South Africa
We highly recommend South Africa as a safari destination. Not only is it home to Southern Africa's most diverse wilderness area - the Kruger National Park - but there are also a wealth of alternative safari destinations to choose from.
The most popular South Africa safari areas include the Kruger National Park and the private game reserves which form part of it, like the Sabi Sand, Kapama and the Timbavati. The Eastern Cape also offers exceptional safaris at both the Addo Elephant National Park and Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The densely wooded Zululand can be experienced on safaris in Hluhluwe and Phinda. The malaria-free areas of northern South Africa, like Madikwe and Kgalagadi, have also become increasingly popular safari destinations in recent years.
Or visit Cape Town, a coming together of cultures, cuisines and landscapes, there is nowhere quite like Cape Town, a singularly beautiful city and crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. A perfect starting point for a unique tour of South Africa's famous winelands.
Lodge
Lidiko Lodge
St. Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
With 16 well-furnished and spacious en-suite garden rooms, Lidiko Lodge offers stylish 4 star bed & breakfast accommodation in the heart of the tranquil St Lucia Estuary, surrounded by the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (“iSimangaliso Wetland Park”), an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The lodge is centrally situated in St Lucia and within 5 minutes walking distance from all the restaurants, craft market, walking trails and main attractions. Lidiko Lodge is the ideal venue to visit the surrounding wetlands, big 5 game parks as well as pristine beaches. It is also the only known village with hippos roaming the streets at night!
Safari Lodge
River Bend Lodge
Garden Route, Addo Elephant Park, South Africa
River Bend Lodge is set in the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park has expanded to conserve a wide diversity of biodiversity, landscapes, fauna and flora. Stretching from the semi-arid Karoo area in the north around Darlington Dam, over the rugged Zuurberg Mountains, through the Sundays River valley and south to the coast between Sundays River mouth and Bushman’s River mouth, Addo covers about 180 000 hectares (444 700 acres) and includes the Bird and St Croix Island groups.
The original elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only sixteen elephants remained in the area. Today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.
Hotel
Hog Hollow Country Lodge
Garden Route, Plettenberg, South Africa
Overlooking the Matjies River Gorge and the Tsitsikamma Mountains, this congenial hub is where it all happens. The boma deck is the place to check-in, sip some bubbly, or a good cup of tea, relax after a day’s outing, chat to newly found friends and catch up with family news – comfy chairs, a crackling fire and a sundowner in hand – what better way to end the day!
Hotel
The Silo
Cape Town, South Africa
The Silo Hotel sets a new standard for luxury Cape Town accommodation. A magical hotel towering above the V&A Waterfront surrounded by the natural wonder of South Africa’s Mother City.
The Silo Hotel has been built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex occupying six floors above Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) which houses Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art. The exterior of the building was designed by Heatherwick Studio. From the outside, the greatest visible change to the building’s original structure is the addition of the ingenious glass windows inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors. These multi-faceted structures glisten like diamonds during the day while at night the building transforms into a glowing beacon in the Table Bay harbour.
The Silo Hotel is a celebration of art, style, architecture and design. A tribute to timeless glamour and contemporary luxury offering the highest levels of personalised service synonymous with The Royal Portfolio.
Safari Lodge
Umkumbe Safari Lodge
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Umkumbe Safari Lodge is owner managed and run; ensuring guests enjoy a personal, rustic and real South African safari experience. The lodge consists of ten chalets/rooms with most overlooking the Sand River. Guests regularly see elephants, hippos, buffalo and antelope grazing in the river bed.
Safari Lodge
Elephant Plains Game Lodge
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Elephant Plains Game Lodge offers excellent Big 5 game viewing, luxurious accommodation and sumptuous cuisine. The lodge caters for the discerning traveller, offering a variety of accommodation options, varying from rondavels and luxury suites to the Manyeleti honeymoon suite.
The lodge is owner run and can accommodate a maximum of 24 guests, guaranteeing a personal service and attention to detail.