You may be disheartened by the decline in temperatures and that getting up happens in the dark. Some may even go as far as saying that this is the worst time of year. But not for gaming viewing. In fact, winter is said to be the best time of year to go on a safari in Africa. In the game-rich areas of the Southern and East Africa, the start of winter means the end of the wet season, and that means that the bush is thinner, the roads are accessible, and the wild animals in our game parks are the easiest to spot.
Also, in these areas it gets mild (sometimes even warm) during the day, providing pleasant temperatures for game drives. So to get you inspired for your winter safari break, here are the top places to go wildlife-viewing for both luxury-orientated and budget-conscious travellers.
You can book all these camps and lodges through Getaway Accommodation.
1. Kruger National Park
Limpopo Province and Mpumalanga
Surely South Africa’s prime wildlife viewing destination, the Kruger Park never fails to impress when it comes to spotting animals, especially in the dry season. Kruger has an impressive range of accommodation options, from camping to luxury lodges and they promise the best safari experience in the country. Because of its size and ample accommodation options, we’ll give you four.
Budget accommodation
Lower Sabie Rest Camp
This relaxed rest camp is situated on the banks of the Sabie River and offers camping, caravanning and self-catering bungalows starting at R200 per person sharing.
Book here
Punda Maria Rest Camp
Situated in the northernmost part of the park, you’ll find self-catering, camping and caravan options starting at R160 per person.
Book here
Luxury accommodation
Imbali Lodge
This exclusive lodge is situated in the Imbali safari concession and offers spacious, private chalets overlooking the N’waswitsontso River bend.
Book here
Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Situated in the southern region of the Kruger, this lodge combines luxury and elegance with modern African decor and beautiful river views.
Book here
Click here for packages to Kruger National Park with Getaway Adventures starting from R4250.
Click here for a comprehensive guide to Kruger National Park.
2. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Northern Cape and the South of Botswana
This was the first formally declared trans-border conservation area and is the amalgamation of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. The park is renowned for sightings of predators and the seasonal movements of blue wildebeest, springbok, eland and red hartebeest.
Budget accommodation
Mata Mata Rest Camp
This camp is situated on the banks of the Aoub River on the western boundary of the park and offers tented accommodation, camping, caravanning and self-catering chalets starting at R180 per person sharing.
Book here
Luxury accommodation
Grootkolk Wilderness Camp
Situated 20km from Union’s End, where South Africa, Botswana and Namibia meet, this tented accommodation overlooks a waterhole and offers a tranquil stay.
Book here
Click here for beautiful images of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
3. Thornybush Private Game Reserve
Limpopo Province
Photographer: Tom Coetzee
Being one of the private reserves adjacent to Kruger National Park, accommodation tends to be pricey. But a clever solution to this is finging a place to stay just outside the park and heading out on game drives daily to search for wildlife. Expect to see the Big 5 and a large variety of plains game.
Budget accommodation
Nyati Pools
Situated only 5km from the Thornybush gates, this tented accommodation is peaceful and relaxed and starts at R200 per person sharing.
Book here
Luxury accommodation
Shumbalala Game Lodge
Situated within the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, you’ll enjoy an intimate stay in luxury, thatched chalets with fireplaces and air-conditioning.
Book here
Click here to win a trip for two to Thornybush Game Lodge, worth R20 000.
4. Kibale Forest National Park
Uganda
For those who are tired of the standard South African safari, this is the ideal way to explore a different country and discover a national park where the lead characters are primates. Exploring on foot is the preferred method and chimp trekking expeditions come highly recommended.
Budget accommodation
Kibale Forest Camp
Enjoy a classic canvassed stay in this tented camp that is surrounded by dense forest vegetation. Tents go for R376 per person sharing.
Book here
Luxury accommodation
Chimp’s Nest
Situated on the border of the reserve, this lodge enjosy views of the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains and is often visited by monkeys, chimps and forest elephants.
Book here
Click here for packages to Uganda with Getaway Adventures, starting at R11 750.
Click here to read Justin Fox’s story on Kibale Forest National Park.
5. Etosha National Park
Namibia
This is Namibia’s prime wildlife viewing destination and is situated in the north of the country. The many waterholes attract the animals living in this fairly dry region, especially during the dry winter months. Many of the waterholes are floodlit, providing excellent night time game viewing.
Budget accommodation
Mamselle Nature Camp
These bungalows are shaded by Mopane and White Syringa trees and are situated just outside the park along the main road. Prices start at R70 per person to camp and R130 per person to stay in a self-catering bungalow.
Book here
Luxury accommodation
Andersson’s Camp
This luxury tented camp is situated within the private Ongava Reserve, adjacent to Etosha and looks out over a frequented waterhole.
Book here
Click here for travel packages to Etosha National Park with Getaway Adventures, starting at R7650.
Click here for a comprehensive guide to Etosha National Park.
6. Addo Elephant National Park
Eastern Cape
Contrary to what the name may suggest, you’ll get to see much more than elephants at Addo. The park is easily accessible and also hosts lion, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena and a variety of antelope and zebra species. It is the third largest national park in the country and incidentally hosts around 550 elephants.
Budget accommodation
Addo Main Rest Camp
Here you’ll have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from, with camping and caravanning being the most affordable at R175 per person.
Book here
Luxury accommodation
River Bend Lodge
Situated on a private concession within the Addo Elephant Park, you’ll stay in one of eight luxury suites, each with a private veranda and some with bush showers.
Book here
Click here for a recent blog with awesome images of Addo Elephant National Park.
7. Mapungubwe National Park
Limpopo Province
Mapungubwe used to be a flourishing metropolis in the Iron Age, but today this site consists of a vast expanse of savanna at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers. If you’re not admiring the elephant, giraffe, white rhino, eland and gemsbok then you can visit some of the cultural sites, thereby enjoying not only game viewing, but also a history lesson or two.
Budget accommodation
Mazhou Camping Site
Situated in the western section of the park, this campsite caters for 10 tents or caravans and prices R170 per person sharing.
Book here
Luxury accommodation
Vhembe Wilderness Camp
This camp is situated in the eastern section of the park and is walking distance from the Limpopo River and the historically significant Mapugubwe Hill.
Book here
8. Lake Kariba
Zimbabwe
This incredible lake in the Zambezi River is surrounded by national parks both on Zimbabwe and Zambia’s side and provides some excellent water-based game viewing, for those who are looking for something that doesn’t involved hours in a car. Apart from boating safaris and nature walks, you might also enjoy some excellent bird watching and even a spot of fishing.
Budget stay
Kariba Bush Club
A wide range of accommodation options are available, ranging from camping to cabins on the houseboat. Camping costs R71 per person and the grounds are on the banks of the lake.
Book here
Luxury stay
Karibeer House Boat
This family friendly pontoon house boat is intimate, with only three cabins and an open-air sleeping area (with mosquito nets) on the deck.
Book here
Click here for packages to Zimbabwe and Lake Kariba with Getaway Adventures, starting from R8450.
9. Waterberg Biosphere Reserve
Limpopo Province
This is the world’s only savanna biosphere reserve and offers not only game viewing, but also a strong culture injection. Habitats here are incredibly diverse and include wetlands and rivers, steep cliffs and slopes and even bushveld. The area also hosts many endangered species, like the African wild dog, black and white rhino and leopard.
Budget accommodation
Madikela Game Lodge
Situated on an ancient limestone plateau, you’ll stay in one of six self-catering cottages starting at R160 per person sharing.
Book here
Luxury accommodation
Shibula Lodge and Bush Spa
This luxurious lodge is surrounded by greenery and mountains and offers nine, individually designed, thatched chalets.
Book here
10. Pilanesberg Game Reserve
North West Province
The park lies adjacent to Sun City, providing something different to do in the area. You’ll find a vast variety of animals, including the Big 5 and many other predators and antelope. The roads are well looked after, making self-drive game viewing easy and enjoyable.
Budget accommodation
Makinky Manzi
This tented camp is close to a waterfall where you can swim in the rock pools and tents are priced from R220 per person sharing.
Book here
Luxury accommodation
Pilanesberg Private Lodge
Situated at the foot of the Pilansberg Mountains, this private lodge has five rooms and offers a luxurious and secluded stay.
Book here
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Tags: African safaris, budget game park accommodation, Kruger, luxury game park accommodation, winter game viewing