There are many glorious river and lake safaris to be enjoyed in South and Southern Africa, some combining the very best of both the bush and the water when it comes to wilderness and wildlife experiences. Exclusive Getaways lists some favourites in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces in South Africa, and one grand water safari along the Chobe River.
Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa
Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa is situated along the banks of picturesque Lake Jozini in KwaZulu-Natal’s Zulu Kingdom. The hotel offers a variety of water- and land-based activities for all ages. The area is known for memorable tiger fishing, game viewing, and the coral reefs of the nearby Maputaland marine reserve. The lodge is easily reached from both Durban and Gauteng, and is well-positioned for trips to St Lucia and various game reserves. Mail us.
Tandweni Villa
Tandweni Villa is a luxurious self-catering villa set on the banks of Jozini Dam within the Pongola Biosphere Reserve. Guests visit Tandweni to enjoy some of the best tiger fishing, as well as ‘Big 4’ game viewing and a luxury bush experience. Every room at Tandweni Villa has panoramic views across the glistening waters of Jozini Dam and the Ubombo mountain pass. The veranda and pool area have beautiful views over the dam and up the Jozini Gorge. Ten adults can be comfortably accommodated in five bedrooms. The villa has its own boma, gym, and equipped kitchen. A fenced garden with jungle gym provides a safe play space for children. Tandweni Villa is a wonderful choice for a independent waterside safari for families and small groups. Mail us.
Kosi Forest Lodge
Kosi Forest Lodge is the only private lodge in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve. This wetland wilderness is a treasured part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park – a truly unspoiled natural world. Enjoy canoe and boat trips in a magical waterworld, walks through pristine raffia forests, and day trips to breathtaking coastal beaches. Eight forest cabins are set among fig and milkwood trees, and have romantic open-air bathrooms. The central area has a lounge, dining room and bar, all opening onto a large wooden deck built around a huge Zulu podberry tree. The swimming pool overlooks beautiful Lake Shengeza. There is limited electricity, candlelight creating a warm and romantic atmosphere reminiscent of wild Africa long ago. This is a place to rediscover nature in South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. Mail us.
Kariega Game Reserve River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge is situated along the banks of the Bushman’s River. The central area provides lounges, a library, swimming pool and a viewing deck overlooking the river. The setting is unique in that the Big Five reserve meets the sea in this beautiful location. Guests enjoy wildlife sightings in both the bush and from the water. Additionally, daily river cruises ferry guests through the village of Kenton-on-sea to picturesque beaches. Mail us.
Sibuya Game Reserve
Sibuya Game Reserve is a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary along the Kariega River in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. The Sibuya experience begins with a scenic boat cruise from reception at Kenton-on-Sea, along the Kariega estuary to your accommodation – at either the tented Forest Camp or River Camp, or at a Bush Camp chalet. The Sibuya experience features both bush- and water-based game viewing, providing a vast array of wildlife and bird sightings, the Big Five among them. Turtles, dolphins and whales are also sometimes seen near the river mouth. Game drives, beach outings, river cruises and canoe trips combine to create a superb and varied safari. Mail us.
Zambezi Queen
Zambezi Queen is a unique and unforgettable 5-star holiday experience on a floating hotel on Africa’s great Chobe River. Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime luxury houseboat experience for an incomparable river safari holiday in a remote wilderness location situated between Namibia and Botswana. The houseboat navigates about 25 km of the Chobe River, weather permitting. The experience includes magnificent river safaris and sunset cruises by tender boat; birding; tiger or bream fishing; fabulous wildlife sightings on the banks of the Chobe National Park from the vantage point of the boat, including some of the 120 000 elephants for which Chobe is well known. In order to enjoy all of these experiences, a 3-night stay is recommended. Mail us.
Mail us to book or ask for additional information, or call us on +27 21 797 7122.
