WHAT WE LOVE

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve: Home to some of the most luxurious lodges on the continent, Sabi Sands offers outstanding Big Five game viewing, and is South Africa's premier luxury safari destination.

Leatherback and Loggerhead Turtles: Witness these highly endangered—and highly entertaining—creatures as they make their way up South Africa's beautiful beaches to lay their eggs after dark.

Whale Sharks: Snorkel or dive with these gentle giants under the watchful eye of an accomplished skipper and certified dive master.

Great White Sharks: Don a snorkel and cage dive or hop on a boat and watch these amazing hunters fully propel their bodies out of the ocean while chasing seals.

Rhino Microchipping: Become part of the solution when you spend the day with a renowned anti-poaching team.

Give the Gift of Solar Lights: Visit a remote village and give the gift of light to families without access to electricity, allowing children the chance to study and adults the chance to work long after the sun has set.

Complete the South Africa Circuit: End your South Africa safari with a jet-set weekend in Cape Town, and a relaxing visit to the stunning Cape Winelands.

REST & REJUVENATE

• Tswalu: In many ways Tswalu feels like South Africa’s last great wilderness. A private game reserve in the middle of the vast Kalahari desert, Tswalu offers three uniquely gorgeous sleeping options on its 275,000 acres of spectacular grasslands and mountains. Families might opt for one of the the secluded, spacious standalone villa-type “legae,” each equipped with an open fireplace and private sundeck. Honeymooners should consider the romantic thatched roof sleep-out deck, where you can sleep out under the star-filled african sky, with zero light pollution for hundreds of miles, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the magical Kalahari. Billionaire owner Nicky Oppenheimer also opens up his elegant family home for visitors looking for a deluxe luxury experience (it comes with with a private pool and dedicated chef). Tswalu is also one of the best properties for travelers who want to contribute directly to wildlife conservation. Epic Road can arrange a special excursion with a resident conservationist where they can help tranquilize, notch, DNA test, and microchip a rhino or other endangered animal to help scientists further understand their plight and help ensure the survival of the species. As of 2019, South Africa's first Michelin starred chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, brings world-class cuisine to Tswalu with the opening of Klein Jan.

• Molori: Situated in Madikwe Game Reserve, a malaria-free corner of South Africa near the Botswana border, Molori is comprised of just five luxurious open-air suites, each set far enough apart to ensure the utmost privacy. Suites were designed to prioritize wildlife-viewing with living spaces enclosed by floor to ceiling retractable glass doors, and each comes equipped with a private deck and infinity pool for private gazing out into the wilderness. The main lodge houses multiple dining areas and many separate relaxation decks with all sorts of thoughtful amenities, like daybeds and even a rim-filled chilled spa bath placed on the highest mountain side deck for optimal wildlife viewing while you soak. Madikwe has one of the highest concentrations of rhino in Africa, as well as a large number of the last remaining endangered African wild dog.

• Singita Lebombo: What sets Singita Lebombo apart from other properties situated around Kruger National Park is the unparalleled level of luxury and the attention to detail in everything from the design to the food to their commitment to conservation and involvement in the surrounding community. The lodge’s 13 suites and one spectacular private villa were built cliffside on banks of the N’Wanetsi River and all were designed with the modern mixed use of raw industrial materials and glass, blending in thoughtful touches that celebrate classic safari style. The fully-staffed private villa contains four spacious bedrooms and two plunge pools. All of the masterfully built indoor spaces at Lebombo were made to create the illusion that the dramatic landscapes outside seemed to flow into the interiors. Amenities like a wine studio, 25-meter lap pool, interactive kitchen, and the stand-out dining options with menus overseen by famous Cape Town chef Liam Tomlin allow Singita Lebombo to stand above the rest.

• Singita Boulders: The ultimate in luxury, perfect for couples and families. Located within the Sabi Sand Reserve, Singita Boulders is a stylish, tranquil haven, where you are bound to see a variety of wildlife including leopard, lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, hyena, hippopotamus, cheetah and the endangered wild dog.

• Lion Sands Ivory Lodge: A touch of romance overlooking the Sabie River, Lion Sands’ six private villas are stylishly appointed, and offer supreme wildlife viewing—along with game drives, bush walks, bird watching, hippo tours, astronomy classes and luxury wellness treatments. For the perfect romantic evening, enjoy a candlelight picnic and spend a night under the stars in Chalkey’s Tree-house, nestled in the branches of a majestic 500 year-old leadwood tree.

• Royal Malewane: Completely refurbished in 2018, Royal Malewane is situated on a private reserve within Kruger National Park and offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to experience African wildlife at its best with an expert guiding team that is arguably one of the most qualified on the continent. Royal Malewane is focused on relaxation and rejuvenation above all else, and the resort’s Water Bush Spa inspires a sense of calm, while guests can enjoy a variety of treatments at the hands of internationally qualified therapists. Royal Malewane also offers the only fully kosher safari in Africa, and dining often takes place under a sky awash with brilliant stars, accompanied by the magical night sounds of the African bush. The Farmstead at Royal Malewane was added in 2019 as an extension of Royal Malewane. Sitting on an elevated crop of land about 12 miles south of the main lodge, this newer main lodge and three adjacent luxury suites overlook a watering hole frequented by the area’s abundant wildlife. Massive verandahs and hanging daybeds make the outdoor spaces as inviting as the chic designer furniture inside inspired by sister properties The Silo Hotel and La Residence. A dedicated chef, housekeeper, butler, and safari vehicle mean that you’re completely secluded with every amenity imaginable.

• &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge: A truly extraordinary experience, the glass-enclossed suites at Phinda Forest Lodge are situated in the heart of a rare sand forest, one of the most unique and mysterious ecosystems on the planet. Witness dwarf forest antelope as they dart among and below your private suite, and relax in the comfort of stylish neutral decor that distracts little from the secretive natural beauty of the surrounding forest. Activities at Forest Lodge include twice-daily game drives, bush walks and river cruises, and additional adventures can also be arranged to accommodate guests' special requests - including a turtle nesting experience where you can drive along the deserted coastline in search of fresh turtle tracks and watch as the females lay their eggs. Note that turtle nesting season is from November to February.

• Tengile River Lodge: At Tengile, which means “tranquil” in the local Tsonga language, nine ultra private suites with huge private decks and lap pools stand on stilts and appear to float above the beautiful Sand River. This luxury lodge launched in 2018 in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, on the border of Kruger National Park, making it an optimal location to see the Big Five. All of the spacious, contemporary structures have sleek interiors and and an eco-friendly design, using materials that blend into the surrounding wilderness with a minimal ecological footprint. Common areas include an excellent spa and gym.

• Cheetah Plains: Launched in 2018, Cheetah Plains is situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a prime location with abundant wildlife and incredible game viewing. Accommodations are huge, gorgeous private homes for exclusive use only, making Cheetah Plains an excellent choice for large groups or families seeking privacy, space, and extraordinary luxury. Each individual property has a main house with private guest suites and multiple areas designed for bringing the outdoors in, like an outdoor boma, lounging alcoves enclosed by glass walls, an infinity pool, and bathtub with views out into the wilderness. What makes these exclusive use suites extra special is that they come with a dedicated staff, including a highly experienced guide and private vehicle for game drives, a private chef, and on call spa therapist.

• Kubili House: Kubili House is an immaculate private luxury residence set on Thornybush Private Reserve in greater Kruger National Park. Perfect for a large group wanting privacy and incredible service, Kubili House sleeps up to 10 people in five bedrooms and comes equipped with dreamy amenities: three private swimming pools, a private spa and steam room, and a private chef and sous chef who design customized daily menus. A dedicated camping is vehicle available when inspiration strikes to change up the scenery and sleep out under the stars, and a dedicated wildlife tracker and field guide are on call for game drives at whim. The residence looks out onto the largest swimming hole in the reserve, meaning there is near constant animal activity to enjoy without even stepping outside. In the unlikely event you tire of the incredible game viewing, there are craft workshops, archery, and other activities available.

WHAT TO KNOW

June through October is normally the best time for game viewing across South Africa, though there are parks on the eastern cape that are excellent year round.

Most lodges are accessible by commercial or charter flights, either to regional airports or private air strips.

Lodges can also be reached safely overland in private, air conditioned vehicles, on comfortable roads, with most journeys averaging six to seven hours.

All individuals travelling with children under the age of 18 will need to produce a birth certificate when entering South Africa.

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