Southern Africa is a dream destination for an African safari, offering breathtaking landscapes, incredible biodiversity, and unforgettable encounters with wildlife.
As travellers become more conscious of their environmental impact, choosing an eco-friendly safari lodge is key to ensuring a responsible and sustainable travel experience. From Big Five safari in the world-famous Kruger National Park to a remote wilderness retreat, or a safari near Cape Town, these lodges combine luxury with conservation for an ethical adventure.
1. Singita Lebombo Lodge, Kruger National Park
Located in a private concession within Kruger National Park, Singita Lebombo is an eco-conscious haven committed to wildlife conservation and community development. The lodge runs on solar power, practices water conservation, and funds anti-poaching initiatives—all while providing a Big Five safari experience in one of Africa’s most iconic reserves.
2. Chobe Game Lodge, Chobe National Park
Chobe Game Lodge is Botswana’s first eco-certified safari lodge, fully powered by renewable energy. Their silent electric game-drive vehicles and boats provide a Big Five safari with minimal environmental impact, while their outstanding all-female guiding team ensures a unique and empowering experience.
3. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Whale Coast
For those looking for a unique safari near Cape Town, Grootbos offers a unique fynbos and marine safari. This eco-lodge is a leader in sustainable tourism, supporting local communities through education, reforestation, and conservation projects while offering whale watching and nature tours.
4. Tswalu Kalahari, Northern Cape
Tswalu is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, offering a completely exclusive safari experience. With a strong focus on habitat restoration and rare species conservation, this lodge limits visitor numbers to protect its pristine environment. It’s an ideal choice for travellers wondering if it’s safe to travel South Africa, as it offers complete privacy and high-end service.
5. &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal
This glass-walled eco-lodge sits in a rare Sand Forest, offering a luxurious yet eco-friendly escape. Phinda continues to play a key role in conservation success stories, including the reintroduction of cheetahs and black rhinos.
6. Zarafa Camp, Selinda Reserve
Zarafa Camp is one of Africa’s greenest safari lodges – located in Botswana, operating entirely on solar energy and using reclaimed wood for its luxurious tents. Set in the Selinda Reserve, guests enjoy intimate wildlife encounters while supporting conservation initiatives.
7. Time + Tide Chinzombo, South Luangwa
The solar-powered Time + Tide Chinzombo lodge in Zambia blends sustainability with exclusivity, set along the Luangwa River. The region is famous for walking safaris, and Chinzombo actively funds local conservation and education programmes.
8. Desert Rhino Camp, Damaraland
For those passionate about conservation, Desert Rhino Camp in Namibia offers the rare opportunity to track critically endangered black rhinos on foot. The lodge is managed in partnership with Save the Rhino Trust, ensuring sustainable and ethical tourism.
9. Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, Oudtshoorn
Nestled in the semi-arid Klein Karoo in South Africa, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge focuses on ethical wildlife observations. Engaging in sustainable tourism practices including water and biodiversity conservation, community upliftment, and habitat restoration, guests can enjoy luxury tented accommodations with views of a bustling waterhole, home to a variety of wildlife, from hippos to antelope.
10. Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa National Park
Famous for its annual elephant visitors who walk through its reception area, Mfuwe Lodge is the epitome of dedication to responsible tourism where nature and luxury exist in harmony. The lodge supports anti-poaching efforts in Zambia and various community projects while offering immersive safari experiences.
Safari journeys that matters
For those asking, “Is it safe to travel South Africa?”, eco-conscious lodges provide not only a secure environment but also ensure that your trip contributes positively to uplifting local communities and preserving the surrounding ecosystems. Choosing sustainable accommodations allows travellers to enjoy the magic of an African safari while protecting the landscapes and wildlife that make it so special.
Book a Sustainable Safari Stay in Southern African with Africa Select Journeys
