Hotels & Lodges | Timbuktu Travel

Tena Tena Camp

South Luangwa

6 Rooms

From $880 per person/night

An original tented Luangwa bush camp located in the game-rich Nsefu region of the park.

An icon of Robin Pope Safaris, Tena Tena was the first camp Robin Pope himself opened and ran in the early 1990s. Over the years the camp has had a rather stylish facelift and relocated a few kilometres downstream to a shady spot on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, but really, not much else has changed. The focus is still on expert guiding, flexible activities and fantastic game viewing. These days, the camp has a devout following of loyal safari enthusiasts and quite rightly so – relaxed and authentic, Tena is the real deal.

Dinarobin Hotel

Mauritius

93 Rooms

From $740 per person/night

Love in the tropics, with a moody mountain, white beach and brazen blue sky

Set on Le Morne Brabant Peninsula on the picture–perfect southwestern tip of Mauritius is dramatic Le Morne Mountain. This World Heritage Site, proclaimed for its significance as a home of escaped slaves, is surrounded by a calm emerald and blue lagoon. And it's here, at the base of the mountain, that you'll find the sweeping island-style Dinarobin Hotel and Golf Resort. This indulgent retreat, surrounded by palms, bright flowering plants, cascading pools and cotton-draped gazebos, all edged by a seven-kilometre white sandy beach, exudes sophisticated charm and tranquillity.

Cousine Island Lodge

Seychelles

4 Rooms

From $3.4K per person/night

Ecotourism at its most glamorous, nesting turtles and gigantic tortoises

Cousine Island is a unique outcrop of land. Not only is it privately owned, it's one of the most untouched islands in the Seychelles archipelago and is regarded as one of the prime ecologically important private islands on earth. This is paradise. There's just one lodge here, and it accommodates no more than 10 guests at a time – in line with its strict green principles. It's not a cheap getaway, so you can expect the best accommodation, five-star cuisine, pristine beaches, extraordinary wildlife and a chance to get involved with the management's conservation schemes.

Chobe Bush Lodge

Chobe

42 Rooms

From $580 per person/night

For easy access to Botswana's most popular National Park

Somewhere between a hotel and a lodge, this 38-room establishment offers mid-range travellers affordability and close proximity to Chobe National Park. An extensive range of activities are available - from game drives and boat rides to day trips to Victoria Falls and traditional village tours. Spacious lounge, pool and dining room areas cater for larger numbers of guests. Enjoy buffet breakfasts and a large a la carte menu for lunches and dinners; restaurants and bars in Kasane and at the neighbouring Chobe Safari Lodge allow ample choice for dining and evening entertainment. Although less personalised, this experience promises a social atmosphere and an abundance of wildlife.

Sunshine Marine Lodge

Zanzibar

23 Rooms

From $90 per person/night

A peaceful lodge with views to lose yourself in – on land and underwater

North of Matemwe, on the northwestern coast of Zanzibar's main island, an unpaved road leads to the sea. Don't balk at the bumpy surface. Why? The destination is worth every jolt, because at its end is Sunshine Marine Lodge, a peaceful, laid-back retreat. The tranquil atmosphere extends to private Muyuni Beach, one of the few remaining underdeveloped stretches of coastline on the island. The lodge perches on a coral cliff, with views across the sparkling aquamarine ocean to Mnemba Atoll – a biodiverse diving site – and beyond. It's a great place for honeymooners!

JK Place Roma

Rome

27 Rooms

From $560 per person/night

JK Place Roma is a discreet, exclusive and intimate boutique hotel in the heart of Rome. It has a distinctive and luxurious design in an elegant atmosphere, where guests can feel at home. The hotel also offers you poersonalised service for high-end travel experiences as well as first-class service, stunning facilities, top-notch food, and a great central location for exploring the surrounding attractions.

Karisia Walking Safaris

Laikipia

From $1.2K per person/night

A mobile camping experience where epic wildlife and scenery await round every bend.

Rediscover safaris in their purest, nature-focused form on a walking expedition across some of Kenya's most remote regions. Most of the trips are exclusive, which means they'll be tailored to your tastes and bucket list. The itineraries range from three to seven nights, taking you into the very heart of the wilderness. You'll trek along rocky trails used for centuries by local tribespeople, delve into forests where unique fauna dwells and swim in coolly-inviting rivers whenever you can. Your baggage and tents will be carried on camelback, and set up in time to welcome you with a fire-cooked meal and hot bucket shower.

Kavinga Safari Camp

Mana Pools

7 Rooms

From $770 per person/night

An intimate camp with thrilling wild dog action in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools.

On the cliffs overlooking the Ruckomechi riverbed and the Zambezi escarpment, this small camp offers a different take on Zimbabwe's much-loved Mana Pools National Park. Set in a private concession within the park, the camp allows for completely flexible game viewing (it isn't bound by daylight hours, i.e. night drives are permissible). It also offers warm, unpretentious hospitality. The Ruckomechi River, the broad, grassy floodplains and the mahogany and ebony forests are exquisite, as is the diverse wildlife these ecosystems support – elephant, lion, leopard, hippo and crocs galore to a host of aquatic and bird species.

Palmwag Lodge

Damaraland

20 Rooms

From $170 per person/night

A down-to-earth Namibian bush lodge and campsite in northern Damaraland.

Palmwag Lodge, in northern Damaraland, is one of Namibia’s original tourist resorts. It is the gateway to the vast Palmwag Concession which spans some 5,000 square kilometres of arid gravel plains, dramatic mountain ranges, and ephemeral rivers. This semi-desert region supports a surprisingly high density of wildlife, with several very unique species, including desert-adapted elephants, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and the rare black rhino. The lodge overlooks a palm-lined spring in the Uniab River, with a choice of bush chalets, luxury safari tents and basic campsites, and has a friendly, relaxed feel with a good range of activities.

Lavender Farm

The Franschhoek Valley

28 Rooms

From $80 per person/night

A homage to Provence in the heart of South Africa's winelands

Accommodation in South Africa's famed Franschhoek wine region is, well, plentiful, but as the only abode in the region set on a lavender farm that whispers of a much-loved holiday in Provence, Lavender Farm Guest House is truly one of a kind. After a long day spent exploring Franschhoek's wine farms, cultural centres and fashion stores, return to your luxurious room (one of 28) to freshen up with a cup of tea, or take a dip in the pool overlooking three hectares of fragrant lavender and the exquisite mountains that shelter the Franschhoek valley.

Kwando 4 Rivers Camp

Central Okavango

9 Rooms

From $1.1K per person/night

A marvellous camp with a dreamy setting on the waterfront in a private Delta concession.

In 2023, Kwando 4 Rivers Camp became the newest edition to the remote western corner of Kwara Private Concession in the Okavango Delta. A smattering of Meru-style, open-sided suites sit beside a permanent lagoon, all promising a front-row seat to the activities of its resident hippos. In fact, there are floodplains, mopane forests and deep channels as far as the eye can see, offering a peek into the further excitement to come... You'll have the chance to explore to your heart's content, from off-road drives in search of the Delta's big cats or walking safaris on nearby Maboa Island.

Wayo Tarangire Walking Safari

Tarangire

3 Rooms

From $430 per person/night

Explore baobab-dotted plains on a journey into elephant country

This lodge is no longer operational. One of the pioneers of walking safaris in Tanzania, Wayo Africa began their operations in the Serengeti National Park, and have now extended their treks into the vast baobab-dotted plains of Tarangire National Park. Here you can walk among one of Africa's highest concentrations of elephants as you trace a breathtaking trail through the southern regions of the park, a wild and untouched area fed by the perennial Tarangire River. You won't stay in fixed lodges, but rather in lightweight camps that offer all the creature comforts you need to be comfortable on this wild sojourn.

Londolozi Founders Camp

South & West Sabi Sands

10 Rooms

From $2.1K per person/night

Looking for leopards? You'll find them here, and much more

Londolozi (a Zulu word meaning "protector of living things") is a private game reserve in the heart of the larger Sabi Sand Reserve, and is run by the Varty family, well known in the field of conservation pioneering. Of its five camps, child-friendly and elegantly comfortable Londolozi Founders is tucked beneath ancient ebony and matumi trees on the banks of the Sand River. Imagine waking to the evocative call of the African fish eagle before setting off on a private game drive to explore this enormous wilderness filled with the Big Five, especially cats, antelope, zebra and hundreds of birds.

Madikwe Hills

Madikwe

10 Rooms

From $1.1K per person/night

Spectacular lodge in a prime location in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve

This beautiful lodge is situated on a rocky outcrop in the central region of the vast Madikwe Game Reserve, which is fast becoming one of South Africa's top malaria-free wildlife destinations. Ten private suites, plus the separate sole-use villa at Little Madikwe Hills, are scattered amongst huge boulders and magnificent Tamboti trees facing out across open plains. It’s a superb choice for a luxurious safari in this scenic northern part of South Africa, which borders Botswana. Expect world-class hospitality, absolute luxury and premium game viewing across a diverse landscape of rugged hills, arid open savannas and lush riverine forests.

Abalone Lodge

Hermanus

From $330 per person/night

Uninterrupted ocean (and whale spouting) views from one of Hermanus' finest hotels.

The owners of Abalone Lodge must have really done something good in a past life to have nabbed this gorgeous locale in Hermanus, surrounded by fynbos-covered mountains and the denim-blue Indian Ocean. Did someone mention whale watching as you tuck into a buffet breakfast on the sunny terrace? Sitting happily between the centre of town and the Blue Flag beaches, it's also an easy amble from the famous Scenic Cliff Path and a variety of pretty walks. Back at base, the lodge itself is effortlessly stylish with chic yet beachy interiors, light wood and tones, and South African artwork throughout.

Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands

Nairobi

From $90 per person/night

A sophisticated city hotel with panoramic Nairobi skyline views.

Set in the vibrant Westlands district, this modern hotel has luxury and convenience in the heart of Nairobi's buzz. Its sleek design, spacious rooms, and thoughtful amenities make it an ideal base for city explorers. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the cityscape, while multiple dining venues serve everything from locally inspired cuisine to international flavours. Whether you’re winding down after a long flight or gearing up for a safari, this is your urban haven.

Milkwood Manor on Sea

Plettenberg Bay

12 Rooms

From $110 per person/night

Seaside bliss at this charming hotel on Plettenberg Bay’s Lookout Beach.

This property will be closed from May 2025. Much-loved Plettenberg Bay is a pretty coastal town on South Africa’s Garden Route. Renowned for its clean white beaches, ancient mountains and lively holiday feel, it has plenty to offer for nature lovers, sporty types, foodies, and those who appreciate kicking back and soaking up the magnificent scenery. Milkwood Manor is an eye-catching Georgian-style guesthouse on a small peninsula that juts into the Keurbooms River lagoon along the beach. Its 12 beautifully appointed rooms, stylish restaurant and bar are in a setting that’s as close to perfection as it gets.

KIA Lodge

Arusha

40 Rooms

From $210 per person/night

Overnight á la African safari style

Kia Lodge is located in north-east Tanzania close to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Known affectionately as 'the door to Tanzania', it's a large lodge that embodies the African spirit, set on a hill among rolling savanna plains against the iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro itself. The lodge has the atmosphere of a safari camp, with winding paths leading to individual thatched chalets that provide a warm reception or final goodbye to this beautiful country.

Uplands Homestead

Eastern Cape

3 Rooms

From $920 per person/night

A stylish but relaxed home from home

Imagine a classic, 19th century farmhouse, high in the hills and surrounded by lush, manicured gardens. The whitewashed walls glint in the sun and a shaded veranda looks out across a tranquil valley. Inside, antique furniture sits atop polished wooden floors and rich, damask linens are draped across luxurious leather armchairs. We’re pleased to say it really does exist in the form of Kwandwe’s Uplands Homestead, a private three-bedroomed Cape Dutch farmhouse in the heart of the reserve. Available for sole-use by families or small groups, this is an idyllic retreat for those looking for privacy, flexibility and an all-round outstanding safari.

Jembisa Bush Home

Waterberg

6 Rooms

From $440 per person/night

A sole-use private bush getaway in Limpopo's beautiful Waterberg region.

Jembisa Bush Home was originally built as a family home, and is a wonderful sole-use option for families or a group of friends looking for a fun-filled bush experience with the freedom to plan your stay exactly to your own requirements. The lodge is situated within the private Palala River Reserve, named after the river which flows through it, in the beautiful malaria-free Waterberg region of Limpopo Province. This area is also renowned for the significant number of Bushmen rock paintings and ancient archaeological sites, adding a further fascinating dimension to a great all-round safari experience.

The Blue Train

Johannesburg

26 Rooms

From $1.9K per person/night

Brand-new train route transports you from city to bush in classic style

South Africa's Blue Train harks back to an era of travel when the destination was only half the aim. This luxury train recalls a different world: one of high teas, cocktail hours and dressing for dinner. Departing from Pretoria in the afternoon, arriving the following morning in Hoedspruit (near the iconic Kruger National Park), this is a sensible way to make the most of your time in transit, while enjoying South Africa's stunning Lowveld landscapes. Operating just a few times a year, the route is an extremely exclusive way to travel, but well worth the wait, and cost.

Makakatana Bay Lodge

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

8 Rooms

From $570 per person/night

Enjoy the best of both beach and safari at this secluded lodge on Lake St Lucia.

Makakatana Bay Lodge lies along the shores of Lake St. Lucia, deep within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a pristine World Heritage Site on the eastern coastline of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. It's one of the country’s most ecologically diverse regions, with a mix of coastal dune forest, rolling grasslands and lush wetlands stretching across to the untouched Indian Ocean shoreline. This intimate lodge – with just six rooms and two family suites – is a fabulous spot to relax for a few days and explore this magnificent landscape on game drives, guided walks, boat cruises and beach safaris.

Gorgeous George

Cape Town

32 Rooms

From $130 per person/night

Design Hotels™ says #hellogorgeous to Cape Town with its first South African property

If you are looking for the place where Cape Town’s cool cats hang out these days, this is it. Design Hotels™ has a knack for converting heritage buildings into a hip mash-up of old and new, and they have worked their magic once again with their South African debut - artfully repurposing an Art Deco and an Edwardian building in the city’s CBD to create a thoroughly modern hotel. You won’t find any African design clichés here - instead Gorgeous George offers an exciting platform for established and emerging South African artists and designers. The feature that really makes the hotel buzz, however, is its spectacular rooftop space.

Kuria Hills

Serengeti

15 Rooms

From $520 per person/night

Luxury and quiet in the northern Serengeti within the frenzy of the Great Migration.

Lemala Kuria Hills is an elegant lodge that lies in the heart of the main corridor of the annual wildebeest migration. In a landscape dominated by the large boulders and koppies (or kopjes) of the Wogakurya Hills, near the Mara River in Tanzania's northern Serengeti, the lodge offers well-designed comfort and unrivaled sophistication. Each glass-fronted tent is tucked between boulders, offering complete privacy and panoramic views of grasslands and tree-lined watercourses. With its fine wildlife sightings, crisp decor and warm staff, this is a camp you'll have trouble leaving.

Mara Toto Tree Camp

Masai Mara

4 Rooms

From $1.7K per person/night

A small, intimate and authentic camp firmly rooted in the history of the Masai Mara.

One of the latest offerings from Great Plains, founded by legendary National Geographic filmmakers, Dereck and Beverley Joubert, Mara Toto Tree Camp brings you closer to the wild than you might think possible. Built amongst a canopy of lush ebony trees, the camp is your childhood dream come to life, where you'll gaze across the Masai Mara, scanning the landscape for wildlife. And what wildlife there is! Spy predators galore including leopards, which are often seen on the property, as well as scores of plains game. There are just four tents at this intimate camp, meaning the experience is as exclusive as they come.

Shongwe Oasis

Victoria Falls

19 Rooms

From $140 per person/night

Peace and quiet abound at this adults-only gem, not far from the roar of Victoria Falls.

A child-free retreat in the heart of Victoria Falls, Shongwe Oasis is all about R&R. Every space at the Oasis is made for ensuring the utmost relaxation, from loungers in the pool to baobab milk baths at the spa. Just 2 kilometres away from the enthralling Falls, there is also plenty to do whether it's a languid cruise on the Zambezi, a helicopter flight above the rising mist, or spotting wild dog, hyena and antelope in the national park. After a day like this, it's only right to raise a toast with a glass of Zimbabwe's own Kumusha wine.

Lion Camp

South Luangwa

9 Rooms

From $980 per person/night

A revamped lodge offering old-style safaris, abundant big cats and good food.

Located in the northern sector of Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, this remote camp has delivered some of the best game-viewing in the region for a decade. Interiors-wise, it’s stylish and sophisticated in that low-key way that Zambia is famous for, but it’s the location that really steals the show. From the main area, you’ll have views over the oxbow lagoon (a magnet for thirsty wildlife) and the vast plains beyond that are more often than not dotted with elephant, buffalo and a host of antelope. But it’s not called Lion Camp for nothing and the sightings of big cats up here are almost unrivalled. We like the sound of that!

Paradis Hotel

Mauritius

285 Rooms

From $390 per person/night

A paradise for golfers and beach lovers at the tip of a tropical peninsula

Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort and Spa is one of the most prestigious hotels in Mauritius. This 150-hectare property, bordered by seven kilometres of protected beaches and the largest lagoon on the island, is justifiably famous for its facilities and services, and its world-class setting (beneath the totemic Le Morne mountain). Walk onto the beach from your room or villa, play a couple of rounds at the picturesque 18-hole course, explore or play in the ocean, top up your tan, dine fabulously at the four restaurants, chill at the spa or doze with book. Sheer island-style bliss.

laïla, a Tribute Portfolio Resort

Seychelles

76 Rooms

From $380 per person/night

Tucked in a secluded bay, where calm waters and island luxury await.

Set in a peaceful bay, this tropical retreat offers rooms and suites with stunning views of the ocean, mountains, or village. With two restaurants, two bars, and a deli, there’s no shortage of delicious dining options. Enjoy the outdoor pool, spa, gym, and a range of non-motorized watersports. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring the local area, this is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the island's beauty.

Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge

Ngorongoro Crater

Popular |

20 Rooms

From $490 per person/night

Luxurious log-cabins on the rim of a famous crater with wildlife sightings to remember.

Looking for luxury you can actually afford? Neptune Ngorongoro, one of the last properties on the main road from Karatu to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, has been climbing the charts as one of the best and most affordable luxury lodges in the area. Although not within the park, the lodge sits in 50 acres (20,200 hectares) of virgin bush on the crater's edge, with breathtaking views of the mountains to the west. It's just a short drive to the entrance gate and down to the grassy floor with its legendary wildlife. The lodge has created a winning combination of a great location, quaint log-cabin accommodation and fantastic facilities.

Best Hotels & Lodges

Tena Tena Camp

Dinarobin Hotel

Cousine Island Lodge

Chobe Bush Lodge

Sunshine Marine Lodge

JK Place Roma

Karisia Walking Safaris

Kavinga Safari Camp

Palmwag Lodge

Lavender Farm

Kwando 4 Rivers Camp

Wayo Tarangire Walking Safari

Londolozi Founders Camp

Madikwe Hills

Abalone Lodge

Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands

Milkwood Manor on Sea

KIA Lodge

Uplands Homestead

Jembisa Bush Home

The Blue Train

Makakatana Bay Lodge

Gorgeous George

Kuria Hills

Mara Toto Tree Camp

Shongwe Oasis

Lion Camp

Paradis Hotel

laïla, a Tribute Portfolio Resort

Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge

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