Hotels & Lodges | Timbuktu Travel

Laba Fanjove Island

Mafia Island

Popular |

6 Rooms

From $1.1K per person/night

White sand, turquoise water, coconut palms - an island paradise.

Fanjove Island lies 140km south of Dar es Salaam, in the Indian Ocean's Songo Songo Archipelago. A tropical paradise with the kind of bleached sand you dream of burying your toes in, the island is half a mile long and just a couple of hundred meters wide, surrounded by coral reef and turquoise waters. There's lots to see and do, when you're not chilling to the max. Getting here is half the fun: take a 20 minute flight in a small plane to Songo Songo Island, then ride a dhow (traditional Tanzanian fishing boat) or a speedboat for 5 miles to Fanjove. The lodge itself is simple; it's luxury is in its tranquility and exclusivity as a remote, private island hideaway.

The Aiyana Resort

Pemba Island

30 Rooms

From $540 per person/night

A sensual hideaway for utter relaxation

The Zanzibar Archipelago has been having a resurgence of late, thanks to its smouldering sand beaches, world-class diving spots, and barefoot-luxury hideaways. The Aiyana is one such resort, located on Pemba Island – an easy 30-minute light aircraft ride from Zanzibar. Think lush green hills, an abundance of coral reefs, powdery-white sand and the scent of cloves in the breeze – Pemba is where you go when you want to get away from it all. Set on a deserted beach in the north-west, The Aiyana, with its 30 beachfront villas, barefoot dining and all-natural spa, encourages a certain laissez-faire attitude.

Severin Safari Camp

Tsavo

27 Rooms

From $210 per person/night

A pleasant safari lodge in Kenya's scenically stunning Tsavo West.

Severin Safari Camp is situated in Kenya's Tsavo West National Park, just across the border from Mount Kilimanjaro. At over 9,000 square kilometres, Tsavo West is a sizeable park best known for its red earth, vast plains and big elephants. While the wildlife often disperses during the summer months, it congregates around the few permanent sources of water from June to October making for highly productive game viewing. Severin is set amongst the umbrella-ed acacias, on a wide open plain that teems with wildlife, and although quite a large lodge, Severin does a commendable job of keeping a wild feel about it, while maintaining an impressive level of luxury for the price.

Kaza Safari Lodge

Caprivi (the Zambezi Region)

8 Rooms

From $750 per person/night

Rustic but stylish comfort on an island in the Zambezi.

While currently closed for renovations, Kaza Safari Lodge lies on beautiful Impalila Island, on the Namibian side of the Zambezi River. Formerly known as Impalila Island Lodge, this rustic getaway is accessible by boat transfer from the Botswana side, which makes getting there part of the adventure. The focus is naturally on the river, which draws a constant stream of animals, and nearby Chobe National Park, renowned for its huge herds of elephant. Listen to the water rushing past from your thatch and timber chalets (one of eight), and watch the passing wildlife parade from the lovely central area built around ancient baobab trees.

The Grand Dragon Ladakh

Ladakh

50 Rooms

From $70 per person/night

Classic luxury and unrivalled views, high up in the dizzying Himalayas.

One of the only luxury hotels in the north Indian city of Leh, The Grand Dragon offers comfort and high-altitude style at a staggering 3500 metres above sea level! Adorned with beautiful antiques and furnished with luxurious textiles, teak floors and carved wooden balconies, the whole property is a testament to Ledakhi heritage and design. And then there's the views. The kind that have to be seen to be believed, every bedroom looks out over the snow-hatted mountainscapes the region is famed for, making waking up an epic experience. If you're looking for a warm, relaxing spot to recuperate after hiking those very surrounds, this is the place for you...

Lake Natron Tented Camp

Lake Natron

9 Rooms

From $590 per person/night

Friendly base for flamingo-filled Lake Natron

The camp is a lovely treed oasis and offers a good but basic base for trips to see Lake Natron, an important flamingo breeding ground and the still-active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. The scenery here, between the Ngorongoro Highlands and Serengeti plains, is breathtaking. The tented lodge offers en-suite accommodation in permanent tents, local style thatched bandas and a campsite under the foliage. There’s also a natural swimming pool for cooling off in and a large bar and restaurant area under thatch serving fresh, three-course meals.

Coopmanhuijs Hotel

Stellenbosch

16 Rooms

From $170 per person/night

A delightful boutique hotel and spa housed in a national monument in Stellenbosch.

Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel and Spa was built in 1713 as one of the first grand residences in historic Stellenbosch. The iconic property underwent three years of renovations before it became the 5-star Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa in 2010. It was proclaimed a South African National Monument in 1978 and is one of the highest-rated hotels in Stellenbosch. The five-star property is surrounded by the town’s many galleries and museums. Upon entering Coopmanhuijs, guests will be impressed at how well the sophisticated classic elegance has been enhanced by modern design. The service here is highly personalised.

Castel Hörtenberg

The Dolomites

25 Rooms

From $270 per person/night

A Renaissance masterpiece reborn as Bolzano's first five-star hideaway.

Step through the gates of this impressive 16th-century Renaissance castle and you'll find yourself transported to a world where history and luxury dance in perfect harmony. As the first five-star hotel in the heart of Bolzano, this meticulously restored architectural gem offers a truly authentic experience. Stone by stone, the castle has been revived to showcase its original character while providing all the indulgences modern travellers crave.

Oberoi Udaivilas

Udaipur

87 Rooms

From $890 per person/night

Draped in flowers, Udaivilas is a feast of grand suites and idyllic views.

From the undulating water of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is a fairytale in sandstone. The high domed turrets and rolling lawns set the scene, which happens to be the 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. Mirroring the lake, The Oberoi is surrounded by sky blue pools - and the luxury suites come with a pool of their own. Before you delve into the cultural gems of Udaipur, the hotel has its own authentic experiences for you to enjoy including a beautiful henna tattoo from skilled Mehendi artists. Bathed in light, the hotel is especially dreamy at dusk as you toast the day with a G&T.

Kersefontein Farm

Paternoster

6 Rooms

From $70 per person/night

Layers of heritage at this family-owned farm on the Cape's West Coast

Kersefontein Farm was originally purchased in 1770 by settler Martin Melck, who'd relish the fact that it's currently in the hands of the eighth generation of his family. The property's fine old Cape Dutch homestead and rambling outbuildings are a national monument, and the place is undoubtedly shrouded in historic charm. The present owner, the gracious and informative Julian Melck, has converted several buildings into luxurious rooms and suites, furnished with restored antiques recovered from the farm's great attics. The pace appears slow, but this is a working farm that's often used as a set for commercials and music videos.

Oku Jozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen

Sapporo

From $160 per person/night

This inn is located in a privileged environment within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park , where virgin forests grow , and has a garden inherited from the previous generation that spreads over approximately 1,000 square meters, and a large pond. We cherish Hokkaido's original scenery and Japanese spirit to create a special season that can only be found here . The wind shakes the fresh greenery and the surface of the water, and the snowy fields shine in the sunlight. It stands as if it blends into the forest , reflecting the colors of the four seasons.

Cederberg Ridge

Cederberg

Popular |

9 Rooms

From $260 per person/night

Five-star food and comfort in the rugged Cederberg, a hiker's paradise

Mountains are often the unsung beauties of South Africa's diverse landscape. A prime example is the Cederberg range, northeast of Cape Town. Here the landscape is rugged, with dramatic formations, plunging waterfalls, and ancient rock art. Book a stay in the new lodge, Cederberg Ridge, to make the most of the stark beauty. The lodge lies on a 3000-hectare citrus and grape farm at the foot of the range. Both homely and refined, it's a modern take on a farmhouse. From here, you'll have access to all this region's delights – hiking, biking, wine tasting, and and an intriguing past.

Kilimanjaro Hotel Dar

Dar es Salaam

Popular |

180 Rooms

From $130 per person/night

Ultra-modern luxury on Dar Es Salaam's busy waterfront

Previously called The Kilimanjaro, this once-rundown hotel on Dar Es Salaam's busy waterfront has been comprehensively refurbished and reopened as the Hyatt Regency Kilimanjaro, a rather chic and upmarket place, with a price tag to match. The original hotel's visitors included Nelson Mandela and Michael Jackson. Today, this modern giant of shiny glass proudly overlooking the port has become the go-to stopover for business travellers and those wanting all the creature comforts of a modern hotel.

Marataba Residence

Waterberg

4 Rooms

From $1.1K per person/night

Nestled alongside the tranquil Matlabas River, this Residence offers sweeping vistas

In the wild and sprawling Marataba Contractual National Park, a private sector of the Marakele National Park, conservation is king. Spread out under a leafy canopy of fever trees, it’s a small, exclusive-use camp with only four bright and beautiful suites and a main area overlooking the tranquil waters of the Matlabas. This is a family nature retreat where you set your own safari agenda, spend leisurely afternoons observing wildlife along the riverbank, and enjoy sundowners and memorable alfresco dinners.

Cardamom House

Watamu

10 Rooms

From $630 per person/night

A dreamy little getaway right on the beach that quickly feels like home.

Set in a bright, wild garden on Kuruwitu Beach, Cardamom House is the ultimate escape. Created by a Swahili architect to celebrate the beauty of the land and sea, the property has been carefully woven around existing trees and enjoys unspoilt ocean views. This area includes the 7.5 mile-long Kuruwitu Marine Area, the first locally managed marine park in Kenya, which protects the incredible creatures along the coast. A whole host of water activities are available to you, but a good helping of R&R is highly recommended too. Trust us, you won't want to leave.

Shahpura Bagh

Rural Rajasthan

11 Rooms

From $260 per person/night

Picture days filled with scenic boating on the lake and nature walks in the Raja's garden

Set amongst a tapestry of lakes, life is unhurried at Shahpura Bagh. Off an alleyway in the bustling village, the doorman opens a large gate leading you into a quiet refuge filled with neem, ashoka and mango trees. Managed by the current Raja and his family, Shahpura has the feel of a homestay where evenings are spent sharing stories in the drawing room or by the fire. There are a plethora of walking trails round the tranquil lakes, and plenty of hammocks and day beds are found in scenic spots. Head out on birding excursions and visits to ancient forts before returning to your spacious suite.

54 on Bath

Johannesburg

75 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

Stylish boutique hotel in one of Johannesburg’s most beautiful suburbs.

Five-star 54 on Bath is a hotel renowned for its warm hospitality and professional service, whether you're travelling for business or leisure. This red-brick structure, its exterior highlighted with columns, is situated in the leafy Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank, close to numerous attractions and amenities. The atmosphere is sophisticated and comfortable, inspired by the grand hotels of the past, when living was gracious and no detail was overlooked. If you're looking for a top-end city hotel with high levels of service and luxury accompanied by the personal charm generally associated with smaller establishments, 54 on Bath is for you.

Anja Jimbaran

Jimbaran

From $30 per person/night

A welcoming family escape, just steps from Jimbaran’s sandy shores.

Just a short stroll from Jimbaran’s famous beach, this boutique hotel offers a peaceful getaway with a touch of Balinese elegance. It’s all about understated luxury here—whether you’re soaking in your private plunge pool or relaxing in the gardens. Spacious suites and villas are designed with modern comforts and Balinese accents, making them perfect for couples or families. The location is ideal for exploring Jimbaran’s seafood restaurants or simply unwinding by the beach. And with a serene spa and welcoming staff, you’ll feel right at home in this tropical escape.

The Neela Boutique Hotel

Stone Town

From $330 per person/night

A dreamy boutique hideaway in the heart of Stone Town with superior dining & style.

A vision of white-washed walls, Arabian arches and minimalist decor, the Neela Hotel is the boutique bolthole Stone Town has been waiting for. Occupying a painstakingly-restored historical building in the centre of Stone Town, you couldn't be closer to the town's many delights, including the famous Forodhani Gardens. If you'd prefer to stay in, Neela serves up some mean cuisine including beautifully-presented seafood and salads. After a day spent meandering through Stone Town's endlessly fascinating alleyways and ancient structures, there's nowhere you'd rather be than the atmospheric rooftop terrace with one of Neela's signature cocktails in hand.

Mfangano Island Camp

Lake Victoria

6 Rooms

From $590 per person/night

Beach-lovers get there fix in Kenya's western interior.

With a tropical, far-flung feel, Mfangano Island ticks all the boxes for wannabe castaways: lush forests and deserted beaches, a natural harvest of fresh food and very few people. Just a speck of land surrounded by the waters of Lake Victoria on Kenya's western edge, it's easy to overlook Mfangano – but that would be a sad mistake. Its eponymous camp sits on a secluded bay amidst granite boulders and old-growth forests. Real care has gone into making the camp harmonise with its surroundings, with banana-leaf thatch, natural clay, and rocks and fig-tree roots integrated into the architecture.

Umngazi River Bungalows

Wild Coast

69 Rooms

From $150 per person/night

Thatched bungalows and forever views at this Wild Coast getaway

If you're craving the rugged splendours of the Wild Coast but would love a little personal pampering, head to this well-loved beachfront lodge. At the recently renovated Umngazi River Bungalows you'll find pretty thatched bungalows, family-friendly spaces, peaceful beaches, plenty of countryside to explore – including mangrove swamps and the unspoiled Umngazi Hills, a river to kayak along or see on a sunset cruise, great food and spa therapies designed to dissolve those busy lifestyle stresses. What more could you wish for?

Grand Hotel la Favorita

Sorrento

From $470 per person/night

A marvel in Sorrento's historic heart where rooftop cocktails come with a side splendor.

Right in the beating heart of historic Italy sits this Mediterranean marvel, nestled between ancient walls and the glistening sea. The 5-star establishment exudes an air of refined elegance with its majolica-inspired design and artistic treasures scattered throughout. Step into a world where high, frescoed ceilings and traditional painted tiles transport you to a bygone era, yet all the modern luxuries you could wish for are at your fingertips. The piece de résistance? A rooftop terrace complete with a mosaicked swimming pool where aperitivos are served under swaying palm trees as the sun sets over one of the world's most iconic bays. This historic building may have one foot firmly planted in tradition, but it's also dancing gracefully to the tune of contemporary comfort.

Teremok Marine

Durban

8 Rooms

From $260 per person/night

A little glamour and a bucketload of calm at this KwaZulu-Natal spa retreat

Though only a short drive north of the buzzing coastal metropolis of Durban, Teremok Marine fosters a real sense of solitude and retreat – with views of the Indian Ocean to boot. This gorgeous boutique hotel has just the right amount of glamour, with spacious grounds that are serene and peaceful, filled with palms, milkwood trees and other indigenous flora. The staff's meticulous attention to your comfort helps make Teremok the perfect tonic for tired travellers looking to kick back and feel their tensions slip away. For some ultimate pampering, the on-site spa offers a comprehensive selection of treatments.

White Elephant Bush Camp

Zululand & The Elephant Coast

8 Rooms

From $60 per person/night

Boating safaris and rhino tracking in South Africa's lush Zululand

Lying in KwaZulu-Natal's lovely Pongola Game Reserve, flanked by the Lebombo Mountains and sparkling Lake Jozini, White Elephant Bush Camp is a jewel of a destination. This smaller relative of the White Elephant Safari Lodge is a self-catering escape with just seven spacious thatched chalets, all equipped with luxury fittings and en-suite bathrooms. Create life-long memories of four of the Big Five (sadly there are no lions), track black rhino, polish your wilderness skills on an educational bush walk or a cruise on the lake. There's an elephant research facility and, back at camp, a rim-flow pool overlooking the bushveld.

Galenia Estate

Klein Karoo

10 Rooms

From $170 per person/night

A rustic and sophisticated eco-estate along South Africa's beloved R62 route.

Galenia sits on the gentle slopes at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, amid 450 hectares of indigenous flora, and close to the town of Montagu. With its regal Cape Dutch facades, large porches and packed thatched roofs, the farm is very obviously a vestige of South Africa's history, but with a modern and contemporary edge. Set along the scenic R62, one of the South Africa's favourite road-tripping ambles, it makes an ideal stop-over on a longer Garden Route trip, or indeed as a destination in itself for enjoying the fruits of the country's heartland.

Masiya's Camp

Thornybush

6 Rooms

From $3.5K per person/night

A unique and nature-focused camp within the wildlife-filled Thornybush Reserve.

Named in honour of the late Wilson Masiya, one of South Africa's master trackers whose fearless spirit and deep connection to the wilderness inspired guests for decades, Masiya's Camp hopes to embody these very traits. But, it's also driven by an appreciation for the finer things in life including meals prepared to perfection – and served on your private deck, if you like – and delightful interiors with plenty of style. Sustainability is also a major factor at Masiya's Camp, using an innovative energy system and phasing out plastic water bottles. Its sister lodge, Royal Malewane, is often referred to as the 'Harvard of the Bush' because of the guides' unparalleled knowledge, and Masiya's Camp is no different.

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp

Timbavati

Popular |

4 Rooms

From $590 per person/night

A dash of wilderness luxury with a front-row seat to nature's grandest show.

Settled beside a wildlife-rich dam with magnificent mountains as a backdrop, this intimate hideaway offers an experience of pure authenticity. Created in 2019, the vision was simple - design a camp that honors the raw beauty of the wilderness while providing thoughtful luxury. With just four tents hosting a maximum of eight guests, the experience is refreshingly exclusive. Your neighbors? Lions, elephants, and all manner of wildlife that gather at the glittering dam below.

Cheetah Plains

Northern Sabi Sands

9 Rooms

From $3.1K per person/night

Upmarket luxury in the midst of South Africa's surreal safari wilderness

Sabi Sand Game Reserve is the oldest private reserve in South Africa, sharing a 50-kilometre, fenceless border with Kruger National Park. It offers, almost indisputably, the best Big Five game viewing in the country and there are an abundance of predators. Here, tucked tastefully in the mature bush, is newly renovated Cheetah Plains, a collection of superbly stylish stand-alone homes. Expect a contemporary design, clean lines, carefully chosen natural materials and modern fixtures. This is a place that promises a luxury experience of the highest order.

The Last Word Kitara

Klaserie

6 Rooms

From $1K per person/night

A pleasant & home-like lodge in a private sector of the Kruger's Klaserie Reserve.

Once the private bush home of a mining magnate, Kitara has retained its warm, traditional looks with a good splash of Last Word flair. There are just six other properties in the vicinity, all private homes themselves, which have granted Kitara permission to explore a total of 7,000 hectares by foot or LandCruiser – you'll likely have most sightings to yourselves. The lodge sits in a lush forest overlooking the Klaserie River and there are plenty of shady spots from which to watch elephant ambling by and hippos wallowing in the water, preferably with a fynbos-scented G&T in hand.

Best Hotels & Lodges

Laba Fanjove Island

The Aiyana Resort

Severin Safari Camp

Kaza Safari Lodge

The Grand Dragon Ladakh

Lake Natron Tented Camp

Coopmanhuijs Hotel

Castel Hörtenberg

Oberoi Udaivilas

Kersefontein Farm

Oku Jozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen

Cederberg Ridge

Kilimanjaro Hotel Dar

Marataba Residence

Cardamom House

Shahpura Bagh

54 on Bath

Anja Jimbaran

The Neela Boutique Hotel

Mfangano Island Camp

Umngazi River Bungalows

Grand Hotel la Favorita

Teremok Marine

White Elephant Bush Camp

Galenia Estate

Masiya's Camp

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp

Cheetah Plains

The Last Word Kitara

More hotels

La Rosetta Hotel

Looking for the perfect lodge?