Hotels & Lodges | Timbuktu Travel

Four Twenty South

Diani

6 Rooms

From $280 per person/night

Light and bright beach-chic on Kenya's southern coast.

Situated south of Mombasa on majestic Diani Beach, Four Twenty South offers a paradise-like setting for some all-out relaxation. Towering palms overlook its six colonial-style holiday cottages, set on a 1.2-hectare strip of green grass and offering front-row seats to the Indian Ocean. Here, everything has been engineered to promote ease, yours! The small, dedicated personal staff keep your space tidy and you well-fed; the gracious rustic style of the cottages (furnished in that unique Kenyan blend of British and Swahili pieces) create an alluring but unpretentious atmosphere. We love the slightly old-fashioned beach holiday charm, and that fabulous ocean.

Splash Camp

Central Okavango

Popular |

10 Rooms

From $1.1K per person/night

Top-tier luxury in Botswana’s game-rich Kwara Concession.

The 2320-square-kilometre Kwara Concession is widely regarded as one of Botswana’s best wildlife regions, with a glorious untouched feel and landscapes varying from permanent waterways and seasonal lagoons to vast tracts of dry bush. These diverse landscapes mean that huge numbers of game are resident all year round, and the fact that in some areas the waterways are navigable regardless of the season adds an extra dimension to the game-viewing experience. Kwando Splash Camp has 10 raised tented suites and magnificent facilities, all facing a permanent pan that attracts a constant stream of wildlife throughout the year.

Changa Safari Camp

Lake Kariba

Popular |

8 Rooms

From $440 per person/night

Luxury adventure on the banks of Lake Kariba, Matusadona.

Changa sits in its own private concession with 4kms of frontage onto Lake Kariba, just east of Matusadona National Park. This area is wild and remote, well known for its big game (especially elephants, buffalo and hippos) and is perhaps the best tiger fishing destination in Africa. The lodge opened in 2012 and is amongst the most luxurious in this region - from the top level of service and exceptional food, to the intimacy that an eight-roomed camp affords. Here the staff make a special effort to enhance every moment of your stay.

Kasonso Camp

Kafue

4 Rooms

From $1.1K per person/night

All the essentials in Zambia's wildlife-rich wild west

Kafue National Park is one of southern Africa's hidden gems – hiding in plain sight, as Zambia's biggest nature reserve. Here, the sheer variety of landscapes draws an awe-inspiring spectrum of animals – all of the major African players, plus a good sum of lesser-known ones. Busanga Plains, in the park's north, spans an especially good cross-section of habitats, from miombo woodland to riverine forests, teak groves, open savannas – and game. Kasonso Camp is a charming pared-down tented camp, with excellent guides, a small team and a pretty setting. You'll find all the elements of a classic African safari.

Manatee Amazon Explorer

The Ecuadorian Amazon

14 Rooms

From $970 per person/night

Cruise along the effervescent waterways of the Amazon, where every sight & sound amazes.

Cruising along the tributaries of the Amazon, the Manatee is a modern-day iteration of a classic river boat - and at a leisurely pace of 12 knots, you'll have plenty of time to take in the dazzling surrounds. The rooftop deck provides sun loungers to recline on as you spot birdlife of every colour, manatees gliding smoothly through the water, and the communities who have called the jungle home for centuries. There's also plenty of opportunity to explore the depths of the Amazon, kayaking down tranquil rivers and hiking into the trees where your guide will decipher any call or crack that breaks through the silence.

Cornerstone Guesthouse

Swakopmund

7 Rooms

From $50 per person/night

A comfortable home-style small bed and breakfast in tranquil gardens.

Cornerstone Guest House is a small owner-run bed and breakfast establishment in a quiet residential area, a short and easy walk from the centre of Swakopmund and the lively main beachfront. This Mediterranean-style homestead offers very comfortable accommodation in seven guest rooms within beautifully maintained gardens, with a homely feel and modern amenities that would be expected of a larger hotel. Friendly and attentive staff are on hand to help with restaurant bookings and suggestions for activities, and it's in a convenient position for exploring the town and the stunning Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert landscapes.

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp

Chiang Rai

Popular |

61 Rooms

From $770 per person/night

Luxury high up in the lush hills of Thailand

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is a nirvana for picky travellers and if ever the phrase, "there's really something for everyone" suited somewhere, it's here. Animal-lovers (in case the name didn't give it away), will be in heaven, interacting with local elephant and wildlife, budding gourmets can learn to cook northern Thai cuisine, fitness fanatics can work up a sweat with a muay thai boxing lesson or two, and seasoned loungers can, well, lounge amid the opulent surroundings. With restaurants to suit every taste, newly-renovated and beautifully-decorated bedrooms, a wine cellar, and a multitude of magical experiences, it would be impossible not to fall in love with this jungle spot.

Kings Pavilion

Kandy

From $220 per person/night

A hillside haven not far from central Kandy with an idyllic air & unrivalled hospitality.

A scenic drive just outside pretty Kandy, the King's Pavilion is the countryside retreat you've been looking for. From the moment you arrive, you'll be treated like royalty as the staff settles you into one of the exceedingly spacious rooms. With stunning views of the majestic Hunnasgiriya Mountain, there is natural beauty in abundance - and we think it's best enjoyed with tea and cake on the lawns. The King's Pavilion feels wonderfully secluded and yet, it isn't far from the sights of central Kandy, where you can explore overflowing markets and visit the iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

&Beyond Punakha River Lodge

Punakha

From $640 per person/night

A ravishing lodge deep in Punakha Valley with world-class service & idyllic vistas.

The very first edition of &Beyond's foray into Asia, this deliciously-stylish hotel meets every expectation that comes with the name. Sitting in lush gardens on the banks of the babbling Mo Chu River, the hotel is an oasis in the vast wilds of Bhutan, and yet, the iconic sights of Punakha Valley are within easy reach. Activity-wise, there is an endless array of hiking trails (look out for the area's plentiful birdlife) and kayaking trips along the river to enjoy - and when the day calls for a good pampering, the orange orchard provides the perfect spot for a massage.

Kibale Lodge

Kibale

8 Rooms

From $1.1K per person/night

A handcrafted hilltop retreat with spectacular views of the mighty Rwenzori Mountains.

Perched at 1,430 metres above sea level with spectacular views across to the Rwenzori Mountains, this intimate new lodge brings an unprecedented level of sophistication to primate country. Hand-crafted by local artisans, the property showcases the distinctive architectural flair that's made quite the name for itself in these parts. The real charm lies in its proximity to the remarkable residents of the surrounding forest - you're just a 30-minute drive from what might be your most extraordinary wildlife encounter yet.

Sava Dunes

Inhambane

5 Rooms

From $220 per person/night

Chilled-out barefoot luxury on a remote southern African coast, with really good cuisine

Along the blissful stretch of Mozambique's southern Inhambane coastline, 500 km north of its capital Maputo, you'll find the warm Indian Ocean lapping uninhabited golden beaches. This is Sava Dunes, arguably the most luxurious and reliable accommodation along these shores. Previously Blue Footprints eco-lodge, the exclusive camp has just five suites, each perched atop a dune with glorious views of the sea. It's completely off-grid and solar-powered, but somehow manages to serve up MasterChef-quality cuisine. The real draw though, is the phenomenal marine life, the endless beaches and warm water – right on your doorstep.

Sora Lodge Lalibela

Lalibela

9 Rooms

From $30 per person/night

Hillside inn with big views and easy access to Ethiopia's most sacred city

Ethiopia's Lalibela is a world-renowned city of subterranean churches, which were carved into the rock in the 12th and 13th centuries. The skill and artistry displayed is awe-inspiring, and it's no wonder that this place is so sacred. Even today, the churches are a site of pilgrimage for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. Sora Lodge, set on a slope overlooking the city (it's just 15 minutes away), has views of the surrounding mountains (including the country's's biggest, Asheten Mariam) and valleys. This extremely welcoming lodge gets so much right, from its location to simple, genuine hospitality and good, well-run facilities.

Forest Chem Chem

Tarangire

3 Rooms

From $1.2K per person/night

Wildlife and warmth at this exclusive camp in a lush Tanzanian concession

Hidden under the fever trees along the Tarangire River in northern Tanzania, Forest Chem Chem is an exclusive-use camp designed to help visitors reconnect with nature and the people who share their love of the natural world. This luxurious five-star camp is one of just two on a private, 16,000-hectare concession nestled between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park – and with only three tents, it simply couldn't be any more exclusive. Flanked by vital water sources, this is an important corridor for wildlife, and is one of the most game-rich areas in the country.

Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel

Santiago

14 Rooms

From $130 per person/night

A century-old house-turned-boutique-hotel in Santiago's most bohemian borough.

A city surrounded by the enthralling Andes, Santiago is filled history, culture and a good dose of Chile's modern side. Barrio Lastarria has been dubbed Santiago's artistic hub, where the streets are a flurry of museums, galleries and trendy cafes to do a little people watching. Built as a family home in 1927, Casa Bueras has been given a facelift and is now a fresh, quirky hotel. Sitting in walled gardens, it offers respite from the city buzz with elegant rooms and personal service. Days can be laid-back or chock-full of sightseeing as you please, whether it's strolls the the hilltop Cerro Santa Lucia (for the best views in town) or snapping photos of every elegant facade.

Peninsula Petit Hotel

Bariloche

11 Rooms

From $120 per person/night

A ‘petit’ hotel with a huge heart, cosy feel and picture-perfect lakefront vistas.

Peninsula Petit is a family-run hotel and it shows: this is a place that oozes with warmth, has incredible attention to detail, and genuine, honest service, making for a very special Bariloche experience. Located on San Pedro Peninsula, 5 kilometres from Llao Llao and about 20 kilometres from downtown Bariloche, the peaceful getaway sits perched over the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi in a top-notch waterfront spot and a only stone’s throw away from the main attractions. The forest setting is dreamy, the food is heartwarming, the rooms are comfy, and the staff will make you feel like you've come home.

Khwai Lediba

Khwai

7 Rooms

From $630 per person/night

If value was measured in remoteness, this lodge would be a steal

After a total refurbishment in 2023, this bush camp in the Okavango's vast Khwai Concession couldn't be more isolated in the wilderness, yet it has all the style and comforts of any top lodge. On a beautiful lagoon connected to the Khwai River, the sprawling tented camp has an authentic but elegant feel. Relaxing on the main raised deck, you feel part of the surrounding woodlands with views of the expansive floodplains in front of the lodge. Wildlife of all kinds passes through this area, including plains game and numerous silent, and not-so-silent predators (such as lion, leopard and wild dogs).

Skeleton Coast Flying Safaris

Skeleton Coast

4 Rooms

From $3.6K per person/night

A unique fly-in desert experience with the Schoeman Family in Namibia.

This spectacular, multi-day flying safari takes you on a birds-eye journey over one of the most enigmatic coastlines in Africa; Namibia's vast and rugged Skeleton Coast. Famous for its shipwreck "skeletons," you'll wind your way along the beach in a small plane, sometimes just a few hundred metres high, and marvel at the ever-changing geological formations and desert-adapted wildlife below. On the ground, you'll be whisked off in a Land Rover to drive through dunes and deserts, salt pans and floodplains and discover the country's wide diversity of unique flora and fauna. Starting in Swakopmund and ending at the oasis of the Kunene river on the border with Angola, with spectacular dunes, wildlife, and aerial scenery in between, this is one of those must-dos in Africa.

Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel

Lake Kivu

From $240 per person/night

A charmed and well-established hotel with spectacular views of Lake Kivu.

Gazing out across the azure water of Lake Kivu, Cleo Hotel has all the makings of a laidback getaway on Rwanda's 'Riviera'. Every space enjoys far-reaching views of the lake but perhaps best of all is the restaurant right at the water's edge where a long lunch followed by a snooze in your private cabana is definitely in order. If you're keen to explore, there's plenty to do as well. Amble along one of the many trails, go kayaking on the lake (happily, it is entirely predator free) or take a tour of a local coffee farm. On your return, a deep tissue massage is just the ticket.

Notten's Bush Camp

South & West Sabi Sands

9 Rooms

From $780 per person/night

Incredible game viewing without the huge price tag in this intimate, home away from home.

One of the original private game lodges in South Africa, Notten’s is a stilted bush camp on the edge of a tree-dotted savanna in the Sabi Sand Private Reserves. The camp offers such excellent service and authentic African safaris that guests keeping coming back for more. From your warm greeting to the impeccable hosting and the vibrant setting, Notten’s is in a class of its own. The professional and friendly guiding team are well-versed at translating the wilderness, deciphering the behaviours and signs of the resident animals, including the Big Five in abundance.

Bailey's Banda

Nyerere National Park

2 Rooms

From $2.1K per person/night

Enjoy the privacy of this stunning, exclusive-use villa in a quiet corner of Nyerere.

Far from Dar es Salaam's bustling busyness, Nyerere National Park ('The Selous') is a 54,000-square-kilometre game reserve that's both the biggest in Africa and a World Heritage Site. Bailey's Banda lies in its southwest, blending into the landscape on a hill overlooking sister Beho Beho main camp. It's a lovely stone cottage, with just two bedrooms and a touch of oh là là about the atmosphere. Wildlife sightings in the area are splendid, and there's birding to satisfy the most demanding birders. If you're after exclusivity in the wilderness for your family, and some seriously dedicated service, you'll find it here in spades.

Linyanti Expeditions

Linyanti

6 Rooms

From $630 per person/night

Botswana's wild northern reaches, where nature is king.

Set in the magnificent water-rich northern reaches of Botswana, between Savuti Marsh and Chobe National Park, Linyanti Expeditions taps into the best of the region. This tented camp is both rustic and elegant in the vein of old-style safaris. You certainly can't fault its setting. This area is well-known for its varied habitats – rivers, swamps, floodplains, grasslands and woodlands – and their attendant wildlife. Elephants are especially prolific during the drier months, but there are good numbers of lion, hippo, wild cats, wild dog and rarer antelope species like sable, roan and sitatunga year-round.

Zannier Hotels Sonop

NamibRand

10 Rooms

From $840 per person/night

A new take on luxury in a lunar landscape on the edge of the Namib-Naukluft

This sophisticated lodge in Namibia's Karas region echoes the camps of those travellers of old – with no expense or comfort spared. Sonop ("sunrise") is a sumptuous experience to be sure, complete with multi-course meals served by white-gloved waiters, and a telescope in your fit-for-royalty tent. You're deep in the empty wilderness here, far from any beaten track (although the best Namibian holidays are meandering). Expect a vast moonscape terrain, sculptural sand dunes, wide salt pans, a star-studded vault of sky, and the romance of raw natural beauty. We call this pure drama, Namib-style.

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

Guanacaste & Nicoya Peninsula

238 Rooms

From $180 per person/night

A palm-strewn, family-friendly resort along one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches.

A part of the idyllic Las Baulus National Park, Diria Resort enjoys 3.5 kilometres of Blue Flag beach frontage. We're talking lapping waves, china-white sands, and access to endless adventures on the water. Split into multiple zones, the resort caters to every kind of guest, whether you're on a family holiday or looking to get away from it all. In fact, the main route leading into Tamarindo town cuts through the middle of the property, offering a bevy of dining choices and shopping spots too. Then, when you're not enjoying the local grub, learn to surf off Tamarindo Beach, go scuba diving around the nearby islands, or simply laze by the pool(s).

Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira

Nampula

40 Rooms

From $690 per person/night

A private island resort off the coast of Mozambique where the standard couldn't be higher.

A bona-fide island paradise off the coast of Mozambique, Banyan Tree's latest endeavour is really making a splash. Its name comes from the similarities to a volcanic caldera, with a ring of sand encircling the palm-covered interior of the lodge. Banyan Tree is the only resort on the island and offers a personalised experience that's difficult to rival. When you're not snorkelling through crystal-clear waters or sailing to secluded isles, there's plenty at the lodge to keep you busy. The award-winning spa springs to mind - and you could easily lose a few hours in the hydrotherapy pool.

Head over Hills

Knysna

8 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

Clifftop luxury along South African's Garden Route

Life amounts to breezy perfection at this clifftop retreat perched above the Indian Ocean. Set in the seaside hamlet of Knysna, one of South Africa's most beloved Garden Route destinations, Head Over Hills is a family-run boutique hotel. Each of its features – its modern luxury and ocean panoramas, its easy access to coves and world-class golf courses – combine to create a getaway par excellence. Enjoy languorous gourmet breakfasts on the sundeck, settle back and drift with the tides, or keep the days action-packed, exploring the myriad opportunities for adventure.

Usangu Expedition Camp

Ruaha

4 Rooms

From $830 per person/night

Fantastic conservation projects, walking safaris & stellar wildlife await at Usangu.

Journey to this newly-revitalised wilderness, the Usangu Wetlands, to experience nature up-close and without boundaries. Usangu is a tiny, four-tented camp on the banks of the wetlands, where the leaves of miombo trees provide an idyllic hiding spot. Out and about, there are myriad activities to get involved in, with waterways to explore and plenty of gregarious birdlife to spot. On game drives, keep your eyes peeled for big cats and even bigger elephant and on night drives, the prize spot is the highly-endangered pangolin. On top of that, Usangu has a passion for conservation and you'll see it in full force while here.

San Domenico Palace

Sicily

111 Rooms

From $1.8K per person/night

A 14th-century convent perched above the Ionian Sea and Taormina's most iconic address.

Perched on a cliff in the hilltop town of Taormina, this former Dominican convent has spent the better part of six centuries collecting remarkable guests: Oscar Wilde, Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo, D.H. Lawrence and, more recently, the cast and crew of The White Lotus. The building is as extraordinary as its guest list: two wings – one medieval, one 1896 Liberty-style – frame stunning gardens, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a 21-metre infinity pool suspended above the Ionian Sea. It's immaculate, polished and more than a little bit swanky – but it's the 600-year history really wins your heart.

Hotel Green Plaza

Hakone & Mount Fuji

90 Rooms

From $110 per person/night

Hotel Green Plaza is a resort Hotel with a classic modern interior that boasts open-air baths with magnificent views of Mt. Fuji. Conveniently located for sightseeing in Hakone with good access to Sengokuhara, Owakudani and Ashinoko. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers an idyllic setting for a family trip.

Casa Kalfu Boutique Hotel

Lake District

19 Rooms

From $50 per person/night

A bright blue, storybook hotel with stunning lake views and real community roots.

Fittingly meaning 'blue house' in Mapuche, Casa Kalfu is a higgledy-piggledy, characterful hotel with cerulean walls, originally built by German settlers in the 1940s. After being bought by its current owners, the hotel was renovated into a 19-room boutique abode that honours the architectural and cultural heritage of Puerto Varas. Almost every space enjoys views of the tranquil Lake Llanquihue and the towering Osorno Volcano. The owners really know the area and will happily share their favourite places to go, and help you with your itinerary, including organising boat trips across the lake and planning routes over the 100 kilometres of bike trails that connect the nearby sights.

Best Hotels & Lodges

Four Twenty South

Splash Camp

Changa Safari Camp

Kasonso Camp

Manatee Amazon Explorer

Cornerstone Guesthouse

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp

Kings Pavilion

&Beyond Punakha River Lodge

Kibale Lodge

Sava Dunes

Sora Lodge Lalibela

Forest Chem Chem

Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel

Peninsula Petit Hotel

Khwai Lediba

Skeleton Coast Flying Safaris

Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel

Notten's Bush Camp

Bailey's Banda

Linyanti Expeditions

Zannier Hotels Sonop

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira

Head over Hills

Usangu Expedition Camp

San Domenico Palace

Hotel Green Plaza

Casa Kalfu Boutique Hotel

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