Sip a cocktail at sunset in front of a log fire in the silence of the bush. Wake up to the sun and the immensity of the place before you. Surrounded by noble materials in harmonious forms and living in the heart of nature while enjoying the wonders of civilization. The art of living in the bush has been transformed into “art” in recent years. Each in its own style, these African lodges are reinventing the art of bush living.
The most immersive. Cat Camp Botswana
The situation. in the Khwai region of Botswana
The playing field Feline Fields Camp is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta. This is a true campsite, private, consisting of large tents that are set up just before your arrival. Equipped with bedding worthy of a grand hotel and antiques, it allows its guests to experience the ultimate African experience: solitude. Just for you: tents, attentive staff and a special dining room that would make many permanent lodges blush.
Facing the river, this experience is ideally lived over three days. The first can be one of the worst in your life. the surrounding animals rub against the tent in the dark, lonely night. But you get used to it from the second night. The sounds leave you numb, and you sleep soundly, curled up in your cozy bed a few meters away from the stray felines. The last night will undoubtedly be one of the most beautiful in life. we fully appreciate the bright starry sky, the aperitif at sunset and the evening around the fire, not to mention the wonderful meals prepared just for you.
Good to know. You can access this private camp in two ways: by road, which is rarely mentioned at the delta gates, or by helicopter. If the second option is less “green”, it still allows you to fly over the Okavango at a height of several tens of meters above sea level. A rare privilege, ideal for wildlife viewing.
Cat Camp Botswana from €1,800 per night.
The greenest, Grumeti Hills
The situation. in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park
The playing field. imagine a lodge isolated from the world, but with its own pool, air conditioning, running water, without using a generator. Imagine 4X4 cars that do not consume a single drop of oil. Impossible in a remote area like Grumeti, in the far west of the Serengeti Park. And yet. This prodigy is the work of Denis Lebuti, who has opened a small chain of lodges that are charming and greenhouse gas neutral.
Solar panels provide the electricity needs of the house and vehicles. Large reservoirs collect water during rare but heavy rains. it is recycled to the pool, to meet water needs and to maintain the abundant flora surrounding the estate. Thermal 4X4s have been transformed into electric 4X4s thanks to French technology backed by the Carwatt company. This lodge shows that life in the bush is not incompatible with nature conservation.
Good to know. even if we’re talking about the continent’s greenest lodge here, a pool with a view and massages also make it an address of well-being. The table is delicious, fed by the country’s only permaculture vegetable garden, located a few hours away.
Grumeti Hills. From 500 € / night
The most gorgeous: Singita Lebombo
The situation. in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
The playing field. The essence of African luxury can be summed up in one name: Singita. Carved local wood, large windows that enhance the designer furniture. luxury but without ostentation, all in elegance and harmony. Add to that the world’s best rangers trained at the greatest American universities and the greatest chefs. Everyone here feels special and has the feeling of traveling outside of time.
Good to know. Despite their price, Singita lodges are booked almost a year in advance by American customers. Therefore, rest should be prepared well in advance.
Singita LeBombo Lodge, from €3,000 per night.
Most accessible: Tswalu Safari Lodge
The situation. In the Kalahari of South Africa
The playing field. The Kalahari is not a first-time buyer’s dream, but it becomes so after a few safaris. As hostile as it is inaccessible, here lies a gem that safari lovers know well: Tswalu. This Relais & Châteaux can be reached by a 1h30 flight west of Johannesburg. The arrived airport is an elegant hut. Then passing through dry but rich bush, we discover Tsvalu. Here luxury is elsewhere. The rare fauna that visitors are treated to (cats, reptiles, sloths and other pangolins) would justify your presence in itself. But the view and the tranquility of the place are multiplied tenfold by the exclusivity. Only a few rooms in this part of the world allow you to have a reserve all to yourself.
Good to know. Accessible by small plane (very comfortable) from Cape Town or Johannesburg. Two nights is the minimum, four is preferred. Being a private concession, safaris are offered on foot, but also on horseback (which is quite rare).
Zvallu, from €1500/night (low season).
Trendiest: Zannier Sonop Lodge
The situation. Namib Desert in Namibia
The playing field. Zannier is a unique brand. There is no desire to create a “chain” here, but unique addresses around exceptional natural places. Having already been present in Megève, Vietnam or Cambodia, they arrived with a bang in the most cinematic of African countries, Namibia. More precisely, in Namib Rand. Everything is there and better. the view and the site are extraordinary, exceptional (must have) and almost unattainable.
The prop tents are set into huge rocks left here by millions of years of erosion. The furniture is made of wood, copper and noble fabric. The view of the lunar plains is endless from the bath or bed. The precious wood and copper glass on the desk invites you to pick up your pen and try to match Agatha Christie. But there is also a unique table set on a giant natural promontory, designed by nature and only illuminated, near the Milky Way at night, here, dazzling with light.
Good to know. Sonop is difficult to access, so the stay should be long enough (minimum 3 to 4 nights). Here, everything is done to entertain you, even in the evening with an outdoor cinema, gastronomic or musical evenings.
Zannier hotels Sonop. From €1500/night (low season).
Source: Le Figaro
