south africa

• sabi sabi earth lodge
• the Makuleke
• the Makuleke lease their land--nearly 60,000 acres at the Northernmost corner of Kruger National Park--to 2 luxury lodges. Guests at Pafuri Camp stay at one of 20 tented rooms joined by elevated walkways that allow animals free access to the Luvuvhu River http://www.pafuri.com/ $472
• the outpost's 12 hilltop suites have remote-control screens that can be retracted to provide a full view of animals at the river http://www.theoutpost.co.za/ $568
• Makuleke Community Centre & Homestay (8 miles outisde park gates) 6 thatched huts 27-79-151-7127 $33
• madikwe private game reserve: http://www.ccafrica.com/ $868
• Tintswalo at Waterfall, South Africa
• An ideal pre- or post-safari destination on the outskirts of Johannesburg.
• in the 500-acre Waterfall Country & Equestrian Estate, just 20 miles southeast of Rand Airport, means that travel time to the region’s game reserves is less than two hours.
• Founded by South Africans Warwick and Lisa Goosen, who opened their original Tintswalo Safari Lodge on a lush private concession in Manyeleti Reserve, which shares an open border with famed Kruger National Park
• heavy stone walls and bolted timber beams of the main lodge recall classic equestrian estates. In each suite, teak floors, pillow-strewn king-size beds, and soft leather couches are livened up with animal prints
• Jet-lagged travelers can breathe fresh air and recharge on private walking trails, or in the outdoor lap pool. On your way back from the bush, ease tired muscles with a special hydrotherapy bath treatment at the intimate Elemis spa
• www.tintswalo.com