6 Eco Lodges To Visit in SA

Safari Lodges To Visit in South Africa

With travel now allowed again in South Africa, my heart has been craving some time in the bush, going on a safari, and enjoying the beautiful wildlife this country has to offer. I wanted to put together a list of some South African eco lodges for you to consider when you travel as they all work hard in playing their part in a more sustainable effort.

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Eco Karoo Lodge

First on my list, and I place I constantly stalk on Instagram, is Eco Karoo Lodge. This lodge is 100% off the grid yet still offers you comfort and luxury. It’s 4200 hectares of pure Karoo bliss with mountains to the west and endless great plains to the east . The perfect place to unwind. Activities at the lodge includes mountain trails; bird watching; star gazing or you can just spend your time next to the pool enjoying the scenic views. Another reason I love this place apart from being so Eco-friendly, is that the decor is just gorgeous. I could definitely do with a few days here – isn’t it just beautiful?

Find out more via their website

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Makayni Private Game Lodge

Apart from their absolutely gorgeously designed suites and the true bush experience of spotting wildlife, the reason why I am so keen to visit Makayni Game Lodge is because of their game drive vehicles! Yes, you read that right. Linking to their efforts already focusing on conservation and community, Makayni is the first to now offer game drives on a new generation of totally silent, environment & wildlife friendly, Electric Safari Vehicle. How cool is that?

Another cool thing is that Makayni have already eliminated 100% of the usage on plastic straws, plus each guest will receive a aluminum branded Makanyi bottle which they can use to refill with water from the water dispensers placed around the lodge and get to take this home with them. Small efforts that make a big difference.

PS: Have you read my blog post on the electric BMW i3?

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Grootbos private Nature Reserve

While researching for this blog post, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve popped up in each search. It is an Eco-reserve that is between mountain; sea & forest, offering guests the best of everything. Can you imagine strolling through the 1000 year old Milkwood forests, or getting to learn more about bees and their hives (OK, truthfully, this wouldn’t be me as I’m so allergic), or even going whale spotting? There is a reason why Grootbos Nature Reserve is one of the world leaders in Eco tourism and this is because of all the work they do behind the scenes, including working with local communities.

You can read more here on their vast website.

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Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

One of the largest privately owned game reserve in South Africa, at Tswalu, everything is centered around their creed: To leave our world better than how we found it. The reserve offers 2 intimate and luxurious lodges on the property which were built from organic materials. They are dedicated to restoring and preserving the natural environment and ecological processes that are unique to the Kalahari ecosystems.

Each booking receives their own private vehicle, guide and tracker and the maximum amount of guests at the lodge is 28. So you’ll truly have a private experience. At Tswalu, you’ll get to see some of South Africa’s rarest and most extraordinary wildlife, including the Desert black rhino – Tswalu’s population represents one third of South Africa’s entire remaining desert black rhino. You’ll also spot the Black-maned Kalahari lions.

For more information this lodge click here

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andBeyond’s Phinda Private Game Reserve

Located in KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda tries to limit energy waste with energy efficient air conditioners, LED lights and timers on pumps and water heaters. They have also replaced all of their plastic bottles with reusable glass. Not only is this lodge luxurious but it covers an impressive 28 555 hectares of protected wildlife land. Giving you privacy and the opportunity to truly enjoy the finest game viewing experiences.

Phinda also focuses on conservation efforts by encouraging guests to join them on research experiences to help monitor endangered species. You can even participate in their one-of-its-kind Pangolin conservation experience.

For more information, click here.

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Samara Private Game Reserve

I’ve chatted about Samara before thanks to their efforts in bringing attention to Spekboom. At Samara they strive for excellence in sustainability by achieving a balance in the 4Cs – Conservation, Community, Culture & Commerce.

Another lodge that prides itself on privacy with only a maximum of 26 guests, you’ll be surrounded by a diverse semi-arid environment of mountains and grassland.

They are also a member of The Long Run, a collection of the world’s most sustainable nature-based travel destinations. Collectively, The Long Run helps conserve over 20 million acres of biodiversity and improves the lives of 750,000 people.

For more information on Samara, click here .

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Africa Revealed

If you’re looking for someone that can help with a customized safari experience; knowledge and true passion for the wild, you can contact Africa Revealed.  The reason why I’m such a fan, is that you can request to only visit places that play their part in being as Eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. They are willing to help in any way possible to make it as a unforgettable as possible.

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Let me know if you plan on going on a safari and visiting any of these lodges anytime soon?