PT Picks: Best Safari Lodges in South Africa

Premier Traveler’s September Issue Continues to Receive Roaring Reviews

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2015 / If you haven’t taken that adventure trip of a lifetime this issue may change your mind.

Kristy Alpert treks through and survives Aussies top end, avoiding the snakebites and roaming crocodile attacks described by guidebooks. It wasn’t until dining on a lavish gourmet feast beneath the stars at the base of Ayers Rock that she found the only one plotting her death was author Greg Rudd, who was there researching characters and destinations for the next book in his gruesome Two Heart Conspiracy series. After graciously requesting permission to make her a character in the upcoming novel, he proceeded to kill her off!

Next time your partner shows you a brochure of tranquil surroundings, five star accommodations and mouthwatering food, be sure to read the fine print: Ariston Anderson takes us along on the latest trend for fitness that trades a Mai Tai for boxing gloves. Workouts can range from a relaxing yoga retreat to an all-out boot camp, so Ariston suggests a hiking vacation as the happy medium. While a four-to-five hour hike is not for the faint-hearted, you can decide how far to push yourself knowing that hot baths, cooking classes, spa treatments, workshops and no shortage of in room massages await on your return.

Adventure follows Bill Kizorek at every turn as he completes his seven-day trip around the world. You won’t believe what you read or what he gets himself into: Don’t wait for the movie.

Features Editor Janet Forman finds true adventure laced with history in Morocco, where she easily burns calories from that country’s celebrated cuisine on a trek through fabled movie locations. She treads the same desert where Lawrence of Arabia and Jewel of the Nile were filmed, is emotionally transformed by the spot where Martin Scorsese shot The Last Temptation of Christ, and feels a chill of recognition upon seeing the locations for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, American Sniper and Game of Thrones.

Forman and her husband, the cinematographer Tom Houghton, took another filmmaker’s odyssey to the beach in Crete where the legendary dance scenes of Zorba the Greek were filmed. They came to this ravishing patch of shoreline with its molten red sunsets to visit Houghton’s mentor, Englishman Walter Lassally, who won an Oscar for his groundbreaking camerawork on Zorba. He returned here to live after four decades circling the globe to shoot film, confiding: “I still think this is the most beautiful spot on earth.”

PT PICKS: BEST SAFARI LODGES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Whether you’re wild about South Africa or are just now heeding the call, Adam Rodriguez and Jake Porter can’t get enough. The country’s luxury safaris offer animal enthusiasts a chance to view big game while enjoying all the creature comforts available at some of the most exclusive properties.

Royal Malewane/Africa House

The incredible staff, the most qualified rangers and over-the-top accommodations assure that every visitor’s stay will be perfect. There are never more than 20 guests checked into the six suites and two private suites (each sleep four) where monkeys, antelopes and elephants come right up to the rooms. Unwind between the two daily game drives with a visit to the spa, a cool dip in the lap pool, a workout in the gym, or a browse through the library and curio shop. A dining area and lounge overlook the waterhole for mealtime wildlife viewing.

Just a few minutes drive from the main lodge; Africa House can accommodate families and groups of up to 12. The six-bed, six-bath luxury hideaway comes complete with a private chef/ butler/ranger and its own wine cellar. Guests can mingle with others at the main lodge or maintain privacy during their visit. In addition, everything from helicopter flights and hot air balloon rides to horseback riding and a canyon cruise can be arranged.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge

The extremely attentive staff makes guests feel welcome and at home at this five star safari lodge, located on the Manyeleti Private Game Reserve, which shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park. Our knowledgeable ranger cooked breakfast in the bush with a portable grill, complete with champagne. When we weren’t on amazing game drives or bush walks, we relaxed on our deck or in the plunge pool, viewing wildlife at the waterhole beyond. The main lodge contains a library of rare books, a wine cellar, formal dining area and spa.

Londolozi

When it comes to luxury safaris in South Africa, Londolozi, on the Sabi Sand private game reserve often comes to mind. One of the finest gaming lodges in the country and the first to be granted Relais & Chateau status, Londolozi accords guests top notch cuisine and the very best in game viewing. Though elephant, buffalo, rhino and lion are plentiful here, leopards take center stage. In between game drives we were wonderfully ensconced in the Pioneer Camp, newly renovated in 2010 and one of five lodges on property. Three private suites with Victorian bathrooms can be linked by glass sky walkways. Service is exemplary: We only had to mention a craving in passing and the attentive staff managed to surprise us at every turn.

Singita/Lebombo

One of 12 lodges and camps in the Singita collection, Lebombo Lodge is situated on Singita’s private concession in Kruger National Park, near South Africa’s border with Mozambique. Fifteen contemporary loft-style suites overlook the N’wanetsi River. When not on game drives we enjoyed nightly wine tastings selected by an incredible sommelier from an expansive collection. A swimming pool, spa and gym, large boutique and gallery keep guests occupied on property. Activities include guided safari walks, mountain biking, stargazing safaris, archery, and a visit to the Singita School of Cooking.

Ulusaba

Owned by Sir Richard Branson in the Sabi Sand Reserve, Mpumalanga province of South Africa, Ulusaba has three lodges: Rock Lodge has the best view in the Sabi Sand and within Rock Lodge is Cliff Lodge, which is a luxuriously private two bedroom suite. Both lodges are recommended for families. Located 500 meters away is the Safari Lodge, which is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed. Guests will sense adventure as they cross the swing bridges between the tree house rooms. Ulusaba allows you to experience culture and a superb safari experience.

Camp Jabulani

This Relais & Chateau property is known for its herd of trained elephants that were rescued by the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Guests can visit the center and experience the animals on daily elephant-back safaris; the only nighttime elephant-back safari in the world. When not interacting with elephants and viewing other species including lion, leopard, rhinoceros, giraffe and impala, guests can unwind in the open-air spa or fitness area, on the expansive wooden deck or in the lounge, or retreat to the privacy of a plunge pool. Camp Jabulani has six luxury suites for up to 12 guests.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

This is the oldest of South Africa’s private reserves and the origin of wildlife tourism in South Africa. Located in a private concession within Kruger National Park, here safaris can venture off main roads so guests can see wildlife in its natural habitat for extended periods. We stayed at the Ivory Lodge, in one of six luxury suites with a courtyard leading to the living room. With a rim flow pool, wooden deck and private lounge, each suite overlooks the banks of the Sabie River. For a truly unique experience, spend a night in a tree house perched high above the ground, enjoying a picnic dinner and sleeping beneath the stars.

Tswalu Private Game Reserve

At Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa’s biggest private game reserve, guests experience a unique environment in the southern Kalahari combining the rolling savannah landscape with the Korranaberg Mountains. Here blackmaned lions, black rhino, giraffe and cheetah can be seen, along with rare pangolin, aardvark and African dogs; even a habituated meerkat colony. When not viewing the wildlife, guests can enjoy boma feasts, bush dinners, wine tastings, champagne breakfasts and dune picnics. Suites in The Motse or Tarkuni afford the ultimate in luxury, and guests can spend at least one night sleeping beneath the stars on the Malori Sleep-Out Deck. The Tswalu Spa and spa garden provide a unique place for pampering indulgence.

Madikwe Kopano Safari Lodge

The Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the largest in South Africa, located along the Botswana border. The reserve is perfect for families or large groups, with three distinct lodges: The Lelapa, Dithaba and Kopano Lodge that has four suites with private plunge pools and a common area. Guests can enjoy twice daily game drives, bush walks, astronomy, wildlife lectures, bush breakfasts, dinners and picnic lunches. Children’s activities are also available. Our surprise lunch in the bush came complete with chefs and a bar. Six people cooking and serving the two of us in the middle of nowhere was the ultimate in luxury!

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

The Big Five, cheetah, wild dog and 200 other animal species call this part of Kruger National Park home. Four unique all-suite lodges embody the character of “Yesterday”, “Today”, and “Tomorrow”. We stayed at the Earth Lodge, and in between the twice daily game drives we enjoyed the indoor/outdoor dining area overlooking a waterhole, the library, art gallery, meditation garden, underground wine cellar, spa and gym. Animals came right up to the main lodge and rooms as if to greet us, and the facilities and amenities made it difficult to leave.

Media Contact:

Julia Rodriguez
JARP Publishing LLC
917-551-6623
juliar@jarppubs.com

SOURCE: Premier Traveler

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