Five of Africa’s Most Exclusive Lodges
While Africa is famous for its amazing wildlife, rich culture, and natural splendour, it’s also home to some incredible luxury lodges. Here are a few of our favourites…
On a remote private island in Madagascar, Miavana is accessible only by helicopter, ensuring a super exclusive and secluded experience!
Why we love it…
- A Wild Oasis: The resort is surrounded by unspoiled natural wonder as far as the eye can see. With some of the greatest biodiversity on earth, Madagascar is world-renowned for its incredible endemic flora and fauna, and you couldn’t ask for a better place from which to experience it.
- Luxurious Villas: Each of the oceanfront villas boasts direct beach access, a private pool, and breathtaking ocean views. Their striking design offers a perfect balance of modern luxury and local craftsmanship.
- Unique Wildlife Experiences: Guests can explore Madagascar’s unique wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and rare bird species, through guided nature walks and helicopter excursions. The surrounding marine reserve offers incredible opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. Guests can also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and whale watching during the migration season.
Located on the southern tip of Mozambique’s beautiful Benguerra Island, Kisawa Sanctuary is a perfect blend of luxury and natural wonder. This exquisite retreat spans 300 hectares of pristine beachfront and lush forest, offering guests an intimate connection with nature while indulging in world-class comfort and style.
Why we love it…
- Amazing Setting: The tropical island location is unrivalled, and the stunning architecture blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
- Exclusive Accommodation: Each of the luxurious beachfront bungalows boasts a private pool, outdoor deck, and direct beach access, providing guests with an exclusive and serene experience.
- Abundant Activities: There is so much to do at Kisawa, we hardly know where to start! Adventurous guests can kitesurf, kayak, canoe, paddle board, snorkel, dive, sail, or even go on a helicopter adventure. Wildlife enthusiasts will love the whales, flamingos, and hundreds of local bird species and gazelles. There’s a wellness resort at the resort, plus the option to join a cultural tour of the local villages.
Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa‘s largest private game reserve, located in the Northern Cape Province. This exclusive lodge offers a unique safari experience in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, with vast landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Why we love it…
- Remote Wilderness Luxury: The sprawling expanse of private wilderness on the southernmost tip of the Kalahari offers a remote escape unlike any other. The luxurious safari camps include spacious suites with private decks, outdoor showers, and stunning views of the Kalahari landscape to enjoy all to yourself!
- Private Game Drives: With only a limited number of guests at any time, Tswalu ensures a highly personalised safari experience. Private vehicles and guides allow for flexible schedules and intimate wildlife encounters.
- Conservation and Community: Tswalu is deeply committed to conservation and community upliftment. Guests can learn about the reserve’s efforts in wildlife research, habitat restoration, and community development.
In the heart of southern Kenya, Ol Donyo Lodge offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding savannah. This Relais & Châteaux property combines luxury with authentic wilderness experiences on over 111 000 hectares of private land.
Why we love it…
- Unique Location: Forged from the ancient lava that erupted from Kilimanjaro hundreds of thousands of years ago, ol Donyo offers a unique meeting point between ancient history, untamed wilderness, and modern luxury.
- Panoramic Stay: Resting on the hillside and offering exceptional views, the lodge features spacious suites with private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and rooftop star beds for guests to sleep under the African sky.
- Wildlife and Culture: Ol Donyo is located in a private conservancy, providing exclusive wildlife viewing opportunities. Guests can participate in game drives, guided walks, and horseback safaris. The lodge also offers cultural visits to the local Maasai communities.
Situated in the heart of Botswana, Atzaro Okavango Camp offers a luxurious and immersive safari experience in one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. This intimate camp is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
Why we love it…
- Exclusive Tents: The camp features just a few spacious tents, each with private decks overlooking the delta. The tents are elegantly furnished, offering comfort and style in the wilderness.
- Unparalleled Wildlife Viewing: The Okavango Delta is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and a plethora of bird species. Guests can explore the delta through game drives, boat safaris, and mokoro (traditional canoe) excursions.
- Wine & Dine in the Wild: The culinary offering at Atzaró is as memorable as the safari experience, with indoor and outdoor dining areas, a cocktail bar, a wine cellar, and high tea with a view!
Africa’s most exclusive lodges offer more than just luxury accommodation; they provide immersive experiences that connect guests with the continent’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant marine life of Mozambique, the unique wildlife of Madagascar, the vast landscapes of the Kalahari, the stunning vistas of Kenya, or the iconic Okavango Delta, these lodges promise unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for Africa’s wonders.
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