Once a month we will use our blogging platform to showcase properties from our sister company, African Retreats. African Retreats does the reservations and marketing for a collection of affordable lodges and traditional bush camps in Southern Africa, and creates activity-based itineraries to match. While most of the Sun Destinations properties are located in Big 5 areas, and include activities in their rates, the African Retreats collection focuses more on properties outside of reserves. To kick-off, we’re going to briefly introduce you to each property.
Nambu Camp
Elevated above the landscape and built on an old anthill lies Nambu Camp, a 6-bedroom safari lodge located in the heart of the Big 5 Balule Game Reserve. This is an owner-run and managed camp, and careful attention to detail is evident throughout the camp. Nambu is known for its off-the-charts dining experience, and beautiful riverside sundowner set-ups – the owner once made his own tonic water. Two game drives a day are included in your stay, and take place in the world-renown Balule. On-site there is a swimming pool, raised boma area, lounge, and various viewpoints. Simply put, Nambu is classy, charming, and oozes a laid-back sophistication.
Click here: www.nambucamp.com
Rukiya Safari Camp
Owned by Lily and Conraad, Rukiya is known for its excellence and luxury take on affordability. Located in the Wild Rivers Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger, the camp offers beautifully constructed Meru-style tented rooms built on raised wooden platforms. There’s also a family-style villa for hire, complete with a wood-fired hot tub. The luxury camp is built on the banks of the river, under a canopy of trees. In front of camp, the lawns cascade down to the banks of the river, where hippos regularly forage. From short drives on the reserve to longer drives into the neighbouring Big 5 reserves and mountain biking, Rukiya offers abundant activities. One of the most Instagrammable spots at camp is the rim-flow swimming pool overlooking the river!
Click here: www.rukiyacamp.com
Sava Dunes
Sava Dunes is the only coastal property in the portfolio, and is located in a remote location along the Inhambane Coast. There are 5 ocean-facing cottages overlooking the golden beach and expansive ocean; each with a private balcony. There is also a garden-facing chalet ideal for families! Sava is perfectly placed to experience a marine safari, while the actual lodge is on the sand dunes on the beach. Sava is a coastal sister camp to Rukiya (same owners), and provides the same level of luxury. The main selling point is the incredible swim-up bar, where visitors can order cocktails while enjoying a dip in the pool.
Click here: www.savadunes.com
Kruger Cliffs
Kruger Cliffs is in an enviable location in the Greater Kruger, and offers supreme views of the Drakensberg Mountain range. The lodge is self-catering, and each unit has its own plunge pool on a raised deck. Expansive windows open out onto the wilderness, while outdoor showers provide the perfect invigorating experience in the bushveld. Each of the cottages has their own barbecue/braai area, and overlook the extensive wilderness beyond. Ideally located for activities in both lowveld and highveld, Kruger Cliffs is a favourite. We highly recommend booking the hiking experience through Kruger Cliffs combined with your standard
Click here: www.krugercliffs.com
Avoca Bush Camp
Avoca is an authentic safari retreat in the Timbavati Nature Reserve, and offers guests the opportunity to stay in affordable accommodation in the heart of a game-rich, world-renown reserve. Avoca is a secluded rustic hideaway that looks like a massive log cabin. Accommodation at Avoca is basic and comfortable, sleeping 8 guests in either twin or double chalets, each with their own bathrooms. Each room is a little log cabin built beneath tall trees and within close proximity to the main lodge area, pool, and boma. Guests can hire out Avoca on a catered or self-catered basis.
Click here: www.avocabushcamp.co.za
Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge
Safari Moon Luxury Bush is a 5-star graded property located in the Greater kruger with a guest house feel. It’s the ideal stopping point in between your Big 5 safari experiences. In every corner there’s designer decor and interiors, and beautiful architecture. It’s located close to Hoedspruit airport, and is the gateway for safari adventures.
There are 6 stylish suites to choose from during your stay, named after different wildlife species that can be seen in the estate and around the lodge. Every room has its own charm, style and story, not forgetting a vibrant collection of both international and African art. The main lodge opens out to a stylish outside lounge area, pool deck, sun loungers, succulent gardens, braai area and cosy boma. Beautiful water features are found throughout the gardens, providing a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation.
Click here: www.safarimoon.co.za
Bushwa Game Lodge
Bushwa Game Lodge is a malaria-free luxury safari lodge located in the Waterberg Biosphere, which is just a couple hours outside of Johannesburg. Bushwa is an incredible place for a weekend break.
This luxurious lodge has a variety of accommodation options, luxury chalets and safari-style tents all with private balconies. There’s even a remote, romantic treehouse overlooking a waterhole that certainly sets the standard in terms of an exclusive romantic wilderness experience. Relax at the rim-flow swimming that has breathtaking views of the wilderness, enjoy evenings under the stars in the boma area or relax in one of the many lounges. The self-catering camp also has its own swimming pool and facilities, making it ideal for groups.
The treehouse is perfect for a spot of romance, and comes highly recommended for honeymooners. Food is a highlight at Bushwa, and there’s plenty of homegrown fare on offer – vegetables are produce are grown on the property. Bushwa is the ultimate in safari bliss.
Click here: www.bushwa.co.za
The Island River Lodge
The Island River Lodge is a retreat resting on the banks of the Blyde River, and is a lush eden home to hippo, abundant birdlife, and a forest of ancient riverine trees.
The Island River Lodge’s own backyard is an 8 hectare stretch of land in a prime location on the Blyde River. The accommodation sits under a canopy of trees and is dotted among lush, untouched pristine riverine vegetation.
The Island River Lodge offers rustic and authentic accommodation provided on a dinner, bed and breakfast option or self-catering basis. Rooms are interlinked via meandering pathways that are lit up during evening times. This lodge is a birding paradise. Trumpeter hornbills, Pel’s fishing owl and kingfishers are just a few of the species to spot while enjoying the sweeping views of the river below from the viewing deck, boma and swimming pool area.
Click here: www.island-river-lodge.co.za
Kingly Bush Camp
Resting comfortably in the heart of the Greater Kruger’s Big 5 territory amidst the dense mopane woodlands in the GDP Reserve, sits the charming and rustic Kingly Explorer Camp. Designed for the true wilderness explorer, this intimate camp holds great appeal for safari-enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in an authentic back-to-roots style safari experience.
The entire camp is built around a waterhole frequented by buffalo and elephants. Each of the 4 tents is linked to the main area by lantern-lined elevated wooden walkways, offering an added sense of safety in the rugged wilderness.
Click here: www.kinglyexplorercamp.co.za
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