Beyond The Board
You are flying a long way for four days of backgammon. Stay a little longer — this is one of the most rewarding countries on earth to travel in.
Where To Stay
A shortlist of reserves and lodges we know and recommend, most within a few hours of Montecasino. Follow any link to book direct.
North West · 4 hrs from Montecasino
One of South Africa’s largest reserves and entirely malaria-free. Big Five game viewing on the Botswana border, with a wide spread of lodges from family camps to serious luxury.
madikwegamereserve.co.za (opens in a new tab)
Waterberg, Limpopo · 3 hrs
A malaria-free Big Five reserve in the Waterberg biosphere. Guided drives only — no self-drive traffic — which keeps sightings quiet and the bush feeling genuinely wild.
welgevondengamereserve.org (opens in a new tab)
North West · 2.5 hrs
Set in an ancient volcanic crater and the closest Big Five park to Johannesburg. Malaria-free, excellent rhino and elephant density, and easy to do as a short two-night add-on.
pilanesbergnationalpark.org (opens in a new tab)
Pilanesberg · 195 km
A five-star lodge built into a rocky koppie inside Pilanesberg, entered via the Black Rhino Gate. Polished, spa-focused and the softest landing on this list for first-time safari guests.
shepherdstreegamelodge.com (opens in a new tab)
Pilanesberg · 195 km
A large, well-run lodge on the northern side of Pilanesberg with a spa and generous family suites. A reliable choice if you are travelling as a group and want everyone on one property.
ivorytreegamelodge.com (opens in a new tab)
Pilanesberg · 195 km
Tucked into the Black Rhino Reserve on Pilanesberg’s western edge, in a private concession. Smaller and quieter than the main-park lodges, with vehicles you rarely have to share.
blackrhinogamelodge.com (opens in a new tab)
Thornybush, Greater Kruger
An unpretentious owner-run lodge in the Thornybush reserve near Hoedspruit. Two game drives a day, open Greater Kruger traversing rights and a proper bush-camp feel rather than a hotel one.
kwambilisafarilodge.com (opens in a new tab)
Kapama Private Reserve · Hoedspruit
A five-star lodge inside the 13,000-hectare Kapama reserve, minutes from Eastgate Airport with a free shuttle. Spa, several restaurants and twice-daily 4×4 drives — the easiest Kruger-area fly-in.
kapama-river-lodge-hoedspruit.bookstaygo.com (opens in a new tab)
KwaZulu-Natal · 25 km from Ladysmith
A malaria-free Big Five reserve in the KZN midlands, with a handful of independent lodges sharing 22,000 acres. Pairs well with the Drakensberg and the Anglo-Zulu battlefields.
nambiti.com (opens in a new tab)
From 2.5 hours by road
The Waterberg, Madikwe and Pilanesberg reserves are all within comfortable driving distance of Johannesburg, and all are malaria-free. Sabi Sand and Kruger are a short domestic flight away for the classic Big Five experience. Morning and evening game drives, a lodge deck and a long lunch — the natural way to decompress after four days of dice.
4 hours by road
The Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes make up one of the great scenic drives on the continent. It pairs naturally with a Kruger safari — most itineraries run the route on the way in or out.
On your doorstep
The Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, the Cradle of Humankind and a guided Soweto tour are all within an hour of Montecasino. Closer still: the Maboneng and Rosebank markets, and a city gallery scene punching well above its weight.
Planning Your Trip
Register and mention your travel plans, or email us directly — we're happy to point you towards trusted operators for safaris and transfers around the tournament dates.