Safari – Quintessentially Travel

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Jess Purcell — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:07:07 +0000

Set in the heart of Rwanda’s magestic mountains on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is a truly captivating retreat. Surrounded by flora and fauna, the individual free-standing treehouses, suites and amenities are connected by winding paths, paving the way through the lush volcanic surroundings and sheltered by eucalyptus trees in abundance. The main amenities include the Nest Restaurant and Bar, fitness centre, spa and sparkling infinity pool. There are just 21 lodges and suites, which makes this unique retreat feel all the more special. From enchanting treehouses with al fresco showers to stylish suites with outdoor tubs and private pools, there’s plenty of ways to soak up the incredible wilderness here. There are plenty of experiences to enjoy, from magical gorilla treks, community visits, wellness workshops and more.

Aria Amazon

Eleri — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:22:12 +0000

Experience the Amazon River like never before aboard the Aria Amazon. Featuring state-of-the-art amenities and unique Peruvian designs, luxury travellers can enjoy this phenomenal boating experience. With copious space to dine and lounge around, guests will be able to enjoy a beautiful cruise along the river with spectacular views along the way. On the deck of the cruise, guests can enjoy a river-facing Jacuzzi. Additionally, the 16 uniquely designed suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river. The on-board experiences do not end there; the spa has been recently renovated providing first-class treatment facilities to ensure relaxation along with glimpses into the wildlife, ecosystems, local lifestyle, and jungle landscapes. There is no promise that there will not be rain on the journey, but there is a promise of high-end luxury and unforgettable memories.

Mashpi Lodge

Eleri — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:22:12 +0000

Located in the depths of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest, Mashpi Lodge is a nature lovers paradise. Set amidst 3,200 acres of lush greenery and home to over 400 species of birds, pumas, endless hiking trails, crashing waterfalls, trees, flora, and species of frogs found nowhere else in the world, Mashpi is pioneering in its offering. This sleek and modern designed hotel really does feel as though it appears from nowhere in the midst of the jungle, and all 24 rooms dazzle with a floor to ceiling window looking out directly into the Cloud Forest. The style throughout the hotel is slick, contemporary, and a truly stylish haven after a day exploring the hectic and humid jungle. All meals are enjoyed in the two storey dining room, serving a delectable range of Ecuadorian cuisine, and all to the spectacular backdrop of your dramatic surroundings.

Little Vumbura Camp

Skye — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:22:11 +0000

Nestled on its own private island on Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the team behind Wilderness Safari’s have added to their portfolio the Little Vumbura Camp. Surrounded by water in its own private concession, the camp is able to view the varied and vibrant wildlife on land and on water. Diverse experiences to witness the diverse ecosystems that make the Okavango Delta so remarkable. The tented camp is made up of six individual accommodation tents with their own en-suite facilities and private deck that looks out over the Delta. Whilst spotting the wildlife on the horizon, you are shaded by the ancient forests of Botswana that you can appreciate from the comfort of the camp’s plunge pool. It is magically captivating, with the day turning to night as you turn your attention toward the heavens and spot the stars as they meander their way across the night’s sky on the star deck. With a vast array of experiences for you to enjoy, you can explore the landscape from every angle. The boat tours will have you exploring the delta and its water-dwelling animals up close and the game drives take you and your expert guides into the wilderness as animals make their way to the water to cool off. Even from the sky, jump aboard the camp’s hot air balloon and watch migrations below. If you’re lucky, watch a pack of wild dogs work together to track down their pray, and witness the theatre of nature play out.

Vumbura Plains Camp

Skye — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:22:11 +0000

Splitting itself across two sites, the Vumbura Plains Camp has been expertly located to offer both water and land safari experiences in the heart of the Okavanga Delta. Fourteen bedrooms are split across the two sites are contemporary interpretations of the classic safari experience. Facilities that boast indoor and outdoor showers, private plunge pools, and secluded sala decks allow guests to retreat into their own tranquil spaces at the end of energetic game drives and safari activities. Open all year round to track the changing landscape of the Okavanga Delta, the camp witnesses some of the most dramatic shows in nature. As the grasslands flood and the seasonal rains replenish the land, the wildlife that comes to the delta is ever changing and bountiful. Whether it’s the elephant herds, giraffes, impalas, sable antelopes, kudu, zebra and wildebeest, you and your expert guides can track these gentle giants on each game drive or guided walk. These animals are tracked by their natural predators which is the most dramatic natural theatre in the world. Spot resident lion prides stalk their prey or the packs of African Wild dog as they work as a team to catch their latest meal. Even when they are not hunting, there is something remarkable about sighting cheetah as they snooze in the trees and the African wildcats as they blend into grasslands. The game drives also aim to assist in the various eco-projects that the Vumbura Plains partake in. One of the most interesting projects is the Botswana Lion Genetics Study that hopes to develop a comprehensive understanding of the genetic structure of Botswana’s lion population in order to understand and protect the future lion generations.

One&Only Nyungwe House

Skye — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:20:32 +0000

One of the only hotels in Rwanda to sit on its own Tea Plantation, the One&Only Nyungwe House is a place of remarkabke wildlife, dramatic landscapes and secret escapes. Located in the western province of Rwanda, the rich vegetation makes it the perfect location for rainforests and tea plantations to thrive. One of the last mountain rainforest habitats left in the world, the One&Only are dedicated to getting guests up close and personal with this remarkable location to experience its surprising biodiversity. The hotel’s remoteness makes it an exclusive destinations for avid explorers as it is only reachable by plane or helicopter. Home to 13 species of primates, 20% of the apes in Africa, the largest population of endangered monkeys and 275 recorded species of bird, it is little wonder that the Ngungwe Forest National Park is a draw for intrepid explorers. Villas and suites sit within the tree canopy, and are a love letter to natural furnishings and secluded accommodations. Tree-gazing balconies, African contemporary design and hand crafted furnishings are all combined to demonstrate the very best that Rwandan art and architecture has to offer on the boarders of some of the world’s oldest landscapes. From your balcony you will be luck enough to spot the wildlife as they venture to the fringes of the rainforest, and hear the sounds of the wildlife as you wake up from peaceful slumbers. It is a place to explore nature and also be at one with nature.

Royal Malewane

Skye — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:20:32 +0000

Known for having a team of the most qualified guiding teams in Africa, the Royal Malewane is another luxury safari lodge from The Royal Portfolio. Their insider knowledge is a glimpse into the complex ecosystems that the Kruger National Park is so famous for. Royal Malewane is split between the Main Lodge, whose grand classic style is reminiscent of a by-gone era, and The Farmstead, whose contemporary design feels more intimate and romantic. The Royal Malewane is also dedicated to the five star experience with their dining and spa offering. Despite being out in the remote and wild African landscape, you can experience sensual spa treatments and delectable dining all whilst trying to spot the elusive ‘Big 5’. Expert guides have been trained to spot the animals as they make their way throughout the National Park, so with each game drive you can track down animals and learn about their behaviors and personalities. As you go out on private game drives each day, the photo opportunities are phenomenal, whilst the sheer variety of wildlife is vibrant and varied.

Singita Lebombo Lodge

Skye — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:20:32 +0000

Renowned for its position in the Kruger National Park, the Singita Lebombo Lodge is expertly integrated into the wilderness setting. 13 glass walled suites overlook the cliffside that can see out into the National Park and all of its wonder. Designed like modern romantic hideaways, their loft-style design elevate yo above the landscape and the decks offer unparalleled views of the national park below. 33,000 acres of private concession are an untamed wilderness where south Africa's wildlife is bountiful and roams free. Mountain Pride of lions call this corner of Africa home with the Big 5 never far behind. Wake up to stalking lions on the hunt and what nature’s theatre play out below. Perfect for that unique honeymoon adventure, Lembombo Lodge is the perfect play to relax and reflect on the celebrations you have enjoyed and begin the next chapter together in the African wilderness.

Londolozi Private Game Reserve

Skye — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:20:32 +0000

With their own distinct ‘Londolozi Feeling’, the Londolozi Private Game Reserve has a powerful combination of wildlife and geography that will take your breath away. Sitting on the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the six million acres of space is a free roaming space for animals to traverse. Truly wild, the wildlife here is some of the most diverse on the planet. Herds of elephants and buffalo track their way across the reserve whilst the white rhino population is the largest in Africa. The past four decades has seen the expert guides and trackers build a knowledge and relationship with the wild leopard in the area, so that each guest has a chance to spot these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats. Due to the guaranteed sighting of the Big 5, this corner of South Africa is a photographers dream. Snap up images of the most beautiful wildlife and return to the main lodge and share the images with your loved ones and connect with other like-minded travellers. Connecting with the location has become a passion project for the Londolozi team, and their most recent project, the Healing House is the loving product of four decades of hospitality. It is a place to reconnect with oneself and ones spirit and discover a wild version of yourself that is ignited by the African landscape and treatments

Zarafa Camp

Skye — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:19:56 +0000

Meaning ‘the beloved one’ in Arabic, Zarafa is Relais & Chateaux’s first camp in Botswana and a love letter to the beauty and nature of this remarkable country. Beloved by each guest that stays here, the camp has been charming visitors to their 130,000 private hectares in the Selinda Reserve of the Chobe National Park. Their four guest tents are 100 square metres of private space that includes a large lounge area, ensuite bathroom and a vast desk that has its own private plunge pool and outdoor shower. There is little else one need under the supple canvas for ultimate safari comfort. The ebony trees that shade and shelter the camp overlook the guest areas that include the library, main lounge, dining area and the bush boutique. Adventure and the romance of the safari experience are perfectly balanced here for the most beloved stay. Environmentally conscious, the camp go to great lengths to reduce the impact they have on the land, with solar power coming from the nearby solar farm, their bio-gas system and the recycled hardwoods and canvas that make up the main frame of the camp. Although the camp has everything you need for the most relaxing stay, the real draw to Selinda Reserve is its rich and diverse game. Home to leopards, lion prides, cheetah, elephant herds, migrating buffalo, zebras and giraffes to name the big ones, it is a place to spot the coveted Big Five. As a place of varied wildlife, the packs of wild dogs and the herds of sable are amongst the more uncommon animals that you can spot on each game drive. Awarded one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, it is clear why this lodge is known as ‘the beloved one’. Experience the magic and romance of the safari for yourself!