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South Africa has its pick of luxury safari lodges but there will always be those special few who go that extra mile to ensure your stay is one to remember. It is this attention to detail that has raised these following five properties to the top of our list.
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is found on a hill in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa. Situated on the Botswana border, just three hours’ drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, Madikwe is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. The Main Lodge is comprised of 10 ultra-luxurious glass-fronted suites complete with their own deck and private plunge pools, offering absolute privacy and majestic views. The unusual décor integrates natural elements with colours, highlighting Africa’s ambience, with each suite boasting soft sofas, voluptuous mosquito netting and cotton picot linen, these suites have been designed for complete relaxation and comfort. The total dedication and passion of the team at Madikwe Hills ensure that every guest departs with a memory of an African safari never to be forgotten.
Also situated in the Madikwe Game Reserve is Molori Safari, comprising five unique open air suites, each with its private deck, swimming pool and a host of special touches, for those really wanting to push the boat out, Molori’s 2 bedroomed Presidential Suite includes a study, kitchen, dining area and library all beautifully furnished with a modern african design. With the array of safari possibilities, the possibility of seeing not just the big five but the Madikwe super seven (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros, wild dog and cheetah) combined with the lodge’s ultra secluded location, Molori can leave you feeling as though you are first to experience this exhilarating yet uber luxurious hideaway.
Kwandwe is a Big Five safari game reserve in South Africa, close to Port Elizabeth. Home to four award winning, luxury lodges each one Relais & Chateaux accredited. Each lodge offering a unique but uncompromisingly luxurious stay, from the authentic ‘Out of Africa’ experience of the private Uplands Homestead (catering for families and sole parties up to 6) through to the modern, relaxed and stylish ambience of Ecca Lodge with it 6 spacious, beautifully designed suites. With such a wealth of choice you can guarantee you will find the perfect property for you. At Great Fish River Lodge the nine luxurious suites have been designed to take full advantage of the sweeping surrounds. Whilst Melton Manor, the reserve’s sole use safari villa, offers guests the perfect retreat for large families or a party of friends. With four bedrooms, swimming pool and your own private safari vehicle, complete with team of tracker and ranger.
Located in Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern cape. Settlers Drift is the newest and grandest of accommodations to the area and located in a remote and untouched part of the Kariega wilderness, the property has been designed to make the very best of this awe inspiring scenery. Offering nine luxury tented suites each of these spacious hideaways has its own viewing deck with stunning vistas over the river and valley and features a wood burning stove and an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower and freestanding bath. The fabulous team at Settlers Drift are always on hand to cater to a specific need, request or simply help with booking one of the many spa treatments!
The Leobo private reserve is 20000 acres of estate in the Waterberg Mountains, three hours drive from Johannesburg and is home to the award winning Observatory Bush Villa, architecturally designed and undeniably striking, the villa has been dubbed the ultimate family playground! Boasting a checklist to rival any state of the art modern hotel the villa offers two master double suites with enormous en-suite bathrooms and an interconnecting double and children’s triple bunk room which also has a beautiful en-suite. The villa can sleep 6 adults and 3 children although it’s also suited to smaller groups. While away your evenings enjoying sundowners on the roof terrace where there’s a Jacuzzi or next to the heated infinity pool and have a private session in the research grade observatory with a leading astronomer. If it’s adrenaline you are after the team at Leobo can organise horseback, quad and helicopter safaris along with many other options, you are really only limited by your own imagination!