Eco Luxury Camps and Lodges in the World

The Sabi Sabi philosophy of ‘yesterday, today and tomorrow’ stems from over 100 years of safari experience; a history richly woven into the atmosphere of each private game lodge. South Africa and its warm hospitality echo through the style of every one.
Sabi Sabi’s philosophy is based on two main principles:
* The first is the need to conserve rapidly dwindling areas and to provide a sanctuary for fauna and flora as part of South Africa’s heritage.
* The second is the belief that the business must be a true example of eco-tourism effectively linking tourism with conservation and the community. Sabi Sabi’s environmental management system is a holistic one, where the ecological needs are balanced with the needs of people and their communities, i.e. focussing on the interdependence of tourism, conservation and local communities.

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A stay at the intimate and secluded Selati Camp is an experience any guest will treasure . Meticulously conceived on the outside as a genuine bush house, on the inside, all the suites are furnished in the refined style of a bygone 19th Century railway company. In fact, a remote branch of what was then known as the Selati Line actually crossed the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the ballast of which is still visible close to the camp to this very day. The railway theme is apparent in the main room of the camp, the latter filled with intriguing antique paraphernalia such as locomotive name plates and signals. The rooms and corridors continue the theme, displaying all sorts of railway lamps and old fashioned ornaments, some of which are now collectors items. Accommodation at the Selati Camp is the very height of sumptuousness and grace. Eight luxurious suites, each one blending harmoniously into its natural surroundings possesses a thatched roof, an en suite bathroom and an open air shower.

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Phinda Private Game Reserve is located between the white sands of the Indian Ocean and the Greater Saint Lucia Wetland Park, recently declared by UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the private park there are six individual lodges, each one the very maximum in luxury and each differing from the other in both layout and position. Phinda Rock Lodge possesses 6 spacious suites and sumptuous bathrooms carved into a precipice, overlooking the spectacular Leopard Rock. From the private terrace and indeed from the swimming pool within each suite, guests are rewarded with a series of breathtaking panoramic views over the whole plain.
Cocktails prepared from the private bar within each suite simply add to the effect. Meals are prepared according to the traditions of pan-African cuisine. The food is served entirely at the guests discretion, either in the privacy of their own suite or in the dining room of the lodge. Exploring the abundant animal life and nature round about is the highlight of each day.

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Situated in a beautiful location on the River Sand, Founders Camp is not only an excellent place to enjoy all the activities one would normally associate with a game reserve, but it is also a fine place to fish. From the balconies of both the chalets and the suite, one can admire the river, the fish swimming in its crystal-clear waters and the Antelope grazing along its banks. All the chalets and suites are surrounded by the dense verdant rain forest with magnificent views over the River Sand. Given such an evocative location and the warm colonial atmosphere of the accommodation, guests cannot help but feel at home. The Lodge possesses a stylish lounge, a connecting dining room and an elegant swimming pool. The kitchen allows guests to sample innumerable pan-African dishes. The 5 chalets are all sumptuously furnished, possessing air conditioning,minibar and a bathroom with bathtub complete with glass walls offering amazing views. The camp suite also possesses an outside shower bringing the occupant yet closer to nature. Situated in the part of Africa known to have the highest density of animals, Founders Camp is a great starting point for those wishing to go on safari, even with their children. Not to be underestimated, the superb banquets prepared and served in the open reserve never fail to impress.

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Situated on the Sand River, Bateleur Camp is one of the oldest and best loved lodges in whole of South Africa. Stately, elegant and steeped in history, what was once a rustic safari camp is now a luxurious and comfortable lodge. The lodge is divided into four areas – kitchen, library, museum and bed room. The lodge is decorated with classical hunting scenes and a magnificent ebony tree is incorporated into the structure. Thanks to the old black and white photographs on the walls, guests are transported back to the magic atmosphere of how the camp was of yore. The cuisine is decidedly pan-African and guests are welcome to take there meals outside in the beautiful lantern-lit garden. All the accommodation has breathtaking views over the River Sand and is furnished with elegance. Both chalets and suites are equipped with air conditioning, minibar and bathrooms containing magnificent bathtubs that look out onto the surrounding countryside. Each suite also has an outside shower. Bataleur Camp offers guided safaris by both day and night, stargazing, bird watching and open air banquets
within the reserve itself.
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Tree Camp is renowned as an ideal place for safaris and in particular for observing leopards. Situated deep in the heart of the Sabi Sand Reserve, the zone is particularly rich in numerous species of wild animals. The camp is completely surrounded by trees and all the suites give the impression of being suspended within them, giving a more direct contact with nature. All the suites have elegant four poster beds, air conditioning and a minibar. The bathrooms are stylish and luxurious down to the finest detail. The bathtubs are beautiful and can be illuminated with candelabra for more romantic moments. The private terrace with swimming pool and shower are intimate and represent the perfect place to sit back and relax since they all have breathtaking views over the River Sand. For those wishing to interact, the camp also possesses a glorious marble swimming pool with a natural water fall. Safari, bird watching, stargazing and delicious pan-African dishes prepared at any time of the day and served in the open are just some of the characteristics of this fascinating and luxurious camp.

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Getty Lodge is the ideal destination for travellers in search of a truly exclusive experience. A newly constructed residence, situated deep within the Phinda private game reserve, this protected site looks out onto an extinct volcano abundantly cloaked in trees and lush vegetation. The building itself is a sophisticated mix of natural and modern – stone, wood and cement for the lower courses with thatching for the roof. The interior is a rich blend of fabrics and natural fibres. The kitchen is equipped for any eventuality, whether this be informal snacks or more formal meals. A chef and a butler are at the disposition of the guests twenty four hours a day. The twice daily safaris are accompanied by an experienced ranger and all daily activities are organised around the needs of the guests.

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Ecca Lodge is the new jewel in the crown of the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. The lodge is located on a hill, looking out over a lush valley beyond which a line of clay-coloured cliffs - from which the name Ecca derives - rise up on the horizon. The views are particularly breathtaking especially when the trees are in flower, turning the entire landscape pink. The lodge differs from its two sister structures by virtue of its innovative and entertaining design. The lively paintings in the Andy Warhol style together with the burgundy glows of the retro lighting render the lodge warm and inviting, while the undulating iron roof in the form of a pagoda, large windows and abundant use of stone and fabric add a certain grace and style. Each suite has a spacious bathroom with an interior and exterior shower and a lounge that can also double-up as a children’s bed room. The communal areas are equally impressive boasting a luxurious lounge with log fire, a dinning room, a veranda with stunning vistas over the surrounding countryside and a swimming pool with sun beds. In addition, the interactive kitchen serves delicious, wholesome food and a full and comprehensive baby sitting service is provided. Activities provided by the lodge include both nocturnal and day time safaris, fishing, canoeing, historical tours and museum visits with organised picnics along the way.

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Bayethe Lodge takes its name from the welcoming salutation the guest receives upon arriving (by-ye-ti).

This luxurious, five star tented lodge is set in an unspoilt landscape through which flows the Buffalo River, characterised by trees arching out over the river and lush vegetation.

The deck of the lodge is the perfect place to recline and observe the antelope venturing out of the shadows for a twilight drink or admire the eagles gliding gracefully high up above in a darkening sky.

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