There are of course different standards of luxury under the topic of Luxury African Lodges and, of course, the very word “luxury” means different things to different people. For some, just having hot water on safari is a luxury. But we are talking serious bush luxury here: luxury camping safaris (yes it is very possible) where the tented rooms are enormous and the bathrooms fully ensuite (hot and cold water and flush loos) and then, as one works up the scale from the already lovely to the uber-chic, extraordinary lodges complete with double sized bedrooms, air conditioning, hairdryers, shoe shining kits,  trendy toiletries, private lounges, verandahs with enormous vistas, salas, private plunge pools, unrivalled scenery, private butlers and staff and private game drives. All this in the middle of nowhere! Some of our favourite luxury African lodges include the following:

In Rwanda there is the exceptional Sabyinyo Lodge.  Situated amidst plantations the lodge sits in the foothills of the mighty Virunga Mountains with seven volcanoes stretching out into the distance. On each volcano one can trek to see mountain gorillas which is a privilege in itself.

View From Sabyinyo - Luxury African Lodges With AfricanExplorations.com

Just over the border into Uganda is Clouds Lodge, in the Nkuringo area of Bwindi. Again this is a very comfortable haven (only eight rooms) from which to explore the area, and do gorilla trekking. At night one can also see the glow of the active Nyiragongo volcano in the Congo (DRC).

Luxury African Lodges do not come better than in Botswana and Abu’s Camp is an obvious example. Located in a very beautiful sector of the Okavango Delta and surrounded by islands and crystal clear waterways, the camp sits in a private concession covering 180,000 hectares. The camp was named after a bull elephant called Abu and is situated in a grove of magnificent hardwood trees on the edge of a large lagoon with a resident school of hippo. The property features rooms shrouded by canvas, held in place by pale coloured poles in an Afro-Bedouin style. There are elegant furnishings and fittings and the whole is surrounded by sycamore and jackalberry trees. The six tents, which are raised on wooden plinths, have their own private verandahs and high airy ceilings and are simply lovely. What makes Abu’s Camp stand out – apart from its luxury – is the specialist interaction with the elephants and their mahoots.

Abus Camp - Luxury African Lodges With AfricanExplorations.com

Also in Botswana there is Jack’s Camp in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. A visit to the pans is always a joy and the Colonial-styled tents are furnished with Persian rugs, copper basins and high canopied beds.  One of the highlights is afternoon tea, in the separate tea tent, where one indulges in homemade pastries and cookies whilst lounging on giant cushions and Persian carpets under swaths of creamy canvas and curtains blowing in the wind – something completely special and quite glorious.

But we can only skim the surface in a quick blog – have a look at our “Accommodation Guide” pages for a wider look at Luxury African Lodges.

What is being “at peace”? A series of gentle-but-fleeting impressions or experiences that linger to make a lasting, more integrated, whole? Quietly sharing a special moment with family, wife, husband, partner, parent?  Being able to spend time doing what you wish in an environment that takes one back to one’s evolutionary roots? How and where to find “Peace” is, of course, a variable feast for all of us with a million-and-one possibilities but a luxury African holiday can provide this sought after, overlooked and (regrettably) often-ephemeral spiritual commodity.

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And, then, how to define luxury?!? To me, as I sit writing this, it would be luxury to just be in the bush; flycamping in Katavi or, perhaps, at Sosian knowing the camels are safely “done” for the night. Or to sit and watch Wild Dog for an hour that might stretch to several. Cantering down a sandy track in South Africa or (yes, I know, off subject on an African website but why not?) to be camped by a river in Canada with the call of the loon and wolf nearby are also, to me, simple, effervescent, life-enhancing luxuries. Thus, to myself (I hear my colleague, the wonderful Hashim, agreeing) the “luxury” is obtained from the experience per se rather than the accoutrements of where I stay. Again this is (and can only be) a highly personal opinion and I fully accept that, to many, “luxury” is Egyptian cotton sheets and towels in the middle of the bush or champagne for sundowners. Make no mistake about my own motives here, either, I’d say “Why not, indeed!” to such luxury and I certainly wouldn’t turn it down; we all have differing ideas and I have no axe to grind at all with whatever your own definition of “luxury” may be. But I do think that there is a peace that comes from being somewhere you really want to be, in an environment with which you connect, that gives you an inner feeling of luxurious satisfaction that is common to all these experiences.

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There’s a point to these musings and I’m not going to even elaborate here on excellent food, great guiding (crucial) or super-comfortable beds in huge en suite tents in the most extraordinarily lovely locations, let alone stunning wildlife. That’s for other blogs and my point is this: I often get asked – sometimes in roundabout ways – to create a “luxury” African holiday.

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But we know that luxury is different things to different people so, in order to do my duty to you, oh esteemed client, I need to know who you are! What makes you tick? What is it about Africa that entices you – perhaps for the second, third or fourth time? Can I empathise with your own feelings, desires and passions so that I can create exactly the right safari or holiday for you, with all the right nuances? For this, to me, is another luxury; in the process of creating exactly the right balance within a holiday I have the privilege of conversing with (and, sometimes, getting to know rather well) a wide range of very special, often talented, individuals. Most have skills I can only dream of and all are totally different yet have a single unifying desire: to go to Africa. What a luxury…….

Luxury African Holiday - Life's Special Moments With AfricanExplorations.com

South Africa really does lend itself to luxury safaris! Most of the lodges are incredibly luxurious with design inspired flair in evidence!

Top of the range must go to Singita and Royal Malewane – they are both in the premium league. Singita has several lodges, both in the Sabi Sands region and also in the beautiful Limpopo area. These two areas combine incredibly well and we will even give you free flights at certain times of year between the two! At Lebombo, you can not only go out game viewing in this dramatically scenic area with its impressive rocks, but also mountain cycling and walking. Then one can fly south to the Sabi Sands where the game viewing is more concentrated. Here you have a choice of three lodges – one which is an African homestead, which is taken for exclusive use and perfect for famillies or a group of friends. It has been kept in the traditional style with a large wrap around verandah and is just beautiful. Then there are Boulders and Ebony Lodges, their trademarks.  Boulders is cutting edge, minimalist designer in whites whilst Ebony is more traditional in earthy, warm African colours. Each suite has its own private plunge pool.

Singita with AfricanExplorations.com

Luxury Safari in South Africa with AfricanExplorations.com

Then we have Royal Malewane which is situated in the game rich Thornybush Game Reserve. They have one of the state of the art spas here and it is no secret that Elton John returns here most years to take his safaris! Most of our clients always return too – as there is almost nothing quite like it. It is more traditional than Singita, and also much smaller – so perfect for those who are seeking a more intimate atmosphere. Amazing wildlife, some of the best rangers in South Africa and one is looked after beautifully. Game drives and walks are conducted here.

Royal Malewane with AfricanExplorations.com

We are from South Africa and know all the lodges well, having stayed there ourselves! A luxury safari in South Africa is incredibly easy to arrange, once you come to the experts!

Luxury Holidays to South Africa are the easiest ones to arrange, simply because the standard of accommodation really lends itself to a certain quality which is incredibly high!

Royal Malewane with AfricanExplorations.com

South Africa is described as a ‘world in one country’ and it truly is! It is so diverse and offers so many different experiences! From a myriad of gorgeous hotels and villas in the Cape (catering for both couples and famillies alike), to exquisite lodges situated in game reserves, with amazing quality of guiding, wildlife and scenery to country farmhouses and homesteads dotted around the Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal, where one can get closer to a family, depart as friends, and perhaps learn something about the history and wars of this extraordinary country.

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South Africa caters equally for the action motivated traveller to those seeking repose! Whether its fly fishing, parasailing, flying, cooking, wine tasting, game viewing or simply wanting to take tuition in any of these disciplines, all of this can be arranged! Alternately, walking on isolated beaches, dining on lobster at gorgeous al fresco restaurants and reading a book around a swimming pool may be what you prefer!

Wonderful spring flowers, rock art, fantastic inspirational or traditional art, music, architecture, nature – this country offers it all in abundance, together coupled with a  magnificent climate! There is also a choice of exhilarating horse riding, either in the form of a safari or access to first class horses, either to ride for a few hours amongst wildlife, on a beach (my favourite!), or playing polo.

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Stay in Relais et Chateaux’s   or bijoux hotels where personal service is assured,   stay in tree houses, either in a forest or on an isolated beach, where they track turtles with scientists at certain times of year,   or luxury safari lodges,  or stay at a gorgeous farmhouse  – either in the battlefields of Natal, or in the game rich region of the Kruger National Park, or in the Cape winelands such as scenically beautiful Franschhoek, where the French Huguenots first settled in South Africa in the 1600′s.  Private villas abound and we have a large selection of the very finest villas in the country.

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luxury South Africa holidays – South Africa is one of the easiest African countries in which to provide luxury holidays and safaris. Largely determined by a demanding and widely travelled market, South Africa still remains a world in one country. Few other countries in Africa can rival South Africa for its diversity in terms of experience.

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Whether it is going on safari in the Kruger National Park or in a non malarial region in the Cape or Waterberg region, or taking a family holiday which includes horse riding, rides on the back of an elephant whilst learning all about them and spending plenty of time on the beach, perhaps at the time when the leatherback and loggerhead turtles come to nest, what you will achieve, is a holiday of a lifetime.

Luxury Cape Town holidays with AfricanExplorations.com

Everyone who ever visits South Africa is astounded by the overall quality. Not only in terms of service, food and wine but also, the accommodation. From a lowly b and b to a Relais et Chateaux, that quality thread never disappears.

Luxury Cape Winelands with AfricanExplorations.com

South Africa also represents such good value for money! The country offers some of the most beautiful wine estates, complete with superb wine, fabulous restaurants, an easy, informal atmosphere and friendly, vibrant and positive people wherever you go! Whether one is looking for a romantic, remote retreat, a secluded, quiet beach, a spa, a safari, a thrilling horse riding safari, a vineyard, the garden route or visiting historical battlefields, this countryis for you – all in unabashed and indulgent comfort!