Best Hotels & Lodges

The famous Mala Mala Game Reserve is connected to two of South Africa's most game-rich reserves by unfenced borders. The wildlife in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve roams freely between these great wilderness areas. The lodge itself is smaller and more intimate compared to other nearby Mala Mala camps. Its elevated position grants views across the lazy Sand River and game viewing is often done from the comfort of the deck—G&T in hand. Unless it's a private group, there will never be more than 14 guests at the camp at one time. Guests are therefore free to simply take in the wilderness around them.

It is a farm, first and foremost, run by a family who pledge themselves to an enduring care for the land, with a true passion for hospitality and the dream of a place to share with friends and travellers, with an authentic love and respect for the Sicilian countryside. Mandranova brings together agriculture, hospitality, catering, oleo tourism and culture to communicate and spread the deep-running values that they believe in.

Lokuthula (meaning, "place of peace") has large grounds and comfortable accommodation options, offering a restful mid-range retreat within easy walking distance of the world renowned Victoria Falls. The lodge is surrounded by indigenous bush, allowing you to enjoy some decent wildlife viewing and a wide variety of birds directly from your doorstep. Two and three-bedroom chalets, set amongst lush, treed gardens, can be booked on a self-catering or a bed and breakfast basis. There are some good in-house activities to keep you interested while you're not busy with the many other things to do in and around town, but the best feature of the lodge is without doubt its three-tiered palm-fringed swimming pool looking over a magnificent waterhole that attracts wildlife from far and wide.

A chic safari camp in an exclusive concession in the Delta

At the end of 2017, Wilderness Safaris welcomed another stylish camp to their portfolio: Qorokwe Camp. Located in the exclusive Qorokwe Concession, bordering the renowned Moremi Game Reserve in the south-eastern part of the Okavango Delta, the location certainly ticks quite a few boxes. The remote landscape is rather special too, with crystal-clear waterways, jewel-like islands dotted with palm trees, and dense riverine forests opening out onto wide plains. Wildlife is equally as diverse, and highlights include cheetah, leopard, large prides of lion, even bigger herds of buffalo, elephant and lechwe. So, all the ingredients for a fantastic safari - and the camp certainly doesn't let the side down either!

Step back to 1765 as you cross the threshold of this splendid boutique hotel, once the stately residence of a Bourbon-era judge who later became a Marquis. Built during Palermo's renaissance when the city was flourishing with new energy and ambition, the palazzo has retained its aristocratic bones while embracing contemporary luxury. Here, velvets and cushions mingle with shaved cotton linens in a masterful display of refined elegance. The intimate scale belies the grandeur of the building's heritage, creating a hideaway that feels both exclusive and welcoming. You're perfectly positioned in the bustling heart of the city, with its vibrant markets, Norman architecture and Arab influences just waiting to be explored.

Built around a 200-year-old Jackalberry tree, right on the banks of the Sabie River, Lion Sands Tinga Lodge is tucked away in the Lion Sands Game Reserve in the infamous Greater Kruger National Park - an area known for its breathtaking bushveld flora and fauna. Falling inside the bounds of the Greater Kruger National Park, the reserve is one of the oldest private reserves in South Africa, and a pristine natural environment known for its spectacular wildlife sightings. Slow down and unwind in a romantic bubble of bush and natural beauty; a perfect escape.