Travel to the Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Africa ⇒ In 2017, CovetED has travelled through the world, staying in the most luxurious hotels. Among these, we had an incomparable delight staying at some of the best luxury safari lodges in Africa. In fact, the African continent has no comparison itself. So you can plan your next trip to Africa in 2018, we revisit the places we stayed in last year and show you 4 new incredible places we had never visited before: Gibb’s Farm, Londolozi, Singita Boulders Lodge and Tswalu Kalahari. Join CovetED on this hot and incredible journey!

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– &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp –

Located where the riverine forest meets the sweeping plains in the path of the astonishing Great Migration, &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp provides an authentic dose of African wildlife, delivered with legendary Kenyan hospitality. Enhancing its signature elements of romance and nostalgia, the camp has been redesigned to better showcase its panoramic Masai Mara views. With timeless interiors that are simple yet contemporary and stylish, the new Kichwa Tembo enhances guests’ sense of privacy and enjoyment. The Maasai-inspired suites are elegant and timeless, firmly entrenching &Beyond Kichwa Tembo as the unrivalled luxury tented camp of its size in the greater Mara. As guests arrive at &Beyond Kichwa Tembo, they are instantly welcomed by the commanding view. The spacious guest areas incorporate split-level spaces where guests can relax and unwind. 12 Classic tents, 20 Superior tents and 8 Superior View tents are laid out in immaculate grounds. Guests can escape to the massage room to indulge in a relaxing treatment or browse the redesigned Safari Shop, which offers the finest Kenyan handicrafts. The rim-flow swimming pool, literally on the edge of the Mara, boasts one of the world’s most extraordinary views.

– Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat –

Nestled in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, the ecological oasis of Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is a magical wilderness experience among open plains, sandstone formations and ancient bush art sites dating back 10,000 years. Be at one with Africa in its multi-award winning retreat with inspiring activities, unique dining experiences, organic vegetable gardens and caring service. Bushmans Kloof offers a range of beautifully proportioned rooms, suites and a private villa. The retreat can accommodate 34 guests, all in sublimely appointed spaces. Award-winning service, generous hospitality and luxurious finishes, such as its outstanding private art collection, enhance the extraordinary environment of the Bushmans Kloof lodge. Koro Lodge is an existing farmhouse, nestled in the reserve, that has been completely renovated and transformed into a spectacular intimate villa, surrounded by open vistas of wilderness and wildlife, combining ultimate luxury with nature. The space is available for larger groups, ensuring effortless and hugely enjoyable family breakaways for up to 10 guests. The splendid luxury of the accommodation amidst botanical gardens and pristine wilderness will draw one into their special world, while small surprises and thoughtful touches throughout guests’ stay augment the experience.

– Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti –

Deep within Africa’s finest game reserve, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti welcomes guests to a sanctuary worthy of the Four Seasons comfort quality stamp. Visitors can always feel safe and pampered despite being able to get up close and intimate with lions, leopards and elephants. Secluded and spacious, the 77 guest rooms, suites and villas keep guests in constant touch with the Serengeti. The contemporary African décor features four-poster beds with mosquito netting, as well as local textiles and artwork, all enhanced by modern comforts such as air conditioning and high-speed Internet access. Guests can step outside to the elevated, open-air sundeck with a direct view of the plains and enjoy a private audience with any lions or elephants that might be passing by. Nestled in the heart of Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property delivers memorable ways to experience the Serengeti, with unique activities that include hot-air balloon rides across the plains, picnics in the bush and safari photography classes. The hotel’s Discovery Centre is a great place to learn about African culture and history, a place where guests can get to know the local Maasai people and become involved in socially responsible programs, such as those that help local schools and support wildlife conservation.

– Gibb’s Farm –

Voted Best Safari Hotel in Africa in 2011, Gibb’s Farm imparts a sense of well-being, tranquillity and history-deeply rooted in African culture and community in a warm, rustic luxury environment. A peaceful sanctuary to rejuvenate the senses while on safari in Tanzania, the farm features cosy, well-appointed cottages, breath-taking scenery and wildlife and unique cultural activities that allow you to fully experience the rhythms and beauty of the farm, community and nature. Set amongst an array of flowery gardens, the Farm once owned by the Gibb’s family is one of the priciest options in the highlands and is one of the most renowned properties in the Ngorongoro Highlands. Retaining their original charm, the sturdy cottages have a very homely feel to them and command great views of the region below. The property has regularly been used as a basing point for most tourists given their beautiful and different surroundings. Producing their own coffee, livestock and vegetables, Gibb’s Farm is popular for their gatherings.

– Londolozi –

A pillar of global ecotourism, Londolozi is one of South Africa’s original private game reserves and a proudly family-run business. The word “londolozi” comes from a Zulu word and means “protector of all living things”. Situated on the Sand River at the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, within the Greater Kruger National Park, the reserve has been lauded internationally for its far-sighted and progressive land and wildlife management, as well as its productive community involvement. The emphasis on conservation and a village ethos stands alongside a commitment to luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine and exceptional service. In 1993, Londolozi became the first game reserve in the world to be accorded Relais & Châteaux status. An integral part of the world-famous collection of game lodges that have belonged to the Varty children for over 75 years, the Londolozi is home to five camps ranging from chalets and suites to treehouse suites and granite rooms, some of which entail private swimming pools. Throughout the camp, there is a sense of history thanks to the well-restored memorabilia of photographs, old suitcases, silver, crystal glass and gramophones. For rhino lovers, rhino tracking is a special activity which will focus only on rhinos.

⇒ Related Article: BE IN TOUCH WITH NATURE IN THE FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE SERENGETI ⇐

– Madikwe Safari Lodge –

The Madikwe Game Reserve is a 75,000-hectare malaria-free reserve located northwest of Johannesburg, along the Botswana border. The rich and undulating landscape is punctuated by enormous volcanic intrusions and the unique topography reveals astonishing wildlife sightings. Madikwe’s animal population includes lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, spotted hyena, giraffe, antelope and the endangered wild dog. In this hotel, it would be difficult to find a team of more enthusiastic guides who enjoy nothing better than starting and finishing each day out in the wild in search of animals big and small. Whether leopard or chameleon, rhino or dung beetle, they will share a riveting story and teach guests something they never knew before. Guided walks are another way to appreciate the bush and to enjoy a different perspective from terra firma. The lodge is located in the central eastern region of Madikwe Game Reserve, in an area well known for its superior game viewing. Madikwe Safari Lodge consists of 3 separate private lodges offering 20 luxury suites in total: Lelapa Lodge, with 12 spacious suites; Kopano Lodge and Dithaba Lodge, both with just 4 suites. All the suites include a private plunge pool, besides other amenities.

– Singita Boulders Lodge –

A masterpiece built among the rocks of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the Singita Boulders Lodge is set along the banks of the Sand River in Singita’s privately owned reserve. The lodge is a celebration of the tranquillity, space and light which flows throughout this incredibly vast area. Inspired by the geometry of the boulders on which it rests, Boulders Lodge is an inviting oasis where organic interiors integrate seamlessly with the raw African beauty outside. The lodge is perfectly at home in its pristine setting and whether through walls of glass or open-air areas, the surrounding landscape and animals can be seen and enjoyed from every angle, making for a truly immersive safari experience. The two luxurious game lodges at Singita Sabi Sand, namely Singita Boulders Lodge and Singita Ebony Lodge, entail secluded thatched suites that reflect an eclectic mix of colours, fabrics and textures. The main lodge features a lounge and timber deck dining areas overlooking the Sand River, a bar area and traditional open boma, gymnasium, health spa, library and wine cellar.

– Singita Lebombo & Sweni Lodges –

Singita Lebombo Lodge is a celebration of cutting-edge design in an African context where everything defers to nature. This dramatic lodge comprises 13 suites and one private-use villa that give guests a front row seat to the Kruger National Park with bold, contemporary open plan suites suspended above the N’Wanetsi River. The exclusive concession is a richly diverse habitat, teeming with game, beneath endless African skies. The private villa is the most exciting extension of the lodge; set apart from the main lodge, it features two 2-bedroom suites, each with a private pool, that link together to create a spectacular exclusive-use four-bedroom offering with a stunning shared pool. Resting lightly on the ground within a 33,000-acre private concession in the Kruger National Park, Singita Sweni Lodge is nestled beautifully amongst hundreds of trees at the edge of the Sweni River. This intimate lodge is a hidden jewel that provides a bold, new African context for contemporary design. With its proximity to the river, guests at Singita Sweni Lodge are treated to up-close sightings of the incredible number of animals and birds that wander down to drink or wallow in the water.

Singita Lebombo Lodge

Singita Sweni Lodge

– Singita Sabora Tented Camp –

Singita Sabora Tented Camp is situated in an untouched wilderness area of Grumeti Reserves, spanning over 350,000 acres in northern Tanzania, resting on the Serengeti plains along the Great Migration route. The intimate and beautifully decorated 1920s-style explorer’s camp is permeated by a sense of nostalgic adventure. Steeped in character, Singita Sabora Tented Camp surprises guests with an opulence that is delightfully out-of-place with the rugged terrain of the surrounding savannah plains. Here, guests are immersed in the palpable pulse of the wild Serengeti, with the added thrill of knowing there isn’t much separating the comfort inside from the elements and wildlife outside. The nine lavish tents are air-conditioned and feature a spacious bedroom with reading area, bathroom with bath and outdoor shower, viewing deck with a Swarovski spotting scope and a library lounge tent lined with antique and rare volumes of African literature.

– Tswalu Kalahari –

Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, now protecting over 110,000 hectares of spectacular grasslands and mountains. The reserve takes conservation as its absolute priority, with a vision to “restore the Kalahari to itself”. No more than 30 guests at a time – staying at the Motse, the Tarkuni and the Malori Star-Bed – can discover the beauty of this arid savannah, its diverse wildlife and the serenity of what may well be South Africa’s last great wilderness. The Motse includes nine individual suites, each comprising a spacious bedroom with an open fireplace, en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower and private sun deck. The main house features elevated decks, elegant lounges, an infinity pool, a secluded spa, mezzanine library, satellite TV and an endless view over the savannahs. The Tarkuni was designed to uncompromising standards of comfort and elegance, with each of the five luxurious suites offering a spacious bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a private deck. The quiet pool, traditional boma and shady salas have enticed many guests into what becomes their private African sanctuary. Lastly, the sleep-out deck The Malori Star-Bed (“dreamer” in Tswana), offers guests the uniquely thrilling experience of sleeping safely amongst the wild.

⇒ Related Article: THE SINGITA SABORA TENTED CAMP IS AN UNFORGETTABLE SAFARI DESTINATION ⇐

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Source: Luxurylaunches, Travel + Leisure