A safari adventure has got to be on your bucket list and if you’ve already ticked it off, chances are it’s an experience you’re keen to repeat. But a safari doesn’t have to just be about being in the bush and trying to catch a glimpse of the Big Five, it’s wonderfully peaceful to be in the wilderness and it’s equally possible to have a real safari for the soul experience and take the chance to truly relax and rejuvenate, read on for our top tips on where to stay for a truly indulgent safari experience…
Garonga Safari Camp and Little Garonga
The ultimate safari for the soul experience can be found at Garonga Safari Camp and Little Garonga. Your time here is as much about relaxing and rejuvenating yourself as it is about the actual safaris and your wonderful location. The camp is located in the beautiful Makalali Private Nature Reserve which lies west of Kruger National Park in South Africa.
This is definitely one of the most luxurious Safari Camps near Kruger National Park with many opportunities for relaxation. Whether you stay at the self-contained Little Garonga in one of three luxury thatched suites or in one of the six luxury tents at Garonga Safari Camp, your accommodation is simply beautiful. The rooms are lavishly draped in white linen, there are private decks and even private swimming pools and a spectacular outdoor Bush Bath if you upgrade.
Your actual safari experiences become much more relaxed here too, it’s more of an unhurried and intimate wildlife encounter, giving you plenty of time to reflect and find inspiration from nature. Yes, there are morning and sunset game drives with experienced guides but if you prefer you can skip one and instead take the ‘exercise wilderness walk’. When you return, laze by the swimming pool and refresh from the dusty drive with a hot towel; the extra pampering is very welcome. Basically, here it’s all about you here and you set the pace.
One of the really unique and special things about staying at Garonga is the chance to enjoy a “Sleep Out”, this takes place on a viewing deck with a four-poster bed where guests can enjoy a private dinner and spend the night alone in the bush: an unmissable experience! To really up the rejuvenation you must visit the beautiful Massage Sala which overlooks the riverbed at the Garonga Safari Camp; the heavenly aromatherapy sessions in the open-air sala are not to be missed.
Indlovu River Lodge
The Indlovu River Lodge is located on the banks of the Kuvjenami River near Hoedspruit, in the richly diverse 9,000-hectare Karongwe Private Game Reserve which is part of an area of the greater Kruger National Park. This is a relaxing and intimate boutique lodge whose beautiful villas accommodate a maximum of just 20 guests. As well as your African bush adventure and a chance to catch a glimpse of the Big 5, there is a communal pool and gazebo perfect for relaxing safari-style.
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge
The beautiful Ku Sungula Safari Lodge is located in the 40,000 hectare Balule Private Nature Reserve, in the Greater Kruger Park in South Africa. The lodge has a romantic feel with echoes of the bygone era of safari, as well as excellent facilities to really ensure that you relax on your safari break including a swimming pool and air conditioning. The lodge also includes a stunning, shady terrace which overlooks a waterhole; totally peaceful and tranquil. For your safari adventure, there are several set packages including a mixture of bush walks, game drives, microflight, boat trips, hot air balloon rides, horseback safari or alternatively, you can personalise a trip to your own desires.
Rhino River Lodge
The Rhino River Lodge lies on a private 23,000 hectare reserve in the heart of Zululand, 30kms North of the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. The service here makes you feel instantly relaxed when you are greeted with a refreshing fruit juice in a champagne glass. The accommodation is calm and serene with beautiful shades of beiges and greens to match your safari experience. As well as the two daily game drives, a lot of your time will be spent relaxing by the beautiful swimming pool and on the exclusive patio where it’s easy to drift into a bush dreamland. Upgrade your accommodation to The Cottage or The Homestead and really up the relaxation as you gain a private plunge pool.
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