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Ker & Downey Africa > Journal > Top Selling Luxury Lodges in Africa 2022
After more than a year of being stuck at home, there is a visceral urge to explore the world again. And in a big way. A renewed sense of wanderlust and pent-up demand has resulted in bookings coming in hard and fast for the upcoming year. This, naturally, has us feeling inspired.
You spoke, we listened!
We have reviewed our clients’ bookings for their upcoming travels to Africa, and are so excited to share their top picks for 2022. These luxury lodges in Africa can be booked as both stand-alone trips, or together on an itinerary to your chosen destination(s).
A comeback trip to Africa has never looked more inviting!
No trip to South Africa is complete without a visit to the dynamic city of Cape Town. A firm favorite among our clients, the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel has long been regarded as the best five-star hotel in the Mother City, brimming with old-world charm. The hotel first opened its doors in 1899, and comes with a star-studded history.
Winston Churchill, the Prince of Wales, John Lennon, and the legendary Nelson Mandela have all walked the hallways and strolled the gardens of this esteemed establishment in the heart of the Mother City. A sophisticated blend of the magic of a bygone era, coupled with elegant contemporary finishes, the hotel is a wealth of exquisite details and thoughtful touches.
The perfect blend of mountains, forest and sea, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a luxury eco-reserve surrounded by 2500 hectares of pristine wilderness. This multi-award-winning lodge pairs world-class accommodation and fine dining with the spectacular biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Views of ancient Milkwood forests and indigenous fynbos lead to the vast Indian Ocean where whales and other marine life frequent regularly. Grootbos is also a proud pioneer in sustainable tourism and has been awarded some of the highest international accolades in the world. Located just 2 hours outside of Cape Town, it promises to be a highlight on any itinerary.
The Cape Winelands is the perfect way to finish off a trip to the region. This famous route showcases hundreds of wine producers and some of the country’s best hotels and restaurants. One such hotel nestled within the valley of Franschhoek is Leeu Estates – an exclusive boutique modern manor surrounded by mountains and sprawling vineyards.
The hotel’s façade epitomises 19th-century Cape Dutch architecture, while the interiors are adorned with contemporary modern art. The estate comprises a range of luxurious accommodation options, two of Franschhoek’s best restaurants and a world-class spa. Wine connoisseurs can enjoy a truly immersive tasting experience at the onsite Wine Studio.
One of the top selling luxury lodges in Africa for 2022, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is the ultimate Botswana retreat for the more discerning safari traveler. Ideally located above the river, bordering the game-rich Chobe National Park near Kasane, this luxurious wildlife retreat boasts some of the best views in Botswana.
Situated on the hilltop, guests can enjoy sweeping views across islands and floodplains to the Caprivi Strip and bordering Namibia. Chobe is renowned for its game, and home to the world’s largest remaining population of elephants. When not on a thrilling safari, guests can enjoy downtime in one of the 15 exclusive suites, or unwind with a pamper session at the on-site spa.
Located in another region of the Chobe National Park called Savuti (or Savute), Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge is another top choice amongst discerning safari-goers. Located around 150km from Kasane, it is the perfect stop-over choice for travelers heading to Moremi or the Okavango Delta.
The lodge goes to great lengths to remain as eco-friendly as possible, making every effort not to disrupt the pristine surroundings. This is at no expense whatsoever to the high level of luxury guests can expect during their stay at this first-class property. The region is renowned for its large pride of lions and other predators, and the nearby waterholes and Savuti Channel offer up some epic photographic opportunities.
A great add-on to a safari in the Chobe National Park is a visit to the world-famous Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp is located on a private concession in the Delta, bordering Moremi, and offers a distinctly varied game viewing experience. This classic tented luxury camp is surrounded by pristine riverine forests with views over floodplains and striking ebony and sausage trees.
Because of its ideal location, guests can enjoy walking safaris and night drives, as well as seasonal mokoro safaris on the waterways of the Okavango. There are several hyena dens around the camp, so keep an ear out for the distinct cackle of these unique predators…
No visit to Tanzania is complete without a thrilling safari experience in one of the game-rich national parks in the country. A great haven to relax in before or after your safari is just as important. Arusha Coffee Lodge, lying on the gentle foothills of Mount Meru, is the perfect haven for just this.
Comprising 30 luxurious plantation cottages, surrounded by sprawling evergreen fields of coffee, the lodge has a nostalgic charm of a bygone era. A visit to the nearby Arusha Park on a day trip to the Ngorongoro Crater is a nice option for those wanting to whet their safari appetite before heading deeper into the more wild spaces of Tanzania.
Two and a half hours outside of Arusha, located alongside the eastern boundary of Tarangire National Park, Nimali Tarangire is the perfect beginning (or end) to the northern safari circuit. This ultra-exclusive luxury lodge is tucked away in its own private concession, hidden by plump baobabs and acacia trees.
A swimming pool overlooks an active waterhole that sees wildlife gathering regularly to drink. The park itself comprises large swaths of dry, open woodland with an expansive network of swamps towards the south. The park’s bird biodiversity is exceptional thanks to its inimitable array of habitats, and it is home to plenty of high-profile mammals as well, including the Big Five.
The iconic Lewa Conservancy in Kenya is considered one of the country’s most private wildlife sanctuaries. It is world-renowned for pioneering conservation initiatives, as well as community upliftment. Situated within the wildlife conservancy, Lewa Wilderness provides a homely, but luxurious, experience where customized daily safaris and other activities are all tailored to the needs of the guest.
Activities include game drives, walking safaris, horseback safaris, camel riding, fly camping and promises adventure around every corner.
Elevated high up in the hills of the Rift Valley, Entumoto is a private tented camp that provides an intimate safari experience and is one of our top selling luxury lodges in Africa for 2022. Dating back to the 1920s, the thoughtful decor exudes elegance, style and exclusivity.
The camp is ideally situated in a private conservancy to the east of the Mara Sekenani region of the Maasai Mara National Park. There are no fences between the Mara and the conservancy, so animals have free reign to come and go as they please. Guests can enjoy action-packed game drives into the Mara and even witness the annual Great Wildebeest Migration.
The Retreat is an award-winning boutique hotel located just 20 minutes from Kigali International Airport. Boasting world-class facilities, guests can enjoy the hotel’s yoga studio, in-house spa, heated swimming pool, fitness centre, and two on-site restaurants.
The intimate hotel is eco-friendly with a strong focus on sustainability. It is the perfect base to begin an adventure in Rwanda and explore Kigali with fresh insights into its wildlife and the warmth of its local communities.
Set in the northwestern reaches of Rwanda, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is ideally positioned for travelers looking to experience gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
The lodge features eight elegant suites each fitted with a heated private plunge pool, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and timber-framed windows with views of the surrounding volcanoes. Discover Singita Kwitonda Lodge‘s on-site nursery that helps reforest and rehabilitate the natural habitat, enjoy organic farm-to-table dining, and explore the surrounding area on guided walks and village tours. It’s no wonder that Singita Kwitonda Lodge is one of the top selling luxury lodges in Africa for 2022.
See something you like? Get in touch with one of our LuxVenture® Designers today to help secure the top selling luxury lodges in Africa for your 2022 safari.
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Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
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Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
