Lion Sands Reserve

Lebombo’s contemporary design acts as a counterpoint to the rugged landscape making it an architectural and design landmark. The large, spacious interiors are dressed in clean whites and feature vast windows which reveal the contrasting landscape outside. A spacious deck area with a long pool and comfortable outdoor beds for lounging, makes Lebombo a superior choice. The fifteen suites sit on various points of the hill, each decorated with a delicate balance of man-made and natural materials. Bleached branches adorn the roofs whilst floor to ceiling windows let the light in, providing a light, spacious feel. As well as the communal areas of the lodge, guests can enjoy the spa and curio shop. The game driving here is exemplary with excellent guides and trackers as well as comfortable vehicles. All in all, a stunning safari experience and beautiful lodge in terms of both design and feel.  

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve’s main camp, Motse, sits at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains. The architecture is inspired by and reflects the landscape, fully enveloping you into the safari experience; local smoothed stone, red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch are surrounded and hung with natural textiles, thick linens and seagrass that contrast well with varying textures and woven patterns. The effect is authentic, earthy, neutral, yet with a luxuriously refined feel. Making your stay here even more special is the fact that the camp is fully committed to protecting the wildlife and environment and supporting the local community, as evidenced by their ongoing projects. There are eight small houses in the camp: six one-bedroom suites and two two-bedroom family suites. All have indoor and outdoor showers, en-suite bathrooms, fireplaces, WiFi and private sundecks where you can sink into your cushioned rattan armchairs to watch one of the stunning sunsets or stare at an ever-clear night sky.  

Molori’s five vast suites are distanced for more privacy and designed to the starry heights of infinite, open-sided African chic. At the hand of celebrated South African interiors master Stephen Falcke, the lodge’s perfectly attuned style is not too overboard to disconnect you from the surroundings. A well-balanced blend of international fittings and furnishings sit well next to more regional equivalents and art, a good example being the glass chandeliers that dangle from the steep thatch-roof ceilings. Each of the suites enjoys a pleasing amount of seclusion being well-spaced apart and with their own private decking, infinity plunge pools not to mention magnificent views of the Dwarsberg mountains and surrounding bush of the Madikwe. The two 600sqm presidential suites (Metsi and Molelo) are decorated to the zenith of luxury with Phillippe Starck bathtubs, Fendi loungers and Swahili tables – but again, the glitz is played down to make way for the breath-taking surrounds. The main lodge features a fantastic, world-class Spa to help you relax and really unwind in this wild setting, plus Molori usually places a celebrated chef in residence for some of the country’s best fine dining on safari.

Two luxurious villas offer elemental design and a collection of local art.