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Wild & Wonderful: Africa’s Most Luxurious Safari Lodges
Written by Georgia Pearce
Treetop canopies, open plains and majestic wildlife are the foundations of Africa’s ultra-luxurious lodges, offering unforgettable safari-style adventures.
Being at one with the wild no longer means having to compromise on luxury, with the likes of One&Only offering exquisite stays in the heart of the action.
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.
Read on to discover Africa’s most luxurious safari lodge experiences.
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One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
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. 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. 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 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 private reserve 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
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
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.
One&Only Nyungwe House
This ultra-lux wilderness retreat is blanketed beneath jungle greenery and rests on the fringes of Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park. One&Only Nyungwe House is the epitome of 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.
Feature image: One&Only Nyungwe House, supplied.
Looking for more inspiration? Read Top Five Bucket-List South Africa Safari Moments with Presenter Barry Du Bois.
