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5 of Southern Africaā€™s Most Exclusive Safari Getaways

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Wild and unspoiled Africa at its best

The offerings of Southern Africa are as diverse as they are beautiful. From the wide open spaces and dessert landscapes of Namibia, to the Forests and Deltas of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, to the sprawling Busanga Plains in Zambia and Tanzania's almost inaccessible Selous Game Reserve there is something for every discerning traveller. Stunning landscapes, abundant wildernesses and wild animals have fascinated travellers for many centuries and the untouched wilderness still exists. These are 5 of the most pristine and fascinating destinations for the ultimate adventure experience. They offer some of the highest luxury standards in the world.

Lukula Selous - Tanzania
Serra Cafema - Namibia
Find out more about these places - with...

The space and silence of the desert provide a cathartic and rejuvenating experience. Crafted largely from stone and glass the Desert Lodge blends into this pristine environment seamlessly. Set out to explore the dunes and curious desert dwellers or just unwind completely and take in the stunning scenery. Balloon safaris over the oldest desert are a sight to behold, while the Namibian night sky is so clear that you can gaze deep into the universe. A state-of-the-art observatory and resident astronomer allow you to get serious about star gazing.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is designed to enhance your experience of this unique environment. Climate controlled suites, outdoor showers, a generous pool and delicious meals in the open allow you to relax and leave your worries behind.

Vumbura Plains - Botswana

The extreme north of the Okavango Delta is one of the wildest places on earth. Lion, elephant, cheetah, buffalo, leopard and the rare red lechwe and sable antelope abound in this lush habitat. The Vumbura Plains luxury camp overlooks the floodplains in a 60 000 hectare private concession. Game drives, boat safaris and nature walks are an exclusive experience and you won't meet other travellers unless you want to.
Two elevated wooden camps overlook the game-rich Vumbura Plains. With three walls covered by a mere mosquito net you can immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this unique environment. While the open-plan structure of the camp retains a sense of the wild, the private plunge pools, outdoor showers, delicious cuisine and friendly staff will make you feel like royalty.

Shumba - Zambia

When the Busanga Plains dry up, they attract large numbers of roan antelope, puku and lechwe. The antelopes lure predators such as cheetah, lion and wild dog into this incredibly game-rich part of the Kafue National Park. Shumba Camp is situated in the midst of the action and game drives are always rewarding. The friendly guides love to share their knowledge of the inner workings of this prolific habitat. Night drives are particularly thrilling as most kills happen in the cover of dark.
With no more than 12 guests at a time Shumba guarantees an exclusive and personal experience. Elevated on wooden poles 6 safari tents offer picturesque views of African sunsets and the surrounding areas. Sumptuous dinners from the fire savoured under the African sky round off blissful safari days.

Lukula Selous - Tanzania

The Southern part of the Selous Game Reserve is one of the wildest and most inaccessible game viewing areas in Africa. The Great Plains conservationists have now penetrated the stomping ground of big game hunters south of the Rufiji River by establishing the photographic Lukula Selous camp. Set on a 300 000 acre private concession in Africa's largest protected wildlife reserve Lukula Selous is dedicated to the conservation of this area's biodiversity and maintaining a minimal environmental footprint. The purely photographic camp offers you an African adventure in a pristine wilderness with a diversity of wildlife that boasts World Heritage Site status.
The experience at Lukula Selous goes far beyond scheduled game drives. Fly-camping, canoeing, bush dinners, walks, game tracking, photographic hides and fishing can be arranged with an incredible spontaneity allowing for a completely unique and individual wilderness experience. The Lukula staff combines a spirit of adventure with many little luxuries and environmental consciousness. The camp relocates every season and is run on solar power. Limited to 8 beds your stay at Lukula Selous is guaranteed to be an exclusive experience with indulgent treats such as massages, copper baths in the river and delicious food in stunning locations.

Serra Cafema - Namibia

The Kunene River in the extreme north of Namibia forms a surreal oasis in the arid moon landscape of the Hartmann Valley. Flowing from the Angolan highlands the Kunene separates Angola and Namibia with lush riverbanks full of crocodiles and water birds surrounded by nothing but rock and sand. In this remote paradise of the Kaokoveld Serra Cafema offers 8 luxurious chalets of canvas and thatch.
The camp is accessible only via a 3 hour fly-in from Windhoek. The Kaokoveld is one of Southern Africa's most remote destinations. Civilization is far away and you have the space and calm to completely recharge on energy. Explore the stark landscapes of the Namib Desert and the Serra Cafema Mountain Range. Nature walks and quad bike safaris allow you to discover the beauty of this unique habitat, while boat cruises on the Kunene River have a feel of impossibility as you float on a river through this desolate land.

Find out more about these places - with more photos

Endangered Species in Botswana: Botswana is known for its diverse and beautiful wildlife. Sadly, a few of the species are endangered. Including the Red Lechwe and African Wild Dog.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge: Situated in Sossusvlei Namibia. The attributes of Sossuslvei are simple - solitude, silence, space, colour and shape - but you will feel their effects deep in your soul.
Vumbura Plains: In the extreme north of the Okavango Delta in Botswana lies the Vumbura Plains camp. The 60,000 hectares area spans across a diverse range of habits. The camp enjoys a sweeping view of the floodplains and is the perfect location to start the wilderness experience of a lifetime.
Shumba: Situated in the midst of the pristine wildlife area of Zambia's Busanga Plains is Shumba Camp. Shumba Camp emphasizes the guided experience with knowledgeable guides sharing the secrets of the African wilderness.
Lukula Selous: The Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania is one of the wildest conservation areas in all of Africa and has been declared a World Heritage Site. Lukula Selous Camp blends organically into this wildest part of Tanzania. Situated on the banks of the Luwegu River the camp combines natural materials with a refine sense of elegance to create the perfect vantage point for your wilderness adventures.
Serra Cafema: Namibia's Hartmann Valley is one of the most remote and beautiful areas on the African continent. The aridness of the mountainous moon landscape is broken by the perennial Kunene River.
Info on the Okavango Delta, Botswana: In the Kalahari Desert, where the Okavango River forms a basin, lies the Okavango Delta or the Okavango Swamp. It is the largest delta in Botswana and indeed the largest freshwater land in Africa.
Sossusvlei Information: The majestic red dunes of Sossusvlei are one of Namibia's most popular tourist attractions. This part of the Namib Desert boasts some of the oldest and tallest dunes in the world.
African Safari Tours: Elefant Tours will take you on an unforgettable African Safari experience!
Accommodation Limpopo: Some of the best Wilderness Tented Camps around. Luxury and seclusion in the African outdoors.
Information on Safaris in Tanzania: Tanzania has many seriously luxurious safari locations and lodges to choose from. One of the ultimate safari locations in terms of variety, abundance and sheer beauty of the location.

Always great to have your feedback so tell me what you think

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diamondback bikes Aug 16, 2011 @ 3:46 am | delete

The home of safari still has the most spectacular safaris but it also has many undiscovered gems. So you like water, you can enjoy cruising in the creeks or getting more active and getting in there with the extreme sports. Kite surfing, wind surfing, deep sea fishing, jet skiing, wake boarding - the list is endless. The coral reef creates perfect grounds or snorkeling and for those that are more ambitious, scuba diving. You may also have the fortune of spotting a whale shark or even swimming with Dolphins. diamondback bikes

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Robert Aug 3, 2011 @ 6:16 am | delete

What really gets me is how remote these places are. I am am usually a bit weary of luxury safaris that seem so be more about free-standing bath tub and decadent food. Safaris should be about the landscape and the animals, not the lodge. These places, however, seem to have nailed it. This kind of unique and pristine wilderness has to resonate in the soul and probably even warrants the hefty price tag.

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TravelRod Aug 3, 2011 @ 7:16 am | delete

You are right. Far too often luxury lodges concentrate on only the luxury side and seem to forget why visitors have come all the way to stay with them as opposed to a luxury hotel in the city. I agree that these guys (and many others in Africa) have however very successfully supplied the luxury and managed to enhance the safari experience with some well places lodges, viewing spots and added extras.

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Travelex Aug 3, 2011 @ 4:38 am | delete

These are some incredible places to visit. If you are looking for exclusivity you have definitly listed the top places. We will be visiting !Xaus Lodge soon which is another place that could be added. I have also wanted to visit Kaingo in Zambia which is known as one of the most exclusive photographic safari camps in Africa.

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TravelRod Aug 3, 2011 @ 7:02 am | delete

Thanks for the tips. !Xaus Lodge looks amazing and is another very remote lodge with some great luxury. Kaingo is a photographer's paradise! They have animal hides that have been used by the BBC and more.
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