Africa’s Eden Members Amongst the World’s Best Boutique Hotels

This week, Travel + Leisure released their list of the 14 Best Boutique Hotels. Winners ranged from clifftop villas overlooking the Aegean Sea to properties owned by the world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa. However, amongst this salubrious list, we are pleased to tell our readers that three Africa’s Eden members cracked the nod.

To qualify for the exclusive list of best boutique hotels, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award winners were whittled down to those with properties exclusively catering for 20 rooms or less. So, it needn’t be much of a surprise that the intimate, exclusive nature of Africa’s Eden luxury properties in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana topped the list. So, check out why Matetsi Victoria Falls, The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge and Savute Elephant Lodge earned their accolades.

Outside veranda and sun loungers at Matetsi Victoria Falls - voted one of the world's best boutique lodges by Travel + Leisure

Matetsi Victoria Falls

Location – Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

From the moment of arrival at Matetsi Victoria Falls, it is easy to see why Travel + Leisure readers highlighted this property as one of the world’s best. The 18 private suites, including two family suites and an awe-inspiring villa round out the luxurious accommodation options. Each feature architectural design and interiors highlighting the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Zimbabwe’s people and the Zambezi region.

The 55,000-hectare Matetsi Private Game Reserve is home to a vast array of African wildlife, with sightings recorded monthly on the lodge website. Every guest has the opportunity to depart on twice-daily game drives or walking safaris and the thrilling bucket list activities that make the Victoria Falls region Africa’s adventure playground.

How to Matetsi Victoria Falls:

Victoria Falls International Airport welcomes flights from numerous regional and international airlines, including:

Matetsi Victoria Falls offers a complimentary shuttle to the lodge from the airport, which takes approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, arrival via Harry Mwaanga Nkambula Airport in Livingstone or Kasane International Airport in Botswana can easily be arranged.

For those preferring a more thrilling arrival, guests can opt to land at the Matetsi Helipad after a loop over Victoria Falls or at the private landing strip, which is a ten-minute drive from the lodge.

A leopard lounging in a tree in South Luangwa National Park, part of the Africa's Eden region

The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge

Location – South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge is likely most well-known for the family of elephants that have taken to meandering through reception at certain times of the year. However, if the 18 beautifully decorated rooms weren’t enough to make you swoon, then the lodge’s sublime location in the heart of South Luangwa National Park should do the trick. Safari lovers won’t get a better vantage point for starting game drives or walking safaris. One of the best aspects of a trip to South Luangwa are the night drives, with this park famous for its leopard sightings.

How to get to The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge:

Mfuwe International Airport welcomes domestic, regional and international flights from airlines, including:

  • Proflight Zambia
  • Zambia Airways
  • Ulendo Airlink

The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge can arrange a private shuttle for the 45-minute journey from the airport to the lodge, passing through the gates to the South Luangwa National Park.

A guest enjoying the private deck of her room which overlooks a watering hole where a pride of elephants have stopped for a drink

Savute Elephant Lodge, a Belmond Safari

Location – Chobe National Park, Botswana

David Livingstone trekked through Savuti in 1851, though we can’t imagine in his wildest dreams that he would ever envision a luxurious oasis such as Savute Elephant Lodge. Nevertheless, Savute Elephant Lodge manages the delicate balance between seamlessness blending with the wild surroundings and being divinely chic.

Savute Elephant Lodge boasts 12 sumptuous rooms under canvas that all overlook Chobe National Park. Each room features a plush four-poster bed, air conditioning and a private deck. As a result, guests can be almost guaranteed daily elephant sightings, in addition to the plethora of other flora and fauna that Botswana’s oldest national park provides.

How to get to Savute Elephant Lodge, a Belmond Safari:

A large part of the allure of staying at Savute Elephant Lodge is its pristine, secluded location. As such, guests must arrive by private charter flight with most using Maun, Botswana as the initial hub.