South Africa
Molori Lodge, North West Province
Found in the 75,000-hectare Madikwe Game Reserve, Molori probably wins the prize for the most glamorous safari experience in Africa. Once an elegant private home, it has now been opened up to the public — but only if your funds allow (Kate Moss has visited). There are five luxe suites, conceived by South African designer Stephen Falcke, and a dream spa that wouldn’t be out of place in any urban setting. The sexy look mixes a contemporary European vibe with a traditional African one — think twinkling Venetian chandeliers and Philippe Starck baths under thatched roofs, with stone floors and wooden sculptures. Each suite has retractable glass walls opening on to private terraces and infinity pools with views of the Dwarsberg Mountains and the occasional elephant. If it all sounds a bit tame, don’t worry — there are two customised game drives each day with a local ranger, an observatory for stargazing and fishing at the Groot-Marico River. From £1,445 per night based on two sharing. molori.com
Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
Fancy being the next David Attenborough? Then check into the well-known Shamwari Game Reserve, near Port Elizabeth on the Eastern Cape. They have introduced Safaricam (safaricam.tv), which allows guests to star in their own documentaries. A camera crew will accompany you on safari, with a private ranger to record that one-off wildlife sighting. The footage is then made into a 40-minute film.
The reserve has also opened Sarili, a relaxed, contemporary lodge overlooking Bushman’s River. Aimed at families, it has a child-friendly swimming pool, special menus and educational activities, such as a visit to the Born Free Foundation, located on Shamwari. From £392 per person per night. shamwari.com
Sanbona, Western Cape
Sanbona in Little Karoo, on the Western Cape, is a wildlife reserve stretching over 54,000 hectares. As well as being home to big game, it has the only white lions in the world. The reserve has opened two new lodges: Dwyka is a luxury tented lodge, while the Gondwana Lodge is aimed at families and offers a Kids on Safari programme. From £228 per person per night. sanbona.com
Sabi Sabi Reserve, Kruger National Park
The Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve within the Kruger National Park has opened new holistic Amani spas. Earth Lodge’s treatment rooms are sculpted into the earth, while at Bush Lodge spa, all treatment suites have views out onto the bush as well as alfresco treatment areas. From £2,590 for four nights, including flights and meals. sabisabi.com
Lapalala Camp, Limpopo
Offering a rustic experience is the first ever bush camp to open in the Lapalala Game Reserve in the Limpopo province. The area has a vast range of game and the camp consists of three tents on raised platforms with no electricity. From £1,775 per person for five nights, including flights and meals. cazloyd.com
