Heading out on your own needn’t be lonely (or boring). We’ve searched high and low and picked the best bang-for-your-buck deals for solo travellers.
1. Makumu Private Game Lodge | Limpopo
Makumu, meaning ‘endless view’ in Xitsonga, is a place that truly lives up to its name. The lodge is located in the vast 60 000 hectare big five Klaserie Private Nature Reserve that opens into the greater Kruger National Park, an intimate oasis surrounded by the unspoilt wilderness of the African bushveld. They have six luxurious and beautifully appointed suites in three villas, accommodating a maximum of twelve guests. Makumu is an ideal safari destination for solo travellers – it ensures an exclusive blend of absolute comfort, style and privacy. Game viewing is opportunistic, with no time constraints or schedules – the ultimate benefit of exclusivity.
From R3 250 pp pn fully inclusive (all game viewing activities, walking safaris, big-game tracking on foot, birdwatching, use of the photographic bunker overlooking a water hole, all meals, tea, coffee and a selection of local beverages including beers, wines and soft drinks and the Klaserie Bed Levy).
Farm Dundee 32KU Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit
087 057 4512 | makumu.com
2. Premier Resort Cutty Sark | Kwazulu-Natal
Escape the city and head to the newly renovated Premier Resort Cutty Sark. Whether you are looking to kick back with a view or are a beach and diving enthusiast, this is the perfect spot to do just that. The resort is situated on the Scottburgh beachfront, offering comfortable accommodation in different room types, a swimming pool, bar, pizza oven and restaurant terrace with stunning sea views. The world-renowned Aliwal Shoal diving experience is nearby, along with the Scuba Xcursion Dive Centre onsite that offers various ocean adventure activities for adventure seekers.
From R1 195 pp pn; dinner, bed and breakfast included (minimum two-night stay). You also get a snack platter and one bottle of wine per stay.
901 Green Lane, Freeland Park
086 111 5555 | premierhotels.co.za
3. Premier Hotel Quatermain | Gauteng
The Premier Hotel Quatermain is a sophisticated hotel that exudes old-world charm. This recently renovated hotel is ideally located in Morningside and offers a tranquil escape in Sandton, but is still close enough to the buzz of Jozi so singles can go out and mingle. Check-in for some me time, enjoy a quiet cocktail in the boutique bar lounge or the pool terrace, indulge with a hearty meal at the contemporary bistro or take a stroll around the indigenous gardens.
From R915 pp pn, bed and breakfast on the Premier Staycation Offer (minimum two-night stay).
60 W Road Suid, Morningside, Joburg 086 111 5555 | premierhotels.co.za
4. Tenikwa Nature Lodge | Western cape
You can choose to be as active or as relaxed as you want at Tenikwa. It’s a unique experience to stay at a wildlife sanctuary surrounded by some of the most spectacular rural scenery that the Garden Route offers. When staying over, you share Tenikwa with many wild animals – it is a haven for injured and abandoned wildlife where they are treated before being returned to the wild. Solo travellers will love the proximity to their indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest as well as being able to cycle, hike and explore the Crags, Nature’s Valley, Keurboomstrand beach and Storms River Village.
From R700 pp pn, includes dinner, bed and breakfast. Special offer: Book the Tenikwa Nature Experience for R1 990. This package consists of two nights’ accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, a Wild Cat Tour where you can see the indigenous wild cats of South Africa, as well as a two-hour-long guided forest walk and picnic lunch.
Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre: Forest Hall Road,
The Crags, Plettenberg Bay | 064 897 7694 044 534 8170 | tenikwanaturelodge.co.za
5. Leopards Lair Luxury Bush Lodge | Limpopo
It’s a rare thing to find such luxury at this price. Leopard’s Lair will exceed all of your expectations! The lodge is situated along the Mohlabetsi River in the exclusive area of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and within driving distance of the world-famous Blyde River Canyon and Kruger National Park (only 1 km away). The Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate is made up of 645 ha of beautifully conserved bushveld, allowing you to explore the abundant natural wonders that flourish in the area with hiking and cycling tracks, bird hides, and game drive routes. Pridelands is open to the Greater Kruger National Park and offers excellent game viewing, including the big five, wild dog and cheetah. Elephants are the most frequently seen big-game animals and are often seen swimming in the waterholes. Their game drives take place at Pridelands in the Greater Kruger Park. Leopards, lions, cheetahs and hyenas have had cubs at Pridelands recently, and wild dogs have denned in Pridelands in the past. Birdwatching and bush walks are also popular activities at Pridelands.
From 750 pp pn, self-catering 694 Hardekool Street, Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate | 066 038 6506 leopardslairbushlodge.co.za pridelands.co.za
6.Africlassic Rivonia by BON Hotels | Gauteng
The Africlassic Rivonia by BON Hotels occupies a unique, secluded and private position on the Braamfontein Spruit in Sandton, Joburg. Each room represents a different African country – each telling a story with its authentic decor and design. Don’t forget to visit the POIKIE Restaurant patio, the Taste of Morocco Bedouin tent and the Zanzibar beach area. Solo travel just got a whole lot more interesting!
From R1 095 pn per room 21A Henry Road, Edenburg, Sandton
011 234 6522 | africlassic.com
7. ANEW Lodge Hluhluwe | Kwazulu-Natal
This idyllic hotel is nestled between the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, home to the big five, and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. Here is where you will experience the wild nature of Africa, rejoice in the luxury and revel in the friendly warmth of one of Africa’s most welcoming hotels. It’s the perfect place to lay your head after a day out exploring the wildly beautiful wetlands.
From R1 279 pn per room. Book 60 days in advance and get 15% off your stay | 104 Main Road, Hluhluwe
035 562 4000 | anewhotels.com
Words: Mart-Marié Du Toit | Photography: Courtesy Images
