As we move into the second half of 2023, South Africa is set to continue to grow its immense popularity amongst British and Irish travellers. Brace yourself for captivating adventures and awe inspiring new additions as we explore the country of endless possibilities.
Here, we round up some exciting news that’s bound to ignite a passion for discovery in even the most dedicated homebody and unveil all the things you didn’t know you loved in South Africa.
New hotels and safari lodges
Babohi – Qwabi Private Game Reserve, Limpopo: Opened 1st June 2023
Babohi Lodge is a gorgeous luxury retreat designed for adults with impeccable dining experiences and refined service, set amidst 11,000 hectares of the sprawling Waterberg.
Immerse yourself in one of the 25 rooms and suites, each offering spectacular views of the wilderness, some with private plunge pools and wood fired hot tubs. Guests can choose to get hands on with wild game on a wood fired grill, or enjoy al fresco dining under sweeping starry skies.
Rates at Babohi Lodge start from £403 per night for a deluxe room on a full board basis. Click here for more information.
Madwaleni River Lodge, Babanango Game Reserve, KZN: Opening September 2023
The new ultra-luxury tented Madwaleni River Lodge will open in the Babanango Game Reserve in the Zululand region of KwaZulu Natal in September 2023. This exclusive lodge, the fourth to be opened in the 20,000 hectare reserve, offers 12 air conditioned luxury tents. Each tent features a heated plunge pool, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom and custom-made beverage cabinets.
Rates at Madwaleni River Lodge start from £523.17 per night, for two people in a luxury tent on a full board basis. Click here for more information.
The Homestead, Nambiti Game Reserve, KZN: Opening early 2024
The Homestead is a 12-suite eco-conscious ultra-luxury lodge located on the pristine Nambiti reserve in South Africa set to open in early 2024. Just a short distance from Durban and Johannesburg, this ambitious conservation initiative invites you to witness the magnificence of the big five and over 50 species of wildlife, free from the threat of malaria.
Rates are currently unavailable. Click here for more information.
New additions
Amber Villa at Sabi Sabi’s Earth Lodge, Greater Kruger: Opened June 2023
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve has launched the new Amber Villa at its remarkable Earth Lodge, known for its incredible interior design which brings the outside in with a touch of luxury and creates the perfect atmosphere for total relaxation.
This calming sanctuary offers a spacious 240m2 villa with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, comfortably accommodating four guests, with a fifth able to be hosted upon request.
Each of the guest rooms has their own vibrant colour scheme, and there is a second, larger atrium that has more than doubled the size of the villa.
Rates at the Amber Villa at Earth Lodge from R105,000 (approximately £4,288) per night. The villa sleeps four people on a full board basis, with an additional space available on request. Click here for more information.
Zulu Camp at Shambala Private Game Reserve, Limpopo: Opening 2023/24
Prepare for an extraordinary transformation as Zulu Camp at Shambala Private Game Reserve is completely refurbished and a new lodge experience is developed. The project’s vision emphasises sustainability and showcases the natural landscape, highlighting the region’s inherent beauty.
Selected local interior designers will lead the project, with a brief to incorporate locally sourced pieces and keep the philosophy of sustainability in mind throughout.
Rates are currently unavailable. Click here for more information.
Two bedroom villa at Jabulani Safari, Limpopo: Opened 2023
Jabulani Safari, nestled within the Greater Kruger Park of South Africa, offers the chance to experience a soulful, personalised and intimate stay. Jabulani’s six suites, a new two bedroom villa, and exclusive Zindoga Villa offer true sanctuary within the peace of the bush.
Jabulani’s legacy began nearly twenty years ago, when it was built to help look after a herd of rescued elephants, and has led to the establishment of South Africa’s first dedicated elephant orphanage called HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation & Development).
Rates at Jabulani Safari start from £171 per person based on a superior suite including the conservation levy on a room only basis. Click here for more information.
For more information on this stunning country, visit South African Tourism.
