This Is the Most Luxe Safari Spot in South Africa - Hotels Above Par - Boutique Hotels & Travel

"Set in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, this carbon‑negative, ultra‑luxury safari estate marries high-end hospitality with ambitious sustainability: solar arrays power guest spaces off‑grid and it operates the country’s first all‑electric fleet of custom safari vehicles, whose quiet, plush heated seats allow closer, more comfortable wildlife viewing. Guests get a private vehicle for their group and a local guide‑and‑tracker team who specialize in spotting the Big Five and other wildlife; game drives are complemented by classic sundowner experiences and a focus on authentic South African touches like traditional braai. Accommodations consist of three private villas—Mapogo, Karula, and Mvula—each built around a vast shared living area plus standalone guest suites (four guest rooms per villa; up to eight guests), with large bedrooms, lounges, fireplaces, terraces, walk‑in dressing areas, and luxurious bathrooms featuring soaking tubs, double rain showers, dual vanities, and separate WCs. Villas include private infinity pools (the Mapogo pool deck sits on a dam frequented by hippos), a full dedicated staff roster—private chefs, servers, butlers, porters, cleaners, activity coordinators, a masseuse and even a sommelier—and bespoke, all‑inclusive dining with wine‑pairing dinners in a cellar on request. On‑site amenities include a fitness center, an upscale boutique (Shari’s), and a contemporary art gallery curated in collaboration with the Goodman Gallery; the property borders Kruger National Park, offering expansive wildlife access. Practical details: all‑inclusive rates start around $2,200 per person per day for up to six adults in a villa (additional guests and child rates apply), there is a three‑night minimum, and the closest airstrip is Arathusa Safari Lodge Airstrip (about a 15‑minute drive), typically reached via Johannesburg and a semi‑private flight from OR Tambo."