The Top 10 Game Lodges in Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Miles Willis
- Nov 12
- 5 min read
🦁 The Top 10 Game Lodges in Mpumalanga, South Africa
Where Luxury Lodging, Exceptional Game Viewing and Gourmet Dining Meet
The Mpumalanga Province — known as “The Place Where the Sun Rises” — is home to some of South Africa’s most spectacular safari experiences. Stretching from the towering escarpments of the Panorama Route to the wildlife-rich plains of the Greater Kruger National Park, this region offers travellers a breathtaking combination of luxury lodges, close-up Big Five encounters, and world-class cuisine.
If you’re planning a safari in South Africa, Mpumalanga is a must. Here are our Top 10 Game Lodges in Mpumalanga — carefully selected by SafariDeals for their exceptional comfort, stunning locations, and unforgettable game viewing.
🏞️ 1. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge – A Masterpiece of Eco-Luxury
Sculpted into the landscape of the Sabi Sand Reserve, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is one of Africa’s most iconic luxury safari properties. Its design blends seamlessly with the earth, offering ultra-luxurious suites, each with private plunge pools and uninterrupted bush views.
Guests can enjoy twice-daily game drives where Big Five sightings are almost guaranteed, followed by award-winning cuisine served under the stars. The lodge’s wine cellar, spa, and art-inspired architecture make this an experience for all the senses.
🐘 2. Lion Sands River Lodge – On the Banks of the Sabie River
Located within the Sabi Sand Reserve, Lion Sands River Lodge combines contemporary design with deep safari tradition. Every suite overlooks the Sabie River, where elephants and hippos wander by throughout the day.
Game drives here are legendary, guided by expert rangers and trackers who share intimate knowledge of the bush. After your safari, enjoy a private dinner on your deck or indulge in fine dining in the open-air boma.
🌿 3. Dulini Lodge – Intimate Romance and Exceptional Wildlife
For those seeking intimacy and elegance, Dulini Lodge is a boutique gem. With only six stone cottages shaded by ancient trees, guests are treated to personal service and tailor-made experiences.
Expect candlelit dinners, curated wine pairings, and close-up encounters with leopards — a species for which the Sabi Sand is famous. Dulini is the epitome of understated luxury in the wild.
🦓 4. Leopard Hills Private Game Lodge – Views that Take Your Breath Away
Set high on a rocky outcrop, Leopard Hills offers panoramic views over the bushveld and a private waterhole teeming with wildlife. Each glass-fronted suite comes with its own plunge pool and sundeck.
After a thrilling morning safari, guests can enjoy spa treatments, gym sessions, or simply relax in the infinity pool while watching elephants below. Dining is exceptional — expect gourmet cuisine and vintage South African wines served in stunning natural settings.
🏕️ 5. Savanna Private Game Reserve – Classic Safari with Heart
Savanna Lodge, also in the Sabi Sand, perfectly balances colonial-style luxury with authentic bush experiences. Nine elegant suites feature tented roofs and private plunge pools.
The highlight? The warm, genuine hospitality. Expect passionate guides, unforgettable sundowners, and dining experiences that celebrate South African flavours — from braai nights under the stars to sophisticated five-course dinners.
🌄 6. Lukimbi Safari Lodge – Family-Friendly Elegance in Kruger National Park
Set within a private concession of the southern Kruger National Park, Lukimbi Safari Lodge is ideal for families and first-time safari-goers. Its spacious suites, kids’ safari activities, and attentive staff make everyone feel at home.
Game drives deliver fantastic sightings, including the Big Five, and guided bush walks offer a deeper understanding of the ecosystem. The lodge’s cuisine focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients — think gourmet breakfasts on the deck and candlelit dinners beside the river.
🐆 7. Hamiltons Tented Camp – Step Back into Safari’s Golden Age
For a touch of vintage safari glamour, Hamiltons Tented Camp transports guests to the early 1900s. Canvas tents with teak floors and clawfoot baths overlook the N’waswitsontso River, offering an authentic yet indulgent experience.
The camp’s location within Kruger ensures incredible wildlife encounters, while the food — refined yet hearty — completes the sense of timeless elegance.
🌳 8. Jock Safari Lodge – History Meets Wildlife Heritage
Named after the famous dog “Jock of the Bushveld,” Jock Safari Lodge occupies one of Kruger’s most wildlife-rich areas. Its riverfront suites are secluded and luxurious, with outdoor showers and plunge pools.
Guests enjoy morning and evening game drives, bush walks, and fine dining that highlights South Africa’s culinary diversity — from biltong canapés to world-class wines.
🦒 9. Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge – Culture, Colour, and Connection
For travellers seeking a cultural immersion, Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge blends Tsonga tradition with modern comfort. Circular thatched suites, traditional décor, and warm local hospitality create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Located within Kruger, Hoyo Hoyo offers superb game viewing and a unique chance to experience authentic African heritage alongside gourmet cuisine inspired by regional flavours.
🌺 10. Rhino Post Safari Lodge – Eco-Conscious Adventure
Situated in a private wilderness concession inside Kruger, Rhino Post Safari Lodge focuses on sustainability and adventure. The eco-lodge uses solar power and natural materials, blending beautifully with the environment.
Guided walking safaris, photographic game drives, and open-air dinners under the stars make this lodge ideal for eco-conscious travellers looking for meaningful experiences.
🍷 Culinary Highlights Across Mpumalanga’s Lodges
Safari dining in Mpumalanga is an event in itself. Guests can expect everything from bush breakfasts served after early-morning drives to five-course dinners paired with fine South African wines.
Many lodges source ingredients locally, emphasising farm-to-table freshness and seasonal produce. Think grilled game meats, Cape Malay curries, and decadent desserts, often enjoyed beside a roaring fire or beneath a canopy of stars.
Whether you’re sipping sundowners overlooking the savannah or enjoying high tea before an evening drive, the culinary experience is as much a part of the safari as the wildlife itself.
🌍 Why International Travellers Should Book with SafariDeals
At SafariDeals, we understand that international travellers want authentic safari experiences — expertly planned, competitively priced, and completely hassle-free.
Here’s why discerning travellers choose to book with us:
1️⃣ Expert Curation
Our team has handpicked every lodge for its exceptional wildlife viewing, comfort, and value. We visit the properties ourselves, ensuring that what we offer matches what you’ll experience.
2️⃣ Tailor-Made Packages
From luxury private lodges to family-friendly options, we design custom safari itineraries that suit your budget, travel dates, and interests.
3️⃣ All-Inclusive Convenience
We arrange accommodation, transfers, park fees, and guided game drives, so your trip runs smoothly from the moment you arrive.
4️⃣ Trusted South African Specialists
Based in Cape Town, we have over 30 years of experience creating unforgettable African journeys for travellers from the UK, Europe, and beyond.
5️⃣ Best Price Guarantee
Through our partnerships with leading lodges, we secure exclusive deals and added-value extras you won’t find elsewhere — making your dream safari even more rewarding.
🦁 Your Mpumalanga Safari Awaits
From romantic hideaways to family-friendly bush retreats, the Mpumalanga Province offers something for every traveller. Expect the thrill of close-up wildlife encounters, the comfort of world-class lodges, and the flavour of South Africa’s finest cuisine.
When you’re ready to experience Africa at its best, book your safari with SafariDeals — your trusted specialists for authentic, luxury safaris in South Africa.
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