It’s a feeling that you get upon arriving in the middle of the bushveld. The air is cooler, the mornings are quieter, and outside, the traffic noise can be replaced by birds calling from trees or maybe a distant lion roaring somewhere far off.
Below are some of the best safari lodges in the North West that truly make a difference after the experience.
Best Safari Lodges in North West
1. Madikwe Safari Lodge
2. Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge
3. Etali Safari Lodge
4. Black Rhino Game Lodge
5. African Hills Safari Lodge & Spa
6. Tau Game Lodge
6 Best Safari Lodges in North West, South Africa
1. Madikwe Safari Lodge
Address: Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe, 0116, South Africa
In this lodge, luxury and nature are in perfect balance. Most people find it very peaceful from the outset. No loud crowds and no time-constrained safari cars all around; simply vast plains and amazing wildlife. Rates usually start around $1,691 per night, depending on the season and room category.
A special feature here is the guided game drives that are guided. Madikwe is well known for the Big Five, but is also one of the prime locations in South Africa for finding wild dogs, which are considerably less common elsewhere. The guides are passionate, very knowledgeable, and make every drive an exciting one, even if you have already been on safari once before.
The suites are very refined without being overpowering. Outdoor showers, large baths with a view of the bush, fireplaces for cooler nights, and private decks where the animals may be heard scuttling past but only briefly noticed while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Typically, it includes meals; the food is good, but not as good as many city restaurants. After sunrise breakfasts, high tea in the afternoon, and candlelit dinners around the boma fire make for an unforgettable experience.
2. Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge
Address: R565 Pilanesberg National Park, Bojanala Sun City, 0316, South Africa
Shepherd’s Tree is a great choice if you are looking for a lodge that is comfortable yet affordable. It is located within Pilanesberg National Park, one of the most easily visited safari parks from Johannesburg. Prices generally start around $460 per night.
The scenery on this page is just gorgeous. The lodge is nestled amongst the rocks, and when the sun sets, the entire area turns orange-gold. It’s like you’re looking at something you can’t believe is real.
The rooms are large, modern, and feature outdoor showers, private patios, and large beds. There are even suites with plunge swimming pools. The infinity pool that overlooks the bushveld is likely to be one of the best vantage points in the entire Lodge.
Most packages include game drives, and there’s a high likelihood of seeing the elephants. A driving trip here can be a complete wildlife experience in itself. It’s hard to pass over the free meals, either! They serve massive buffet breakfasts and often serve traditional South African foods as well as international ones for dinner.
3. Etali Safari Lodge
Address: Madikwe Game Reserve, Etali Safari Lodge Rd, Molatedi Village, 2383, South Africa
Etali is a place where people go for their anniversaries, honeymoons, or once-in-a-lifetime events. It’s secluded and intimate but not so stuffy. Prices usually begin around $1,927 per night.
It’s the little things that make Etali so special. Each suite boasts a private heated outdoor Jacuzzi, private outdoor shower, and private deck, as well as a private fireplace. Staff light candles around the room at night to make the room cosy and create a welcoming ambiance which is hard to describe unless you experience it.
Here are outstanding safari drives. Aside from the fact that the wildlife is already incredible in Madikwe, the reduction in the number of vehicles in the reserve makes sightings feel more personal and exclusive.
Many packages also include free meals and booze! The bush dinners under the stars are easily one of the highlights. It’s something you never forget: you’re sitting next to a fire, and you hear hyenas in the distance.
4. Black Rhino Game Lodge
Address: Black Rhino Game Reserve R565 Pilanesberg, 7130, South Africa
Black Rhino Game Lodge is ideal for those who wish for the luxury of a lodge but a more relaxed, less intimidating feel. It’s in the private Black Rhino Reserve, part of Pilanesberg. Prices often start around $540 per night.
The first impression is the green and lushness of the property, which is not found in some other safari areas. The lodge plays harmoniously with the surrounding woodland, creating a serene and secluded ambiance.
Rooms are chic and comfortable with outdoor showers, air conditioning, and ample viewing decks. This is a place that families especially love, because it is not too exclusive, and it is welcoming.
Most accommodations feature meals, and guests are delighted with the freshly prepared dinners and hospitality. After a long day of seeing wildlife, it is fantastic to sit at the fire and cook a boma dinner around the fire.
The lodge is named after the outstanding rhino sightings that the reserve has to offer. Occasionally, lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards can be seen as well.
5. African Hills Safari Lodge & Spa
Address: R560, 1 Doornspruit Road, Magaliesburg, 1790, South Africa
Not all safaris are expensive, and African Hills is a perfect example. This lodge is situated in the Magaliesberg area and is not an ultra-luxury place of escape as far as a safari is concerned. Prices usually begin around $202 per night.
This is a perfect spot for couples, weekend getaways, or first-time safari goers. The lodge is more of a relaxing bush retreat than a wildlife experience, as it offers spa packages.
The spa facilities are really awesome. A massage with a view of the mountains, after a game drive, is very rewarding.
The rooms are cozy and elegant, and the property itself has beautiful gardens, pools, and outdoor seating areas. The wildlife experience here is not as exciting as Madikwe and Pilanesberg, but it is still a beautiful spot to see animals and get in touch with nature.
Breakfast is typically provided for the most part, and some packages provide free game drives or welcome drinks.
6. Tau Game Lodge
Address: 2874 R49 Madikwe Game Reserve, 2874, South Africa
Over the years, Tau Game Lodge has earned a reputation for providing a true safari experience with great service. Right on top of a massive waterhole in Madikwe Game Reserve, which means that you might not even need to leave the Lodge to see the animals. Prices generally start around $772 per night.
The viewing deck is one of the highlights of this. Visitors frequently can sit for hours watching elephants, zebras, and antelopes congregate around the waterhole whilst drinking from the bar.
Rooms are spacious, traditionally furnished, and have private balconies. The lodge provides a variety of activities for kids, including educational programs for younger guests, making it a favorite among families.
There are a lot of packages that include meals too, and the people really make you feel welcomed.
Although it is not as popular as Kruger or the Eastern Cape, the North West is not always as focused on. Maybe it’s not as popular as Kruger or the Eastern Cape, but it’s not always so talked about. The reserves are less crowded, the safaris are more personal, and the range of luxury and price is fantastic.
Conclusion
North West might not always get the same attention as Kruger or the Eastern Cape, but honestly, that’s part of its charm. The reserves feel less crowded, the safari experiences feel more personal, and there’s a wonderful mix of luxury and affordability.
Regardless of which lodge you choose, whether it is the elegant Etali Safari Lodge, the comfortable Black Rhino Game Lodge, or the scenic Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge, you will take with you amazing memories, lots of photos, and possibly a newfound appreciation for the African bush.
It’s just something about coffee and elephants at sunrise. Once you have the experience, you won’t ever feel the same going on vacation again.
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