Point on the Sabie River, Pestana Kruger Lodge and Buhala near Malelane Gate, and Sabi River Sun and Kruger Park Lodge in Hazyview. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-kruger-gates/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-kruger-gates/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best Kruger National Park entrance gates in 2026 are Paul Kruger Gate for Skukuza and the game-rich south, Phabeni and Numbi for Hazyview and White River, Malelane and Crocodile Bridge for the far south, and Orpen for central Kruger and Satara. Kruger has nine entrance gates; Numbi is the closest to Johannesburg at about 411 km. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-inside-kruger/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-inside-kruger/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best private lodges inside Kruger National Park in 2026 are Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni on the N'wanetsi concession, Lion Sands Tinga and Narina on the Sabie River, &Beyond Ngala, Jock Safari Lodge and Kruger Shalati, the train on the Selati Bridge. Each sits on a private concession inside the park, so guided drives can use roads closed to self-drivers. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-crocodile-bridge-gate/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-crocodile-bridge-gate/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best places to stay near Crocodile Bridge Gate in 2026 are SANParks' Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp, at the gate itself; Foxy Crocodile Bush Lodge in Marloth Park, about 13 minutes away; Trees Too Guest Lodge in Komatipoort, 8 km from the gate; Lower Sabie, the classic first stop inside; and Biyamiti Bushveld Camp. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-malelane-gate/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-malelane-gate/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best lodges near Malelane Gate in 2026 are Buhala Lodge, a family-run lodge with 18 suites on the Crocodile River, Pestana Kruger Lodge with river-view rooms, and Kambaku River Lodge, 15 minutes from the gate. Inside the gate, SANParks' Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp and the small Malelane satellite camp are the closest places to sleep. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-numbi-gate/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-numbi-gate/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best places to stay near Numbi Gate in 2026 are SANParks' Pretoriuskop Rest Camp and Nkambeni Safari Camp inside the park, and in White River, Premier Hotel The Winkler on the road to the gate, Oliver's Restaurant & Lodge, Highgrove House and Ndhula Luxury Tented Lodge near the airport. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-orpen-gate/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-orpen-gate/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best places to stay near Orpen Gate in 2026 are Orpen Rest Camp beside the gate, Tamboti's tents on the Timbavati River 2 km away, Maroela for camping, Talamati Bushveld Camp in its open grassland valley, Satara Rest Camp on the central plains, and the seasonal Kruger Untamed Satara Plains Camp in winter. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-paul-kruger-gate/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-paul-kruger-gate/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best lodges near Paul Kruger Gate in 2026 are Kruger Gate Hotel, less than a minute's drive from the gate, Elephant Point, 8 km away on the Sabie River, and Leopard Sands Kruger Park, Marriott's new Autograph Collection lodge; inside the gate, Kruger Shalati and Skukuza Rest Camp put you in the park overnight. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-phabeni-gate/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-phabeni-gate/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best lodges near Phabeni Gate in 2026 are Rissington Inn, about 10 minutes from the gate, Umbhaba Eco Lodge, 10 km away on the R40, Hippo Hollow and Kruger Park Lodge on the Sabie River, Perry's Bridge Hollow in central Hazyview and Sabi River Sun. All are in or just outside Hazyview, the town closest to the gate. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-phalaborwa-gate/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-lodges-near-phalaborwa-gate/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best places to stay near Phalaborwa Gate in 2026 are Bushveld Terrace Hotel on Kruger, a 4-star hotel with daily game drives, Sefapane Lodge's rondavels and Casa Kruger, 8 km from the gate; inside the park, Sable Sleepover Hide is 10 km in, and Letaba Rest Camp and Shimuwini Bushveld Camp are the classic stays. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-luxury-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-luxury-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best luxury lodges inside Kruger National Park in 2026 are Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni on the N'wanetsi concession, Lion Sands Narina and Tinga on the Sabie River, &Beyond Ngala next to the Timbavati, Kruger Shalati at Skukuza, Jock Safari Lodge and Lukimbi in the south. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-picnic-spots/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-picnic-spots/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best picnic spots in Kruger National Park in 2026 are Nkuhlu on the Sabie River, Tshokwane between Skukuza and Satara, Afsaal on the H3, Mlondozi overlooking its dam, the N'wanetsi lookout, Timbavati by its baobab, and Pafuri on the Luvuvhu River for birding. All have toilets and gas braais, and several have shops. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-rest-camps/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-rest-camps/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best rest camps in Kruger National Park in 2026 are Lower Sabie for river views and big game, Satara for lions on the central plains, Olifants for its clifftop view, Skukuza for facilities and access, and Letaba for elephants. All 12 main rest camps are run by SANParks and booked directly through sanparks.org. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-restaurants/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-restaurants/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best places to eat inside Kruger National Park in 2026 are Kruger Station and the Cattle Baron Grill & Bistro at Skukuza, Mugg & Bean on Lower Sabie's river deck, Tindlovu restaurants at Satara, Olifants and Berg-en-Dal, the Wimpy at Pretoriuskop, and Mpila Leisure at Mopani, Shingwedzi and Punda Maria. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari lodges in Kruger National Park in 2026 are Singita Lebombo, Lion Sands Tinga, &Beyond Ngala and Jock Safari Lodge on private concessions inside the park, Londolozi and MalaMala in the neighboring Sabi Sand, Tanda Tula in the Timbavati, and Kruger Shalati, the train on the Selati Bridge. Lukimbi offers strong value in the south. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-safari-tours/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-safari-tours/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best Kruger safari tours from Johannesburg in 2026 are Wildlife Safaris' classic three-day trips, Kurt Safari's shared and private packages, Viva Safaris for daily-departing budget tours using its own lodges, Africa Moja Tours' two- and three-day trips, Ama-Zing African Safaris' packages and African Welcome Safaris for tailor-made itineraries. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-sleep-outs/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-sleep-outs/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best sleep-outs in Kruger in 2026 are SANParks' Sable Sleepover Hide near Phalaborwa Gate and Shipandani Sleepover Hide near Mopani, both bird hides by day that become overnight shelters, plus Plains Camp's elevated sleep-out decks, &Beyond Ngala's treehouse and Jock Safari Lodge's outdoor sala. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-walking-safaris/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kruger/best-walking-safaris/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best walking safaris in and around Kruger in 2026 are SANParks' multi-night wilderness trails — Bushman, Napi, Nyalaland and Mathikithi — and the Lonely Bull backpacking trail, plus Plains Camp on the Rhino Walking Safaris concession, Africa on Foot in the Klaserie, RETURN Africa's Pafuri walking camps and Bateleur Safari Camp. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kwazulu-natal/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/kwazulu-natal/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari lodges in KwaZulu-Natal in 2026 are &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge for families, Phinda Vlei Lodge for couples and Phinda Forest Lodge in rare dry sand forest, Thanda Safari, Rhino Ridge inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, and lodges in the family-owned Manyoni Private Game Reserve. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/madikwe/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/madikwe/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari lodges in Madikwe in 2026 are Madikwe Safari Lodge, whose Lelapa Camp welcomes all ages, the exclusive-use Morukuru houses on the Marico River, Jaci's Private Lodge, Madikwe Hills with Little Madikwe for young children, and Etali Safari Lodge. All are inside the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve on the Botswana border. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/malelane/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/malelane/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best lodges in Malelane and Komatipoort in 2026 are Buhala Lodge, a family-run lodge with 18 suites on the Crocodile River, Pestana Kruger Lodge with river-view balcony rooms, Kambaku River Lodge 15 minutes from Malelane Gate, and Trees Too Guest Lodge in Komatipoort, 8 km from Crocodile Bridge Gate. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/namibia/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/namibia/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari lodges in Namibia in 2026 are Ongava, a 45,000-hectare rhino reserve bordering Etosha, Onguma by Etosha's Von Lindequist Gate, NWR's Okaukuejo with its floodlit waterhole and Onkoshi on the Etosha Pan, Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp in Damaraland, and &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and Sossus Dune Lodge in the Namib. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/panorama-route/best-attractions/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/panorama-route/best-attractions/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best Panorama Route attractions in 2026 are the Three Rondavels viewpoint over Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Pinnacle Rock, the Graskop Gorge Lift, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and the gold-rush village of Pilgrim's Rest. Most sit within an hour of Graskop and make an easy day trip from Hazyview or Hoedspruit. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/panorama-route/best-waterfalls/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/panorama-route/best-waterfalls/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best waterfalls on the Panorama Route in 2026 are Lisbon Falls, the area's tallest, the candle-shaped Berlin Falls, the twin Mac Mac Falls between Sabie and Graskop, forested Lone Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls near Sabie, and Sabie Falls in the town itself. Most are a short walk from the parking area. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/phalaborwa/best-hotels/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/phalaborwa/best-hotels/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best hotels and lodges in Phalaborwa in 2026 are Bushveld Terrace Hotel on Kruger, a 4-star hotel, lodge and spa with daily game drives, Sefapane Lodge and Safaris with its thatched rondavels and Kruger packages, and Casa Kruger, a 4-star executive lodge 8 km from the gate. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/pilanesberg/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/pilanesberg/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best lodges in Pilanesberg National Park in 2026 are Tshukudu Bush Lodge, perched high above the park, Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, with a hide and live hide camera, and Bakubung Bush Lodge at Bakubung Gate — all run by Legacy Hotels — with Sun City resort next to the park for families who want pools and entertainment. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/sabi-sand/best-family-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/sabi-sand/best-family-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best family-friendly lodges in the Sabi Sand in 2026 are Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge with its EleFun Centre, Londolozi's family camp, the exclusive-use Singita Castleton and Cheetah Plains villas, and Inyati and Umkumbe for families on a smaller budget. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/sabi-sand/best-luxury-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/sabi-sand/best-luxury-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best luxury lodges in the Sabi Sand in 2026 are Singita Ebony and Singita Boulders on the Sand River, Londolozi, MalaMala Camp and Rattray's on the MalaMala reserve, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge on the Sabie River and Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge. All offer off-road leopard tracking with a ranger and tracker, private plunge pools and all-inclusive rates. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/sabi-sand/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/sabi-sand/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best-value safari lodges in the Sabi Sand in 2026 are Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge for families, Kirkman's Kamp for old-world charm on the MalaMala side, Lion Sands River Lodge on the Sabie, Arathusa for leopards, family-owned Nottens Bush Camp and Elephant Plains, Inyati on the Sand River and Umkumbe, the most affordable. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/south-africa/best-family-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/south-africa/best-family-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best family-friendly safari lodges in South Africa in 2026 are Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge with its EleFun Centre, &Beyond Ngala with its WILDchild program, Lion Sands Tinga, Kapama Southern Camp, Simbavati River Lodge's Cubs Club and, for malaria-free trips, Tswalu and Aquila. Exclusive-use villas such as Singita Castleton and Cheetah Plains suit big families. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/south-africa/best-honeymoon-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/south-africa/best-honeymoon-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best honeymoon safari lodges in South Africa in 2026 are Singita Sweni, with six suites on the Sweni River, Lion Sands Narina, Rattray's on the MalaMala reserve, Dulini Leadwood with just four suites, Hamiltons Tented Camp, Saseka Tented Camp and nThambo's treehouses. Kruger Shalati's honeymoon suite is the most unusual. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/south-africa/best-malaria-free-game-reserves/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/south-africa/best-malaria-free-game-reserves/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best malaria-free game reserves in South Africa in 2026 are Madikwe on the Botswana border, Pilanesberg near Johannesburg, Welgevonden in the Waterberg, Tswalu in the Kalahari, and Shamwari, Kwandwe, Samara and Addo in the Eastern Cape. All have the Big Five or close to it, without the malaria risk of Kruger. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/south-africa/best-national-parks/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/south-africa/best-national-parks/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best national parks for safari in South Africa in 2026 are Kruger National Park for the Big Five and self-drive, Addo Elephant National Park for elephants without malaria, Pilanesberg near Johannesburg, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi for rhino, the Kgalagadi for Kalahari lions, Madikwe for exclusive malaria-free lodges, iSimangaliso for bush and beach, and Mapungubwe. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/south-africa/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/south-africa/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari lodges in South Africa in 2026 are Singita Ebony and Londolozi in the Sabi Sand, MalaMala Camp, Singita Lebombo inside Kruger, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Tswalu in the malaria-free Kalahari and Kwandwe in the Eastern Cape. For better value, &Beyond Ngala, Jock Safari Lodge and Tanda Tula are hard to beat. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/tanzania/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/tanzania/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best Serengeti safari lodges and camps in 2026 are Singita Sasakwa, Faru Faru and Sabora in the 350,000-acre Singita Grumeti Reserve, the mobile camps &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas and Wilderness Usawa that follow the Great Migration, and Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti for a full-service resort. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/thornybush/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/thornybush/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best lodges in Thornybush Nature Reserve in 2026 are Thornybush Game Lodge, with suites over the riverbed, Saseka Tented Camp, with private pools and a wellness center, Little Saseka Private Villa for up to six guests, and Kamara House, a fully hosted three-bedroom villa. Thornybush is unfenced with Kruger and close to Hoedspruit. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/timbavati/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/timbavati/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari lodges in the Timbavati in 2026 are Tanda Tula Safari Camp for a classic luxury tented safari, Kings Camp for its waterhole and spa, Simbavati River Lodge for families, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge for views, family-owned Motswari, RockFig, walking-focused Bateleur Safari Camp and relaxed Umlani Bushcamp. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/waterberg/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/waterberg/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari lodges in the Waterberg in 2026 are Marataba in Marakele National Park, Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway, Tshwene Lodge and Ekuthuleni Lodge in the 36,000-hectare Welgevonden reserve, Mabula Game Lodge for families and Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp. All are malaria-free and about three hours from Johannesburg. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/western-cape/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/western-cape/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari lodges near Cape Town in 2026 are Sanbona's Dwyka Tented Lodge, Gondwana Family Lodge and Tilney Manor, Inverdoorn in the Tankwa Karoo, Gondwana Game Reserve and Botlierskop on the Garden Route, and Aquila, the closest Big Five reserve to the city. All are malaria-free. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/white-river/best-hotels/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/white-river/best-hotels/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best hotels and lodges in White River in 2026 are Oliver's Restaurant & Lodge for food and a spa, Premier Hotel The Winkler on the road to Numbi Gate, Ndhula Luxury Tented Lodge near the airport, Highgrove House on the road to Hazyview, and the hotel at the Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/zambia/best-safari-lodges/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/zambia/best-safari-lodges/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best safari camps in Zambia in 2026 are Time + Tide Chinzombo and Mchenja in South Luangwa, the Bush Camp Company's six bushcamps for walking, Robin Pope Safaris, Time + Tide Chongwe Camp and Chiawa Camp in the Lower Zambezi for canoeing and boating, and Tongabezi near Victoria Falls. https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/zimbabwe/best-hotels/ https://best-of-the-bush.pages.dev/zimbabwe/best-hotels/ Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The best hotels at Victoria Falls in 2026 are The Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe's grandest and oldest luxury hotel, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge with its busy waterhole, Ilala Lodge, the closest hotel to the falls, Matetsi Victoria Falls on a private stretch of the Zambezi, and Tongabezi, 12 km upstream on the Zambian side.