The landscape surrounding Kruger National Park in South Africa features vast savannahs, dense forests and mountains. It is surrounded by two rivers, home to a variety of wild animals. The African BIG 5 have found a protected home, as well as hundreds of different bird species. Africa adventurers are drawn to the national park primarily by the biodiversity and the stunning landscape, and also by exciting cultural highlights. Near the Greater Kruger National Park lies the wonderful Sabi Sand Private Reserve. Some of the most luxurious lodges in Africa are located here, perfect for your adventure. Due to its multitude of waterholes, the private reserve is a true oasis for numerous animals, so it's an ideal place to witness them. Special highlight in Sabi Sand: a large amount of leopards.

Hotel Tip:

Simbambili Game Lodge
Gowrie Gate, R40, 1380 Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa
Tel.: +27 11 253 6500
E-mail: enquire@thornybush.com
Web: thornybush.com

© Thornybush

Thornybush opened its first lodge in the 1960s. It is one of the original nature reserves in the Greater Kruger National Park - nowadays it includes the private Sabi Sand Nature Reserve as well. Throughout the lodges' history, a number of wildlife conservation projects have been launched. In 2017, the Thornybush Nature Reserve opened the fences to the Kruger National Park, allowing wild animal herds to roam freely across more than 15,000 hectar. Simbambili Game Lodge is located in the northern part of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It offers romantic and luxurious accommodation, and it features a stunning by the view of the hotel's waterhole. Lucky guests can see the first herds of elephants while enjoying their morning cup of tea! Seven stylishly furnished suites are available to guests, each with a private terrace. The dishes, created at the restaurant, are always based on fresh ingredients, mostly harvested from the own cultivation of the Thornybush Community Garden. The highly qualified and dedicated guides and trackers are on hand to assist with any excursions, sharing their extensive knowledge and ensuring the necessary safety during guided bush walks and evening conversations around the campfire under the starry African sky.

Masai Mara / Kenya

The endless territory of the Masai Mara in southwestern Kenya are home to a variety of giraffes and wildebeests, elephants and buffalo, as well as gazelles and big cats. The open savannah of the Masai Mara is a fantastic destination for adventurous safaris all year. This is where the so-called "Great Migration" takes place - one of the largest wildebeest migrations in Africa, when every year, between July and October, pver 1.5 million wildebeest scout the vast savannah for new grazing land. The sprawling area is perfect for an adventure, it's considered home to lions. Exciting cultural customs can aslo be experienced. Whether you go on a ride in a hot air balloon or go on safari in an off-road vehicle, the Masai Mara is perfect for its all-inclusive safari infrastructure and it is home to some of the most luxurious lodges in the world.

Hotel Tip:

Mara Bushtops Camp
Land Parcel No. 4, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Tel.: +254 733 490209
Web: bushtopscamps.com

 

 

 

 

 

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The luxury lodge Mara Bushtops is located in the middle of the 6,500 hectare private wildlife reserve - the Bushtops Wildlife Conservancy (Isaaten). Only the Masai and the guests of the lodge are granted access to the protected area. This is to ensure that a balance can be maintained between the needs and demands of the flora & fauna, the locals and vacationers. The 12 unique tents of the Bushtop-Mara are exceptional retreats under the African sun. Surrounded by a wooden deck, these tents are places to unwind, reconnect with picturesque nature and recharge for the next African adventure. Since the passing animals like to stop a time or two at the lodge's exposed salt lick stones, breakfast, lunch or dinner can also quickly become a spectacle. 

Okavango Delta / Botswana

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is the largest inland delta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Year after year, the Okavango River floods the land and transforms the delta into a thriving oasis. This event that attracts adventurous vacationers as well as hundreds of thousands of animals! This particular water reserve is incredibly unique. It the epitome of African wilderness, a maze of swampy waterways and seasonal drylands. This unique landscape attracts one of the world's oldest species: the Nile crocodile of the Okavango. Water buffalos and hippos love it here as well.

Hotel Tip:

Vumbura Plains
No. 5 of 22 campsites in Okavango Delta, Botswana
E-Mail: enquiry@wildernessdestinations.com
Web: wildernessdestinations.com

 

 

 

 

 

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Vumbura Plains views itself as the guardian of one of the most famous wildlife areas and puts conservation at the heart of its mission. Through the Okavango Community Trust, the lodge works in close collaboration with local communities. Vumbura Plains' cozy yet gorgeously designed accommodations are located right in the dreamy waterways of the Okavango Delta, among lush island forests, and golden grasses. A wonderful place for observing wildlife. The elegantly furnished suites have direct access to spacious wooden terraces directly on the water. Each suite has a private viewing platform - perfect for exciting wildlife observations in the wilds of Africa! The menu of the lodge restaurant, filled with local delicacies, provides tasty moments. Seasonal, regional, and with consideration for the footprint of the accommodation!

Vulcanoes National Parks / Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda is famous for one thing: Mountain gorillas. Almost half of the population of endangered mountain gorillas lives in the jungle of the African national park. The area gained its fame mainly through the research of the American primatologist Diane Fossey, who published the book "Gorillas in the mist" after two years in Rwanda. The national park received its name due to a total of five volcanoes in the area. The rugged landscape as well as the dense jungle require visitors to be tough on their hikes - the first sighting of a free-living mountain gorilla makes it all worth it!

Hotel Tip:

Bisate Lodge
Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri, Rwanda
Tel.: +27 11 257 5000
E-mail: booking@arcticbath.se
Web: wildernessdestinations.com

 

 

 

 

 

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Located within a fascinating volcanic landscape and surrounded by the thickets of the African rainforest, the award-winning Bisate Lodge is known for its eco-chic. Hidden in the trees like giant birds' nests, the six villas are the ideal retreat for design lovers and adventurers alike. The villas offer the a gorgeous panoramic view of the Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno volcanoes. To ensure that the colorful diversity of the surrounding nature can continue to be home to a unique biodiversity, the lodge is dedicated to parttaking in innovative community welfare projects, such as visionary reforestation programs, community initiatives, and animal conservation projects. The reforestation project is considered a model of tourism with the focus on conserving Africa and invites each guest to plant their own tree. The lodge cultivates its own vegetable garden, only seasonal and fresh ingredients are used on the menu. A wine cellar, library and spa complete this unique lodge.