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    Johannesburg, South Africa

    The Residence

    A Boutique Gem in Houghton

    A warm, hospitable welcome awaits you at The Residence, located in the historic suburb of Houghton, which is also home to many famous residents including former President Nelson Mandela. The Residence exudes a charming air of quiet dignity, with an abundance of bougainvillea blossoms cascading down the terraced gardens.

    This is a gorgeous spot where you are treated with personalised service and are invited to make yourself at home.
    The Residence is an extraordinary boutique hotel that is truly one of a kind, no effort has been spared in creating the most sublime surroundings to surpass your greatest expectations. On arrival at The Residence, you are greeted warmly and graciously before being shown around the guest areas on the ground floor. There is an immediate awareness of the sophisticated splendour of the interior and an all-pervading atmosphere of total tranquillity.

    The entrance hall leads through to the sumptuous lounge and sitting room with plush furnishings inviting carefree relaxation for all seasons. A cosy log fire is lit in the fireplace on chilly days, while doors opening onto the long, spacious veranda offer a cool respite from the warm African sun.

    Guests are welcome to take a stroll through the manicured gardens and enjoy a game of tennis or swim a few lengths in the large outdoor pools. Enjoy a work out at our gymnasium or play a round of golf on the Houghton Golf Course.

    Highlights

    Base to explore Johannesburg and great for an overnight stop before or after your safari

    5 Luxury Rooms, 4 Luxury Suites, a Madiba Suite and a Penthouse

    Spa

    Swimming pool

    Tennis courts

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your trip, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Trip Inspiration

    Get inspired with our South Africa example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

    Plan your trip to South Africa

    Whatever you want from your adventure in South Africa, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Places to combine The Residence with

    Azura Marlin Beach

    Mozambique

    Azura Marlin Beach

    Azura Marlin Beach is located on the shores of Benguerra Island in Mozambique. The resort’s ten beautifully designed villas blend local craftsmanship with contemporary elegance, creating a seamless harmony between nature and comfort. Choose from beach villas and beach villa grandes or indulge in the exclusivity of villa vista, a spacious private sanctuary featuring two separate suites, a large pool and an expansive entertainment area, ideal for families or friends travelling together. Each villa is curated for both seclusion and connection, with open-air living spaces. The soft ocean breeze drifts through private terraces, while personal plunge pools offer a secluded oasis to bask in the sun. 

    Thoughtfully designed public areas maximise sweeping views over the Indian Ocean, providing tranquil spaces to relax, dine and take in the beauty of the island. Mornings begin with freshly prepared breakfasts overlooking the water, followed by leisurely afternoons spent poolside, where the sun-drenched deck invites deep relaxation. Evenings unfold with elegant candlelit dinners beneath the starry night, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the beachfront setting. For a taste of Mozambican tradition, the lively weekly beach bbq is a guest favourite, offering an immersive experience of grilled seafood, local specialties and storytelling under the open sky.

    Two Mile Reef, one of the region’s most pristine snorkelling and diving sites, reveals an underwater world of breathtaking colour and movement, where manta rays sweep gracefully through the depths and rare marine species make their home among the corals. PADI 5-Star certified scuba diving excursions, led by expert instructors, offer a deeper glimpse into this extraordinary ecosystem, while deep-sea fishing expeditions provide the thrilling opportunity to seek out the legendary black marlin that the Bazaruto Archipelago is renowned for.

    The resort’s open-air treehouse spa provides a haven of rejuvenation, where skilled therapists use traditional African oils and balms to melt away tension.

    Wilderness Magashi Peninsula

    Rwanda

    Wilderness Magashi Peninsula

    Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is the sister property of Wilderness Magashi Camp, an exclusive retreat in the heart of Akagera National Park in Rwanda that offers an immersive safari experience. Set within a private concession on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, with the Mutumba Mountains rising in the distance, this eight-bed camp is designed for those seeking unparalleled privacy and connection to nature. Here, the vast landscapes of open plains, acacia woodlands, shimmering lakes and rolling grasslands form the backdrop to extraordinary wildlife encounters. Akagera is a conservation success story, home to one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Over 500 bird species fill the air with their calls, while elephants wade in the lake and hippos bask along its banks.

    The camp comprises a stunning four-bed villa and two twin suites, each elevated to maximise the panoramic views over the lake. Private plunge pools invite moments of quiet reflection and the villa’s multi-purpose room is adaptable as a gym, office or family space. Personalised in-villa dining and a dedicated private guide transform each stay into a deeply personal journey, allowing you to explore the wilderness at your own pace. Embark on a morning game drive, glide silently through the waterways on a boating safari or set out on a guided nature walk.

    Rooted in sustainability and inspired by Rwanda’s rich culinary heritage, the menu features fresh, local ingredients. Start the day with a signature ‘rolex’ breakfast wrap, a beloved Rwandan street food specialty, and end it with a Kugisha dinner, a communal feast accompanied by traditional storytelling and song.

    As with all Wilderness camps, conservation and community engagement are at the heart of Magashi Peninsula. In partnership with the Akagera Management Company, Wilderness supports vital initiatives such as predator monitoring, invasive plant management and educational programs designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Magashi Peninsula builds upon this legacy, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities thrive side by side.

    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline