South Africa
We are particularly happy to partner with South Africa-based luxury safari provider, Singita, reflecting the history and culture of the native population. In terms of high-touch adventure travel, we consider Singita to the South African version of South America-based Explora lodge with the amenities of an AMAN property! As a contrast to bustling Cape Town, a six-night safari combination of Singita’s Ebony and Lebombo Lodges offers unique wildlife drives and experiences in South Africa’s largely untouched and wild areas of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. The combination of bush, river, and tree covered lands offers the opportunity to see several different species of animals, in particular, the high concentration of big cats. Locally based, Singita offers the highest of luxury standards and devotion to preservation and conservation of the land and animals as well as important community outreach. Singita’s private concessions and superbly knowledgeable guides make for a perfect, high-touch, South African family safari.
Singita Boulders Lodge
In 1925, Luke Bailes’ grandfather purchased a piece of land in what would later become the Sabi Sand Reserve in South Africa. In 1993, Luke (the founder of Singita) opened the Singita Ebony Lodge, transforming the 30,000 acres of land from a hunting concession to an exclusive conservation reserve. Since then, Singita (meaning “Place of Miracles”) has opened 15 lodges across five regions of Africa, each one devoted to the conservation and protection of the land and animals; the enrichment and betterment of the local communities; and, of course, superb guides, wildlife encounters, and luxurious amenities. Consisting of eight one-bedroom River Suites, two one-bedroom Bush Suites, and two two-bedroom Family Suites, Singita Boulders Lodge is located on the boulders-strewn banks of the Sand River. Each suite features an en suite bathroom, private sitting room, and a wildlife-viewing deck with a private plunge pool. You will find very few walls here, having been replaced with canvas and glass for an immersive safari experience with maximized views of the Sand River. The décor blends rustic, handmade furnishings made from fossilized tree stumps, slabs of solid stone, wrought iron, and leather balanced with the soft sheep-skin rugs, natural flax bed linen, and cotton towels. Amenities here include and main lodge swimming pool, spa, and fitness center; great food; and a fantastic wine selection from the lodge’s Premier Wine Boutique. Please note, Wi-Fi is available, but spotty, and though the suites do not have televisions, there is one in the library at the main lodge. Please note, children above the age of 10 are welcome at Boulders!
Singita Ebony Lodge
In 1993, Luke (the founder of Singita) opened the Singita Ebony Lodge, transforming the 30,000 acres of land from a hunting concession to an exclusive conservation reserve. Consisting of 12 tented suites, each with its own private plunge pool, you will find very few walls here, having been replaced with canvas and glass for an immersive safari experience with maximized views of the Sand River and the enormous trees encasing the camp. Amenities here include and lain lodge swimming pool, spa and fitness center, great food, and a fantastic wine selection. Please note, WiFi is available, but spotty, and though the suites do not have televisions, there is one in the library at the main lodge. Please note, children of all ages are welcome at Ebony!
Singita Lebombo Lodge
Located in the Kruger National Park and bordering Mozambique, Singita Lebombo Lodge is a beautiful combination of contemporary and sculptural African design surrounded by the untamed nature of the Kruger National Park. With 13 one-bedroom suites, two two-bedroom suites, and one four-bedroom villa, each suite features an elevated viewing deck set on the rocky ledges overlooking the N’wanetsi River and the rolling Lebombo hills as a backdrop. The entire lodge and surrounding euphorbia trees encourage a calm and meditative state and Singita’s exclusive concession is richly diverse and teeming with wildlife. Other highlights here include a library, roof terrace, wine studio, a spa and fitness center, a lap pool, and an interactive kitchen. WiFi is available, though spotty, and there is a television in the main lodge. Please note, children of all ages are welcome at Lebombo!
Cape Town
We consider Cape Town to be the most picturesque city in all of Africa, due to its ability to combine astonishing physical beauty and an eclectic 21st-century urban lifestyle. In addition to being one of the globe’s great “foodie” cities, Cape Town provides an interesting mix of Victorian, Georgian, and Cape Dutch architecture. The many scenic hiking and wildlife opportunities here include Table Mountain, Lion’s Head Peak, Robben Island, the penguins at Boulder Beach, and a Franschhoek Winelands full-day excursion!
Ellerman House
This is our new favorite luxury city property in all of Africa! With stunning views overlooking affluent Bantry Bay (20-minute drive to Cape Town waterfront), Ellerman was once the home of a shipping magnate and later transformed into a magnificent 13 room/suite hotel. We particularly like the 3-5 bedroom private villas. Ideal for families, these villas come with a private pool, chef, and wine tastings. Outstanding dining, spa facilities, gym, heated fresh water pool are among the property’s 5-star amenities. Ellerman’s setting and unique accommodations remind us of the iconic Hotel du Cap in Antibes, France, not bad company! Many thanks for referring this beautiful property to us, Kabelo!
Mont Rochelle
Located in South Africa’s winelands, this estate occupies about 100 acres including vineyards and picturesque landscapes. The property has 26 rooms (including 6 suites) and features beautiful gardens, tennis courts, a pool, spa, and fitness center. There are two onsite dining options, including Miko which specializes in international dishes with a South African accent and Country Kitchen, a more casual dining experience. The estate was purchased by Sir Richard Branson in 2014 and underwent refurbishment before welcoming guests in September of that year. Randy & Bev stopped here on their recent trip to Cape Town and were very impressed with the picturesque landscape as well as the top-notch service.
Le Quartier Français Hotel
Our friends in Cape Town really love this place. Le Quartier will give you a quiet, luxurious contrast to the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. With only seventeen total rooms (all suites) and located in Franschhoek, the gourmet capital of South Africa, we have no doubt you will enjoy your stay here. This is a bucolic, beautiful setting. Golf courses and other sporting facilities are close by and the area has an abundance of vineyards, wine cellars, galleries, and country shops — not to mention exquisite forests and valleys. The hotel will gladly pack a superb picnic basket should you wish to make a day of exploring the area.
