Holiday Type / BBC's Africa

Located within a private conservancy, this exclusive camp lies in front of the largest, natural salt lick in the Masai Mara attracting an abundance of wildlife all day long. The twelve tented suites – including one for families – are amongst the largest in East Africa; each boasts an expansive wooden deck with sunken hot tub and telescope, spacious beds and en suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower. A gourmet menu of à la carte dishes is served in the restaurant, accompanied by an extensive selection of world wines from the underground c...

A friendly, welcoming camp, reached via a short river crossing in one of the Mara’s best locations inside the National Park itself. Just 17 en suite tents, each with a polished wooden deck, overlook a large water hole that teems with life. Breakfast and lunch are taken alfresco whilst the dining tent has spectacular vistas of the Masai Mara plains and Oloololo Escarpment – lanterns and candles adding to the romance as evening tales are swapped around the campfire. The prime location within the reserve means that guests here are out and about lo...

Located in one of the Mara’s prime wildlife areas; Olare Motorogi Conservancy, this intimate bush camp echoes the classic safari tradition. Just six en suite tents, each with flush toilet and bucket shower, feature verandas from which to relax and enjoy the views. The double/twin tents can be converted to a triple on request. Meals are served alfresco or in the dining tent overlooking the plains, with the option to take a lunch picnic into the bush on an extended game drive.

Homely and understated, the lodge stands in an elevated position with fabulous mountain views. At the heart of the property is a cosy lounge with roaring fire and dining room, the seven cottages and two suites being discretely situated in the folds of the hills. A veranda makes the most of the dramatic views, whilst interiors feature a spacious bathroom and a living room with fireplace. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is conveniently located for gorilla tracking expeditions which leave from the nearby headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park, only...

This exclusive retreat is located in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to almost half of Africa’s remaining mountain gorillas. Just eight tents feature two queen-size beds, a wooden floor and deck, canvas walls and a bathtub with jungle canopy views. The starting point for gorilla treks lies just ten minutes away, providing an unforgettable opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Wildlife enthusiasts will also delight in Bwindi’s profusion of primate...

Nestling above Walker Bay, South Africa’s premier marine and botanical reserve offers a wealth of activities for lovers of the great outdoors. Complimentary land-based activities range from guided flower safaris through the ancient milkwood forests on open 4x4 vehicles to hikes on walking trails up fynbos-clad mountains or gentle horseback rides, with ponies available for children. Picnic on the beach or walk along the rocky shores and explore the ancient coastal caves. Whale watching from the coastline between Hermanus and De Kelders is a high...

Blessed with one of the finest locations in Africa and the creative talents of Liz McGrath, The Marine takes inspiration from its graceful architecture and wonderful cliff top setting. Indeed, Hermanus ranks as one of the world’s best places for whale watching on land, from the end of June until November. On the doorstep is Walker Bay, with its cliff paths and outstanding coastal scenery. After a day’s sightseeing, relax in the swimming pool or pamper yourself in the hotel’s spa. Guest rooms and suites are individually furnished, some boasting ...

Cape Grace is set on its own private quay within the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, offering majestic views of Table Mountain. The sumptuous elegance begins at the welcoming reception and extends to the spacious harbour and individually decorated mountain facing rooms, exquisitely furnished with rich fabrics, fresh flowers and personally selected books. With views towards Signal Hill, SIGNAL restaurant is a vibrant combination of friendly service, relaxed atmosphere and adventurous culinary flair showcasing fresh, local ingredients. Basc...

Graceful art deco touches adorn this boutique hotel fashioned in the style of a Scottish hunting lodge. Located in a forested suburb of Nairobi, the hotel is surrounded by gardens, terraces and courtyards, offering an oasis of calm. With just ten rooms divided between the original Manor House and the newer Garden Manor, an intimate experience is assured. However, a highlight of any stay here is the unique and close-up interactions with the Rothschild Giraffe which roam the grounds and visit the hotel for treats. The AFEW Giraffe Centre is just ...

In a pristine pocket of riverine forest, Abu Camp offers safari chic, stylish, accommodation. Individually decorated wood and canvas tents feature elevated decks, indoor and outdoor showers and copper bathtubs. The lounge and dining area is complete with antique furnishings, with a relaxing bar deck, gym and pool. In addition to the regular game drives, a highlight here is the opportunity to participate in the elephant research and conservation programme. Guests may choose to spend a night in the Elephant Star Bed.

An exclusive and original wilderness experience awaits in Damaraland’s vast Palmwag private concession. This classic Wilderness Safaris camp comprises eight spacious Meru-style tents with en suite bathroom and a central mess tent with dining area and comfortable lounge overlooking the plains towards the dramatic Etendeka Mountains beyond. Run in conjunction with the Save the Rhino Trust, stays here contribute to the Trust’s work and guests may join the team as they track black rhino each day by vehicle or on foot. Look out for the wealth of wil...

Set amidst the seeming emptiness of the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans and grasslands - geophysical relic of a giant super lake - award-winning Jack’s Camp offers a genuine wilderness experience. Classic 1940’s style canvas tents provide atmospheric living graced with Persian rugs and paraffin lamps, the luxury en-suite bathrooms complemented by indoor and outdoor showers, the private veranda provides rugged wilderness views. Candle-lit dinners, inclusive of excellent wines, are served in the elegant mess tent, while a small library and numerous a...

South Africa’s largest private game reserve offers, without doubt, a unique experience, set against the backdrop of the Korannaberg mountains and surrounded by endless rolling dunes and red Kalahari sands. Here guests may encounter colonies of meerkats, enjoy a horseback safari across the plains or marvel at the sheer size of the Kalahari black-maned lions – with a maximum of 10 vehicles on the malaria-free reserve, an uninterrupted experience is assured. As well as zebra, buffalo, lion, giraffe and cheetah, the pristine wilderness plays host t...

A sanctuary of just six open-fronted double bandas set on the shores of Lake Tanganyika beneath an immense tropical forest that is the habitat of the world’s largest known population of chimpanzees. Each banda has an upstairs chill-out deck overlooking the beach – a short boardwalk leads the adjoining bathroom with flush toilet and powerful shower. Although chimpanzee sightings are not guaranteed, hikes into the forest are often rewarded with close encounters as the chimps groom, forage and play. Dine on the beach and enjoy sundowners aboard th...

Highly respected for its dedication to providing high-action game viewing with low environmental impact, the camp is located within the vast plains of the Serengeti, on the direct route of the world famous annual migration. Flowing alongside the camp, the Grumeti River attracts large numbers of hippos, a spellbinding sight from the 360 degree verandas of the exceptionally large tented living spaces which feature hardwood floors and high-end furnishings. Each has a writing desk, en suite shower room with hot and cold running water and a flush to...

Overlooking a waterhole teeming with wildlife, this eco-friendly camp lies in Tarangire National Park, thought by many to be the most thrilling in Northern Tanzania. The camp comprises twelve stylishly furnished canvas pavilions, each with an outdoor shower, furnished wooden viewing deck and the services of a personal attendant. Elephant, leopard and lion frequent the waterhole, whilst each day brings the opportunity to join wide-ranging game drives or relax by the infinity pool.