TAKE A LOOK | Inside 6 of SA's most exclusive lodges, where rooms cost over R60 000 a night

This article forms part of the archives of Business Insider South Africa, which was published as a partnership between News24 and Insider Inc between 2018 and 2023.

• An exclusive club of luxury safari lodges in South Africa caters to the world's wealthiest holiday goers.
• They offer palatial rooms in idyllic natural surroundings, usually with unlimited alcohol and fine dining menus.
• Some include electric safari vehicles, art galleries, private plunge pools, personal butlers, and access to the country's best wildlife viewing.
• Here's what it's like inside six of South Africa's most exclusive lodges, where a single room costs more than R30,000 - per person per night.

South Africa has hundreds of safari lodges in stunning reserves and celebrated national parks that won't break the bank - many perfectly acceptable for a holiday escape.

But a small group of operators have created lodges that are the epitome of luxury, catering directly to the world's wealthiest and most discerning travellers.

Each year just a few dozen guests get to experience these elite luxury lodges, all of which are situated in perfect locations within South Africa's top parks and reserves.

The lodges are as much about the natural surroundings as they are about the guest experience. Operators commission world-renown architects to build the perfect bush experience - from lavish common areas to secluded suites.

The lodges also come complete with the country's best private guides, personal butlers, vast premium wine and liquor collections, chef-curated menus, spa treatments, and various possible personalised activities.

None of this comes cheap - a room at any of these lodges typically starts at R30,000 per person per night - and can climb up to over R80,000 per suite.

And while that is out of reach of most - both in South Africa and abroad - many lodges are so celebrated and revered they operate at occupancy rates in the high 90%s.

Take a look inside six of South Africa's most exclusive - and expensive - private safari lodges:

Singita Lebombo, Ebony, and Boulders

Singita is a brand synonymous with luxury safaris in South Africa. The group opened its first lodge in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve in the early 90s and has since expanded to include several in its local portfolio. It now also has several high-end lodges throughout Africa.

Among the local lodges are Ebony and Boulders, in the Sabi Sand, and Lebombo and Sweni in the Kruger National Park.

Lebombo is famous for its bird nest-like rooms that hover above the confluence of two rivers and with views of the Lebombo Mountains.

Photo: Andrew Thompson.

And it has an equally tranquil common area complete with an art gallery, library, indoor-outdoor dining, and two swimming pools

Singita Lebombo. Photograph: Andrew Thompson.

Ebony and Boulders are equally unique and opulent. Boulders has glass-walled suites with an en-suite bedroom, private lounge and game viewing deck, and plunge pool.

Image: Supplied / Ross Couper.

And Singita's founding lodge, Ebony, has luxurious suites with canvas and glass walls and uninterrupted river views

Image: Supplied.

Tswalu

Tswalu has become one of the South African safari lodges synonymous with the most exclusive bush getaway imaginable - in the corner of the remote Kalahari Desert. Access is primarily via private plane, vast thatched suites offer a range of amenities, and wining and dining is a key element of the trip.

Suites are large enough to be homes.

Photo: Andrew Thompson.

And bedrooms offer unobstructed views of the Kalahari bush beneath swishing fans and a large map of the property.

Photo: Andrew Thompson.

And visit to Tswalu also includes dinner at one of South Africa's most talked about restaurants - Klein Jan.

Photo: Andrew Thompson.

Cheetah plains

Cheetah Plains made a name for itself as the only lodge in South Africa to offer a full fleet of electric game drive vehicles - and it's now entirely off the grid with an advanced solar system. It's an exclusive-use option that offers guests the ultimate luxury and privacy - complete with large, technologically forward suites

Photo: Andrew Thompson.

And a common area, serviced by a full complement of dedicated staff, has a movie room, wine cellar, lounge, dining area, boma, and large lap pool.

Photo: Andrew Thompson.

Tengile River Lodge

Luxury travel company andBeyond has established a name for itself in the exclusive travel market in South Africa and abroad. They operate several lodges that cater for varying budgets - with one of its most elaborate local lodges, Tengile River Lodge, situated in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.

Photo: Andrew Thompson.

Suites at Tengile River Lodge are 200 square metres big. They have a bar, two indoor lounge areas, an outdoor viewing deck and lounge, a plunge pool, a spacious bathroom, and impressive bedrooms.

Photo: Andrew Thompson.

Royal Malewane

Royal Malewane, operated by The Royal Portfolio, includes three luxury safari lodges in the Greater Kruger National Park area. The lodge makes no attempt to limit its opulence or exclusivity and offers a selection of unique accommodations.

Malewane Lodge is a classic-styled bush lodge with traditional luxuries and modern touches.

Image: Supplied.

While The Farmstead is more modern, with three private suites and a pool deck reaching out into the bush.

Image: Supplied.

And the colourful Waterside that has both suites and a luxury private villa for larger groups.

Image: Supplied.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Lion Sands Game Reserve is idyllically located between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sand. The group has established a name for itself as one of the best luxury lodge collections in the reserve, with high-end options among the priciest in the country. But its Ivory Lodge is among the most exclusive.

The lodge is at the confluence of the Sand and Sabie Rivers and offers unobstructed views.

Image: Supplied.

And rooms include a lounge, private patio and deck, and swimming pool.

Image: Supplied.