One way to think about luxury, is having the freedom and good fortune to make your own choices about how you spend your days while on holiday. An upmarket self-catering safari can be a great way to enjoy a safari on your own terms, not bound to the time-scheduled activities that are generally the norm at most safari lodges. Exclusive Getaways has some suggestions for your next self-catering safari, and all are family-friendly.

Bush Villas on Kruger, Phalaborwa, Limpopo

upmarket self catering safaris south africa
Bush Villas on Kruger
upmarket self catering safaris south africa
Bush Villas on Kruger

Bush Villas on Kruger are set amid fever trees near several dams in Phalaborwa, and are just 2 km away from the Kruger National Park. Here guests can enjoy upmarket self-catering accommodation in self-contained, thatched villas. Spacious and well equipped, the villas are perfect for families and small groups travelling together, and for travellers who enjoy holidaying independently and following their own schedule. Most of the villas accommodate up to six people, but there are also some that sleep ten. All have a well-equipped kitchen and living room, and two en-suite bedrooms. Watch birds and enjoy the waterside setting from a thatched terrace and barbeque area . The camp has a swimming pool where guests can cool down in between their safari and sightseeing adventures in the region. There is a convenient option of ordering a grocery basket, breakfast basket or braai basket. There are restaurants and shops nearby. Mail us.

Tandweni Villa, Jozini Dam, KwaZulu-Natal

upmarket self catering safaris south africa
Tandweni Villa
upmarket self catering safaris south africa
Tandweni Villa

Tandweni Villa is a luxurious self-catering villa set on the banks of Jozini Dam within the Pongola Biosphere Reserve. Some of the best tiger fishing is available in this area, as well as ‘Big 4’ game viewing. Every room at Tandweni Villa has panoramic views across Jozini Dam and the Ubombo mountain pass. The veranda and pool area have beautiful views over the dam and up the Jozini Gorge, making it the perfect scenic relaxation spot. Ten adults can be comfortably accommodated in five bedrooms, with the use of four bathrooms. The villa has its own boma, gym, and equipped kitchen. A fenced garden with jungle gym provides a safe play space for children. This is a wonderful choice for a independent waterside safari for families. Mail us.

White Elephant @Africamps, Pongola, Kzn

upmarket self catering safaris south africa
White Elephant @ Africamps
upmarket self catering safaris south africa
White Elephant @ Africamps

White Elephant @ Africamps is an appealing self-catering ‘glamping’ safari experience at Lake Jozini in Pongola Game Reserve. The experience is family-friendly and includes both water- and land-based wilderness activities. Tents are 55 square metres in size and accommodate up to 5 people. Each has 2 queen beds and 1 bunkbed, air-conditioning, fireplace, barbeque facility, equipped kitchen and wood-fired hot tub. The White Elephant wilderness is free of malaria and supports 4 of the renowned ‘Big 5’ of South Africa’s wildlife. Enjoy a gentle boat cruise, try your hand at tiger fishing, and explore the wilderness on guided walks, game drives and nscious ‘elephanting’ and rhino tracking excursions. Mail us.

Swartberg Private Game Lodge, Oudtshoorn Area, Little Karoo

upmarket self catering safaris south africa
Swartberg Private Game Lodge
upmarket self catering safaris south africa
Swartberg Private Game Lodge

Swartberg Private Game Lodge offers a private, self-catering wildlife safari and nature experience in the Little Karoo. Available to families or small groups for exclusive-use holiday rental, this five-bedroom Karoo-style lodge is set on a malaria-free wildlife estate, home to a variety of antelope, as well as Giraffe and Cape Mountain Zebra. Free of large predators, the estate offers guests the opportunity to safely explore the terrain on foot or on mountain bike.  Mail us

Mail us to book your safari or getaway in South Africa, or speak to us on +27 21 797 7122.