fbpx

Planning Your Next Christmas on a African Safari

There are many reasons to look forward to the winter months in the northern hemisphere, but after a few months of bracing the cold, warmer weather seems like the ideal holiday. In our opinion, if you’re looking for a unique way to soak up the sun over the holday season, Christmas on safari should be at the top of your list.

Whether you want to get away from the holiday hustle and bustle, go on a once-in-a-lifetime safari, or just trade the cold for a magical experience in the African Bush, we’ve compiled a list of our top camps and lodges, ideal for you dream Christmas in the bush.

Lolebezi

Lolebezi is the latest addition of family-friendly lodges in the African Bush Camps collection. It is located in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park and is simpy described as breathtaking.

Lolebezi is set on five hectares of protected wilderness, the lodge has been designed to make the most of the one kilometre of private river frontage. Waking up with the majestic Zambezi River flowing just in front of your room is a truly exceptional experience!

LOLEBEZI

Each suite has its own plunge pool for spending hot African afternoons with a G&T while watching the mighty zambezi river roll by. All Lolebezi meals is Halaal. The spa has experienced therapists and a yoga terrace for extra relaxation.

Somalisa Camp

Somalisa provides guests with breathtaking views of the golden savannah plains of Hwange. A place where, one moment you are sipping on your gin and tonic listening to the distant baritone roar of a lion coalition on the hunt and the next, you are gazing over at a congregation of elephants mere meters away, peacefully sharing a sundowner with you.

Somalisa Safari Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park is a land of contrasts from dense teak and acacia forest to vast open savannah, offering guests an exhibition of raw and diverse Africa. Somalisa Camp enjoys pride of place as our first-ever Hwange safari lodge. It was built by our owner, Beks Ndlovu and is home to the quintessential African Bush Camps experience. Tucked away under the dappled shade of an Acacia grove, along the edge of an ancient seasonal floodplain.

Somalisa Acacia

Somalisa Acacia​ is the perfect ​Hwange safari lodge​ experience for families with younger children or, for smaller private groups of safari-goers. This ​family safari​ camp, located slightly to the west of sister camp Somalisa sits on the edge of a seasonal floodplain in Hwange National Park. ​Somalisa Acacia​ is tucked away beneath the dappled shade of an Acacia grove.

A place where meeting an elephant in your backyard is not at all a fanciful notion. Especially if your backyard happens to be the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe, famous for its rich diversity of wildlife.

In addition to the large families of elephants that frequently roll across the golden plains of Hwange to visit the camp’s elephant pool, keep a lookout for swift cheetah, dazzling zebra, honking hippos and the graceful giraffe that may saunter into view

Kanga Camp

Solar-powered Kanga Camp comprises of six tents all raised on individual wooden platforms for an elevated view over the Kanga Pan. Each Meru-styled tent is simple yet elegant, boasting floor-to-ceiling mesh windows to let in ample natural light and a light breeze. All tents are replete with fans, en-suite bathroom, flushing toilet, outdoor shower, hot running water and a secluded veranda.

Kanga has a family tent which boasts a wraparound terrace facing the pan with private seating and dining areas. The honeymoon tent features a rolltop bath on the adjoining secluded deck, ideal for a romantic starlit bath. Our inviting upper deck lounge under the shade of a mahogany tree is a super place to slip away to for some quiet time. Find refreshing respite at our plunge pool. Every home-style comfort is taken care of at this Kanga safari lodge, even a battery charging station for your all-important cameras.

 

The Magic of Lolebezi Experienced By Dania Weinstein

Read here

Nyamatusi Mahogany

Solar-powered and built from all-natural materials, your experience at Nyamatusi Mahogany is powered by nature. The lounge, dining room, fire circle, plunge pool, and elevated viewing decks flaunt uninterrupted views of the pristine river, floodplain, and escarpment beyond. Under-canvas, our Mana Pools camp comprises two tented suites and two family suites resting beneath ancient mahogany trees on the lush shores of the mighty Zambezi River.

Nyamatusi Mahogany Zimbabwe

The camp’s thoughtful, bespoke design embodies the style and serenity of its pristine surrounds. Mana Pools, known as one of the last pioneer parks lying in the great African Rift valley, is an explorers’ paradise. Set within a private concession in Mana Pools National Park, you can expect the utmost flexibility in activities. Experience the majesty of nature when canoeing down the Zambezi River, fishing on the river banks (catch and release only) or birding safaris – all possible on your Mana Pools family safari.

Khayelitshe House

Situated in the heart of the Matobo Hills, just outside the boundary of the national park, lies Khayelitshe House. Enclosed by the iconic balancing rocks and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of massive boulders, Khayelitshe House got its name from the Ndebele words ‘Ekhaya’ and ‘Litshe’- Home in the Rocks. Khayelitshe House’s charm comes from its simplicity and organic blueprint. Drawing inspiration from travels throughout Africa, the eclectic design brings both tranquillity and energy. This is a home that is completely off-the-grid, one that inspires peacefulness and being at one with nature.

Khayelitshe House, Matobo National Park, African Bush Camps, Zimbabwe

The environmentally friendly design blends in perfectly with the ancient and majestic landscape that surrounds the property. Fully serviced and consisting of 4 en-suite bedrooms with incredible views from every window, the house inspires a feeling of remoteness that is hard to capture. The private land around Khayelitshe House covers over 1200 acres of breath-taking wilderness, making it a beautiful escape from the grind of daily life.

Thorntree River Lodge

Beautifully designed Thorntree River Lodge graces the banks of Zambia’s glorious Zambezi River in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Find perfect respite after a day of activities by relaxing in the infinity pool that seamlessly blends into the river horizon. Thorntree River Lodge celebrates the spirit of community. After a refreshing sundowner drink while watching an exquisite African sunset, spend your evening sharing stories of your safari around the fire from within the comfort of the sunken boma before enjoying our African inspired fine-dining experience.

Guides Hots Thorntree River Lodge, Livingstone, Zambia, Luxury safari lodge

Just twenty minutes upstream from Victoria Falls and accessed via the international airports of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone, Zambia Thorntree River Lodge is the perfectly positioned lodge from which to enjoy the cascading spectacle, of the Victoria Falls nearby. Children of all ages are most welcome and our celebrated kids’ club, the Ngwana Club will ensure hours of fun for your kids of all ages.