{"id":7584,"date":"2018-09-07T10:15:01","date_gmt":"2018-09-07T10:15:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?p=7584"},"modified":"2025-05-07T10:26:57","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T10:26:57","slug":"african-architectural-wonders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/african-architectural-wonders","title":{"rendered":"Africa’s Most Beautifully Designed Safari Lodges"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mention the words \u2018safari lodge\u2019 and it\u2019s probably khaki-green tents, flickering hurricane lanterns and a smattering of gum poles that spring to mind. Well, let us change that. Meet the continent\u2019s finest selection of architectural masterpieces: lodges that blend seamlessly into their surroundings using the most modern of materials, organic camps and swanky villas, and hotels that look like they\u2019ve fallen from space. And there\u2019s not a canvas wall in sight\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Angama<\/a><\/p>\n

1. Angama Mara<\/h2>\n

Masai Mara, Kenya<\/em><\/p>\n

Jaw-dropping is a word often associated with Angama Mara<\/a>, be it the lodge, the interiors or the wildlife \u2013 but most especially when it comes to the view. It\u2019s a true eagle\u2019s-eye vista of the Masai Mara<\/a>, spread out like a magic carpet below, and lodge-design gurus Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens<\/a> have certainly done their utmost to make it the focal point. Firstly, the lodge seems to \u2018float\u2019 over the plains (\u2018Angama\u2019 actually means \u2018suspended in mid-air\u2019 in Swahili), giving each and every guest uninterrupted access to the vistas from just about every corner. The glamorous brick, steel and glass structures are simple, never distracting from what\u2019s ahead, and the interiors are just as minimalist yet utterly fabulous. Think bold furniture in the perfect shade of Maasai-red, stylish rocking chairs and imported pieces that are classic, solid and beautiful. Carefully considered yet sometimes whimsical, every aspect of the lodge adds to the history, and that rare and magical feeling of finding somewhere truly special.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve always dreamt of a trip to the Masai Mara, it doesn\u2019t get much better than Angama. Combine the Mara with some of Kenya\u2019s off-the-beaten-track locations with this route here<\/a>, or stick to the highlights with our Classic Kenya<\/a> route.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"Angama<\/figure>
Angama<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

\"Shipwreck<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Shipwreck Lodge<\/h2>\n

Skeleton Coast, Namibia<\/em><\/p>\n

As you approach Shipwreck Lodge<\/a> from the bracing Atlantic coastline, it takes a moment for your eyes to adjust. Rising eerily from the sandswept dunes, the 10 timber-and-glass cabins are perfectly reminiscent of the relics that line the shores and in some ways seem entirely at home in the harshness of the Skeleton Coast<\/a>. From the outside, the rooms are austere yet beautiful – simple timber structures with small decking areas and porthole windows \u2013 but step inside and the eccentric decor provides a welcome respite. Shades of blue, burgundy, black and white represent the ever-changing moods of the ocean, whilst accents of rose and mauve are rare, semi-precious stones. Recycled wood, rope and cotton in the bedrooms is authentic yet soothing to the touch, and in the dining room, enamel dishes and old silverware transport you to a time of adventure and intrigue. In reality, the effect is soulful, calming, and extremely comfortable, without ever detracting from the incredible structures.<\/p>\n

To really make the most of the Skeleton Coast, it has to be seen from above \u2013 which is exactly why we\u2019ve designed the Ultimate Namibian Flying Safari<\/a>, the perfect partner for a stay at Shipwreck Lodge.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"Skeleton<\/figure>
Skeleton Coast Shipwreck Lodge<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

\"Jabali<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Jabali Ridge<\/h2>\n

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania<\/em><\/p>\n

In Ruaha National Park<\/a> in deepest, darkest Tanzania<\/a>, nature really is King. Not only is the park home to extraordinary concentrations of wildlife, the landscape is dominated by squat, fat baobabs and strewn boulders, reminiscent of giants\u2019 bowling balls. Rather than mess with such flora, architect Nicholas Plewman has very much incorporated the features into his design at uber-luxurious Jabali Ridge<\/a>. Two enormous baobab trees stand sentinel at the entrance, dwarfing all who arrive, passageways snake through the boulders, and shade is provided by giant rocks and cool overhangs. To complete the seamless blending of the camp into the rugged environment, the interiors are equally as natural; think vegetable-dyed cushions, earthy linens and palm-woven matting all the way from the shores of Zanzibar. Truly, a place to bed down and immerse yourself in the bush \u2013 and maybe a game drive or two if you can drag yourself away\u2026<\/p>\n

Combine a stay at Jabali Ridge in Ruaha with the equally as beautiful Roho ya Selous<\/a> in the Selous Game Reserve and a few days of beach relaxing at the coast. Our route Remote Bush and Beach<\/a> in southern Tanzania will help you get started.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"Jabali<\/figure>
Jabali Ridge <\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

\"Africa<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Miavana<\/h2>\n

Diego Suarez, Madagascar<\/em><\/p>\n

When a south-African born Mauritian with a penchant for design, beach houses and wild places opens a lodge on a Robinson Crusoe-esque island off the coast of Madagascar<\/a>, it\u2019s probably going to be good. Then, when he teams up with renowned design team Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens<\/a>, it just gets even better\u2026. The result is the audacious Time + Tide Miavana<\/a>, a private island retreat that is as far away from a tried-and-tested beach residence as you can imagine. We\u2019re talking enormous villas that are a fantastical mix of local and modern, handmade and minimalist, conical stone towers that house rainfall showers, and groovy, folding-glass doors that open out onto the Indian Ocean. Then, the public space: floors tiled in riotous colours, airy domes overhead, a Cabinet de Curiosities, a bar styled as an ancient ruined fort – and all surrounded by a clear-blue moat. A true, fairy-tale castle if ever we saw one.<\/p>\n

Add a stay at Miavana to any of our South Africa<\/a> or Madagascar<\/a> routes and end your holiday of a lifetime with something seriously special\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"Time<\/figure>
Time and Tide Miavana<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
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\"Wizard\"Wizard<\/figure>
Not sure where to go?<\/div>\n Answer a few simple questions to get instant trip recommendations<\/span>\n
Start the wizard<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"Sandibe<\/a><\/p>\n

5. &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge<\/h2>\n

Okavango Delta, Botswana<\/em><\/p>\n

There are many lodges across the continent that are designed around the bush and nature\u2019s quirks and charms, but there certainly aren\u2019t many that take their vision from the wildlife. At Sandibe Lodge<\/a> in the heart of one of the most game-rich areas of the Okavango Delta<\/a>, that\u2019s exactly what architect Nicholas Plewman<\/a> did. Inspired by animals that carry their shelter with them, the cocoon-like bedrooms are the nests of the ever-present weaver birds, whilst the main area mimics the pangolin, Africa\u2019s very own armadillo. The sweeping yet elaborate arches and interlocking beams of the lounge and dining area are more than similar to the creature\u2019s distinctive scales, whilst a series of stairs, formed by huge logs of descending size, represent the stacked tail bones. Add unparalleled vistas of the shimmering Delta and ambling wildlife, so close you can almost feel the swish of an elephant\u2019s ear, and this is a lodge that\u2019s truly outstanding in every respect.<\/p>\n

Use one of our handpicked Botswana routes<\/a> to start designing your trip to the Okavango Delta and the stunning Sandibe Lodge today.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"&Beyond<\/figure>
&Beyond Sandibe<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

6. The Silo<\/h2>\n

Cape Town, South Africa<\/em><\/p>\n

Standing tall above the industrious buildings of Cape Town\u2019s<\/a> V&A Waterfront, The Silo<\/a> is the kind of building that stops you in your tracks. Once an old grain mill, the original storage silos are now home to the Zeitz MOCAA<\/a>, Africa\u2019s first major contemporary art museum, whilst the hotel is the cherry on top, located in the old elevator tower. It was London-born architect Thomas Heatherwick<\/a> that was tasked with the transformation of the building and his first stroke of genius was undoubtedly the \u2018pillowed\u2019 windows that glitter above the skyline like a bug-eyed spaceship. The second was the removal of the thick paint that covered the walls, revealing the subtle tones of the now iconic grey concrete underneath. Inside, Liz Biden\u2019s eccentric, colourful pieces (think velvet chaise long, luminous chandeliers and quirky bedheads) are the perfect antidote to the sharp corners and graphic angles of the exterior \u2013 and make this one place that we\u2019d be very happy to spend a night.<\/p>\n

Start designing your trip to Cape Town<\/a> today. With so much on offer in the mind-boggling beautiful city, from mountains, beaches and award-winning restaurants to wine, penguins, excellent shops and hotels like The Silo, there\u2019s no reason not to!<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"The<\/figure>
The Silo<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

7. The Highlands<\/h2>\n

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania<\/em><\/p>\n

The otherworldly domes of The Highlands Camp<\/a> that dot the hills around the Ngorongoro Crater<\/a> certainly aren\u2019t your traditional safari tents – but sci-fi gimmicks they are not. The geodesic domes were chosen in part to resemble the rounded roofs of traditional Maasai houses from the surrounding communities, but also for their ability to retain heat \u2013 and at 10,000 feet above sea level, it\u2019s much needed! Inside, each has a wood-burning stove to warm chilly tootsies in the mornings and evenings and tartan throws and faux-fur blankets, all in hues reminiscent of heathery Scottish hills, are exceedingly toasty. Bulbous Perspex windows at the front of the domes showcase the iconic, undulating views that sweep all the way to the Serengeti and at night, you\u2019ll look out at the star-speckled skies straight from bed, hot water bottle in hand. How\u2019s that for a safari camp?!<\/p>\n

Time your stay correctly and you could spend a few nights at The Highlands before jetting across to the Serengeti<\/a> to witness the incredible Great Migration<\/a>. Our fabulous migration route<\/a> will get you off to an excellent start\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"The<\/figure>
The Highlands Camp<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

\"Singita<\/a><\/p>\n

8. Singita Boulders<\/h2>\n

Sabi Sands, South Africa<\/em><\/p>\n

When you visit one of Singita\u2019s lodges in Tanzania<\/a>, Zimbabwe<\/a> or South Africa<\/a>, you know you\u2019re in for a real design treat. Sophisticated, subtle and always built with the lightest possible footprint, each takes inspiration from its unique surroundings. At Singita Boulders<\/a>, located in a privately-owned concession just outside the Kruger<\/a>, the inspiration is (can you guess?!) the magnificent boulders that line the Sand River. The lodge almost seems to balance on top of the granite massifs, and enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and suspended timber decks most definitely bring the outside in. In fact, just about everything at Boulders has been designed to provide an uninterrupted connection with the bush, from the fossilised tree-stump tables and solid stone lamps to the natural flax bed linens and curated collections of seeds, bones and crystals on display. Wow.<\/p>\n

Combine a stay at Singita Boulders with some time in Cape Town and the enchanting Winelands region of South Africa using our Classic B<\/a>ush and City route<\/a> as a template.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"Singita<\/figure>
Singita Boulders Lodge<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

\"Chongwe<\/a><\/p>\n

9. Chongwe River House<\/h2>\n

Lower Zambezi, Zambia<\/em><\/p>\n

You won\u2019t find a straight wall (or indeed a door) anywhere at Chongwe River House<\/a> in the Lower Zambezi National Park<\/a>. Instead the four-bed retreat is a relaxed melee of curved partitions and rounded walls that are quirky, beautiful and just a little bit surreal. The inspiration, according to architect Neil Rocher<\/a> (who is actually not an architect at all, but a retired safari guide with an eye for the magical), was the luxurious bends and bows of the nearby Chongwe River as it flows mere metres from the house. Bringing nature even closer are the colourful pebbles that dot the ceilings, all collected straight from the riverbed, waterfall showers in the ensuites, and enormous bathtubs hand-carved from local wood and stone. And through every curved window, those magical views of the park, every way you look.<\/p>\n

Add Chongwe River House to a classic Zambia safari route like this one<\/a> and stay at Neil\u2019s other masterpiece too, Luangwa Safari House<\/a> in the South Luangwa National Park<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"Chongwe<\/figure>
Chongwe River House<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
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\"General\"General<\/figure>
Design your own trip<\/div>\n Choose a destination, pick your properties and we'll do the rest<\/span>\n
Design a trip<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sleep inside an architectural wonder<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":7604,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[173,176],"tags":[40,42,3156,3214,2855,3274,844,4502,53,134,3291,2549,2271,3219,66,3278,72,139,537,3088,3034,135,3032,1431,77,123,1540,79,3279,84,3277,3290,87,3282,3280,92,3228,3276,2448,3283,3284,146,3289,3275,93,3064,96,141,3287,3288,3286,3281,3067,2542,1312,107,3285],"class_list":["post-7584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-safari","category-top-10s","tag-africa","tag-african-safari","tag-african-travel","tag-african-wildlife","tag-angama-mara","tag-architecture","tag-beach","tag-beaches","tag-botswana","tag-cape-town","tag-chongwe-river-house","tag-culture","tag-desert","tag-flying-safari","tag-great-migration","tag-jabali-ridge","tag-kenya","tag-kruger","tag-kruger-national-park","tag-lower-zambezi-national-park","tag-madagascar","tag-masai-mara","tag-miavana","tag-namibia","tag-ngorongoro","tag-ngorongoro-crater","tag-okavango","tag-okavango-delta-2","tag-roho-ya-selous","tag-ruaha","tag-ruaha-national-park","tag-sabi-sands","tag-safari","tag-sandibe-okavango-safari-lodge","tag-selous-game-reserve","tag-serengeti","tag-serengeti-national-park","tag-shipwreck-lodge","tag-silo","tag-silo-district","tag-silo-hotel","tag-singita","tag-singita-boulders","tag-skeleton-coast","tag-south-africa","tag-south-luangwa-national-park","tag-tanzania","tag-the-great-wildebeest-migration","tag-the-highlands","tag-the-highlands-camp","tag-thomas-heatherwick","tag-time-tide-miavana","tag-wildebeest","tag-wildebeest-migration","tag-wildlife","tag-zambia","tag-zeitz-mocaa"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAfrica's Most Beautifully Designed Safari Lodges - 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