Bordering the Kruger National Park, the exclusive enclave of Sabi Sands is one of the most biologically diverse corners of the planet. It’s the oldest private reserve in South Africa and is the birthplace of the concept of the Big Five. It offers an unparalleled luxury safari experience that’s only on offer to the lucky guests staying in the park.

Sabi Sand is famous for its leopards and is the best place in Africa to spot these elusive big cats. The guides and trackers are familiar with the leopards in the parks and come to know the individual groups, known as leaps or prowls. They are masters of camouflage, able to blend in perfectly with a leafy tree branch or speckled rock, but once you catch sight of those golden eyes and inquisitive ears you’ll wonder how you missed them.

Singita Boulders Lodge

At Singita Boulders Lodge, guests are immersed in nature while still being swaddled in absolute luxury. Sliding glass walls allow the suites to be opened to the spacious deck and heated pool, while the outdoor shower makes for bathing under the twinkling African stars. A private butler is always on hand to fulfill any wish, like lighting a roaring fire when there’s a chill in the air.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

This unique lodge looks as though it has been sculpted from the earth, with bold use of natural stone, texture, light and space. Each of the 13 suites has a private plunge pool and looks over the sub-tropical woodland, where sprightly impala will spring through the grass unperturbed by your presence. Private butlers, exquisitely designed furnishings and a cellar with 6,000 bottles of rare wine complete the experience.

This unique lodge looks as though it has been sculpted from the earth, with bold use of natural stone, texture, light and space. Each of the 13 suites has a private plunge pool and looks over the sub-tropical woodland, where sprightly impala will spring through the grass unperturbed by your presence. Private butlers, exquisitely designed furnishings and a cellar with 6,000 bottles of rare wine complete the experience.

Londolozi Tree Camp

Live out your Swiss Family Robinson fantasies in the lap of luxury in these high style, high life treehouses. Guests can watch animals roam right beneath them while safely ensconced on the deck with a glass of champagne in hand. It’s a mix of rustic African chic and modern design with features like Ralph Lauren wallpaper and plaited leather beds.

One of the hidden gems of South Africa, the little-known Madikwe Reserve is tucked up in the north of the country close to the border with Botswana and the Kalahari Desert. The area used to be used for farming but in 1991 was turned into a reserve and 10,000 animals relocated there. More than 60 large mammals roam on the open grassland, with lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos and white rhinos common. Lucky visitors may even find the rare black rhino and the unusual brown hyena not often seen in the country.

Morokuru Family House

At Morokuru, there’s no schedule. With a personal staff and personal game driver, guests can do exactly what they want, when they want. There are two self-contained houses set on the banks of the bubbling Marico River, both completely private yet within walking distance of each other. The sprawling, luxurious Owner’s House is a home away from home. Surrounded by a huge outdoor deck, complete with a swimming pool and secluded elevated sala.

In a country renowned for the quality of its safari guides, Kwandwe stands out above the rest. The guides on the private reserve were named the Best Safari Guiding Team in the country in 2016, thanks in large part to the extensive training program and a fantastic sense of team spirit. The reserve itself is a conservation and community success story, with more than 50,000 acres of farmland returned to its stark and natural beauty. It’s a sanctuary for threatened species like the blue crane (South Africa’s national bird), Cape grysbok, black wildebeest and black footed cat.

Great Fish River Lodge

Nine glass and thatch suites with private plunge pools sit on the edge of the Great Fish River, connected to the main lodge by meandering wooden walkways. It’s a harmonious blend of simplicity and ultra luxury that blurs the lines between inside and out. Guests can relax on their private viewing decks and watch otters splash in the streams below or dine under a magnificent starlit sky in the rustic boma.

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