Mpumalanga is one of the most iconic regions of South Africa, famous for its teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and fantastic accommodation. It’s no surprise then that Mpumalanga sees tonnes of international and domestic visitors each year who go there to enjoy stunning safaris and immerse themselves in the travel and adventure of this renowned part of South Africa.
Mpumalanga is also popular for its balmy summer days which roll into warm, glorious sunsets. After a day of sightseeing and safaris, what better than relaxing next to your private pool with a cocktail as you take in the sights and sounds of the bush?
Here, we explore the 10 Best Accommodation options in Mpumalanga with a private pool.
Wolwekrans Eco Lodge
Wolwekrans Eco Lodge, often known as the “Jewel of Mpumalanga,” is situated on 120 hectares of rugged terrain on the Schoemanskloof escarpment and offers a breath-taking 240-degree panorama of the Lowveld valley and the Schoemans mountains.
Guests have access to a private bush swimming pool for an authentic and immersive natural experience. Wolwekrans also boasts a designated guests-only picnic area to ensure that guests’ picnic experiences are as private and special as possible.
The stunning hiking trails on the property are very popular, and they cater to hikers of all skill and experience levels. Visitors can watch the kudu, rietbok, duiker, ribbok, bushbuck, klipspringer, warthog, jackal, and other wild animals wandering the unfenced area.
If you’re interested in birds, Wolwekrans is the place to go. Eagles, falcons, and other exotic birds of all sizes can be found in the nearby creek.
Wolwekrans is uniquely steeped in history and has been carefully curated to provide a uniquely African experience combined with optimal comfort and a true sense of wilderness.
The Zarafa
Located on a private estate on the outskirts of the Sabi Valley near Hazyview, the Zarafa is an exotic blend of Thai and Balinese design. Those in search of tranquility, harmony, and beauty, or a private, romantic retreat, will find everything they need here at this 5-star haven.
Enjoy the tranquility of this spectacular green environment while being treated to a blend of African warmth and Asian refinement. Each of the four villas’ glass doors leads out to a patio with breathtaking views.
Guests can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area in the privacy of their own rim-flow pool and timber pavilion. The imported teak furnishings and artwork in the Balinese style.
The restaurant at Zarafa is perched high up so that guests can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Sabi Valley below. The menu is influenced by both traditional American dishes and the exotic spices of Asia. Dinners are served in a small, cozy setting and can be enjoyed in the privacy of your villa. Numerous tourist destinations, such as safaris, can be found near your accommodation.
Londolozi Pioneer Camp
Located in the Sabi Sands region of Mpumalanga, Londolozi Private Game Reserve is home to the cozy and private Londolozi Pioneer Camp. With only three suites and enough for a total of six travelers, this safari lodge is ideal for couples on a romantic getaway.
The camp is also available for private safari vacation rentals for families. Suites provide great views of the river because of their proximity to the water. The camp is both sophisticated and stylish, exuding a feeling of history thanks to the personal touches added by family heirlooms.
Having been passed down through the family for numerous generations, Londolozi Private Game Reserve is now a thriving conservation and tourist hub. It’s also the first game reserve in the world to be recognized by Relais & Châteaux. Luxury lodging, gourmet meals, and attentive staff complement thrilling wildlife and photographic safaris at Londolozi.
Timamoon Lodge
In the hills of Mpumalanga, surrounded by verdant valleys and panoramic vistas, lies the alluring Timamoon Lodge. This is the perfect honeymoon destination or romantic getaway.
Seven alluring villas offer luxurious privacy and ample living space, with decor inspired by far-flung locales in North and East Africa. Timamoon is a magical location with its four-poster beds, one-of-a-kind huge bathtubs, fireplaces, and private pools with picture-perfect vistas.
Try a meal at a Bali-style restaurant, have a picnic by a waterfall, wander through a world of wonders, relax with a soothing massage, and visit some of the area’s most well-known landmarks.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
The Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve is a cutting-edge eco-lodge that blends into the surrounding scenery by being molded into a hillside. The lodge is a unique safari option because of its intimate proximity to nature and its focus on sustainability.
There is a secret passageway that connects to luxurious safari lodges in the middle of unspoiled wilderness. Each of the thirteen ultra-luxurious suites features a spacious private veranda with a plunge pool, a bathroom with a glass front, and both an indoor and outdoor shower.
The boma, an outdoor dining area encircled by tree roots and open to the bushveld, is a magical place. The lodge’s luxurious atmosphere is enhanced by its spa, fitness center, library, art gallery, meditation garden, and underground wine cellar. Sculptures made of natural wood by a well-known South African artist liven up the space.
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve
The malaria-free Nkomazi Private Game Reserve is only three hours from Johannesburg, in the malaria-free Barberton Greenstone Belt. Grasslands, river valleys, and towering mountains form a spectacular backdrop to the ancient rock and living forms that date back approximately 3,500 million years.
Experience a one-of-a-kind safari on 15,000 acres home to a wide variety of animals from both the Highveld and the Lowveld, such as oribi, eland, springbok, nyala, kudu, and impala. Activities like as guided walks, fly fishing, birding, guided mountain biking, stargazing, and spa treatments are all available.
Each of the ten tents has its own private sun terrace and plunge pool, as well as a king-size bed and free drinks and toiletries.
Dulini
The biodiverse Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa is home to the three luxury safari lodges that make up Dulini. The lodges are exquisite and perfect for a romantic getaway, a special occasion, or a party.
Dulini is one of South Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations, and its rangers and trackers provide tourists with thrilling safaris and a wealth of environmental expertise. On the banks of the Mabrak River, among towering Ebony and Leadwood trees, is where Dulini Moyo is located.
The main lodge is a refuge of contemporary elegance with a veranda overlooking the bush that invites guests to relax and unwind. Some of the more luxurious rooms have private pools and breathtaking views of the river valley.
Hamiltons Tented Camp
Within a 10,000-acre private concession in the Kruger National Park, Hamilton’s Tented Camp provides a riverbank safari in the magnificent ‘Out of Africa’ tradition.
There are six traditional safari tents, each with its own private plunge pool, terrace, outdoor shower, and teak floorboards. Walkways sheltered by towering trees connect the tents to the main lodge.
Every day there will be open-air safari rides, hikes, and spa treatments at a nomadic African camp. Guests hoping to view the “Big 5” as well as birdwatchers will find each safari to be a fascinating excursion. Delight in classic dining while surrounded by breathtaking bushveld scenery.
Simbambili Game Lodge
Located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where one may find the highest concentration of leopards in the world, is the luxury 5-star Simbambili Game Lodge. Suites at Simbambili, a luxurious and romantic safari lodge, look out over a wide forest savannah, showcasing Africa at its most beautiful and biologically diverse.
Splendid views of the environment may be enjoyed from the beautiful ensuite baths, salas, and private plunge pools. Honeymooners and other couples looking for some alone time in nature will find these luxurious retreats to be the perfect fit.
They provide bush drives at sunrise and sunset, with optional guided hikes in the middle of the day. There are also rejuvenating spa treatments and physical activity options.
Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which borders Kruger National Park, is home to Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve, an exclusive ‘Big 5’ safari destination. The wildlife viewing is breathtaking, and the lodging is nothing short of exquisite. All-glass suites feature outdoor hot tubs and sundecks with forest views.
Complete privacy and isolation can be felt. Atop a rocky outcrop, the luxurious main lodge looks out over the surrounding nature and a bustling watering hole, earning it a rating of five stars. A deck that is partially or fully shaded by trees is a relaxing spot for poolside lounging and al fresco meals.
A fitness center and a sala overlooking the bush are also available. Safari walks led by rangers and twice-daily wildlife drives through 10,000 acres of wilderness are all part of the Leopard Hills experience.
