The Ultimate Southern Africa Safari

Overview

Based in the suburb of Melrose, just 10 minutes from the shopping & business centres of Melrose Arch, Rosebank and Sandton and 45 minutes from Johannesburg Airport, The Peech Hotel is an owner run boutique hotel.

The sixteen rooms here provide you with all the expected mod cons, while the garden rooms overlook the one acre of lush grounds from a private patio or balcony. You can also enjoy these views from the relaxed bistro restaurant which boasts patio dining, a wine cellar and a private dining room.

Meanwhile the outdoor pool offers a refreshing spot to relax or get in some fitness before you head on to your next destination.

Overview

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.

Overview

Set along the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, Boulders Lodge harmonises effortlessly with its surroundings, designed to reflect the light, colours and textures of the African wilderness. Each of the twelve suites features interiors that open onto expansive wooden decks, offering uninterrupted views of the Sand River or the bush. The expansive glass-fronted suites create a seamless transition between the indoors and the wilderness outside. Inside, handcrafted furnishings made from fossilised tree stumps, solid stone and wrought iron are softened by luxurious details such as natural flax linens and cloud-like cotton towels.

The lodge offers access to 45,000 acres of wilderness within the renowned Singita Sabi Sands Reserve. This area is famed for its abundant wildlife and frequent leopard sightings, making game drives and bush walks an exceptional part of the experience. Led by expert guides, these excursions offer encounters with Africa’s rich animal and birdlife.

The communal spaces at Boulders Lodge are equally inviting. The Copper Bar, a warm and intimate setting, serves freshly pressed juices, artisanal espressos and expertly crafted cocktails, providing the perfect spot to gather after a day of adventure. The lodge’s extensive outdoor dining and lounge areas, complete with a stone fireplace, offer further opportunities for relaxation, while the on-site wellness and fitness centre provide spaces for rejuvenation. Additional amenities include a main swimming pool set within the lodge’s lush grounds, a boutique and gallery offering curated African art and design pieces and a premier wine boutique showcasing a selection of fine South African wines.

Overview

Spread under a leafy canopy of ebony trees, six spacious stone cottages grace the banks of the Mabrak River in the western part of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

As one of only twelve guests at Dulini Moya, one feels instantly at home in this quiet retreat. The beautifully appointed suites boast generous plunge pools, shady decks and classic interiors that celebrate the signature style of the Reserve. From the privacy of your own plunge pools, you can enjoy watching game explore the dry riverbed just a few metres away. Your sitting area is an elegant space filled with big welcoming sofas and interesting African sculptures.

Dine under the ancient jackalberry tree where skilled chefs serve delicious Pan African meals, or steal away for a romantic candlelit dinner in the well-stocked wine cellar.

Overview

Monwana Game Lodge is a homely, unpretentious lodge and a thoroughly comfortable place from which to explore the Thornybush Nature Reserve.

There are just four suites in here, two for families which sleep up to four people, a king size suite and one more private suite for honeymooners. All feature private decks or patio areas overlooking the ever-active waterhole or rugged bushveld. You can dine here in private in the evenings as herds of impala stroll by or convene in the communal dining area at the heart of the camp where you’ll also find the swimming pool.

Discover the Kruger-bordering reserve on early morning and afternoon game drives in open Land Rovers on the search for the Big Five and more which can be found here, and there may also be the chance to seek wildlife out on foot on walking safaris.

Overview

Flanking the Sand River, MalaMala Main Camp has enjoyed its prime location in the MalaMala Game Reserve since the 1930s. The camp is unfenced for a real bushveld experience and uninterrupted vistas of massive trees and rolling green lawns where wandering antelope and elephant seek solace.

There are 19 homely air conditioned rooms, including eight suites, an infinity pool and main lodge area with library, bar and dining area. Dinners are a traditional affair around a blazing fire in the reed-enclosed boma under the night sky above.

When you’re not out on exhilarating game drives or bush walks, you can watch wildlife from the comfort of the shade of a Jackalberry tree on the large wooden safari deck. For keen photographers, a specially equipped vehicle with mounts and dedicated photographic ranger can be arranged.

Overview

Located along the banks of the Sabie River inside the Lion Sands Reserve, Ivory Lodge has six large ultra-luxurious suites spaced out from one another and at 165m2 each enjoy their own courtyard, lounge with fireplace, viewing deck and plunge pool.

Offering the utmost privacy, there are only six ultra-luxurious, spacious suites. With contemporary Afro-European interiors and a neutral colour palette, the sleekly designed suites have sliding glass doors and oversized windows merging into the surrounding bushveld. Each of the suites offers a separate lounge with a fireplace and well stocked minibar. The bedrooms are en-suite with sumptuously large bathrooms including a free-standing bath, and indoor and outdoor shower. All this opens onto a private deck and rim flowing plunge pool. Set a short walk away from the suites the thatched main lodge offers a dining room, bar, lounge and library with satellite TV and WiFi. There is a boma and shaded viewing deck.

As well as morning and afternoon game drives and guided bush walks, you can visit local village, indulge in spa treatments or spend a night out under the stars in one of the reserve’s luxury tree houses.

Overview

Saseka is the Tsonga word for ‘beautiful’ and this stunning camp, situated in the exclusive Thornybush Nature Reserve within the greater Kruger National Park, is certainly that. The camp is constructed from natural materials; polished stone and wooden roofs are complemented with soft furnishings in natural muted tones and large glowing globes made of rice paper.  

There are just 9 luxurious rooms at the camp and, although the nostalgia of a classic safari tented camp has been respected, there’s a distinctive modern and fresh feel at Saseka. The addition of floor to ceiling glass doors means natural light floods in and guests have a privileged, stunning view over the bush from the comfort of their room. 

The little touches of comfort and modernity continue with air conditioning in the tented suites and large ensuite bathrooms (also with beautiful views) that feature double basins, large roll top bath and rain shower. Each room has its own private outdoor deck with a shower, plunge pool and large comfortable deck chairs.

The camp offers guests a comfortable main social area with split level decking, a bar and restaurant. The camp is in a game-rich and Big Five area so expect excellent wildlife viewing either from camp or on a variety of safari experiences such as game drives, night drives and bushwalks. 

For small groups or families, look no further than Little Saseka, a perfect private residence that includes a main tented suite for 2 adults and 2 children, a sunken outdoor lounge and fire pit as well as an indoor lounge area. The surrounding tents can be booked for exclusive use for larger groups.

Overview

In the eastern sector of the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and about 12 kilometres from Victoria Falls, Wilderness Toka Leya gets immediate and fantastic views over the Zambezi River, and taking advantage of these are its twelve tented rooms.

Each comes with a large decking area at the front leading out from large glass sliding doors, behind which is your large stylish open plan lounge area and bedroom.

The camp’s main area is situated on a large decking area, and underneath a canopy of trees right beside the main channel of the Zambezi River. Perfect for atmospheric campfires on the bank and spotting the resident wildlife.

Here there is also a very spacious open-plan lounge and dining room, set beneath an enormous canvas roof and with open sides to maximise the views. The wall at the back of the living area is a really great feature; it’s made of “log tiles”, which gives the room a very natural feel.

Each tent has its very own solar panel, water geyser and batteries in keeping with the camp’s aim to lessen its environmental footprint.

Overview

You’ll find the Island Lodge in prime position on the exclusive Katombora Island, protected by the Katombora rapids. A Relais & Châteaux property, and sister to the River Lodge, the Island Lodge offers guests a tranquil, luxurious, and exclusive getaway.

Royal Chundu properties support a selection of positive impact initiatives including Pack for a Purpose, a foundation school and a seed project.

The lodge divides itself between four, spacious and magnificent villas, providing guests with the utmost privacy during their stay. Each villa sleeps between four to six people and features private decks and spacious rooms, surrounded by the island’s unique baobabs and two thousand year old Jackalberry trees.

Visit the intimate boma area for outdoor evening meals or the dining room for indoor occasions. There’s also an infinity pool, spa facilities, and two lounges for you to enjoy during your stay.

Overview

Set just a short walk away from the falls themselves on the banks of the Zambezi, one can admire the coil of steam and spray rising from the falls on the horizon.

The 173 rooms and suites are set in well manicured gardens along the banks of the river. This is one of just a few hotels from which the falls can be accessed on foot, making it ideal for those who want to be as close as possible. The hotel has been built in a colonial style, harking back to the days of it’s namesake, with grand dining and lounge areas as well as a large outdoor pool and riverside deck.

Overview

Very intimately placed in the private Jao Concession area bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Wilderness Jao Camp offers a luxurious way to experience this beautiful part of the world.

You will be well looked after in the nine tented rooms here, with incredible service and excellent guiding. Each of the tented rooms is situated a short distance from the main area and accessed via charming raised walkways. All of the tents have their own deck area with great views over the expanse of floodplains. Inside, you’ll find peace and comfort in the luxurious canvas setting. Wilderness Jao Camp also has a great wine cellar where you can enjoy a private dinner and a great spa where you can enjoy some superb treatments.

Within the camp itself, you have access to two plunge pools, ideal in the afternoon heat if you aren’t relaxing inside with a book from the library. Activities here are entirely dependent on the flood levels at the time of year you visit, however as a rule of thumb you can expect a split of about 30% game drives and 70% water activities, which gives you a brilliant perspective of the animals that call this place their home. Mokoro trips are highly recommended. As the camp is within its own concession area, it also can also provide night drives (weather permitting) to spot the elusive nocturnal creatures found here.

Overview

Botswana’s mesmerizing Okavango Delta is now brighter than ever with the newly transformed (as of 2022) Vumbura Plains. Nestled in a large private concession of 60,000 hectares in the far north of the Delta, the camp is enveloped in some of the most incredible landscapes, home to some of the best wildlife encounters in the area.

Inside, the camp celebrates its sense of place and culture, with design elements that pay homage to its wonderful setting with patterns, textures and colours bringing nature inside. Rooms at the lodge are amongst the biggest in the delta, all open plan, with a sunken seating area, private shaded deck and swimming pool outside as well as indoor and outdoor showers. There is an amazing sense of space here, in keeping with the wide-open plains that the rooms face onto. The rooms are open on three sides (with netting) giving a feeling of being closer to the nature and wildlife whilst still remaining is absolute comfort.

The local connections continue throughout the camp experience.The menu celebrates seasonal produce sourced directly from local farmers, suppliers and artisans.

Activities here are a mixture of game drives and water activities which will vary according to the level of the water and the time of the year. You will find day and night drives, walks and mekoro (dugout canoes) activities, with hot-air ballooning – from April to September each year – as well as scenic helicopter flights, making Vumbura an exclusive destination for the discerning adventure-seeker.

Overview

Nature meets comfort at Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp to create a unique safari experience of both land and water game activities.

Set on the edge of the beautifully remote Okavango Delta, this rustic camp boasts just nine tents with a maximum of only eighteen guests staying here at one time. Each tent provides a large en-suite with shower and w/c facilities, while a private deck offers stunning floodplain views. The rest of the camp includes a dining room, sitting room, pool and safari shop.

With a wildlife wealthy location, watch out for the impressive animals that reside in this area including buffalo, elephants and hippos plus the big cats such as lions, leopards and cheetahs. The varying range of land and water based excursions on offer consist of bush walks, exciting mokoro and power boat trips plus day and night safaris in 4×4 vehicles.

Overview

Xaranna has a uniquely contemporary style, uncommon in the delta with the use of clean whites and colourful textiles and fittings in its decoration. Set on an island in a private concession of 25,000 hectares There are 9 very spacious tents, each with their own private plunge pool.

This is a water-based camp but there is a full range of activities on offer, from the traditional Mokoro rides, to boat safaris, game drives and guided bush walks. The standard of service and guiding here is exceptional.

Xaranna is very much a place to come and look for the detail, the smaller animals and birds that live in the delta as well as the beauty of the habitat itself. This means it’s best combined with another lodge that has more big game activity to provide a balanced stay whilst in Botswana.

Overview

Caught on a riverine island in the Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve, Xigera is a truly excellent camp amidst the wetlands for its dynamic and varied activities, altered slightly according to the season so guests get the most out of the wildlife and terrain. It’s also the only camp in the area, giving you total privacy and where it doesn’t get much wilder.

Ten simple, standalone, and sublimely comfortable stilted tent rooms are shrouded in the riverine forest, and its main areas are typically and tastefully African: thatch roofs, wooden floors and furniture, warm lantern light, bonfire, a traditional boma and a plunge pool to cool off in.

Xigera’s (pronounced Keejera) position amidst permanent water all year round means you can embark on the area’s signature mokoro (canoe) safari, game drives and motorboat outings. The camp is also a good choice for keen birdwatchers, with Pel’s Fishing-Owl, African Skimmer, Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane and a host of raptors, other waterbirds and colourful kingfishers to be seen.