Best Hotels & Lodges

The first of the Singita lodges, Ebony lies beneath spreading jackalberry trees on the banks of the Sand River, the perennial waterway that flows through Singita Private Game Reserve within the larger Sabi Sand Reserve. The lodge has recently been revamped, but the welcoming atmosphere of a place where people have a real love of Africa's wild spaces remains. Here, colonial comfort meets Afro-chic to create a super-comfortable wilderness sanctuary. The reserve area is a game-lover's paradise, with excellent Big Five sightings and a pack of 20-odd rare wild dogs. There are regular birding tours.

21 Nettleton is undoubtedly one of the city’s most luxurious abodes. Set high on the slopes of Clifton, a glitzy, residential beach suburb, it's an intimate private mansion with just five opulent suites and a stunning Presidential Penthouse. The setting is absolutely breath-taking: the beautiful gardens have a towering backdrop of the Twelve Apostles, and the views at the front look out over palm-fringed beaches and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The owner also lives here, so personal attention is guaranteed, yet it offers absolute privacy and seclusion - and all the attractions of Cape Town are on your doorstep.

Matetsi River House is a safari on your own terms (we like it already!) Set on the private Matetsi Reserve next to its sister camp, Matetsi River Lodge, the 8-person house has the best of both worlds - a private butler, chef and guide, and access to all the facilities of the lodge, including the swimming pool, spa and wine cellar. A 30 minute drive will take you straight to the Falls and the plethora of heart-stopping activities that go with it, but if you fancy staying closer to home, there's lots to keep you busy on the reserve, from walks to boating trips to fishing. That's what we call a holiday.

Surrounded by hibiscus, lemongrass and cinnamon with the Indian ocean right on your doorstep, Maia Resort is a haven of serene solitude in the most romantic of Seychelles settings. Set amongst hills of wiggling palm trees and dramatic rock formations, the villa-style rooms have sweeping, 180-degree views over Anse Louis beach and the sparkling ocean below. The spa is quite something too - three, corn-yellow, thatched pavilions offering Omorovicza treatments, early morning yoga, and qi gong sessions. It might be a cliche, but this truly is a place to switch off, relax, and forget all your troubles (in some serious style too).

Set among ebony and sausage trees, Stanley’s Camp is located on a 260,000-acre (406-square-mile) private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. The wilderness constantly changes in the delta area. When rain falls on the Angolan highlands, it flows east and south, filling the delta and drawing in millions of animals and birds. During the dry season, the waters disappear and few animals remain.

Ulusaba Rock Lodge will be closed for an exciting refurbishment from 26 January 2026 and reopening on 31 March 2027.

Ulusaba Rock Lodge is situated in the exclusive Sabi Sand Reserve bordering the Kruger National Park. It is owned by Sir Richard Branson, so you can be assured that you are in for a special experience. Built high on a hilltop, this extra-ordinary child-friendly lodge offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the bushveld and the roaming wildlife below. Ulusaba offers great hospitality and amazing cuisine. There are just ten rooms, ensuring an intimate experience. The lodge's design reflects African tribal influences and style. There are two game drives a day where you can enjoy Sabi Sabi's incredible game-viewing experiences.

Impodimo Game Lodge is perched on a rocky ridge overlooking the stunning bushveld landscape of Madikwe Private Game Reserve. The property, which traces Botswana's southern border, boasts diverse terrain, from expansive grasslands, to sloping mountains and rocky outcrops. The wildlife is similarly diverse with all of the Big Five, plus cheetah and good numbers of wild dogs. Impodimo's homely grounds offer supreme privacy and luxury; it is also uniquely equipped for families traveling with young children (it also happens to be malaria-free), with a menu of child-centered activities to keep the kiddies busy.