Fancy a quick weekend break from the urban jungle? Well clearly you're not going to want to drive halfway across the country to get there. To ease your way, we've collected all those game lodges within 4 hours drive of Gauteng. So get planning your next quick break now!
With its hugely spacious luxury suites, superbly personal service and an ever-growing reputation for quality dining, 57 Waterberg is well worth its place in the ranks of the top lodges in the Welgevonden
With just 23 rooms, Black Rhino fills the middle ground between the smaller, more boutique lodges found mainly in the Black Rhino reserve and the larger “bush hotels” located in the Pilanesberg National Park.
This community owned and run lodge with a lovely location on a prominent ridge overlooking the western sector of Madikwe, underwent a major revamp in 2025, significantly upping its desirability!
INCLUDES DRINKS! 10 luxurious free standing Signature Suites built on an open plain with floor to ceiling glazing overlooking a private waterhole, so you can literally lie on your bed whilst watching animals coming down to drink!
INCLUDES DRINKS! Clifftop stands out for its stunning location, its 8 spacious room (with private plunge polls!) overlooking a spectacular gorge, as well as its unusual trademark white colour palette which makes for an exciting break from traditional...
The 5 lovely suites of Ekuthuleni enjoy a prime position on the game-rich plains of the central part of the Welgevonden reserve.
A superb choice for serious wildlife enthusiasts looking for superior game viewing as the guiding (including Shangaan trackers) is out of the top drawer! Photographers will love the hide at the lodge's active waterhole with elephants regular...
Something completely different - the first luxury tented camp in the Welgevonden! The 5 spacious tents are perfect for a romantic break with their private plunge pools and outside showers!
With 64 luxurious suites this is more of a “bush hotel” which offers more facilities and activities than a traditional game lodge, if not the intimacy.
OPENING 1 JULY. DRINKS INCLUDED! Stunning re-invention after the old Jaci's lodges were destroyed by flooding in 2025 - this newly built 10-room lodge raises Jaci's to a completely different level altogether, with the gorgeously contemporary new...
A quick 2-hour drive from Gauteng brings you to Kwa Maritane - the "Place of the Rock" - a 90 room bush-resort style lodge that's especially welcoming to kids!
INCLUDES DRINKS! Intimate little bush camp of just 5 lovely tents offering a taste of old-fashioned safari style just 2 hours north of Johannesburg.
One of the most attractive lodges in the Welgevonden with the public areas and 6 suites exhibiting understated contemporary style and luxury - the private plunge pools, stunning bathrooms and waterhole hide are particular highlights!
Sensational location on top of a 100 foot high cliff overlooking the Palala river combined with some of the most gorgeously luxurious rooms in South Africa, makes this one of the most exciting new lodges to be launched in this country for many years!
Probably our pick of the Nambiti lodges - the 10 very spacious and luxurious air-conditioned suites at Lions Valley are cleverly decorated to give them completely different identities based on different themes!
INCLUDES DRINKS! Our choice as arguably THE most stylish and luxurious lodge in the Pilanesberg – Lush has just 8 spacious rooms each boasting the latest in contemporary safari style, including private plunge pools!
With its close proximity to Gauteng and excellent affordability, the “bush hotel” style Mabula has undergone a recent stylish contemporary makeover that makes it a superb option for anyone on a tighter schedule or budget.
Oozes authentic African style using natural materials like tree trunks in a rustic but very stylish way and combining this with all the latest mod-cons.
Unapologetically traditional in style, Makweti really delivers a quality safari experience with elegantly luxurious accommodation (including private plunge pools for 4 of its 5 rooms), superb personal service, a maximum of just 6 people on a vehicle...
INCLUDES DRINKS! Set overlooking a stunning view of a truly spectacular valley, the gorgeous contemporary styling makes this one of the most attractive lodges in South Africa!
INCLUDES DRINKS! Situated beneath the towering Waterberg Mountains in a malaria-free reserve boasting the Big Five and spectacular landscapes, we really love the superbly styled and luxurious tented suites here, their stunningly contemporary designs...
DRINKS INCLUDED! A stunningly stylish and luxurious new lodge of 5 gorgeous suites in the private Black Rhino reserve area that will delight fans of new contemporary game lodge architecture and design!
With just 5 spacious rooms and a 3-bedroomed Villa, this little gem is one of the smallest lodges in the whole of the Madikwe reserve and as a result guests rave about the very friendly and personal service – Motswiri is definitely one of those...
INCLUDES DRINKS! One of the most stylish and upmarket lodges in the Nambiti reserve boasting superb views out over the southern reaches of the reserve.
Intimate lodge of just air-conditioned 7 rooms which enjoys a prime position right in the heart of this up-and-coming and very scenic Big Five reserve.
Previously known as Camp Ndlovu, this is a lovely upmarket lodge in traditional style with a gorgeous deck perched literally above an active waterhole - class, elegance and superb service is delivered in spades!
An understated lodge that delivers wonderfully warm personal service and an authentic bushveld experience - gets consistent rave reviews from guests!
INCLUDES DRINKS! Attractive tented camp with a beautiful location along the banks of the Komati River in a scenic reserve full of big game just 3 hours drive from Gauteng.
Nungubane is known for the warmth of its welcome, the friendliness of its staff, and for its magnificent, tranquil ambiance.
INCLUDES DRINKS! Cool off in the heat of summer in your own private plunge pool (now heated!); in winter return to the warmth of your Morso fireplace heated room!
With its 20 stylish and spacious tented rooms, Safari Plains is the new luxury lodge option that was previously missing at the Mabula reserve.
If it’s space you’re after then look no further than the huge 120 m2 suites at Sediba! Add in your own private Jacuzzi on your deck and you can see that a stay here promises to deliver a romantic experience par excellence!
Completely different to traditional game lodges as it’s more like a stylish, contemporary and luxurious boutique resort set in the bush - great Spa too!
The first tented camp in Nambiti, Springbok Lodge is also always one of the most reasonably priced lodge options in this popular and easily accessible reserve!
INCLUDES DRINKS! With its more contemporary styling and decor this is one of the top lodges in the Pilanesberg with just 5 absolutely gorgeous suites set within a tamboti forest!
CLOSED CURRENTLY FOR REPAIRS AFTER FLOODING. Community-owned lodge with 12 gorgeous tented rooms - wonderfully warm and hospitable staff and great value for money!
Exciting new lodge option in the hugely popular Black Rhino reserve of Pilanesberg with attractive, contemporary Suites and public areas (including great roof-top deck) and an excellent Amani Spa!
Long regarded as one of the most prestigious lodges in the Pilanesberg, the luxurious rooms at Tshukudu are set high on a hilltop with great views over a plain complete with waterhole below.
With just 5 lovely suites on a hillside giving wonderful views of the mountains of the Waterberg, this is a great choice for couples looking for a romantic break!
INCLUDES DRINKS! A 2025 makeover resulted in this 16-guest capacity lodge now boasting much more stylish and contemporary wonderfully suites complete with private plunge pools! Tuningi is also genuinely child friendly – a real highlight is to sit...
Umzolozolo with its 8 luxurious suites was the first lodge opened on the Nambiti Reserve back in 2005 and remains one of the best!