I have always wanted to do a Safari, so when I got the invite to a friends wedding in Cape Town, South Africa I immediately started to research different Safari options. I spent days figuring out the best budget friendly South Africa Safari Lodge. There are so many options to choose from and it took a while to find a lodge that fit our budget and met our requirements. Our experience at Baobab Ridge in the Greater Kruger National park was incredible. The Safari experience easily falls into the top 3 things I have ever done! We stayed 3 nights in a luxury all inclusive 4 star lodge and spotted the Big 5 for only $750 USD per person. I will never forget the magic of Safari and I am so thankful I found Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge.
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Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge Overview
After comparing 50+ Safari lodges in and around Kruger National Park, I finally stumbled upon Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge. I selected this lodge because it provided a luxury, all-inclusive experience at half the cost of other luxury lodges. One of the stand out features is the pool deck that overlooks a watering hole and the Klaserie Reserve. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and refreshing face towels.
Baobab Ridge can only sleep 16 people so it has a very intimate and friendly vibe. Every guest has their own private suite with multiple seating areas, king sized bed, giant bathtub and clean shower facilities. It was perfect to complete everyday with a relaxing bubble bath and cuddle up a super comfy bed. Included in the stay are two 3-hour games drives each day, gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner and experienced safari guide. Our guide Moven had 16 years experience and did an excellent job making sure that we saw the Big 5 and as many other Safari animals as possible. Baobab Ridge is the best South Africa Safari lodge for those on a budget.
Key Highlights:
- Watering hole right in front of the pool deck
- Incredible kind and attentive staff
- Private cabin with amazing bathtub
- Dedicated, experienced Safari Guide and 60,000 Hectares to explore
- Big 5 animal sightings + so much more
- Delicious meals served 3 times a day
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Where is Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge?
Baobab Ridge is located within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve which is part of Greater Kruger National Park. The private reserve is home to the Big 5 and shares open borders with Kruger National Park. The Klaserie Reserve provides access to 60,000 Hectares of pristine wilderness. They place immense importance on conservation and protecting the endangered species. The private reserve means there is very little traffic and only a handful of safari lodges have access to the area.
How to arrive at Baobab Ridge South Africa Safari Lodge
The Klaserie Reserve is located about 6 hours North East of Johannesburg. There are a few ways to reach the lodge including self driving, shuttle transport or flying. I booked the safari through a company called African Budget Safaris because they provided roundtrip transportation from Johannesburg to the Safari Lodge. They connect with Safari Lodges all around Africa and I highly recommend exploring their options because they provide great service and smooth transport. Our trip started and ended with a 6 hour van ride to and from Johannesburg. There are other companies that provide similar shuttle services as well.
Another option is to Fly from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Airport. This will definitely save a bit of time but round-trip usually costs between $200-$350 USD. If you have the cash I would recommend flying. Baobab Ridge and the other safari lodges in the area will pick up from Hoedspruit Airport
The third option is to rent a car and self drive. This is a good option if you are planning to visit multiple locations. For example, some people want to spend a couple days self driving through the Kruger National Park. We had a great experience with Pace Rental Cars in Cape Town and they have branches in Johannesburg as well. You will also find the typical Hertz, Budget, Avis and other popular rental companies.
What to Bring to Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge
- Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Neutral colored clothing for the game drives (no bright colors)
- Pack different layers for the colder mornings and afternoons
- Bathing suit for the pool
- Comfortable shoes
- Books and games for leisure time
- Bug Spray
South Africa Safari Daily Itinerary (might vary based on season, we went in December)
5:00 – wake up and grab coffee and biscuits before morning game drive
5:30 – Hop in Safari vehicle and head out for the morning
7:30 – Around this time you will stop for a coffee/tea + biscuits break in the middle of the bush
8:30 – Return to the Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge
9:00 – Breakfast is served! We had Eggs Benedict, Pancakes, and English Breakfast
10:00 – Relax, shower, swim, nap before lunch
14:30 – Lunch is served – variety of sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and cheeses (they are very accommodating to dietary needs)
16:00 – Leave for afternoon game drive
18:30 – Around this this time you will stop for a sunset drink in the bush with some snacks
19:00 – Return to the Baobab Ridge Lodge
19:30 – Dinner is served! On nice nights the dinner takes place outside by the bonfire and they cook AMAZING meats and sides
21:00 – Return to your cabin to get some rest for the next day
*** I highly recommend at least a 3 night stay ***
Highlights from the Game Drives on the South Africa Safari
Nothing could have prepared me for the experience of seeing some of the worlds most magnificent animals in their natural habitat. I feel like we got lucky, but honestly I think you have a high chance of seeing all these animals if you do your South African Safari at the Baobab Ridge Lodge.
Day 1 Highlights (Afternoon drive):
- Too many elephants to count and so many baby elephants
- Baby and mom Rhino
- Kudu
- Two Lions cruising along
- Giraffes
- Epic sunset views
The Day 2 highlights (Morning + Afternoon Drive):
- More herds of elephants
- Warthogs
- Multiple Giraffe sightings
- A pair of Rhinos
- Leopard
- Large herds of Zebra and Impala
- Whole herd of elephants at the Baobab Ridge Watering hole
- Hippos
- Elephants at a huge watering hole
- Sunset drinks with the Hippos
Day 3 Highlights (Morning + Afternoon Drive):
- Wild dogs (really rare to see)
- Hyena
- A hundred more elephants
- African Buffalo
- Three FAT lions that just ate a Zebra
- Leopard stalking Impalas
- Crazy caterpillars
- Lioness and 3 baby cubs
Day 4 Highlights (Morning Drive):
- Zebra Herd
- 4 Rhinos
- Giraffes drinking from a watering hole
Why you should book your South Africa Safari at Baobab Ridge
I can’t speak highly enough about our experience at Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge. Experiencing the African bush and witnessing the incredible animals up close is unreal. It is something that I hope everyone can experience. You will never be able to go to a Zoo again! The Klaserie Reserve is the perfect spot to see the Big 5, Ugly 5, Giraffes, Warthogs, Baboons, Hippos, Wild Dogs, Hyenas and so much more. The all inclusive lodge will leave you full, happy, and relaxed after your adventure. The accommodation was 5 Star and the staff are incredibly nice and make you feel at home. The value for money is excellent and you will not be disappointed if you book your South Africa Safari at Baobab Ridge Lodge.
