The short answer. Winter is one of the best times for a safari, and a heated plunge pool turns the warm middle of the day into the best part of it. These are the lodges on our list that heat their private pools.
Why winter, and why it has to be heated
From May to August the bush thins out, the grass dies back and animals gather at the water, so sightings tend to come easily. The days are usually dry and sunny, and the afternoons can be warm enough to swim. The catch is the mornings and evenings, which are properly cold in the Lowveld and colder still in the Karoo and the Waterberg. An unheated plunge pool that is perfect in January can be bracing in July. A heated one is the difference between looking at the pool and getting in.
The lodges that heat their pools
Each line below is taken from the lodge's own description. "Every suite" means the pool comes with whichever room you book. Where only some rooms have one, we say so, and we will make sure your booking is for one of those rooms.
Greater Kruger
- Kapama Karula, Kapama. Solar heated plunge pool at every villa, on the Klaserie River.
- Simbavati Amani, Klaserie. Heated plunge pool at all 7 Riverbed Suites.
- Dulini Moya, Sabi Sand. Heated private plunge pool at every suite.
- Dulini River Lodge, Sabi Sand. Heated plunge pool on a private terrace at every suite.
- Savanna Lodge, Sabi Sand. Heated plunge pool at every suite.
- Singita Boulders Lodge, Sabi Sand. Heated plunge pool on the deck of the River Suites (ask us for these rooms).
- Farmstead at Royal Malewane, Thornybush. A private heated pool looking onto the bush.
- Masiya's Camp at Royal Malewane, Thornybush. Heated plunge pool at every suite.
- Monwana Game Lodge, Thornybush. Temperature controlled plunge pool at every suite.
- Royal Malewane, Thornybush. Heated private pool at every Luxury Suite (ask us for these rooms).
- RockFig Safari Lodge, Timbavati. Heated pool on the private deck of all 6 suites.
KwaZulu-Natal
- Thanda Safari Lodge, Thanda Safari. Heated plunge pool at all 9 suites.
Eastern Cape
- Shamwari Long Lee Manor, Shamwari. Heated plunge pool with the Family Suite (ask us for these rooms). Malaria-free.
- Sandcastle Villa, Wesley. Two solar heated pools at this private villa. Malaria-free.
Karoo
- Sanbona Dwyka Tented Lodge, Little Karoo. Heated plunge pool on the deck of all 9 tents. Malaria-free.
Western Cape
- Bushmans Kloof, Cederberg Mountains. Heated pool with Koro Lodge, the private villa (ask us for these rooms). Malaria-free.
- Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa, Stellenbosch. Heated pool at every lodge on the estate. Malaria-free.
Limpopo
- Lepogo, Noka Camp, Lapalala Wilderness. Heated private plunge pool at every villa, on a cliff edge. Malaria-free.
- Mhondoro Safari Lodge, Welgevonden. Heated plunge pool in the 2 Luxury Pool Suites and the family suite (ask us for these rooms). Malaria-free.
- Mhondoro Villa, Welgevonden. A private villa with a heated pool, gym and spa room. Malaria-free.
North West
- Etali Safari Lodge, Madikwe. Heated private plunge pool at all 8 suites. Malaria-free.
- Impodimo Game Lodge, Madikwe. Temperature controlled plunge pool in the Premium Luxury Suites and Safari Villa (ask us for these rooms). Malaria-free.
- Jaci's Kubu Villa, Madikwe. Heated plunge pool on the deck, looking over the river. Malaria-free.
- Jaci's Madikwe House, Madikwe. Heated plunge pool and a wood fired hot tub. Malaria-free.
- Jaci's Nare Villa, Madikwe. Heated plunge pool on the deck of this private villa. Malaria-free.
- Ivory Tree Game Lodge, Pilanesberg. Heated plunge pools in the Luxury Suites and Family Suites (ask us for these rooms). Malaria-free.
Good to know
- Solar heated pools depend on the sun, so after a few grey days they will be cooler than a pool with a heat pump.
- Private villas such as Sandcastle Villa and the Farmstead at Royal Malewane are booked whole, so the pool is yours alone.
- Malaria-free choices in winter include the Eastern Cape, the Karoo and parts of the Waterberg, if you would rather skip the tablets.
- School holidays run from 26 June to 19 July 2027, so book early if you are travelling then.
For every lodge with a pool of your own, heated or not, see A pool of your own.
Questions we are asked
Are safari plunge pools heated in winter?
Some are, many are not. The lodges listed here say in their own descriptions that they heat their private pools.
Is winter a good time for a safari in South Africa?
Yes. Thinner bush and animals gathering at water often make for easier game viewing, and the dry weather means few rained-out drives. Pack warm layers for the early starts.
Does every room have a heated pool?
Not always. Where only some room types have one, we have noted it, and we will match your booking to the right room.
Tell us your dates and we will find the warmest pool for them.
