South Africa Accommodations
Accommodation in Southern Africa is as diverse as the landscape. You will always have an abundance of choice to match your needs and your budget. Establishments include private safari game reserve lodges, fine Cape Dutch historic country houses, boutique city hotels, self-contained villas and apartments, charming guest houses, and select bed and breakfasts in private homes. Warm hospitality, great comfort and service await you throughout Southern Africa.
Roar Africa carefully selects properties for our portfolio. Many of them are family-owned lodges and hidden gems. All of them pay special attention to detail and service. We’ll advise you on which choices will suit your tastes and pocket.
Here are a few samples from Roar Africa’s portfolio:
On Safari:
Most lodges offer exceptional comfort, service and a range of creatively designed accommodation. A rustic safari experience might include thatched chalets without electricity and with lantern lighting. For the ultimate luxury safari, exquisite furnished suites include private open-air showers, fireplaces, private swimming pools and outdoor leisure decks over-looking a watering hole. Whatever you choose you can be certain of experiencing exquisite luxury, rare solitude and perfect tranquility.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge: Lion Sands Ivory Lodge was awarded third best hotel in the world by Tatler Magazine in 2006. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is ultra luxurious, yet simple and uncluttered. The lodge is about exclusivity and complete privacy, where each suite is operated as a private villa. Neither word nor photograph can capture the sense of beauty which is breathed in when opening the carved wooden doors leading into this private recluse – arguably the world’s finest suite. The Lodge comprises six generously sized privately situated villas, each with a separate living room, heated swimming pool and an open plan en-suite bathroom with an enclosure for the outdoor shower – 6-star luxury in the middle of the bush. Breathtaking views of the Sabie River through your oversized windows or from your private viewing terrace. Baby elephants bathing in the river, zebra, gnu and the large Nile crocodile are the only neighbors you shall see.
Lion Sands River Lodge: River Lodge is the soul of Lion Sands. It has been built on the banks of the Sabie River, positioned on a site with trees dating back 800 years. Facing due east, the lodge catches the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park. Hosted by a family of staff that make it feel like home away from home, the lodge is about spirit, warmth and nature. Here you are invited to relax and experience African hospitality at its finest. The rooms at River Lodge offer respite and protection from the Lowveld heat. The interior is a tranquil cream and beige haven, cool in the summer, cosy in the winter. The bathroom, with its tranquil look and pebble-inlaid floors complements the bushveld. There are 18 luxurious thatched bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor & inside showers & wooden viewing decks. The bedroom area is air-conditioned with an overhead fan and the rooms are linked to all areas by raised wooden walkways.
1933 at Lion Sands: 1933 at Lion Sands is the family homestead which has been converted into a private safari lodge. It is an exclusive camp on the banks of the Sabie River and consists of four beautiful private suites and a children’s dormitory. In true form nothing has been overlooked. There is even a room for an Au Pair. The main lodge is designed to blend into the environment, with large windows and sliding doors, and a muted colour scheme. You’ll find yourself living both inside and out enjoying the views and game viewing directly from your suite, the private wrap around balcony, or from the 13.5m lap pool. Timber and thatch add charm and the kitchen opens onto a dining area that’s equally suited to informal family meals or formal dinners. This is the perfect private camp for a family or group desiring an exceptional experience and luxurious home away from home.
See also our blog Roar Africa Tails for a post on this Lodge.
Pondoro Lodge: Pondoro is a hidden gem offering luxurious accommodation and excellent value. Set on the cool river banks of the Olifants River in the 40 000 ha exclusive Balule Private Game Reserve inside the greater Kruger National Park, Pondoro offers its visitors comfort, sophistication, elegance and a canvas on which to create a truly unforgettable African safari. In this small, very exclusive 12-bedroomed lodge you will discover the only way to experience the African bush. In addition to luxurious accommodation and the caring attention from trained professionals, visitors are lavished upon with international fare and humble African hospitality.
Singita: Singita offers discerning South African Safari guests an unrivalled wilderness experience on an exclusive 15,000-hectare concession on the remote eastern boundary of the Kruger National Park. Singita Lebombo Lodge's pristine and remote location offers the gift of splendid isolation, yet with every luxury imaginable. Poised over one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes, the design of the glass-walled suites at Lebombo Lodge was inspired by the nests of wild eagles that view the world from heightened perspectives.
Singita has four other lodges in the Greater Kruger National Park area: Singita Sweni Lodge which is also in the Kruger Concession, Singita Boulders Lodge, Singita Ebony Lodge and Singita Castleton Camp which are in the Sabi Sands Private Reserve. Singita Pamushana Lodge is in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe. Three other Singita Lodges are in Tanzania. For more information on Singita see also this more comprehensive post on our blog Roar Africa Tails.
Londolozi: Londolozi, the Zulu word meaning «protector of living things», has been acclaimed by former President Nelson Mandela as “the model of the dream I cherish for the future of nature preservation in our country”. For 80 years, the Varty family have welcomed guests to experience Africa’s most magnifical safari and wildlife reservation while offering luxury, personalised family service and superb cuisine. Londolozi consists of a number of camps each with it’s own style.
Tree Camp: This is a place of connoisseurship, leopards, orchids, lanterns and Leadwood. Guests recline in the evening on the sunset decks, champagne in hand as they survey the distant koppies. Pioneer Camp: Where over eighty years ago the Varty ancestors arrived after three days of hard travel by rail, wagon and on foot, and pitched their tents in the falling light. The interior conjures old English indulgence with an African twist. The colonial influences are evident in the elegant cream interiors, silver teapots at high tea and Portmeirion crockery. Granite Private Suites: Bold, inspiring materials mirror the extrusion of granite rocks that flank the camp while conveying the raw essence of Africa. A palette of silver, charcoal and elephant grey, in a range of sumptuous materials, creates an elegant and contemporary setting in each expansive suite. Varty Camp: All room sanctuaries have private swimming pools framed by timber decks, overlooking the riverbank. The living spaces are raised off the ground and shaded under a cathedral of trees. Founders Camp: Enchanting and intimate, Founder's Camp is ideally situated to provide an insider's view on the secrets of river life. Seven idyllic sanctuaries repose in the shade of ancient Ebony and Matumi trees along the banks of the Sand River.
Tanda Tula: At Tanda Tula, emphasis is placed on the overall quality BUSH experience including the “Big Five”. Tanda Tula is for the up market experienced traveler who prefers subtle luxury in authentic African style versus a commercialized venue. A gentle relaxed atmosphere in 10 Luxury appointed East African styled tents, features include: game drives (2 daily), bush walks, early morning tea, coffee & rusks served in your tent, breakfast served in the bush, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, dinner either in the boma, on the deck or bush braai. Facilities include thatched bar / lounge overlooking swimming pool, and waterhole.
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Around Cape Town:
Kensington Place: “This is the perfect small city hotel." - TATLER magazine. Kensington Place is on the slopes of Table Mountain. The city, its harbor and the surrounding mountains are all visible from each private terrace. Lush, quiet gardens and an intimate pool surround the property. The interiors have an unmistakable contemporary feel with eclectic African touches throughout.
The Cape Cadogan Hotel: The Cape Cadogan. This boutique hotel is well known for its comfortable, luxurious atmosphere. The reception areas are individually decorated and designed for comfort and tranquility. It is themed on the Irish literary figure Oscar Wilde who was renowned for his bohemian lifestyle throughout Europe and New York during the latter part of the 19th century.
O on Kloof: Nominated one of the top 101 hotels in the world by TATLER Magazine 2008. An exclusive oasis of tranquility amidst bustling city life graced by an ocean view. Eight stylish and innovative rooms with air conditioning, bar fridges, Dolby surround systems plus all the usual creature comforts, set the trend for an unforgettable stay. O On Kloof guests can retreat to the sundeck or enjoy a leisurely swim in the heated indoor pool with a fully equipped gymnasium. Enjoy decadent breakfasts, al fresco on the patio, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Light lunch menu and dinner available. Within walking distance of the O on Kloof hotel are Clifton and Camps Bay beaches, shops and fine restaurants.
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The Winelands:
La Residence: La Residence is a Tuscan-influenced Cape Dutch Farmhouse with more than a hint of Louis XV. The product of a union between an interior designer and an art historian, this small hotel is a wickedly garish montage of exposed roof beams, Tuscan arches and loggias, dazzling period pieces and Victorian art deco. If the opulent glam-rock house doesn’t bowl you over, the setting might: on the edge of a private dam in the Franschhoek valley, surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Accommodation at La Residence is nothing short of regal. The 11 suites are so big you could fly a glider in them, the four-posters are lost in the centre and the bathrooms dwarf mid-sized hotel rooms. The double-volume living area is a rich contrast to the simple beauty framed by each picture window.
Klein Genot: Set in the breath-taking Franschhoek valley, Klein Genot is all about enjoying the good life. Nothing beats an afternoon spent lazing in a hammock enjoying the spectacular surrounds, but be sure not to miss the decadent traditional afternoon tea. Organic principles are paramount at Klein Genot. With just over twenty hectares of red varietal vineyards producing world-renowned Franschhoek wine, Klein Genot is a wine lover’s paradise. One-on-one tastings from the 5000-bottle strong cellar will leave a new respect for South African and Franschhoek wines. The luxury of this choice of Franschhoek accommodation lies in the details in each individually decorated suite at Klein Genot with original artworks and hand quilted French linen creating a tranquil and welcoming sanctuary. There is also a world class spa onsite.
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Victoria Falls:
Tongabezi: Luxurious Tongabezi Lodge, situated on a private estate on the banks of the Zambezi River is just 15kms upstream from Victoria Falls. Tongabezi accommodates 18 guests and boasts five luxury cottages and four spacious, open-plan stone and thatch houses. The rooms are comfortably furnished and each is unique in design. All rooms have magnificent views across the Zambezi River, en-suite bathrooms and its own valet. The central lounge, bar and dining room are under thatch and there is a swimming pool which has been landscaped into the rock face. Meals are served in the large dining room or on the deck overlooking the river.
Thorntree River Lodge: Thorntree River Lodge features breathtaking scenery with river views and sightings of a variety of animals on the Zambezi River. Guests are accommodated in nine luxurious suites, all with private decks overlooking the river. Your safari experience at ‘the home of the elephants’ can include on site river activities as well as elephant back safaris along the banks of the Zambezi River. Thorntree’s close proximity to Victoria Falls, means that a visit to see ‘the smoke that thunders’ is a must for every guest staying at the lodge.
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Mozambique:
Londo Lodge: Experience breathtaking sunset views over the Pemba bay area, delicious seafood, superb diving, immaculate service and true romance at the exclusive beach and bush resort of Londo Lodge. Set on a peninsula surrounded by blue Indian Ocean waters and East Africa's finest beaches, the private boutique resort of Londo Lodge is hidden amidst lush virgin African baobab bush and abundant coral reefs. An amazing combination of modern luxury with traditional building, the lodge has only six luxury villas to guarantee full exclusivity and privacy. Each ocean-view villa is built on a seven metre-high cliff overlooking the majestic Pemba bay, and is octagon shaped, with outside teak decking, louvered three metre wide doors, and traditional bamboo and thatch roofing.
Pestana Bazaruto: Pestana Bazaruto Lodge Island Resort is in 26 rustic A-frame thatch chalets nestling among the forested sand dunes at the north point of Bazaruto Island, approximately 800 km to the north of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Bazaruto archipelago, “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean” was declared a National Park in 2000 and sustains a diverse range of fauna and flora including forest, savannah and wetland ecosystems. All chalets are en-suite and equipped with ceiling fans and mosquito nets. The Lodge restaurant caters to the enthusiastic appetite of guests with a variety of delicious fresh seafood served daily.
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