“Safari experiences are no longer limited to game drives and bird watching. A new generation of private lodges offers the discerning individual luxury treats and pamper packages beyond the imaginable. We take a closer look at the design elements and cutting edge amenities that distinguishes Southern Africa's top lodges from the pack. ”

For the next two weeks, we are looking at some of Southern Africa’s most sought after game reserves and lodges.  Feast your eyes on the resplendent designer interiors that have earned these exclusive establishments their place on the Travel Concepts must see list.  Be sure to contact us for more information or to book your idyllic getaway.

Madikwe Private Game Reserve – North West, South Africa

Morukuru Lodge  

Morukuru Lodge enfolds guests in peace and comfort from the moment they enter its sumptuous living area.  The Lodge can accommodate six adult guests in three double en-suite bedrooms, each featuring a super-king, super-wide bed.  Airy bedrooms have individual air conditioning systems and fans, a fireplace for chilly nights and large, insect-screened sliding doors opening on to tree-shaded private balconies.  Spacious bathrooms have deep baths with a view of the bush, and both inside and outside, monkey’s eye-view private showers for an unforgettable bushveld experience.

What we love:

• Morukuru is located within 3 hours drive from OR Tambo International Airport with daily light aircraft transfers to the game reserve.
• It is a Malaria free reserve and perfect for travelling with young children.
• The lodge boasts a heated infinity pool with comfortable loungers.
• The décor style is intimate with minimalistic and modern elements throughout the rooms and living areas.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve – North West, South Africa

Shepherds Tree Lodge

Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge overlooks a scenic amphitheater in the south-western portion of the 57,250ha, Big 5, and malaria free Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Being positioned in an exclusive use zone, the lodge offers game activities in a private section of the reserve, while also offering access to all the reserve’s public roads. The great expanse of the untouched Wilderness Area lies a few hundred meters to the north of the lodge, and provides guests with the great opportunity to explore this pristine environment on foot.  The featured architecture and interior design are the hallmark of the whole lodge, and flawless finishes leave no detail overlooked.

What we love:

• The African-inspired design with minimalistic textures and fabrics on modern furniture pieces.
• All suites have uninterrupted views with modern facilities including plasma screens and satellite TV.
• The lodge offers conferencing facilities as well as a mini business center.
• The spacious entertainment deck complete with a cocktail bar and rim-flow swimming pool.

Kruger National Park – Mpumalanga, South Africa

Earth Lodge, Sabi Sands

Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. On arrival a hidden corridor leads you down on a journey to a unique and unforgettable experience. The unexpected entrance opens to a panorama of uninterrupted bushveld. Home to 13 ultra-luxurious suites including the Amber Presidential Suite, the lodge breaks with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of artistry and innovation. Each of the suites at this luxury lodge features individually designed furniture, private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom and indoor and outdoor shower. The natural wooden sculptures by renowned South African artist Geoffrey Armstrong add a powerful magic.

What we love:  

• Earth Lodge is a 5 hour drive from OR Tambo International Airport.  Alternatively, there are daily flights from Johannesburg directly to the lodge or to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) and daily flights from Cape Town International Airport to KMIA.
• This environmentally sensitive lodge boasts private plunge pools in each suite, a secluded library, art gallery, meditation garden, an underground wine cellar as well as luxurious spa facilities.

Royal Malewane’s Africa House, Thornybush Private Game Reserve

Situated a few minutes’ drive from the main lodge and accommodating a maximum of 12 guests in the utmost splendour, Africa House is the perfect safari villa for families or groups travelling together. Enter the imposing North African front door and feel the calm of the central courtyard with its cooling fountain, twin casitas and spacious covered veranda. Generous living and dining areas in the safari villa lead onto another covered veranda where you can relax on the day beds, swim in the pool or enjoy leisurely meals in a magical bush setting. Africa House is the epitome of exclusivity in a safari villa:

What we love:

• The chic, antique décor and furnishes with modern amenities
• The villa comes with a private chef, butler, ranger, tracker and game drive vehicle – not to mention its own Boma for special dinners under the stars.
• The gorgeous infinity pool and day beds as well as the state of the art spa and gym facilities.

Singita Lebombo

Like the Lebombo Euphorbia tree after which it was named, the design of Lebombo Lodge is one of a kind.  From the sweeping wooden decks you can watch the theatre that unfolds before you, while the lap pool beckons to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.  The fifteen suites feature contemporary finishes with beds dressed with Egyptian cotton and silky-soft throws.  Enjoy dinner in the boma, then spend the evening, if you so wish, sleeping under the stars on the bed of your private terrace.

What we love:

• The natural colour scheme and bold chandeliers dropping from the ceilings.
• The open plan Suites, inside and outside showers, and direct telephone lines
• The library, internet and computer facilities.
• The gymnasium, health spa, wine cellar and impressive pool area with loungers.