Africa's Finest
These lodges, safari camps and boutique hotels are among the top 50 properties that have been submitted to rigorous auditing and analysis and then chosen as Africa’s best sustainable tourism operators.
They have made the list for their far-reaching efforts towards ecotourism in Africa. This includes blending in with the surroundings, leaving a low carbon footprint, disposing of waste in an environmentally friendly manner, low-impact on species habitation, and a balanced socio-economic partnership with staff and locals.
In conservation circles you get the ‘doers’ and the ‘talkers’. While many camps or safari operations are quick to slap ‘green’ onto their homepage, the properties in this group have actually taken the initiative and have been seriously audited. These are Africa’s Finest!
Nyungwe Forest Lodge sits on a working tea plantation on the edge of Nyungwe National Park, in south-western Rwanda. The lodge blends seamlessly into the fringes of the Nyungwe Forest, the largest in Africa. The forest is home to 13 different types of primates, making up 20% of all the apes on the continent - including black and white Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees. From it’s unique location, Nyungwe Forest Lodge offers a wealth of game-viewing opportunities, rich cultural experiences and comfort throughout your stay. There are 6 wooden villas, built on stilts which blend inconspicuously into the lush vegetation which surrounds the property. Read More
Sindabezi Island offers a secluded option for the discerning safari traveller, 20km from the attractions of Victoria Falls. Located midstream of the mighty Zambezi River, on the cloistered Sindabezi Island, the camp presents just 5 open-sided reed and thatch chalets, including an intimate honeymoon suite. Sindabezi Island is totally off the grid, with ambient lighting and piping hot water provided by state-of-the-art solar installations; even the flush toilets are carefully managed by a custom wastewater recycling system. Read More
At Delta Camp guests are invited to be at one with nature, without foregoing those little luxuries that safari travellers today are accustomed to, like five-star dining and excellent wines. Concealed in the shimmering core of the ever-changing Okavango Delta, on the south western edge of famous Chief’s Island, close to the perimeter of Moremi Game Reserve, Delta Camp is the ultimate retreat for those who wish to immerse themselves in the African safari experience. Read More
Perched high on top of a dune plateau, overlooking the panoramic vistas of the NamibRand Game Reserve in all directions, this lodge is an extra special and memorable location. Built out of wood and canvas, the blinds open up to the most beautiful 360-degree vista of the endless desert surrounds. The lodge reflects the ambiance of the tented camp, but is different in that it provides a level of comfort and protection that only a permanent structure can provide. Read More
Nkwichi is set on a beautiful beach on the Mocambican side of Lake Malawi and it's seclusion is such that there are no roads within 10 miles of the lodge – ensuring the kind of romantic remoteness that discerning travellers expect. It was built and designed to seamlessly blend in with the surrounding scenery – as well as the Manda Game Reserve, which surrounds the lodge – adding to the sheer African appeal of this bespoke destination. Nkwichi is the perfect hideaway on just about every level, and this property is enveloped by sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. Read More
The ultimate in 'glamping' and therefore taking camping to a whole new level of sophistication, Wolwedans Dune Camp boasts luxury tents perched on the edge of a dramatic 250m high dune. Located in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, just south of spectacular Sossusvlei, this is the ideal getaway for adventurous travellers wanting a top class experience. Meanwhile viewing decks are perfectly positioned to make the most of the wonderful open space around. Read More
Ideally situated halfway between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and majestic Lake Manyara, Gibbs Farm is the perfect base from which to enjoy Tanzania's most exciting wildlife opportunities in the Ngorongoro Crater. The picturesque colonial farmhouse accommodation encircled by magnificent forests and overlooking large plantations offers visitors haven of seclusion from which to explore the many attractions Tanzania has on offer. Read More
For a ruggedly exclusive and luxurious camping experience, Wolwedans Boulders Camp is a must for discerning travelers wanting to experience the real Namibia. Forming part of the Wolwedans Collection, the camp is in the deep south of the NamibRand Nature Reserve on a farm called Aandster (Evening Star). This evocative name is an indication of the magic that awaits visitors to this secluded spot. Read More
Desert Rhino Camp blends into its semi-desert environment in Namibia’s vast 5 000km² Palmwag concession, located between Etosha National Park and the skeleton coast. This camp is also home to Africa’s largest population of black rhino, found outside of a national park. Operated in close conjunction with the local community and the Save The Rhino Trust, this reserve has the core aim of preserving the desert-adapted black rhino, and is one of only two places on earth where you may get to see these rare creatures. Here you will find just 8 luxury safari tents, assuring you of exclusive wildlife experiences in the heart of the Namibian wilderness. Read More
About 12 kilometres upstream from the Victoria Falls, and in the heart of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park lies Wilderness Safaris' Toka Leya Camp. Named after the local Toka Leya people, who have inhabited this area for centuries, this Victoria Falls camp is a celebration of natural elements combined with modern touches - and sighting of white rhino on the lodge's extensive guided game drives is one of the most amazing experiences you can have in Africa. Read More