Best lodges for .... an affordable Big 5 experience

Photo courtesy of Richard Millar

An African Safari conjures up images for extreme luxury or a very basic, rough experience. It is possible to stay at a game lodge where there is a good chance of seeing the Big 5 without paying a fortune. We've listed 5 lodges, all under R2500 per person per night where you can expect a big 5 bush experience.

Umzolozolo Lodge

Umzolozolo Safari Lodge

The Nambiti Conservancy is an 11 000 hectare reserve which is currently home to ten private game lodges. Nambiti is situated within 30 km of Ladysmith and is located in the heart of numerous age old battle sites which took place between the Zulus, the Boers and the English over a century ago. The reserve varies tremendously in terms of habitat and geology. The undulating terrain of the south with its open acacia-clad valleys rises up to the flat open plains in the centre (which host good concentrations of plains game) which then descend again to the riverine valleys of the north where the Sundays River cuts its path through the reserve. In addition to the Sundays River the reserve has a high concentration of earth dams providing excellent aquatic refuge for birdlife and hippos. Nambiti hosts the big five although leopards are seldom seen. Read more on The Game Lodge Index

Tembe Tented Camp

Tembe Tented Camp

Tembe Tented Camp is situated on the Tembe Elephant Reserve in the far north of Kwazulu-Natal bordering on Mozambique. The camp consists of twelve tented suites situated under a forest canopy made up of five en-suite ‘Matriarch’ tents (ideal for families sleeping four people comfortably), four smaller ‘Suni’ tents (perfect for couples) which are also en-suite and three bush camp tents with shared ablution facilities. All the tented suites are simply furnished, comfortable and privately situated. The focal point of camp is the central campfire and guests can relax on beautiful wooden decks under shady pod mahogany trees. Homely meals are offered under a thatched lapa or around the open camp fire. Read more on The Game Lodge Index

Kapama River Lodge

Kapama River Lodge

Kapama River Lodge is the largest lodge on Kapama Game Reserve and can comfortably accommodate 128 guests in 64 suites. The lodge successfully blends high capacity and luxury in a typically stunning bush surrounds. The multi level suites offer elegant minimalist accommodation overlooking an assortment of areas for guests to relax and enjoy the setting. A large rim flow pool overlooks the surrounding bush and a small watering hole. The open plan, L-shaped lounge accommodates various relaxation areas. There are a few fire places which provide consistent warmth and ambiance in the winter months. A large bar, stocked with an excellent selection of liquor, is complimented by a generous walk in wine cellar. The lower level of the main lodge offers guests a small media room and business centre, allowing guests to stay in touch with the outside world. A short meandering walk to the nearby spa offers guests the option to enjoy a more exclusive adult pool. A state of the art gym is offered to guests complete with wall to wall windows to allow guests to enjoy the views while exercising. Read more on The Game Lodge Index

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Elephant Plains Game Lodge is a family-run 4 Star camp situated on the banks of the dry Manyelethi River bed in the northern sector of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The camp is primarily split into 2 sections. The more affordable accommodation type is the ‘rondavel’ huts based on the setup of the original hunting camp. There are 5 rondavels set closely around each other and these are ideal for small groups of up to 10 guests. The second accommodation type consists of 6 luxury units which are set along the river bank. These units are more spacious then the original rondavels and in addition, there is a lavishly decorated honeymoon suite for those accustomed to a higher level of comfort. Read more on The Game Lodge Index 

Djuma Galago Camp

Djuma - Galago Camp
Galago is the perfect retreat for small groups looking for an exclusive safari experience in the Sabi sand Game Reserve. As the lodge is self-catering guests are expected to bring their own food and to cook for themselves in a basic kitchen, but a chef from the other Djuma camps can be hired at an additional charge. The lodge has five spacious and en-suite bedrooms, two of which have both showers and baths while the remaining three have only a shower. There is an additional room for a guide. The lodge is an old homestead and looks up on to a small waterhole in an open area. There is a small plunge pool and ample outdoor cooking space around the camp fire. Read more on The Game Lodge Index 

Read more about the and other lodges on The Game Lodge Index