This was an unbelievable experience, Hippos play fighting! I adore South Africa, and thankfully I had local knowledge. If you want to do a safari in SA (and why wouldn't you!) please don't be scared to travel a little further afield. Our travel agent was going to book us at a reserve in the Cape, which looked lovely, but for a 3 star lodge the prices were SO much higher than this amazing spot. We flew from PE to Durban and stayed at 5 star Nambiti Hills for three nights, all for less money than it would have cost to drive to the one that was near us in the Cape, and only stay for 2 nights.

I would also say be careful and research your animal experiences in SA carefully. I can't say enough about the Nambiti Reserve, it's stunning and properly wild. Some of the reserves in the Cape split some of the animals into separate areas of the parks. To me that's not the true safari experience.

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Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge

Ladysmith

United Kingdom

Timothy

₩2,855,389 total

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Jan 7 - Jan 8, 2026

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