Africa's Most Unusual Properties

Africa's Most Unusual Properties

Africa is home to some truly outstanding lodges and caps, offering superior luxury in beautiful locations. However, some properties really stand out as one of a kind, so in this blog we're taking a look at some of the most unusual. 

Giraffe Manor, Kenya 

By no means a hidden gem, the extraordinary Giraffe Manor is one of Africa’s most famous properties and is extremely popular with families, often being booked up years in advance so a stay here really is a once in a lifetime experience. Even before you meet the hotel’s towering guests, you’ll be blown away by the size and grandeur of Giraffe Manor. This iconic building dates back to the 1930s and is modelled on a Scottish hunting lodge, creating an elegant, charming base for your thrilling interactions with the local wildlife. The highlight of a stay here is, of course, meeting the Rothschild’s giraffes who inhabit the area and will pay you a personal visit in the mornings by poking their heads through the window and taking a peek at the food on offer, where you'll have the chance to feed them.   

Tarangire Treetops, Tanzania 

Tarangire Treetops effortlessly blends the childhood nostalgia of treehouses with ultimate modern luxury. Tarangire is a lodge which is very much at one with nature, the main part of the lodge is centred around an enormous baobab tree, with the rooms elevated high above the tree canopy and accessible by staircase or ladder leading to the trap door entrance, offering wonderful views over the surrounding baobab and marula trees. The huge rooms all have their own private decking areas, perfect for relaxing in the afternoon and maybe even enjoy ad-hoc game viewing. The food at Tarangire is also delightful, and whether you dine in the lodge, in your suite or out in the bush under the stars, you will be assured of a wonderful dining experience.

Amalinda Lodge, Zimbabwe

Built around the massive boulders of the Matopos Hills is Amalinda Lodge, a peaceful retreat which is very much part of the environment. The nine thatched rooms all combine luxury with their natural surroundings and incorporate the rocks into their structure, particularly room 8. The main lodge areas all enjoy panoramic views of the hills and guests can relax in the cosy library, choose a wine from the cave wine cellar or take a swim in the pool overlooking a waterhole. The surrounding areas of the Matopos Hills are certainly worth exploring, where you can visit ancient Sans rock art sites or track the large populations of black and white rhino either on game drives or on foot. 

Abu Camp, Botswana 

Abu Camp is one of Botswana’s most popular camps, and justifiably so. The camp offers the incredible opportunity to walk with elephants as part of their conservation programme, which is enough to draw anyone to a stay here. However, so much more is on offer. Abu Camp’s “Star Bed” is a real highlight, where after a long day exploring the bush by vehicle, traditional mokoro canoe or on-foot, you’ll be able to peacefully fall asleep under the stars to the low snores of the elephants below.