Being at one with the wild no longer means having to compromise on luxury. Spanning savannahs, national parks, wetlands and UNESCO-listed sanctuaries, these opulent lodges ground themselves in sensational wildernesses while offering pristine beauty, wellness activities and extraordinary animal encounters.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge – Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Carved into a slope in South Africa’s Sabi Sand, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge feels less like a camp placed in the bush and more like an extension of the landscape. Curved lines, natural textures, sculptural timber and considered use of light define the lodge, while each suite opens onto a private plunge pool and views of the surrounding wilderness.
Days begin with game drives through the Greater Kruger ecosystem, followed by cocktails at the lodge’s Day Bar (your feet dipped in the bar’s ankle-deep running water), treatments at Amani Spa or long lunches inspired by the surrounding landscape. Come evening, settle in for fine dining or make your way to the lodge’s expansive underground wine cellar.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest – Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Succumb to the call of the wild at the prestigious One&Only Gorilla’s Nest retreat, home to luxury lodges in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It’s the ultimate base to experience a once-in-a-lifetime, personal encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat with an immersive experience hiking the bamboo forest, organised by the retreat (under Rwanda’s park authorities and guides). Find inner peace at the serene spa, which showcases a rich wellness program and features traditional African remedies. The Forest Treehouse rooms offer the best forest views in front of crackling fireplaces, while the suites bring the outdoors in with spacious decks and floor-to-ceiling bifold doors. Dining at the lodge draws upon the colours, scents and textures of the land. The Nest restaurant serves seasonal plates with wilderness views, while the refurbished Jack Hanna Cottage offers charming heritage features.
Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara – Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Kenya
Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara pairs safari-style tents with five-star luxury for the ultimate wilderness escape. The boutique accommodation is home to only 12 tents, spaciously peppered throughout the golden savannah. Kenya’s spectacular wildlife puts on a show for visitors seeking the glory of nature – take a guided safari tour through the Olare Motorogi Conservancy to spot giraffes, lions and elephants in their natural habitat.
Visit a local Maasai village to see a Maasai home, learn the Maasai way of life and immerse yourself in their dancing and singing traditions. End your day in the main safari-style dining room, lit by candles and traditional campfire, while you listen to the distant roar of the pride.
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat – South Africa
Wilderness and wellness are made for each other. Journey to South Africa’s Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat to discover the magic of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cape Floral Region. A three-hour drive from Cape Town, this five-star oasis is recognised as one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World and set in a 7,500-hectare private reserve with immaculate views of the open plains. Straight from the organic garden comes authentic Cape cuisine, served in extraordinary locations across the property, including on the banks of Boontjies River and within the historic walled gardens.
Xigera Safari Lodge – Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
All-inclusive African luxury awaits at the Xigera Safari Lodge, nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Okavango Delta. This majestic gem overlooks the lively wetlands of the Moremi Game Reserve, with 12 lodge suites laying beneath the canopy of indigenous bushland and above seasonal floodplains alive with wildlife. The design of the lodge is inspired by the wildness of the landscape and wonderful Botswana culture and dedicated to celebrating African art and creativity. Sleep beneath the glistening stars in the Baobab Treehouse and observe majestic animals on a sightseeing safari.
Nyungwe Tea Forest Resort – Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Previously called One&Only Nyungwe House before its addition to the rare finds collection of one-of-a-kind stays, his ultra-lux wilderness retreat is blanketed beneath jungle greenery and rests on the fringes of Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park. The lodge exemplifies understated luxury, leaving the wow factor to the impressive scenery, while the rooms boast pared-back African elegance. Explore the heart of Rwanda with tailored hiking adventure programs through the jungle terrain, keeping an eye out for resident chimpanzees. Discover the secret to the perfect cup at the resort’s boutique tea plantation by picking, plucking and brewing leaves with your own hands. By doing so, you are supporting conservation efforts and community programs. Relish in the farm-to-plate menu, sourced from the onsite farm, at the Dining Room for a creative introduction to local flavours.
Discover Africa
Feature image: One&Only Nyungwe House, supplied.
