By Gugulethu Tshabalala
If you’re the kind of traveller who craves both soul-stirring adventure and deep, restorative relaxation, then let us introduce you to a new trend: The Wellness Safari. This isn’t your average game drive. Think sunrise yoga with views of the savannah, spa treatments under acacia trees, organic meals made with local produce, and quiet evenings soaking in starlit silence—all while being surrounded by South Africa’s legendary wildlife and landscapes. Ready to roam wild and return home well?
Here are the top wellness safari lodges in South Africa to add to your travel wishlist:
Londolozi Healing House – Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga
Tucked into the legendary Sabi Sand Reserve, Londolozi’s Healing House is more than a spa—it’s a sanctuary for transformation. Here, the focus is on inner stillness, ancient healing practices, and connecting with nature in a conscious way.
What’s in store:
● River-view yoga and meditation
● Sound therapy and reiki
● Bush walks designed to awaken your senses
Traveller’s tip: Book a sunrise session on the yoga deck—pure magic as the mist rises over the Sand River.
Karkloof Safari Villas & Spa – KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Imagine waking up in a private villa, wandering down to the spa, and being told you have unlimited treatments for the day. Yes, really. From Thai massages to reflexology, this is where wellness takes centre stage, all set within lush forest and wildlife-rich surrounds.
What’s in store:
● Over 17 luxurious treatment rooms
● Hydrotherapy circuits
● Personalised wellness and detox plans
Traveller’s tip: Take a mindful walk to one of the nearby waterfalls between spa sessions.
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve – Cederberg, Western Cape
Just a few hours from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof offers a peaceful, off-the-grid retreat surrounded by sandstone cliffs, wildflowers, and ancient rock art. Here, the focus is on slowing down and soaking up the powerful energy of the land.
What’s in store:
● Spa treatments using indigenous botanicals
● Outdoor yoga and stargazing
● Guided walks to ancient San rock paintings
Traveller’s tip: Visit in spring for a wildflower explosion that will leave you speechless.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve – Northern Cape
If your idea of wellness is solitude and space, Tswalu is your sanctuary. South Africa’s largest private game reserve, this remote paradise offers minimalist luxury, a slower pace, and some of the most healing silence you’ll ever experience.
What’s in store:
● Desert-inspired spa rituals
● Bush meditation and slow walks
● Stargazing and nature-immersive dining
Traveller’s tip: Spend an hour just listening—the sound of the Kalahari is a kind of therapy on its own.
