With over 120 luxury lodges in Africa we can't review every one, but we can reveal some of our favourite five star lodges.
The superb Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat affords luxurious private suites set in an immaculate Dutch-style homestead, the centrepiece of an unspoilt wildlife sanctuary. Home to numerous endangered species, the reserve is renowned for over 130 San Bushman Rock Art sites. Take a refreshing swim in the pool after a day of touring the park, canoeing or mountain biking. Be pampered with a soothing massage, aromatherapy treatment and sauna, or try your hand at the genteel game of croquet or archery.
Impeccable tented-luxury, Nxabega Okavango Safari Camp, in the beautiful Okavango Delta Region, takes camping-out to unsurpassed levels. Staying on the parameter of the 7,000-hectare wildlife concession on the edge of Moremi Game Reserve, you'll experience magnificent views across the Delta and beautifully appointed thatched huts for recreation and dining. Dine on award-winning African inspired cuisine, swim by candlelight in the pool, take a walking safari, visit a local village or view the magnificent wildlife from comfortable vehicular transport. The camp provides disabled facilities.
Heaven in a lush, secluded African valley, Fairmont Zimbali Lodge overlooks a picturesque coastal reserve with stunning views to the Indian Ocean. Wander the lush gardens, play a round on the manicured 18-hole golf course and feel your stress melt away under a hot-stone massage. In your spacious bedroom enjoy the European influence of carved furniture or relax on your balcony overlooking the valley. Enjoy fine dining and superb service in the restaurant or the tropical Fountain Court. Cool down in the pool or get active with horse riding, tennis and hiking. Within easy distance of Durban, the Lodge provides butler service, disabled facilities, 24-hour room service.
The Limpopo region has long been associated with big game safari adventure. The Thornybush Game Lodge impeccably combines the excitement of an African safari with air-conditioned luxury. Trek out on a dusk safari or in the fresh early dawn, travelling in open land rovers through the Thornybush Private Game Reserve on the boundary of the Greater Kruger National Park to encounter lions, elephants, cheetahs, rhinos and a host of other mammals, reptiles and birds. Your luxury stone-floored apartment flows out on to your own timber deck and private plunge pool set among the tree tops or enjoy a refreshing outdoor, private, shower. Unwind in the health spa, partake of high tea before your evening safari and sit sipping cognac by the campfire reliving your day's adventures.
For an intimate, tranquil experience, Tilney Manor, on the Western Cape, offers just six private and superbly equipped rooms plus world-class cuisine. Located at the foot of Warmwaterberg Mountain, your suite and private balcony overlooks the wild and peaceful Little Karoo (Klein Karoo) and surrounding mountain ranges. Visit the world's largest ostrich population in Oudtshoorn and explore the world-famous Cango Caves. Hunt for game in the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve exploring by walking or jeep safari. Discover a blazing night sky; rejuvenate in the wellness centre enjoying massages, hydrotherapy and the refreshing sauna.
Set on the famed Elephant Coast, Phinda Mountain Lodge and private game reserve has earned its world-class reputation by providing a host of experiences from scuba diving and deep-sea fishing in the India Ocean, to on-land safaris with the Lodge's personal game ranger. Relax on a riverboat cruise, try your hand at canoeing or experience an amazing air safari. Sleep in king-sized luxury beneath a romantic canopy, sun by the pool overlooking the beautiful Lebombo Mountains or lie back sipping champagne in a foaming bubble bath gazing over the surrounding bushveld.
Phinda Vlei Lodge, mecca for herds of antelope and zebra, Kudu Lodge overlooking the savannah and a richly diverse waterhole, and the unique, pristine ecosystem island experience of Susuwe Island Lodge are other fantastic 5-star getaways in a land of life-enhancing experiences and memories, or travel back to another sophisticated era in the colonial-charm of Ngala Safari Lodge.
In addition, Africa abounds in stunning 4-star luxury resorts and lodges. Laugh at the nimble monkeys at Chobe Marina Lodge, seep yourself in culture at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge, explore unique rock formations, magnificent scenery and Bushman art at Kagga Kamma Bushmen Lodge, spot a rare white rhino at Madikwe River Lodge, enjoy the produce of the Cape Winelands staying in Victorian farmhouse, Bartholomeus Klip, or experience absolute wilderness paradise at Kruger Park Lodge.
Incredibly, this is just a sample of the luxury lodges in Africa. Perhaps it's time to start sampling their delights or discovering your own favourites.
Call 13 70 71 or enquire online to speak to one of our travel specialists and begin planning your personalised itinerary.
