If you’d like your African Safari to speak of style and opulence whilst guaranteeing excellent game viewing, then choosing to stay at one of these exceptionally luxurious safari lodges.
Certain to enhance your African adventure while offering exceptional hospitality and abundant spoils, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor. After all, African safari tourism has come a long way from dusty makeshift tents to designer under-canvas opulence and exquisite lodges. Additionally, most do not offer only game drives, but also gourmet meals, night drives, walking safaris, helicopter tours and more. Beyond their luxury, each of these safari lodges adheres to a sustainable conservation model where positive impact and regenerative travel contribute to protecting the environment, surrounding communities and wildlife.
1. Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park
One of South Africa’s most luxurious and exclusive safari options, Singita has a collection of exceptional lodges in South and East Africa. One of them, Singita Lebombo, is a brilliantly bold and contemporary space suspended above the N’wanetsi River in the Kruger National Park. Lebombo Lodge’s design was inspired by the many eagles’ nests built into the cliff face of the river bank, resulting in organic, light-filled structures, floating between the river and the sky. All communal areas push out into nature to ensure that the outside seeps in, offering immersive and meditative spaces set in a dramatic landscape of giant euphorbia trees. Besides the private suite spaces, the lodge offers a wine studio, library and rooftop terrace, an interactive kitchen, a vibrant bar and help-yourself deli, and an additional 25-metre lap pool. While its arresting design might capture your initial attention, Singita Lebombo’s wellness philosophy and sustainability enterprises are what make this lodge a cut above the rest. The concession is known for its large lion pride, but you’ll also be in for a chance to spot leopards, white and black rhinos, cheetahs, sables, hippos and elephants.
More info: https://singita.com/lodge/singita-lebombo-lodge/
2. Royal Malewane, Thornybush Game Reserve
Experience the wild heart of the African bush in comfort, style and seclusion with a perfect stay at one of Royal Malewane’s three luxury safari lodges – Malewane, Farmstead or Waterside, each one embodying an exquisite vision of design and ultimate hospitality. In addition, Royal Malewane features three exclusive-use private bush villas – Africa House, The Farmhouse and Waterside House. Brimming with old-world elegance, they were designed and decorated to be an elegant refuge in the heart of the bush, each featuring a private wooden deck with a plunge pool. The villas have elaborate furnishings and artwork that are designed in a traditional African style. Additionally, there are spa and gym facilities at the lodge, and visitors can engage in various activities like game drives, bush walks, and bird watching. The most qualified guiding team in Africa delivers an unrivalled wildlife experience with conservation at the centre.
More info: https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/royal-malewane/
3. Tswalu Kalahari, Northern Cape
Dedicated to restoring the Kalahari through sustainable conservation that’s supported by nature-based tourism, Tswalu Kalahari is situated in the Kalahari Desert. First and foremost an ambitious conservation project safeguarding vital habitats and restoring biodiversity, Twalu promises a private and exclusive safari experience for a maximum of 40 guests in one of three luxury safari camps, the ratio of guests to wilderness space is one of the lowest in South Africa. Whether you choose to stay at Motse, Tarkuni or Loapi, luxury accommodation and generous South African hospitality set the scene for a deeply private wilderness experience. The Kalahari lion, cheetah, and meerkats are among the many animals that live in the reserve – and if you’re lucky you might spot a pangolin too.
More info: https://tswalu.com/
4. Molori Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve
Situated deep within Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province, bordering Botswana, the secluded Molori Safari offers absolute privacy and breathtaking views of the Dwarsberg Mountains and the Madikwe Valley. Molori Safari comprises five unique open-air suites, thoughtfully distanced from one another to offer absolute privacy. They include two premier suites, one family premier suite and two presidential suites. All have floor-to-ceiling retractable glass walls, opening onto a private deck and swimming pool. The Molori Safari main lodge comprises four dining areas, a library, a large living room and a bar. The living room and bar areas open onto an outdoor deck featuring a hot spa bath and twin infinity pools. A rim-flow chilled spa bath is also situated on the highest mountainside deck for optimal wildlife viewing. Guests can unwind with a cocktail, a book or a cigar on Molori’s many relaxation decks, including the prized reading and star decks which also feature comfortable daybeds.
More info: https://www.roraprivatecollection.com/molori-safari/
For assistance with planning your Southern and East Africa safari, please reach out to me on dawn@theincidentaltourist.com and I will happily assist, putting my two decades of working in the industry towards ensuring your African travel expectations are met.
For assistance with planning your Southern and East Africa safari, please reach out to me at dawn@theincidentaltourist.com and I will happily assist, putting my two decades of working in the industry towards ensuring your African travel expectations are met.
** All pics sourced from the respective properties.
