Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025

We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!

Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure

Accommodation

Best Hotels & Lodges

Timbuktu Travel curates 6498 handpicked hotels and lodges across Africa, the Indian Ocean islands and beyond — from classic bush camps in the Serengeti and Okavango Delta to barefoot-luxe beach retreats in Zanzibar, Mozambique and the Maldives. Our collection spans iconic safari destinations including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa, alongside island escapes, mountain gorilla hideaways and Indian subcontinent retreats. Every property has been personally assessed by our consultants, who can match you to the camps, lodges and hotels that fit your style and travel rhythm. Browse the full collection below, or speak to a Timbuktu specialist to start planning.

Kololo Game Reserve

Welgevonden Game Reserve

14 Rooms

From $410 per person/night

Kololo is a big nature reserve where harmless African wildlife roams free. The Western part in the reserve is assigned to the accommodation. From your chalet or villa you can walk or bike freely and safely into the reserve. Furthermore Kololo Game Reserve forms part of Welgevonden Game Reserve, an even bigger nature reserve and home to the Big Five and many other African animal species, big and small. Kololo has a private gate into Welgevonden. In an open but roofed safari vehicle we take you there to observe wildlife and nature.

Laluka Safari Lodge

Welgevonden Game Reserve

From $360 per person/night

Surrounded by natural colours, captivating sounds and soothing rhythms of the bush, it awakens a spirit of discovery while restoring the senses. Picture yourself settling into a beautifully designed suite that feels like a blend of luxury and the raw beauty of the African wilderness. The air carries the scent of the savannah, and each moment is accompanied by the harmonious sounds of the bush - it's a symphony of nature.

Tintswalo Waterberg

Welgevonden Game Reserve

From $440 per person/night

Tintswalo Waterberg is located in the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg District of Limpopo Province. The Welgevonden Game Reserve comprises some 40,000 hectares of pristine bushveld and ranks amongst Southern Africa’s largest private game reserves and forms part of the only savanna biosphere reserve in the world. It has the greatest variety of plains game, is home to South Africa’s Big Five. Traditional South African cuisine is served in various locations around the lodge, including unforgettable Boma dinners enjoyed beneath the stars, or indulgent, wholesome meals shared on the expansive open lodge deck. The main lounge area provides a warm and welcoming ambience with its large fireplaces and just outside, there's a swimming pool and expansive deck overlooking the valley below.

Camp Ndlovu

Welgevonden Game Reserve

From $830 per person/night

The small and intimate Camp Ndlovu is situated in a Big 5, malaria-free area in the 37 000-hectare exceptionally beautiful Welgevonden Game Reserve. The camp, set as it is, amid river ravines and a spectacular mountain backdrop, offers breathtaking views of the undulating countryside and exudes an air of tranquility. Camp Ndlovu‘s suites are luxurious, elegant and generously proportioned - designed for the ultimate comfort and privacy and with only five suites, including a family suite, exclusivity is ensured. Each air-conditioned suite comes complete with its own plunge pool, outdoor shower and outdoor bath, king size extra length bed, and a lounge with fireplace. Dining at Camp Ndlovu becomes an African culinary delight with seasonal menu’s that will treat your taste buds to an array of flavours. You can enjoy views of the African bush from the game viewing deck and activities include game drives in an open game vehicle and safari walks with knowledgeable game rangers.

Few & Far Luvhondo

Soutpansberg mountains

From $1.8K per person/night

Nestled in the stunning Soutpansberg mountains of Limpopo, South Africa and surrounded by some of the largest Baobab trees in Southern Africa, the lodge provides an unparalleled blend of adventure and relaxation in one of the most unique biospheres in the region. Designed for safari lovers, nature enthusiasts, families, couples, and friends seeking new experiences, Few & Far Luvhondo caters to those who crave adventure, exquisite dining experiences and unique activities. Guests will enjoy the highest level of comfort and elegance, while enjoying a safari experience unlike any other.

Madwaleni River Lodge

Babanango Game Reserve

12 Rooms

From $720 per person/night

Nestled along the southern bank of the White Umfolozi River, Madwaleni River Lodge offers its guests an exclusive retreat with its luxurious safari tents arranged around a central gathering area housing a restaurant, lounge, and captivating library. The lodge takes its name from the isiZulu phrase meaning “The place of the rock,” paying homage to the picturesque granoliths mountains found in the reserve. With a fusion of sophistication and wilderness, this ultra-luxury tented camp promises a truly remarkable experience. At Madwaleni River Lodge guests can fully immerse themselves in the surrounding natural beauty. The lodge features 12 luxury tents, accommodating a total of 24 guests. Each tent is renowned for its unique design and has received award-winning distinction, offering unrivaled comfort and style.

Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa

Hoedspruit

From $80 per person/night

Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa is situated on the greenbelt of the Hoedspruit wildlife estate and caters for the conscious traveler looking to connect with nature. Extreme dedication, unbelievable staff and amazing food has made Unembeza the most talked about lodge in Hoedspruit.

Cascades Hotel

North West Province

241 Rooms

From $220 per person/night

Named for the waterfalls and calming pools that trickle throughout the property, the 5-star Cascades hotel is an oasis of calm in the midst of the Sun City Resort and in close proximity to all the activities Sun City has to offer.

The Sands at St Francis Bay

St Francis Bay, Garden route

5 Rooms

From $90 per person/night

The Sands @ St Francis offers spacious en-suite bedrooms, all with uninterrupted views of the majestic Indian Ocean and the endless stretches of pristine coastline. Waking to the sound of waves crashing on the beach below; enjoying the view of the surfers making the most of the waves while you sip on a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee on your private deck; and then slipping into the adjacent rim flow pool for a refreshing pre-breakfast swim. This is the kind of idyllic beach life that awaits visitors to The Sands @ St Francis.The Sands @ St Francis is just minutes from the village’s centre, which makes it an ideal setting.

Sabi River Sun Resort

Hazyview

60 Rooms

From $70 per person/night

Close to the gates of one of the world’s most famous safari parks, the Sabi River Sun Resort in Hazyview is a dream destination for a truly special wildlife experience. A beautiful golf course, popular day spa, refined and relaxing accommodation, and the renowned hospitality of Southern Sun ensure this is one of the best holiday resorts near the Kruger National Park. With a location near the banks of the Sabie River and close enough to explore Blyde River Canyon, there is no shortage of natural splendour nearby.

The Capital Menlyn Maine

Pretoria

From $90 per person/night

Stay central with direct access to Menlyn Maine. You’ll have what you need to enjoy Pretoria’s newest upmarket lifestyle experience. Stay at The Capital Menlyn Maine and enjoy even more choice with newly added rooms just across the road at The Capital Trilogy. You get to enjoy luxurious hotel rooms and apartments in Pretoria, at a less-than-expected rate. It has all the essential luxuries of an outdoor swimming pool, spa, high-speed uncapped Wi-Fi, an impressive conference centre, and rooms ranging from hotel to 3-bedroom apartments and penthouses. The Capital Menlyn Maine is the epitome of business and pleasure. The style and ease simply ties it together.

Expeditionary Walking Camp - Ugalla

Ugalla

Ugalla National Park is a hidden gem on the safari circuits but offers the chance to explore an area of Tanzania that before this has remained out of the question. A proper old-school, mobile safari in Ugalla is an experience not many people can boast and is a hugely exciting prospect for the right person. During the dry season the river attracts a range of wildlife and birdlife and with varied terrains throughout, Ugalla seems to be a perfect spot for exploration.

Lukuba Island Lodge

Lake Victoria

Lukuba Island Lodge is our private island and lodge in Lake Victoria. A unique, exclusive location in one of the most amazing natural paradises in Africa. A different experience that begins when travelers sit in our traditional boat and sail on a brief journey to the beach on Lukuba Island. Their accommodation has impressive cosy & warm common areas to allow you to rest after a long day in the wilderness. The restaurant, overlooking the lake, is characterized by its excellent service and delicious food prepare by our expert chef. The lodge also has a private beach and large terrace offering views of the incredible sunsets over the world’s second-largest lake.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama

Okayama City

Re-opening on August 9th 2026

A reliable, well-run business hotel two minutes on foot from JR Okayama Station, the Mitsui Garden sits squarely in the practical-but-pleasant sweet spot. Rooms are tidy and comfortable — Serta mattresses, in-room baths, free Wi-Fi — and the buffet breakfast pulls in a solid spread of Japanese and Western options to fuel a full day out.

The standout is the large public bath on the 10th floor: a hinoki cypress tub overlooking a small garden, open from 15:00 through to 9am. It's not a hot spring, but after a day on Naoshima or trawling Kurashiki's canal district, it does the job beautifully.

Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel

Kobe

From $110 per person/night

Kobe is an international port city surrounded by beautiful mountains and blue seas. It is about 15 minutes from Shin-Kobe Station on the Shinkansen line. Overlooking the beautiful Kobe Port, the hotel is dotted with historical and cultural spots. Feel the sea breeze and enjoy the unique charm of Kobe to the fullest. Enjoy a special time at our hotel, which combines the tranquil seaside environment with the convenience of the city.