Luxury Game Lodges in South Africa

Miles Willis
May 21
2 min read

There are several luxury lodges and game reserves in South Africa that beautifully combine safari game viewing with high-end spa treatments, making them ideal for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Here’s a curated list of the top options:

🦁 Top Safari Lodges with Spa Facilities in South Africa

1. Kapama Private Game Reserve – Limpopo

Best for: Big Five game viewing + luxury wellness
Spa: Kapama Karula Spa & Wellness Centre – award-winning spa with hydrotherapy, steam room, and outdoor pool
Accommodation: Kapama Karula, Southern Camp, Buffalo Camp, River Lodge
Activities: Twice-daily game drives, bush walks, romantic sleep-outs

2. Shamwari Private Game Reserve – Eastern Cape

Best for: Luxury safari with malaria-free convenience
Spa: Relaxation Retreats available at Bayethe, Long Lee Manor & Eagles Crag lodges
Accommodation: Multiple 5-star lodges with private plunge pools and spa access
Activities: Big Five viewing, conservation experiences, spa therapies

3. Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge – North West

Best for: Romantic luxury + excellent wildlife
Spa: Healing Earth Spa – private treatments overlooking the bush
Accommodation: Ultra-luxurious suites with glass fronts and plunge pools
Activities: Big Five safaris, stargazing, bush dining

4. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat – Cederberg, Western Cape

Best for: Spa and nature lovers (not Big Five)
Spa: Award-winning spa with holistic treatments and natural therapies
Accommodation: Luxury lodges and suites in stunning mountain settings
Activities: Nature drives, rock art tours, canoeing, yoga, meditation

5. Pumba Private Game Reserve – Eastern Cape

Best for: Spa treatments in a malaria-free Big Five setting
Spa: Soul Spa at both Msenge and Water Lodge
Accommodation: Thatched chalets and glass-walled suites
Activities: Game drives, birding, bush walks, wellness sessions

6. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge – Sabi Sand Reserve, Mpumalanga

Best for: Ultra-luxury eco-lodge experience with deep spa focus
Spa: Amani Spa – tranquil underground retreat with bush views
Accommodation: Earth-inspired luxury suites
Activities: Big Five safaris, spa journeys, fine dining, stargazing

7. Ulusaba Rock Lodge (Virgin Limited Edition) – Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga

Best for: Celeb-style safari & spa in the treetops
Spa: Africology Spa – offers treatments overlooking the bush canopy
Accommodation: Cliff-top lodges and treehouse-style rooms
Activities: Big Five drives, bush dining, wine tastings, romantic options

🧘 Why These Are Great for Both Game Viewing & Spa

Feature	Offered by All Above Resorts
Big Five game viewing	✅ Except Bushmans Kloof (no Big Five)
On-site luxury spa	✅ Yes
Romantic packages	✅ Yes
Malaria-free options	✅ Madikwe, Shamwari, Pumba
Eco-luxury or wellness	✅ Most (esp. Sabi Sabi, Bushmans Kloof)