Hotels & Lodges | Timbuktu Travel

Nairobi Serena Hotel

Nairobi

199 Rooms

From $180 per person/night

A world-class, refined hotel in the centre of Kenya's hustling, bustling capital city.

One of the most high-end hotels in Nairobi, Serena enjoys a prime address beside the capital's central park and has lovely gardens of its own to keep the city at bay. When you do wish to venture out and explore the vibrant city, the hotel isn't far from the Maasai Market, museums and art galleries. Mirroring its own international guest list, the Serena has a buffet of dining options, from Pan-Asian cuisine to French pastries - your tastebuds will never get bored! With their five-star trappings and borrowed decor and style from across West and East Africa, the suites are superb and make the perfect spot to recover from or prepare for a safari.

Tamodi Lodge & Stables

Plettenberg Bay

4 Rooms

From $180 per person/night

Leafy trails and horseriding at this forest-surrounded Garden Route retreat

Tamodi Lodge is a small family-owned and -run bed-and-breakfast retreat on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa’s most popular Garden Route beauty spots. The lodge lies in a nature conservancy, and is surrounded by indigenous forests and lush valleys ringed by the ancient Outeniqua Mountains. The lodge is known for its horseriding (there are private stables on-site) and the network of trails that wind through the forests. It's an intimate guest lodge, well suited to couples looking for privacy and romance in a natural setting, with the buzz of Plettenberg Bay a few minutes' drive away.

Tomo Safari Lodge

Balule

9 Rooms

From $480 per person/night

Where traditional charm meets untamed wilderness on Kruger's doorstep.

Nestled within the open system of one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife havens, this charming lodge offers an unexpectedly accessible wilderness experience. Despite being a stone's throw from civilization, you'll feel worlds away from the artificial glow and bustle of modern life. With 7,000 hectares of diverse terrain to explore—from lush bushveld and expansive dams to dry riverbeds and sweeping plains—the stage is perfectly set for extraordinary wildlife encounters. The twice-daily game drives, led by rangers who know every inch of this wild paradise, reveal the magic of the African bush in all its untamed glory.

Biyela Lodge

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi

From $540 per person/night

Biyela Lodge is named after local chief, Phlwayinkesi Biyela, a descendent of King Shaka. It is built into the hillside, perfectly positioned to maximise the sweeping views of the imposing plain of the White iMfolozi River below. Biyela Lodge consists of 12 luxury standalone suites all with their own private deck and most with their own private pool. Each suite provides unmatched views of the wildlife that traverse daily down to the river. The lodge is an oasis of privacy and eco-luxury. mFulaWozi and surrounds are home to a rich diversity of wildlife including the ‘Big 5’ – Black & Southern White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. Other intriguing species you can encounter, include skilled hunting packs of African Wild Dog, curious Honey Badgers, cheeky and daring Spotted Hyena, graceful Giraffe, Nile Crocodiles faking somnambulance in the sun, and scurrying mongooses. As one of the last havens of large numbers of ungulates and the predators they support, this Big 5 game reserve is one of the most important conservation areas in South Africa.

Lawhill Luxury Apartments

Waterfront, Cape Town

30 Rooms

From $230 per person/night

Glossy and packed with style, Lawhill makes for a worthy abode in the Mother City.

Just a stone's throw from the gleaming V&A Waterfront, Lawhill Luxury Apartments are seated along the canal of a private estate. There are 30 pristine apartments to choose from starting with one-bedrooms and going up to top-tier penthouses - and each has a balcony with a view. The property is well-attended and has plenty of features to make your stay a breeze including a 24-hour concierge, laundry facilities and secure basement parking. From the estate's central location, it's more than easy to head out on a day of exploring to nearby gems like the Two Oceans Aquarium and Cape Town's many 5-star restaurants.

Simbavati Grumeti

Serengeti

12 Rooms

From $680 per person/night

A secluded escape where roaring lions and sunlit plains are your closest neighbours.

Tucked within the Grumeti region of Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti, Simbavati Grumeti offers you a perfect blend of seclusion, comfort, and epic wildlife encounters. With panoramic views over the rolling savannah and access to prime game-viewing areas, you can witness dramatic scenes of the Great Migration or enjoy quieter moments filled with sightings of elephants, giraffes, and prowling big cats. The camp’s combination of elegance and a warm, welcoming atmosphere ensures a deeply immersive safari experience, away from the typical crowds but steeped in the beauty of the Serengeti.

Park Hyatt

Tokyo

From $1.1K per person/night

An elegant oasis of space and calm, Park Hyatt Tokyo hotel is the ideal luxury destination in Tokyo where guests can enjoy a 360 degree view of the bustling city and Mount Fuji. Occupying the top 14 floors of the 52-story tower, the hotel offers guests an unparalleled level of comfort and personalized service as well as top class gourmet dining options at the heart of the vibrant city.

Instinct of the Mara

Masai Mara

9 Rooms

From $450 per person/night

A classic safari camp tucked away in a quiet Mara conservancy.

Instinct of the Mara is located in the Olderkesi conservancy, a secluded 7,000-acre conservation area bordering the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and Serengeti National Park. With a private guide and vehicle at your disposal, explore this beautiful area however you would like, whether you spend all your time in the conservancy or venture into the Maasai Mara itself. You can also go on guided walks, swim in fresh water springs or spend time in camp bird watching and learning to cook with local chefs. Just to top it all off, the camp is completely solar-powered.

Chikunto Safaris

South Luangwa

5 Rooms

From $1K per person/night

A new kind of lodge in Zambia's South Luangwa, a sanctuary bursting with wildlife

Set on an exposed sandbank on the edge of the Luangwa River, Chikunto Safari Lodge is one of the prettier-positioned places in the South Luangwa National Park. Not that good views are in short supply around here. With its tapestry of rolling plains and plateaus, the wide meandering river, miombo woodlands and riverine forests, the vegetation supports a thriving assortment of wildlife. And that makes the park one of the best all-around safari destinations in Africa. This eco-friendly camp has taken pains to blur the lines between itself and the environment, while keeping things simple and classy.

Sakoa Boutik Hotel

Mauritius

16 Rooms

From $270 per person/night

An enchanting island retreat for the entire family

Travelling with children? Sakoa Boutik may be just the holiday option you're looking for. This small family hotel on Mauritius's north-west coast opens directly on to the sparkling sands of Trou aux Biches beach, where the swimming in the lagoon is safe, even regarded by regular visitors as the best on the island. This is a stylish holiday destination, with its steeply pitched, thatched roofs matching the height of the palm trees that surround it, the dark-walled swimming pool at its heart, the good accommodation, great food and friendly staff.

Le Duc De Praslin

Praslin, Seychelles

36 Rooms

From $370 per person/night

Verdant paradise near the beach.

Le Duc De Praslin is a lush retreat with koi ponds, award-winning gardens, luxurious residences and gourmet cuisine. Situated adjacent to Cote d’Or beach, a palm-fringed paradise with immaculate white-sands, guest can return from their daily excursions to the nearby highlights such as Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve and enjoy a tranquil yet refined experience at this Seychelloin hotel.

The Mitsui, Kyoto

Kyoto

From $590 per person/night

Located in the heart of Kyoto, adjacent to the legendary Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 5-star hotel in Kyoto, Japan, is an idyllic sanctuary honoring ancient Japanese traditions and embodying the legacy and spirit of Kyoto. The central Kyoto hotel is built on a 250-year-old historic site that was once the home of the executive branch of the Mitsui Family, carefully designed to reflect a luxurious ambiance of refined sophistication.

Villa Turquoise

Zanzibar

5 Rooms

From $260 per person/night

Top-end barefoot privacy at this lovely villa on Zanzibar's northeast coast

Lying just off Tanzania's tropical coastline in the glittering Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is a vibrant island with pristine reefs, white sandy beaches and a culture that carries echoes of its checkered past. Stone Town, the historic section of the island's capital, represents the spirit of this dynamic place, with its fascinating mix of African, Middle Eastern and European architecture and maze-like cobblestone streets. Beyond the urban centre, however, is an island paradise of exceptional beauty. Head to the northeast shore, near Matemwe village, to visit Villa Turquoise, an exclusive retreat that captures the beauty and easygoing pace to a T.

Farm Stay at Rickety Bridge

The Franschhoek Valley

10 Rooms

From $90 per person/night

Dreaming of a Cape Dutch getaway in Franschhoek's emerald winelands?

Rickety Bridge Estate sits where the Franschhoek River meets the slopes of Dassenberg Mountain, a place shaped by centuries of careful hands and quiet dedication. Dating back to 1855, the building's original Huguenot style has been faithfully restored, with a blend of traditional Cape country living and modern facilities offering the sort of comfort you dream about. The Farm Stay consist of Homestead, Jonkershuis, and Cottage which are three beautifully restored heritage buildings with ten elegant guest rooms. This beautiful estate has rolling lawns dotted with centuries-old oak trees overlooking the vineyards, with the dramatic ridge of the Franschhoek Mountains as the backdrop.

Gomoti Private Camp

Central Delta, Central Okavango

2 Rooms

From $2.5K per person/night

Floodplains and abundant wildlife at this two-tent camp in Botswana's southeast Okavango

Need a small, intimate camp in the wilderness for just you and your family? Gomoti Private Camp may well be just the ticket. Set on the edge of the Gomoti River system in the southeast seeps of Botswana's Okavango Delta, Gomoti Private Camp lies in a private, community-run concession. There's a small, dedicated staff to assure you're well-fed and cared-for, your own guides to lead mokoro cruises along the waterways (with their plentiful birdlife), and to drive you across the plains to see some of the Okavango's big animals. You're far from the world here – enjoy the break!

Mala Mala Rattray's

Sabi Sands, South & West Sabi Sands

8 Rooms

From $2.7K per person/night

A safari stalwart in the action-packed Sabi Sands that's refined inside and wild outside.

Mala Mala Private Game Reserve is sandwiched between two of South Africa's most revered big game protected areas—the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. There may be borders, but they are fluid to say the least and wildlife roams freely between the Big Five hotspots. Rattray's Mala Mala is a beautiful safari lodge where the wilderness meets a sense of refinement. The subtle colonial theme nods to the days of the early explorers in Africa and whilst it has the feel, comfort and structure of a hotel, the views and wildlife unmistakably belong to one of the top safari spots on the continent.

Kayumanis Ubud Private Villas & Spa

Ubud

From $380 per person/night

Kayumanis Ubud Private Villas & Spa is cocooned within a tropical forest overlooking the Ayung River. It is part of a traditional Balinese village whereby daily life revolves around a cultural calendar of religious ceremonies and community events. Significantly distanced from mainstream activity, the resort is luxury hideaway where you will feel rejuvenated by the sights and sounds of nature.

Molori Safari Lodge

Madikwe

5 Rooms

From $1.6K per person/night

Modern luxury and an all-round fabulous safari experience on the Eastern side of Madikwe.

Four-hour's drive north of Johannesburg on the Botswana border, Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa's largest Big Five reserves that also offers a chance to see wild dog and cheetah. Molori Safari Lodge is set on thorn-scrub hillside with views across the valley toward the Dwarsberg Mountains, and the landscape is as beautiful and dynamic as the wildlife. But what really sets Molori apart is the fantastic attention to detail. From the wakeup calls by your private butler, to creative, personally-tailored meals, and star-gazing safaris in the evening, Molori has artfully integrated high-end hospitality with traditional touches to create the creme de la creme of safari.

Therasia Resort

Sicily

80 Rooms

From $250 per person/night

The Therasia Resort is more than just a 5-star hotel. It's a luxury outpost suspended between black rock and the electric blue of the Mediterranean. Here, geothermal energy dictates the rhythm of the day. Forget the classic concept of passive relaxation. At Therasia, go to recharge with the power of primordial elements: the breath of the volcano, the iodine of the sea, the vigour of a land that burns and creates.

Fairview The Crags

Plettenberg Bay

3 Rooms

From $140 per person/night

A homely, family cottage with views to die for

Nestled between Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley is Fairview at the Crags. Owned and run by the historic Rattray family, the quaint house and cottage are located in a beautiful spot overlooking the Keurbooms indigenous forest as well as several mountain ranges. It's the ideal coastal getaway for families and small groups, and there are whale watching opportunities and lovely forest walks a mere 10 minute drive away. Make a day of it and spend a few hours doing both. There's also a couple of spectacular golf courses if you want to practice your swing and become a pro. Or simply relax in the beautiful fynbos garden and enjoy this magnificent part of South Africa.

Inzolo Lodge

Sidbury, Eastern Cape

4 Rooms

From $860 per person/night

A clifftop refuge where dramatic landscapes backdrop sophisticated lounging.

Tucked into a secluded valley and surrounded by imposing rock formations that look like they've been carved by particularly artistic giants, this intimate lodge proves that sometimes the best seats in the house are the ones with the most dramatic views. With just four suites positioned to capture every nuance of the valley's natural theatre, Inzolo offers the kind of exclusivity that makes you feel rather like you've discovered your own private corner of Africa. The stone-clad architecture pays proper homage to the rugged cliffs that frame the property, whilst the thatched roofs add a touch of traditional elegance that somehow makes the whole ensemble look like it's grown naturally from the landscape itself.

Jamila Game Lodge

Waterberg

5 Rooms

From $450 per person/night

Diverse wilderness in South Africa's northern reaches.

This lodge is currently closed until further notice Set on the diverse Waterberg plateau, Jamila Game Lodge is in the northern section of the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve. The area, with its rugged ravines and wooded mountains, is beautiful and home to a rich variety of species, including 50 different mammals. Its proximity to Johannesburg (a mere three and a half hour drive) makes it particularly attractive to guests budgeting their time, but despite its relatively easy access, the region, as well as the lodge, have an authentic bush feel. And, with a total capacity of ten guests, you'll feel perfectly private and incredibly well looked after. Magic.

Walkersons Hotel & Spa

Dullstroom

27 Rooms

From $290 per person/night

Cozy living and casual country pursuits.

If life's been frenzied and you're desperate for some downtime, Walkersons is the ideal spot to recover your mojo. Set among South Africa's misty highlands east of Johannesburg, this rambling country manor has for decades offered a rural refuge for travellers, anglers and hikers, or lovers of the slow lane. The mood is calm, the estate is large and intriguing, and the fireside armchairs are deep and inviting. The rooms are well-furnished, the menu is indulgent (there's nothing quite like fresh-caught trout, cooked to perfection), and there's an extensive cellar of South African wines. Come here to catch your breath.

Khanya Conservation Camp

Balule

From $330 per person/night

Nestled within the heart of the Balule North Reserve, Khanya Conservation Camp epitomizes the enduring charm of an authentic safari experience. Surrounded by the Greater Kruger’s Big 5 territory, this rustic-tented retreat beckons those seeking the essence of a classic safari amidst the untamed beauty of the African wilderness. Crafted for friends, families, and wilderness conservation enthusiasts, Khanya Conservation Camp strategically positions itself amid dense mopane woodlands, offering an immersive and genuine safari adventure. Embrace a rugged outdoor lifestyle beneath the sprawling African skies, revelling in uncompromised comfort.

Zulu Nyala Game Lodge

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi

Relax in the comfort of your beautifully appointed room, bask by the poolside in the African sun or enjoy a game-drive on the Reserve, then top off the day with refreshing cocktails from the comfort of the lodge’s balcony as a legendary African sunset unfolds. The spa and gym face onto the Reserve offering further relaxation and the opportunity to exercise during your stay.