A riverside holiday in South Africa can be a wonderfully scenic getaway that might include some wildlife viewing from a comfy deckchair; a dash of boating, canoeing or fishing; or lazy hours on a riverbank contemplating nature in all her riverside splendour. It might even include a lanternlit dinner for two, far away from the city, with toes a-tingle in the river. We share some of our favourite riverside lodges with you.
MPUMALANGA
Singita Sweni is an intimate and sublimely luxurious lodge hiding amongst hundreds of trees at the edge of the Sweni River, within a 33000 acre private concession in the Kruger National Park. Being close to the river, guests at Sweni Lodge enjoy close-up sightings of animals and birds that come down to the river to drink or wallow. Mail Us.
Inyati Game Lodge has an incredible riverside setting in the much-visited Sabi Sand Reserve, thanks to the perennial Sand River that runs through the camp. The life-bringing river creates a lush camp environment, with leisure and dining areas overlooking the river and its surrounding vegetation. The river entices a fair share of animals to venture close to camp, elephants among them. Mail Us.
LIMPOPO
The fabulous Kapama River Lodge occupies a prime position in a bend of the seasonal Kapama River, and offers a Big Five safari from this beautiful base. The suites offer loads of luxury and enchanting views. Eventful safaris on 13 000 hectares of wilderness reveal a good many of the 40+ mammal species and about 350 bird varieties that are at home in the reserve. Mail Us.
KWAZULU-NATAL
Mkuze Falls Private Game Lodge has a stunning position on the northern bank of the Mkuze River, in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal. The lodge and guest suites are perched high in the reserve, the central areas overlooking the Mkuze Waterfall and providing incredible views. The riverine eco-system adds much to the safari experience – sightings of crocodile and hippo are not uncommon. Wetland, lowveld bushveld and montane grassland eco-systems bring about great diversity of wildlife in the reserve. Mail Us.
WESTERN CAPE
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat is a luxuriously magical getaway in the Cederberg. Tributaries of the Olifants River flow through the reserve, creating crystal-clear pools amid the rock formations. Experience the placid waters on a canoe and view the massive ancient rock formations that characterize the Bushmans Kloof landscape. Rock art tours, nature drives, spa indulgences, biking and fly-fishing are among the activities available to guests. Mail Us.
EASTERN CAPE
River Lodge in the Kariega Game Reserve is a unique and wonderful safari destination, its location linking a Big Five game reserve with the sea. This means that guests at River Lodge have the unusual luxury of bush and beach in one place! The lodge stands on the banks of the Bushmans River near Kenton-on-sea in the Eastern Cape, and offers bush-based 4X4 sfaris as well as daily boat cruises from the lodge that ferry guests across the river to the beaches of Kenton-on-Sea. Mail Us.
Great Fish River Lodge is set high on a bank in the Kwandwe Game Reserve, its viewing decks overlooking the Great Fish River and beyond as far as the horizon line. Very luxurious suites have fold-away glass doors that lead onto private balconies with plunge pools and vast views. Mail Us.
Umngazi Hotel & Spa is a glorious holiday spot on the banks of the Umngazi River on the Wild Coast. Recharge on secluded beaches, explore mangrove swamps and take in masses of natural beauty. Canoe up the river, do some scenic nature hikes, enjoy fishing on the waterways and relax at the resort. Mail Us.
Mail Us for information and bookings, or call +27 21 797-7122 (international).
