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Whether a well-furnished suite or tent Africa’s upmarket lodges certainly don’t skimp on the exclusive touches, but ‘luxury’ has its own unique meaning in the African bush, says Emily Bamber
N
o matter how impressive their budget, your clients are unlikely to fi nd marble bathrooms or gold taps out in the bush.
Their in-room technology may consist of a hurricane lamp and a walkie-talkie, and their dwelling constructed from canvas, sustainable timber or even mud. But Africa’s top lodges provide the ultimate luxuries of all – total immersion in its breathtaking landscapes and exclusive encounters with its storybook animals. Africa’s best lodges are often found in some of its most beautiful locations – on the banks of a river or watering hole, for example, at the foot of a mountain or on the edge of an escarpment. Accommodation tends to be in individual
cottage-style suites or luxury tents, which can have private viewing platforms, open fi res, heavy wood furniture, sumptuous bathrooms and even their own plunge pools. And, of course, a team of butlers, waiters, chefs and guides is on hand to attend to a guest’s every need. “Luxury African lodges hark back to a bygone era when service was second to
none and attention to detail was key,” says Nick Wilson, Destination Manager for Hayes and Jarvis. “Coupled with wildlife viewing of the highest standard, with highly qualifi ed rangers and guides, it makes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” The day usually starts before dawn, when animal movement is at its highest, with an excursion in a comfortable open-topped vehicle furnished with blankets, drinks and snacks. Many lodges also offer safaris on foot, on horseback, by light aircraft or hot air balloon. After lunch many customers relax in their rooms, swim in the pool or, increasingly, enjoy a massage in the spa before another excursion at dusk. As well as being pampered, many safari- goers are keen to have ‘wild’ experiences that get them as close to nature as possible. John Parker, Product Manager for Premier Holidays said: “There has been a big move towards luxury tented accommodation in recent years, as lodges seek to offer a more authentic experience for clients.” To this end, many existing lodges are building
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exclusive satellite tented camps in remote outposts. Others, such as Sanctuary Bains’ Camp in Botswana, brochured by Somak, will set up beds in the bush so customers can sleep under the stars. And at Lion Sands Game Reserve in South Africa, offered by Travel 2, adventure- seekers can spend a night in a treehouse. So how does the luxury offering differ between African countries? Ash Sofat, CEO of Somak Holidays, said: “In Southern Africa, particularly Botswana and South Africa, lodges are small and
“If clients are looking to stay in a five-star luxury lodge on a smaller budget we recommend they travel during the lower seasons. The game experience
will still be superb” JOHN PARKER, PRODUCT MANAGER, PREMIER HOLIDAYS
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