Tailor Made – Page 77

andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge

Fringing the reserve’s wildlife-rich wetland system, along the edge of a rare sand forest, the vibrant and intimate andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge offers a tranquil oasis in the middle of flourishing wilderness. This charming lodge features just six thatched suites to ensure exclusivity. Phinda Vlei’s is inspired by the elegant, turn of the century, plantation-style homesteads of KwaZulu-Natal’s sugarcane and pineapple barons. Each air conditioned suite features a spacious room, luxurious ensuite bathroom, and dressing room. The ensuite bathroom provides a sense of old world luxury, while the suite’s interiors showcase a mix of curated antiques and collectables. Guests can also take advantage of a private lap pool and game viewing deck that overlooks a grassy meadow, where they can observe antelope grazing nearby, as well as a variety of birdlife. Unwind in the beautiful surrounds of the main guest area, which also includes a handsome library, and a welcoming fire pit setting – perfect for pre-dinner drinks! Mealtimes are a delightful affair, with a variety of settings to indulge in the lodge’s delectable menus; one of which is a spacious, all-weather deck that allows for al fresco dining with spectacular views of the surrounding wetland.

andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge

Carved into the rocky mountainside, andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge sits in sheer seclusion, suspended over the magnificent valley below. Six stone and adobe suites burrow into the heart of the cliffside, with solid wooden shutters and doors opening out onto a private viewing deck and plunge pool balanced on the very edge of a breathtaking precipice. Boasting spacious ensuite bathrooms, the suites also feature outdoor showers, providing some of the most scenic al fresco bathing on the African continent. The lodge’s comfortable sitting areas offer the perfect vantage point for viewing the abundant birdlife in the surrounding trees and the wildlife roaming the bush below.

andBeyond Tengile River Lodge

andBeyond Tengile River Lodge rests within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, overlooking the beautiful river from the privacy and seclusion of the soothing forest. Meaning tranquil, Tengile River Lodge offers nine luxurious suites that follow the meandering shape of the riverbanks. With sunken lounges, elegant bedrooms and bathrooms that open out onto the forest, guests can enjoy an authentic safari experience, immersed in nature and steeped in comfort.

Each suite also features a private deck from where the stunning flora and fauna can be admired, and a private lap pool, where guests can escape during the hot sunny daytime. The lodge offers a rejuvenating spa and gym area, where guests can relax and unwind between exciting safari activities, as well as a peaceful library stocked with a selection of good reads, and the Safari Shop, where you can purchase beautiful handcrafted items by local artists to bring back for your loved ones.

Mara Bushtops

Mara Bushtops is the perfect getaway destination to enjoy extravagant luxury and restorative tranquillity. Some have even called it the best camp in Kenya! While some locations may simply be base camp for travellers to explore surrounding areas, Mara Bushtops is most definitely another X on the map. From the award-winning Amani Spa and secret wine cellar to the scenic game drives and the best views in Maasai Mara, Mara Bushtops has everything they could possibly need to make your stay sensational and unforgettable. It is the only camp with an ample natural salt-lick by the watering hole, right in front of the spa and restaurant. The animals can’t wait to get their turn, allowing guests some of the very best viewings of African wildlife by day and by night, featuring appearances by gazelles, warthogs, zebra and impala, topi, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, leopards and lions.

Bakers Lodge

Located on the border of the famous Murchison Falls National Park, on the bank of the Nile River, is Bakers Lodge. Named after an early British explorer of the area, this lodge offers a traditional African safari experience. All ten thatched suites sit on raised platforms affording a view out over rolling grasslands and the nearby river, flowing past in the distance. All suites are eco friendly, with solar power hot water and local handcrafted furniture and art decorating the room. Dinner is served in the main dining room which has 180° views of the stunning surroundings, and an outdoor decking area means dinner can be enjoyed under the stars. Guests will never be bored at Bakers Lodge, with a wealth of activities to chose from including chimpanzee trekking, boat safaris, game drives, river cruises and even hot air balloon trips. Friendly and professional staff will be on hand to make your experience everything you want, and you will leave with memories which will last a lifetime.

Kyaninga Lodge

Kyaninga Lodge offers guests an unforgettable and unique experience in a wild land, surrounded by thick rainforests and overlooking the azure Lake Kyaninga. 9 thatched roofed cottages are made out of handcrafted logs and are authentic, bright and comfortable, with cosy beds and a private decking where guests can enjoy the magnificent views. Perched on a mountainside, Kyaninga Lodge offers breathtaking panoramas, looking all the way over to the Rwenzori Mountains and the horizon beyond. All this land is waiting to be explored, and guests have a variety of ways to achieve this. Kibale National Park is not far from the lodge, and here guests can come face to face with chimpanzees and other amazing animals.

andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp

andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp is situated on a solitary delta island south of Chiefs Island, within a 272,000-hectare exclusive wildlife concession. Xaranna Okavango Camp draws inspiration from the encompassing nature, with a light and airy camp situated amidst the heart of the wild. Comprised of 9 luxury en-suite tented units, Xaranna Camp can lavishly accommodate up to 18 guests – sleeping 2 guests per unit with a choice of king size or double beds. These safari tents are organic in design and are delicately decorated in shades of khaki and soft lily pink. Each tent boasts a romantic outdoor sala, private plunge pool, indoor bathtub and both indoor and outdoor showers.

andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp is situated amidst the heart of the Okavango Delta, located within a 2500-hectare wildlife concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Nxabega Camp overlooks expansive floodplains and winding delta channels, presenting unmatched scenery from the camps elevated location, offering atmospheric vistas over the surrounding landscape. A total of 10 units – 9 standard units and 1 family unit, subtly blend into the surrounding bushland environment, resulting in aesthetic and atmospheric quarters with which to reside. Accommodation is tastefully decorated and furnished with a host of modern amenities, such as en-suite facilities, a mini bar, fans, sala and various added extras meant to elevate the guest experience.

andBeyond Chobe Under Canvas

Animal trails weave around five spacious safari tents that perch at the northern end of the Chobe National Park. Enjoy sleeping on a comfortable double bed positioned close to the Chobe River – known for the large numbers of elephants and buffalo who congregate here. Experience nature up close in an exclusive and luxurious semi-permanent campsite, with the comfort of an ensuite bathroom, separate flush WC and an outdoor bucket shower with steaming hot water available on request. A private butler is also on hand to help you with anything else you require. Relax after a day of adventures in the guest areas, which consist of large tents for dining, pre-dinner drinks or simply relaxing with a good book and a beverage. Indulge in delicious meals cooked over the coals, which are shared around a blazing fire.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is – as the name suggests – set in the beautiful wilderness of Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. With the Ntungwe River flowing nearby guests can immerse themselves in all the sights, smells and sounds of the area. The camp is intimate, with only ten canvas safari tents, which are all decorated in an authentic and traditional style whilst still being comfortable and relaxing. The main area of the camp is complete with a traditional thatch roof and open sides, so guests can relax and marvel at the luscious grasslands and surrounding trees. Meals are served either in the main dining room, or if the weather permits, outside around a fire pit which sits by the river. Ideally located for exploration, guests can choose from an afternoon spent birdwatching, a guided walk along the river to see some lazy hippos or a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride which will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.