Safari Villas Welcome to a world where nature is still all-pervasive, powerful, humbling. Safari means ‘journey’, and that is exactly what it is: a thrilling voyage that will leave you awed by the fundamental values of the wilderness—its timeless beauty and ceaseless cycles, indifferent to the presence of man. A reprieve from the constant assault of technology, the safari experience will leave you physically, mentally and spiritually refreshed. And what better than to share it with friends and family in your very own private bush home. Renowned for the beauty of its game-rich reserves, we bring you a selection of the most secluded, most romantic Safari Villas on the continent.
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“Y
1933 Lodge ou have to know your
doors create a seamless connection
roots in order to find
with the romantic bushveld setting.
your wings.” This was
The look is classic-contemporary;
a favoured adage of Guy Aubrey
the feel weathered and natural, with
Chalkley, who purchased this pris-
muted tones and textures to blend
tine tract of bush back in 1933. With
with the bush surrounds. It’s sophis-
his prescient gift Chalkley, great-
ticated, ideal for the globetrotter
grandfather of the current owners,
used to luxury, yet a great destination
both rooted his descendents and gave
for kids, with a specially-designed
their imagination flight—used to ad-
children’s area with an interleading
mirable effect in the design of their
room for the au-pair. After all, 1933
unpretentious family bush home.
was designed by an African family
Located on a prime spot (where
that has been at home in this
Chalkley liked to sit and write), on
unspoilt wilderness for almost a
the shaded banks of the Sabie River,
century, and knows how to commune
large glass windows and sliding
and live in perfect harmony with it.
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AT A GLANCE LOCATION: Lion Sands Private Reserve, Sabi Sands, Greater Kruger.
There is a private boma area, as well as a gymnasium, sauna and well-stocked wine cellar.
SLEEPS: 8 adults in 4 doubles and up to 8 children (plus au pair) in kid’s room.
SERVICES: Guests can create their own menu, prepared by their private chef, as well as their own itinerary, with game drives undertaken in their own open-topped vehicle with private game guide – morning and evening game drives or bush walks are part of your daily programme. These services are included in the rate, as are all local beverages and house wines, laundry and Skukuza airport transfers (25 minutes away).
LIVING SPACES: The lounge opens onto a large, wraparound wooden deck and lap-size swimming pool. An equally natural gathering place is the kitchen, which opens onto a dining area that’s equally suited to informal family meals or a banquet DſDLU DQG OHDGV RQWR WKH ZRRGHQ deck. The lodge also has a comfortable library/TV lounge with internet connectivity. BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: All four spacious suites enjoy private river views; one adjoins the main living area while the other three are separate units linked with raised wooden walkways. Bathrooms are equally inviting, with elegant tubs and outdoor showers. All rooms have A/C and stocked minibars (included in rate). OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: The timber deck, with various seating areas, and lap-size swimming pool overlook the perennial Sabie River.
NEIGHBOURHOOD: Lion Sands 1933 is located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, renowned for its great game viewing and the habituation of its wildlife, allowing for closeup animal encounters. Sabi Sands forms part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a vast unfenced area of wildlands incorporating the famous Kruger National Park. The location of Lion Sands, overlooking the perennial Sabie River, provides exceptional game viewing, particularly in dryer months (May-Sept) when animals are drawn to the river to slake their thirst.
The home was designed by an African family who has been at home in the bush for almost a century.
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P
Ulusaba Cliff Lodge redictably, Richard Branson’s private African suite
losing out on urban pleasures. Accessed via a raised wooden
is not your traditional Safari Villa. Built into a steep
walkway from nearby Rock Lodge, Cliff Lodge is private
rock face that towers above a huge game-rich plain,
enough for special occasions although guests may choose
Cliff Lodge has views that will take your breath away, but
at any time to join those at the main camp, where activi-
facilities that will make you feel right at home: from the
ties as diverse as helicopter flips and stargazing in the bush
maxi bar to the mini Aroma Boma spa, the outdoor BBQ to
observatory are on offer, and the atmosphere is often as
the flat-screen TVs and Nintendo Wii, this is really for those
exuberant as the billionaire who built this lodge to celebrate
who want to experience the beauty of the bush, without
his abiding love for the African bush.
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AT A GLANCE LOCATION: Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand, Greater Kruger. SLEEPS: 5 adults (2 doubles plus a single) or 4 adults and up to 6 children.
The atmosphere is often as exuberant as the billionaire who built this exclusive lodge to celebrate his abiding love for the African bush.
LIVING SPACES: The main lounge/dining DUHDV RĹżHU SDQRUDPLF YLHZV DFURVV WKH savannah plain below and lead onto an outdoor deck and dining area where up to 10 people can have dinner; should you tire of staring at the unfolding drama below WKHUH LV D Ć€UHSODFH Ć DW VFUHHQ 79 '9' player and Nintendo Wii. The kitchen is separate to this area and accessed towards the back of the lounge through a door. The second lounge area (open plan to the second suite bedroom) also features a Ć€UHSODFH Ć DW VFUHHQ 79 DQG '9' %('5220 &21),*85$7,21 The two main bedrooms are very spacious with RSHQ SODQ VHDWLQJ DUHDV DQG NLQJ VL]H EHG Two children can be accommodated on VLQJOH SXOO RXW EHGV UHVSHFWLYHO\ %RWK HQ VXLWH EDWKURRPV DUH RSHQ SODQ ZLWK tubs built into a cove with windows opening RQWR WKH EXVK RĹżHULQJ VSHFWDFXODU YLHZV Showers are separate and feature more bush views. There are spacious dressing areas with separate WC. A small spiral staircase leads downstairs to a second bed room with daybed (for 1 adult or 2 children) DQG HQ VXLWH EDWKURRP ZLWK VHSDUDWH :& (shower only, no bath). This bedroom leads onto a lower deck with pool. 287'225 )$&,/,7,(6 &OLĹż /RGJH IHDWXUHV D GLQLQJ GHFN ZLWK EXLOW LQ %%4 WKDW OHDGV from the lounge and main bedroom. Below is another deck with gorgeous views, private swimming pool and direct access WR D PLQL J\P DQG WKH PLQL Ĺœ$URPD %RPDĹ? spa. The second suite opens onto its own SULYDWH YLHZLQJ GHFN ZLWK -DFX]]L *DPH drives; walking safaris; cultural, wildlife or scenic tours, including helicopter trips. Bush observatory. Tennis courts. SERVICES: )XOO ERDUG ZLWK H[FOXVLYH XVH of a private chef and private game drive vehicle as well as drinks (quality wines and champagne) included in rate. 1(,*+%285+22' Ulusaba is located in ZRUOG UHQRZQHG 6DEL 6DQG 2OGHVW RI WKH private reserves in South Africa, the Sabi Sand is a pristine wilderness area, home to a vast wildlife population that moves untrammeled between it and the Kruger, known as the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in Southern Africa.
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A
Pioneer & Granite sk any seasoned safari-hopper: sighting leopard
private bush school teacher—will turn the most urban
on your first-game drive is pure luck. Unless
kid into an ardent nature lover. For grown-ups only, the
of course you’re traversing the 14 000-hectare
romantic Granite Villa is the best in the Kruger arena:
Londolozi, the best place in Africa to see these otherwise
three beautiful suites that appear as a natural extension
shy, elusive cats. But Londolozi offers so much more
from the granite boulders that flank the Sand River, with
than superb wildlife viewing. A family-run affair, staff
private plunge pools that appear to be built into the
is of the warmest, most welcoming in Africa, with a pas-
boulders. The emphasis is on space, light and privacy
sion for the bush that is infectious. The accommodation
with large doors opening directly onto the river to
is also unparalleled: families looking for a relaxed yet
create a wonderful integration with nature—close
luxurious safari will feel totally at home in Pioneer Villa,
enough to hear the burbling river while lying in bed,
where the superb children’s programme—featuring a
dappled by the 500-year-old riverine forest.
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AT A GLANCE LOCATION: Londolozi Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands, Greater Kruger. SLEEPS: 6 (in 3 double rooms) respectively. LIVING SPACE: Pioneer exudes a very relaxed atmosphere, with colonial memorabilia, Portmeirion crockery and mismatched pieces conveying a sense of lived-in elegance. The more contemporary Granite Suites mirror the extrusion RI JUDQLWH URFNV WKDW Ć DQN WKH FDPS LQ D SDOHWWH RI VLOYHU charcoal and elephant grey. BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: $OO VXLWHV RĹżHU WKH KHLJKW RI OX[XU\ ZLWK JHQHURXV VSDFHV NLQJ VL]H EHGV Ć€UHSODFHV A/C, salas, indoor and outdoor showers, separate tubs and private heated plunge pools. Views from every angle. OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: In addition to the individual suite plunge pools, there is a main camp pool for family gatherings at Pioneer. Plenty of shaded outdoor seating and relaxation areas that make the most of the bush views in both Villas. SERVICES: A dedicated team to ensure your total comfort, including private ranger for morning and evening game drives in an open-topped vehicle, or bush walks with experienced trackers. Aside from meals and snacks, rates include all local beverages, house wines and beers, as well a daily yoga class, kids’ programme and laundry services.
Aside from being the best place on the continent to see leopards, this is a family-run affair, and staff is of the warmest, most welcoming in Africa.
NEIGHBOURHOOD: The 14000-hectare Londolozi is in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which in turn forms part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a vast unfenced area of wildlands incorporating the famous Kruger National Park. Renowned for the relaxed nature of the leopards, the Sabi Sands game reserve is also incredibly densely populated with lions, hyenas, rhino and ODUJH KHUGV RI HOHSKDQW DQG EXĹżDOR ,W LV LQ WKLV ULFK ZLOG wonderland that Pioneer and the Private Granite Suites reside, secluded amongst towering trees on the banks of the Sand River. Morning and evening game drives, bush walks and birdwatching are part of your daily programme.
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Afr ica House
A
frica House is unlike any other Safari Villa on
the continent. Magpie collector and owner Liz Biden is a supreme master at combining the quirky with the classy, the timeless with the unexpected, creating gorgeous interiors with so much interest and texture that most first-time visitors keep reaching for their camera to capture it all. It’s not just the skill with which she combines objects; her use of colour is also exceptional: gold and chocolate off set with watermelon pink; turquoise with pale lime; sage with olive. Best of all, it’s a dressed down kind of decadence that invites easy, informal, barefoot living. Located near the Timbavati area, part of the greater Kruger Park, game viewing is also excellent. Located a short drive away, ‘The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa’ is also regularly rated as one of the top in Africa. Food too is exceptional. Service of the best in the world. All in all, a pretty flawless experience. Which must be why so many of our celebrity clients choose to dock themselves here.
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AT A GLANCE LOCATION: Royal Malewane Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger. SLEEPS: 12 in 4 double rooms and 2 twin rooms (or 6 double rooms if you prefer). LIVING SPACE: Enter through huge iron-studded doors into the walled courtyard, where the tinkling of a fountain creates a cool and welcoming atmosphere. The lounge and dining room are large and open up to a covered deck with more seating and dining options. 7KH KLJK FHLOLQJHG VSDFH LV ƀOOHG with just enough clutter to render it cozy and intimate.
BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: Four of the large, comfortable suites feature four-poster king-size beds; two are twins. Spacious bathrooms with free-standing slipper baths, and indoor and outdoor showers. OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: Large deck with a pool and covered outdoor area on the deck. Private courtyard. SERVICES: Africa House is serviced by a dedicated team. Rates include private chef and all meals; private butler and all local beverages and house wines; own game ranger, tracker and vehicle, as well as incidentals such as laundry. John
Jackson, General Manager and Executive Chef, is both charming host and true perfectionist—you will want for nothing. RESERVE: Situated within the greater Kruger National Park, there is an abundance of game species found in this 13 000-ha private reserve, including the Big Five (black and white rhino), as well as more than 300 bird species. Game viewing is tailored to guests’ individual needs, either by open Land Rover or on foot. Royal Malewane is privileged to have the only surviving Master Tracker currently working in Southern Africa.
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Royal Madikwe
V
oted one of the top four
making Royal Madikwe an ideal
villas in the world by
destination for families. Villa
the World Luxury Hotel
staff then also actively welcome
Awards, Royal Madikwe has it all:
children, with a full-time nanny
exclusivity, privacy and luxury, in
to assist parents, child-friendly
the heart of one of the most game-
rooms, as well as a host of activities
rich reserves in Africa. Bordering
designed on arrival around the
Botswana, Madikwe Reserve has
specific interests of your chil-
the second-largest elephant popu-
dren. With five open-style luxury
lation in South Africa, and guests
suites, each privately located, and
are virtually assured of sighting
a choice of generous indoor and
the ‘Magnificent Seven’: in
outdoor living spaces, the Villa
addition to the Big 5, there is the
offers the ideal environment for
thrill of spotting cheetah and wild
families and groups of friends to
dog, Southern Africa’s most endan-
enjoy the magnificence of the
gered predator. The reserve has the
African bush, in the barefoot
added benefit of being malaria-free,
comfort of their own company.
AT A GLANCE ADDRESS: Madikwe Game Reserve, NorthWest, bordering Botswana. SLEEPS: 10 adults in 5 double rooms, and up to 6 children. LIVING SPACES: The main lodge is a vast open area comprising a lounge, bar and dining area and surrounded by a variety of decks and seating areas; all designed to provide total comfort while viewing the game that visits the waterhole. On the second level is a library and TV lounge. BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: Five privately located freestanding suites, each with own plunge pool. The Royal Suite has its own kitchen and dining area, TV lounge and library, and accommodation for two children in addition to two adults. There is a children’s wing in the main
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house (sleeps 4) plus accommodation for a nanny or au pair should you require. OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: There are numerous outdoor dining options, salas and large decks surrounding the main house and pool. Every suite has a viewing platform and private plunge pool. SERVICES: A team dedicated to seeing to your daily needs, including personal chef, ranger and private open-topped vehicle. Butler and nanny optional. Rates include all meals, local beverages, game viewing activities and laundry. RESERVE: Madkiwe’s rocky hills, perennial rivers, seasonal wetlands, acacia bushveld, savanna grassland, and arid Kalahari sandveld allow it to support a huge and varied range of species. Madikwe, SA’s fourth largest reserve, remains large enough to satisfy visitors starved for solitude and craving exclusivity, something the more popular reserves adjoining Kruger can’t always deliver.
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P
Morukuru Villas erched under ancient Morukuru trees at the edge
bush setting on the other end of the reserve. At night, the
of the Marico River, its cascading waters a gentle,
range of experiences runs from sleeping under the stars in
subliminal backtrack, Morukuru’s riverside bush
a treehouse hide, to sampling award-winning wines from
villas—The Lodge and Owner’s House—are the perfect
the cellar, along with epic meals—served up how, where
nest: whether horizontal by the pool or reclining in your
and when you want. Nothing is too much for the staff here:
sala, the combination of leafy shade and water will coax
a joyous crew aiming to please and pamper. Aside from the
you into a permanent reverie. Privately located, yet within
enchanting setting, effortless service, and designer good
walking distance of each other, these can be booked as
looks, there’s the thrill of unforgettable game-drives: occu-
single sole-use villas, or together for a larger party. Alter-
pying a private game reserve that abuts the much vaunted
natively, there is the expansive new five-suite Farm House,
Madikwe reserve, Morukuru offers an authentic and
a sprawling villa enjoying a stunning and utterly private
exclusive experience that only a handful are ever privy to.
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One of the continent’s undiscovered gems, able to satisfy the craving for solitude.
AT A GLANCE LOCATION: Morukuru Private Game Reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve. SLEEPS: The Lodge sleeps 6 adults (3 doubles) and up to 4 children. Owner’s House sleeps 4 adults (2 doubles). Farm House sleeps 10 (5 doubles). LIVING SPACES: Each bush villa has its own indoor and outdoor lounge areas with deep comfortable FRXFKHV DQG FUDFNOLQJ ƀUHV LQGRRU and outdoor dining areas, expansive decks and pool areas. The Lodge and Owner’s House are privately located, yet close enough to book as one; a large group preferring a more intimate bush home should look into Farm House, located 15 minutes drive from here. BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: The main lodge has three double ensuite bedrooms, each featuring a suSHU NLQJ EHG $ & DQG ORJ ƀUH DQG opening onto tree-shaded private decks. Spacious bathrooms have tubs with bush views and indoor and al fresco private showers. Two children can be comfortably accommodated in the family room, where they have access to recreational facilities such as satellite TV, internet and a DVD player. Two more
kids can be accommodated on folding beds in suites. Owner’s House suites are larger, more luxurious with similar private balconies. The )DUP +RXVHĹ?V Ć€YH GRXEOH HQ VXLWH bedrooms are similarly spacious and beautifully appointed. OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: Large multilevel decks and walkways. ,QĆ€QLW\ SRROV VXUURXQGHG E\ FRPfortable loungers. Romantic starlit sleepovers at the treehouse hide. Comprehensive libraries of topical books, DVDs and CDs, and wellstocked wine cellars. SERVICES: Each villa comes with own chef, butler, nanny (if needed), a private safari guide and tracker for you to personalize your itinerary FRPSOHWHO\ $JDLQ QR Ć€[HG VFKHGXOH – you do what you want, when. RESERVE: Set within its own 2000hectare private game reserve on the Great Marico river, adjacent to the 75 000-hectare Madikwe Game Reserve, guests look forward to the Ĺœ0DJQLĆ€FHQW ĆŽĹ? %LJ ĆŒ SOXV FKHHWDK and African wild dog). Madikwe remains one of the continent’s undiscovered gems, able to satisfy visitors’ craving exclusivity, yet provide game viewing to equal the busier Kruger.
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Villa Tarkuni
T
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swalu is not only the largest privately
the lack of vegetation. Set between two rolling
owned reserve in Southern Africa, but
mountain ranges, the exclusive sole-use Tarkuni
one of the continent’s most unusual
Villa has been designed to maximize your
and underrated gems. The undulating Kala-
experience of Tswalu, with vistas that will
hari sandveld landscape is breathtaking in its
beguile even the most jaded traveler, but never
expanse, the semi-arid plains punctuated by
at the expense of comfort. And what comfort:
rust red sand dunes and dusted with golden
sensually decorated by world-renowned Boyd
grasses—a stark and achingly beautiful contrast
Ferguson, five luxurious suites surround a
to the huge cobalt-blue sky. It also supports an
central communal haven beautifully integrated
amazingly varied game experience, with the
with the deep covered decks, and the enticingly
added advantage of clear visibility thanks to
clear waters shimmering in your pool.
AT A GLANCE Set within a vast and magical landscape, this is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, covering a massive 100 000 hectares.
LOCATION: Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve, Northern Cape. SLEEPS: 10 in 5 double rooms. LIVING SPACES: Large open-plan lounge, ZLWK ƀYH VXLWHV EXLOW DURXQG WKH FHQWUDO OLYLQJ area. Separate dining area; large study-library XSVWDLUV ZLWK VHFRQG ƀUHSODFH BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: Five luxurious bedrooms (one is slightly larger) with en-suite bathrooms featuring tubs and indoor and outdoor showers. All suites have doors leading onto outdoor area with views of the mountains and the Kalahari landscape. OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: Very large covered deck leads to a private sala and a swimming pool; all overlook a very active water hole. Study has a laptop with dial-up internet connection and direct dial telephone. SERVICES: Like most of our Safari Villas, 7DUNXQL RſHUV WKH OX[XU\ RI DEVROXWH ƁH[LELOLW\ with a private vehicle, guide and tracker, as well as a dedicated host and chef. Rates include all meals, local beverages, laundry and game activities, including equestrian safaris. RESERVE: Owned by the Oppenheimer family, Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, covering an area of over 100,000 hectares (almost a quarter of a million acres!). This vast and magical landscape RſHUV VXSHUODWLYH JDPH VLJKWLQJV RI VRPH RI South Africa’s rarest and most extraordinary wildlife. These include the desert black rhino (Tswalu’s population represents one third of South Africa’s entire remaining desert black rhino), the black-maned Kalahari lion, WKH PDJQLƀFHQW VDEOH DQWHORSH DQG WKH YHU\ endearing meerkat.
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Sarili Villa & Bushman’s River Lodge
L
ying deep within the 25 000 ha Shamwari Game Reserve, these two options—located 10km from each other via gravel roads—combine total privacy with the most exhilarating Big 5 game-viewing in the
Eastern Cape. Both overlook the fast-flowing Bushman’s River and feature spectacular views of the undulating Cape savannah, but beyond their geographic outlook, the villas are very different. Shamwari’s first sole-use lodge, the perennially popular and good-value Bushman’s River Lodge is an artfully restored Victorian settler farmstead dating back to the 1860s, offering just four rooms and an intimate, more historic atmosphere. Purpose-built Sarili is the more modern option, its open lines off-set by bold use of colour, comfortable, oversized furniture and warm detailing in stone, thatch and timber. Both are family-friendly havens, where gazing into the evening fire under a canopy of stars is as uplifting as the sight of a hippo lumbering into the river from the comfort of your pool lounger.
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AT A GLANCE LOCATION: Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape. SLEEPS: Sarili sleeps 10 (3 doubles and 2 twins). Bushman’s River Lodge sleeps 8 (4 twins). LIVING SPACES: %RWK ORGJHV RĹżHU splendid views of the Bushman’s river, and indoor and al fresco dining options. Sarili’s open-plan lounge has a cozy central woodEXUQLQJ Ć€UHSODFH DQG GLQLQJ DUHD that slides open to the pool courtyard. Bushman’s River Lodge has two lounges; one opens onto the pool and verandah overlooking the river; the dining room is separate. BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: Three of Sarili’s bedrooms (one with satellite TV) are located upstairs and overlook the river; the second two lead to the courtyard and pool. All are en-suite and feature own miniEDU $ & XQGHUĆ RRU KHDWLQJ DQG direct dial telephones. Bathrooms all feature separate showers. %XVKPDQĹ?V 5LYHU /RGJH RĹżHUV IRXU twin-bedded rooms, all en-suite with A/C and minibars, and surrounded by a wrap-around verandah with bush views.
Sarili offers a chic contemporary feel, while Bushman’s is an authentic Victorian settler farmstead; both are supremely family-friendly.
OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: Both lodges have swimming pools; the pool at Bushman’s River Lodge overlooks the river while Sarili’s is in a proWHFWHG FRXUW\DUG %RWK YLOODV RſHU internet access; Sarili has Wi-Fi connectivity. Bushman’s River Lodge has a perimeter electric fence to keep predators out and will suit nervous travellers. SERVICES: Rates include all meals, local beverages and game activities. Both villas are serviced by own private team including a chef and tip-top ranger for private morning and evening game drives or bushwalks. RESERVE: The most famous and established of the Eastern Cape private game reserves, this 25,000hectare reserve has garnered scores RI DZDUGV DQG RſHUV DUJXDEO\ WKH best quality Big 5 game-viewing in the Cape. Hard to believe you are only 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth airport.
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Samara Manor House
S
urrounded by an amphitheatre of mountains,
owners, the Manor House has a wonderfully lived-in feel,
Samara Manor House is an exceptional way to
eschewing colonial stuffiness in favour of the contempo-
experience the vast plains of the Karoo. Eland,
rary eclecticism of Afro-chic. With voluminous rooms and
buffalo and aardvark may wander unimpeded to your
bathrooms, a luxurious lounge and sun-kissed verandas,
veranda, while giraffe graze in the distance as you are
it echoes the unfolding space of the landscape, yet retains
served high tea. A true refuge, with relaxation granted as
a sense of intimacy. And even without elephant or lion,
much cachet as game viewing, Samara has a very different
the game viewing—of which tracking cheetah on foot is
feel and look from the bushveld of the north. Views are
a highlight—is so extraordinary that it was recently rated
more expansive, and a sense of peace permeates every-
one of the 15 greatest safari experiences in Africa. Like the
thing. Purpose-designed as the private family home of the
great herds that stir up the dust at twilight, you will be back.
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Cheetah tracking on foot is offered here— one of the greatest safari experiences in Africa.
AT A GLANCE LOCATION: Samara Private Game Reserve, Karoo, Eastern Cape. SLEEPS: 8 adults (two double rooms and two twin) or 6 adults and 4 children. LIVING SPACES: The entirely openSODQ VSDFH Ć RZV IURP WKH HQWUDQFH hall into very large living room with two reading nooks, huge Ć€UHSODFH DQG 79 7KH GLQLQJ URRP (seating 10) is separated from lounge by a pillar; there is also a comfortable bar. A breakfast room Ć RZV RĹż WKH GLQLQJ URRP DQG WKH kitchen is more or less open plan to this room though all meals are SUHSDUHG E\ VWDĹż /DUJH JODVV doors open onto the patio from these rooms and provide views RYHU WKH Ć‰ĆˆP LQĆ€QLW\ SRRO DQG RXW to the Karoo veld, mountains and spectacular sunsets. BEDROOM CONFIGURATION: The four suites are very privately situated with private verandas and expansive en-suite bathrooms with free-standing tubs and separate showers.
OUTDOOR/FACILITIES: In many ways the central heart, the main veranda is furnished with comfortable couches and looks out over the ULP Ć RZ SRRO WR D ZDWHU KROH RIWHQ visited by game in the early morning or evening. A variety of indoor and al fresco dining options are available, including a boma. Morning and evening game drives. Visits to rock art and fossil sites. Cheetah tracking on foot. SERVICES: Personal game ranger, chef and butler. Service is impeccable. Rates include all meals, local beverages and game activities. SAMARA RESERVE: In the heart of the malaria-free Great Karoo, the reserve comprises 70,000 acres of mountains and plains. Beautifully arid, the land turns a delicate green after rains, and boasts 60 mammal species, including the endangered cheetah, white rhino, Cape Mountain ]HEUD JLUDĹżH DQG EDW HDUHG IR[ DQG more than 180 species of birds. 7KH QHDUHVW WRZQ FKDUPLQJ *UDDĹż Reinet, is 55km from here; Port Elizabeth is a 2.5-hour drive away.
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