The 2025 Safari Awards Winners Announced:  Best Safari Operator in Africa - Jack's Camp ........ Best Safari Experience in Africa -  Sirikoi ..........Best Safari Property Location in Africa - Greystoke Mahale..........Best Family Safari Experience in Africa - Sirikoi ..........Best Marine Safari Experience in Africa - Azura Benguerra ..........Best Safari Guiding Team in Africa - Cottars 1920's Camp .......... Best Safari Cuisine in Africa - Chem Chem .......... Most Romantic safari Property in Africa - Jack's Camp .......... Best Safari Spa in Africa - Royal Malewane .......... Best Riding Safari Operator in Africa - Ride Botswana .......... Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris .......... Best Walking Safari Operator in Africa - Robin Pope Safaris .......... Best Value Safari Property in Africa - Flatdogs .......... Best New Safari Property in Africa - Onguma Camp Kala .......... Best Safari House/Villa in Africa - Mkombe's House Lamai .......... Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property in Africa - Grootbos Garden Lodge & Qorokwe Camp .......... Best Community Focused Safari Property in Africa - Singita Pamushana .......... Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation in Africa - Mara Elephant Project .......... Best African Tourism Board - Rwanda Tourism Development Board .......... 

Jembisa Bush Home

57 Awards

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Jembisa Bush Home

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All you need to know

Intro

A small, private safari lodge in the Waterberg, South Africa, specialising in family safaris. Unique activities include camp outs, flexible walking safaris and Junior Tracker Programme for children of all ages.

Children of all ages welcome.

Highlights

Guests love the opportunity to explore this beautiful wilderness on foot and camp out under the stars. The wide range of activities on offer provides excitement and joy for all ages, be it traditional game drives, river walks to spot the hippo and crocodile, mountain biking, night drives, star safari, camp fire dinners, visits to bushman paintings or just relaxing with tennis , a swim or a massage.

Need To Know

Family Safari specialist Destination Extensive range of Safari Activities 1:1 Staff: Guest ratio Children of all ages welcome Malaria Free Easy 3 hour transfer from Johannesburg Available as exclusive or non-exclusive use

Safaris

Walking Safaris Game drives Camp Outs Tracking Rhino and Giraffe on foot Fishing in the Palala River There are several options for getting up close to the wildlife. Traditional game drives during the day and night drives searching out nocturnal animals, walking safaris staying in fly camps, camp-outs under the stars and guided short walks. Guests are taught tracking and bushcraft skills including a specially designed junior programme for children of all ages. All programmes are flexible to meet the interests and ages of the guests.

Wildlife

The varied habitat of this private reserve provides a rich biodiversity of animals, plants and birdlife.Having the Palala River running through the property provides sightings of hippo and crocodile and water birds. Sightings of the rare Aardvark is frequent.

Quick Facts

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms), Safari House / Villa
Average Stay

5 nights

Average Price

R4150 pppn

Child Policy

A family safari specialist, welcome children of all ages.

Accommodation

7 bedrooms of which 6 en-suite as well as a childrens bunk room A beautiful, small and stylish, classic bush home providing comfort and space set in landscaped gardens above the Palala river.

Accolades

Good Safari Guide Finalist 2010 Good Safari Guide Nominee 2011 Conde Nast Kids on Safari Destination Africa Geographic Special Places Good Safari Guide Finalist 2014 - best safari cuisine Good Safari Guide Finalist 2014 - best community focussed safari operator

Season

All year round destination

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms) Safari House / Villa
Best Value Safari Property

The full experience was splendid!

09-04-2025 @ 1:39pm
Best Safari House

The staff are incredible. Nothing is too difficult. Loved the outdoor showers overlooking the river. Food outstanding.....and PLENTY of it !! Housekeeping impeccable.

09-04-2025 @ 12:31pm
Best Family Safari Experience

Went with 2 boys aged 24 and 28. Althought the bush was very thick and green after the rains, we had the best time !

09-04-2025 @ 12:31pm
Best Safari Experience

The most memorable experience for us - the highest possible quality experience from start to finish.

V
08-04-2025 @ 5:15pm
Best Safari House

A real home from home. We felt like guests in a private home. The staff were so attentive, friendly and went out of their way to give us the experience of a lifetime. We will be back there soon !

V
08-04-2025 @ 5:15pm
Best Value Safari Property

Wonderful experience for us in the bush. Thoughtful and carefully planned safari outings, nothing too much trouble and unimaginable beauty in the reserve.

V
08-04-2025 @ 5:15pm
Best Family Safari Experience

Yes

V
08-04-2025 @ 5:03pm
Best Safari House

Jembisa is virtually one of a kind - a beautifully designed and furnished family home that is so relaxing as a space and perfectly equipped to meet every need.

JB from United Kingdom
08-04-2025 @ 3:24pm
Best Family Safari Experience

We had an absolutely amazing holiday as a three generation family at Jembisa, with expert guiding every day (Ed and Andre are supremely knowledgeable) and the most wonderful, warm hospitality too.

JB from United Kingdom
08-04-2025 @ 3:24pm
Best Value Safari Property

I’m

SB
08-04-2025 @ 11:24am
Best Safari House

Simply magnificent.

AB from United Arab Emirates
08-04-2025 @ 10:49am
Best Family Safari Experience

Unbeatably perfect for toddlers and babies, with family friendly pool, dedicated team to help, great facilities and so much fun for the children to play with and see.

AB from United Arab Emirates
08-04-2025 @ 10:49am
Best Value Safari Property

Wonderfully knowledge gudes. So many options which are not available at other camps like the tree walk, star night talks. Just the perfect place to be at one with nature and to unwind. Great bird life

08-04-2025 @ 6:40am
Best Safari Experience

Unlike any other

24-03-2025 @ 1:21pm
Best Safari House

Totally at your pace

24-03-2025 @ 1:21pm
Best Family Safari Experience

Loved every moment

24-03-2025 @ 1:21pm
Best Value Safari Property

We were blown away.

24-03-2025 @ 1:21pm
Best Value Safari Property

Peaceful garden and pool. To sit on the verandah and listen to the birds is lovely

27-01-2025 @ 5:25pm
Best Value Safari Property

Had an amazing week at Jembisa, great staff, great food and great game drives. The week went far too quickly.

27-01-2025 @ 5:18pm
Best Family Safari Experience

Stays with three generations

14-05-2024 @ 5:08pm
Best Value Safari Property

Five visits

14-05-2024 @ 5:08pm
Best Family Safari Experience

Never have you met staff that can cater so well to a one year old baby to a 90 year old individual. Tailored service to everything in between.

CW
10-04-2024 @ 9:37pm
Best Safari Experience

Where to start! Jembisa is so much more than just the animals. It encapsulates more than most safaris and brings together the best guiding, best food, best ambience and best experience!

CW
10-04-2024 @ 9:37pm
Best Safari Property Location

If you want the privacy, boutiqueness and remoteness of a safari whilst still being a 30 minute drive to curios and shops, this is the lodge for you.

CW
10-04-2024 @ 9:37pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Ed and Clayton have unbeatable knowledge not only about the key mammals but about the smallest creatures which makes it extra special. Beyond this, their knowledge of the flora elevates their guiding.

CW
10-04-2024 @ 9:37pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

The guides at Jembisa are able to tailor walks to whatever the client chooses, be it mammals, birds or trees. Sensational.

CW
10-04-2024 @ 9:37pm
Best Safari House

Jembisa is more than a lodge, it is a home on the bush. It allows guests to unwind and feel comfortable in a completely new environment.

CW
10-04-2024 @ 9:37pm
Best Safari Cuisine

David the chef is unbelievable in putting an African twist on meals.

CW
10-04-2024 @ 9:37pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Solar panels have been installed in ensure power is generated sustainably.

CW
10-04-2024 @ 9:37pm
Best Value Safari Property

For what this lodge offers, it is exceptional value.

CW
10-04-2024 @ 9:37pm
Best Value Safari Property

They also offer self catering on an insanely low price. considering the property.

09-04-2024 @ 6:57am
Best Value Safari Property

P

03-04-2024 @ 8:23am
Best Walking Safari Experience

Really beautiful terrain and ideal for walks. No dangerous animals.

EE
11-03-2024 @ 5:31am
Best Safari House

Beautiful home.

EE
11-03-2024 @ 5:31am
Best Family Safari Experience

Ideal for families. The whole experience Is centred around children. Also no malaria.

EE
11-03-2024 @ 5:31am
Best Family Safari Experience

The experience is above and beyond. The knowledge of the guides. The time the guides dedicate to guests is outstanding. Nothing is too much.

03-03-2024 @ 7:50am
Best Family Safari Experience

Beautiful surroundings, the service was outstanding and the food delicious. We had meals in a different setting each time, the service was incredible.

DP
01-03-2024 @ 12:22pm
Best Safari House

We had the best experience and fun here

23-02-2024 @ 8:51pm
Best Safari House

Very clean and well catterd for within the house.

21-02-2024 @ 7:38pm
Best Value Safari Property

Absolutely lovely house set on top of a cliff. Absolutely perfect.

21-02-2024 @ 7:38pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Some of the best tasting cuisine I have ever had to this day.

21-02-2024 @ 7:38pm
Best Family Safari Experience

In a large group with varying ages from young to old and we all enjoyed out time.

21-02-2024 @ 7:38pm
Best Safari Experience

Got to see large animals up close.

21-02-2024 @ 7:38pm
Best Safari House

Jembisa is the most comfortable, tastefully and sympathetically decorated bush home we have had the pleasure of staying at with wonderful staff to complete the pleasure.

TR
20-02-2024 @ 12:15pm
Best Value Safari Property

We have been to a few Safari properties and found Jembisa to be the best value for money by far.

TR
20-02-2024 @ 12:15pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Couldn’t be more impressive and absolutely lovely people. So knowledgeable about everything from the largest animals to the flora and fauna and bugs. Amazing storytellers!

19-02-2024 @ 10:38am
Best Safari House

Such a joyous place with incredible staff and amazing setting. Best views and such a homely (but luxury) house

19-02-2024 @ 10:38am
Best Family Safari Experience

Perfect for family - everything is customisable for you -you can walk out on your own as not big 5 and the house is so well set up for families. The staff also cater to every need and are so friendly.

19-02-2024 @ 10:38am
Best Safari Experience

Incredible week at Jembisa. The team were amazing and gave us the most memorable experience.

LM
19-02-2024 @ 10:37am
Best Safari House

Incredible week at Jembisa. The team were amazing and gave us the most memorable experience. The house is wonderful and has beautiful views.

LM
19-02-2024 @ 10:37am
Best Family Safari Experience

Incredible week at Jembisa. The team were amazing and gave us the most memorable experience.

LM
19-02-2024 @ 10:37am
Best Value Safari Property

Stayed 4 days with whole family - 10 of us , 3 generations.

19-02-2024 @ 10:34am
Best Family Safari Experience

Absolutely loved the surrounding area. Bike rides and running were brilliant

19-02-2024 @ 10:26am
Best Safari House

The staff are incredible, the area beautiful and the animals stunning

19-02-2024 @ 10:26am

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