We’ve been incredibly honored to receive the Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist award – now five years in a row. But truly, that recognition belongs to our Ubuntu Travel community. It’s your trust, your spirit of adventure, and your love for wild places that makes it all possible.
To celebrate, we’ve designed something special: a 21-day tailor-made itinerary inspired by the extraordinary luxury lodges and destinations recognized by Condé Nast Traveler across Southern Africa. Many of these places are personal favorites – where we’ve tracked leopards, shared slow breakfasts on sun-soaked decks, or sipped wine under Namibian stars. Every detail of this journey reflects the quality, conservation values, and immersive luxury we believe in.
Conde Nast Inspired Itinerary: Southern Africa
So here it is: a collection of some of Southern Africa’s most iconic regions, paired with world-class stays and unforgettable experiences – curated for the traveler who wants it all.
Ellerman House, Cape Town
Suggested Itinerary : Spend 3-4 days
From the moment you step onto the sun-drenched terrace at Ellerman House, it feels like coming home – if home were a clifftop villa perched above the Atlantic. Nestled between the slopes of Lion’s Head and the sea, this privately owned retreat is one of our favorite ways to begin (or end) a Southern Africa safari.
We’ve stayed here many times, and still can’t get over the contemporary art collection, the curated wine gallery, or the unhurried breakfasts with that view. Leah’s perfect start? A strong coffee, a productive gym session, and a restorative spa morning – followed by a relaxed afternoon of wine tasting in the Constantia Valley nearby.
The staff know you by name, the suites feel like your own seaside sanctuary, and everything – right down to the espresso machine – is quietly, perfectly considered. Read more…
Best Time to Visit Cape Town:
November to March (Cape Town’s summer months).
Our Favourite Cape Town Attractions:
- Table Mountain cable car or sunrise hike
- Kayaking with dolphins off Sea Point
- Beau Constantia wine tasting (Leah’s favorite!)
- Kirstenbosch Gardens picnic
- Clifton beaches or Camps Bay sunset walks
- A day trip to see the penguins at Boulders Beach
- Dining at Chef’s Warehouse or Salsify
Singita Ebony, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Suggested Itinerary : Spend 3-4 days
If there’s one place that captures the atmosphere of a South African safari for us, it’s Singita Ebony Lodge. Tucked beneath ancient trees along the Sand River, this is where it all began for Singita – and where we’ve had some of our most meaningful wildlife encounters. We still talk about the morning we watched a leopard asleep on a fallen log across the river, steam rising around her as the sun broke through the mist.
The lodge feels like a beautifully styled bush home: canvas and glass walls invite nature in, and each suite has its own plunge pool overlooking the wilderness. You’ll head out with expert guides across 45,000 acres of private Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, where off-roading and low vehicle density means sightings are intimate, unhurried, and often extraordinary.
Back at the lodge, it’s all about slowing down – poolside lunches, a deep spa treatment, or just sitting quietly with a G&T as the day turns golden. Read more…
Best Time to Visit the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve:
June to October is considered prime game viewing season
What We Love About Sabi Sand Nature Reserve:
- Leopard sightings (some of the best in Africa)
- Off-road Big Five game drives with top-tier guides
- Walking safaris with expert trackers
- Meals under the stars
- That moment the Sand River comes to life at dusk
Jack’s Camp, Central Kalahari
Suggested Itinerary : Spend 3 days
Jack’s Camp is unlike anywhere else we’ve stayed – a place where silence stretches for miles, and time feels suspended in the salt air. The camp itself is a tribute to vintage safari style, with billowing canvas tents, museum-worthy antiques, and sweeping views across the Makgadikgadi Pans.
This destination perfectly illustrates the importance of understanding our clients’ preferences and setting clear expectations for the experience. Leah still says it was possibly the coldest she’s ever been—until the fires were lit and hot water bottles were tucked beneath the blankets—something that now feels like part of the Jack’s Camp ritual. Having experienced it first-hand, we’re able to frame the safari honestly and ensure we recommend it to the right Ubuntu Travelers who will appreciate its unique charm, including the dramatic climate shifts. It’s this kind of personal attention to detail that defines what we do.
For Kyle, nothing compares to cruising the open pans by quad bike, feeling the expanse all around you. And the cultural encounter with the San people, often referred to as the oldest living culture on earth, was one of the most humbling and important experiences we’ve shared in all our travels.
Come for the flaming sunsets, the desert-adapted wildlife, the meerkats that stand beside you, and stay for the stories – both yours and theirs. Read More…
Best Time to Visit the Makgadikgadi:
May to October for dry-season adventure; November to April for zebra migration and green season photography.
Our Favorite Jack’s Camp Experiences:
- Quad biking across the salt pans
- Walking and storytelling with the San people
- Stargazing in pitch-black skies
- Sharing space with habituated meerkats
- Tea tent lounging and the Jack’s “Natural History Museum”
- Iconic 1940s-style tented suites with plunge pools
Wilderness Mombo Camp, Okavango Delta
Suggested Itinerary : Spend 3 days
Wilderness Mombo is the kind of place where the line between safari and camp blurs completely – in the best way possible. Ideally located where the main Okavango River splits into its primary channels, Mombo overlooks a wildlife-rich floodplain that’s almost always buzzing with movement. Elephant herds, antelope, predators, rare birds – you see it all, sometimes without even leaving your deck.
We’ll never forget the morning a young leopard casually strolled through the lodge while we were having breakfast – wild, humbling, and totally unforgettable. This is Mombo. It’s luxurious, yes – but it’s also one of the most untamed corners of the Delta. Read Leah’s blog post “A Leopard in Camp at Mombo” for more on her experience.
The camp’s earthy design pays homage to its legendary heritage, blending safari coziness with deep comfort. Meals are convivial and beautifully prepared using sustainably sourced ingredients, and after a full day on the plains, your ensuite suite becomes a serene retreat – private, peaceful, and perfectly in sync with the rhythms of the wild. Read More…
Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta:
May to September is considered prime game viewing season.
What We Love About Mombo:
- That leopard who casually walked through breakfast
- Game drives with some of the highest wildlife densities in the Delta
- Big cat sightings (especially lion and leopard)
- Slow afternoons watching elephants graze from your plunge pool
- The lodge’s deep conservation ethos and connection to Wilderness’ legacy
Matetsi Victoria Falls, Matetsi Private Game Reserve
Suggested Itinerary : 2-3 days
Admittedly, Kyle and our Marketing Manager, Sean Messham, only stayed here for one night on their safari through Zimbabwe – but it left such a lasting impression, it earned a feature in Sean’s blog “Untamed Zimbabwe: Why It Should Be Your Next Safari.” And honestly? We couldn’t agree more.
Matetsi Victoria Falls strikes that rare balance between contemporary design and deeply Zimbabwean soul. Set on a private stretch of the Zambezi River within 136,000 acres of wilderness, this award-winning lodge is one of our must-stays in the region.
Whether you’re tucked into a riverside suite, relaxing at the private Matetsi River House, or sharing space with loved ones in the family suite, every detail feels curated for comfort and calm. Think circular bathtubs, private plunge pools, indoor-outdoor rain showers, and uninterrupted river views. The main guest areas are equally serene—with a lap pool, fitness studio, boutique shop, and wine cellar all just a few steps from the water’s edge. Read More…
Best Time to Visit the Victoria Falls:
May to September – dry season and prime game viewing
Our Favorite Experiences at Matetsi:
- Sunrise river cruises with hippos and birds in silhouette – without the crowds
- Spa treatments with a soundtrack of the Zambezi
- Easy access to the Victoria Falls
- Private villa stays with chef, butler, and guide
- Thoughtfully designed interiors with a strong sense of place
- Game viewing from the lodge – lions at our first corner
African Bush Camps Lolobezi
Suggested Itinerary : Spend 3 days
We always aim to be transparent – we haven’t stayed at Lolobezi just yet, but Kyle is headed there for two nights in May. So keep an eye out for our upcoming reviews, posts, and videos – we’re excited to share firsthand insights soon. That said, having stayed at several African Bush Camps lodges in Zimbabwe, we’re already confident in the exceptional service and soulful experiences that define their properties.
Set on 12 acres of protected wilderness in the Lower Zambezi National Park, Lolobezi is a striking blend of contemporary style and natural harmony. With earthy greens, raw textures, and handcrafted details, the lodge feels grounded yet elevated – a true feast for the eyes.
Each of the four superior suites and two family units features a private plunge pool, expansive river views, and indulgent ensuite bathrooms. Between canoe safaris, game drives, and the calm of the Zambezi, we already know what we’ll be looking forward to: a deep tissue massage, a cold G&T, and great conversation at the bar as the sun goes down. Read More…
Best Time to Visit African Bush Camps Lolobezi:
May to September – dry season and excellent for big game
What We’re Most Excited to Experience at Lolobezi:
- Canoe safaris along the Zambezi
- Private plunge pools overlooking the river
- Clean, bold lodge design with local touches
- That signature African Bush Camps hospitality
- Wildlife right from your deck
andBeyond Benguerra Island
Suggested Itinerary : Spend 3 to 4 days
An island paradise for both the active and the wonderfully lazy traveler. For us, there’s no better way to end a safari than reflecting on your journey with your feet in the sand and the warm Indian Ocean lapping at the shore. Quiet, barefoot luxury is what Benguerra Island does best.
Vibrant and picturesque, andBeyond Benguerra Island is a sanctuary of romance, adventure, and barefoot charm – one of our absolute favorite post-safari hideaways in Mozambique. Surrounded by indigenous forest and overlooking dazzling turquoise waters, this lodge is as much about unwinding as it is about exploring.
Choose from the Casa Familia for groups or families, or opt for one of the cozy cabanas or spacious casinhas – all with timber decks, private rim-flow pools, and sun-drenched ocean views. Days can be as laid-back or adventurous as you like: snorkel the Bazaruto reefs, ride horseback along the beach, or sail into sunset on a traditional dhow. And when you’re done, the beach bar made from a wooden dhow, the massage sala, and the island’s warm-hearted hospitality await. Read More…
Best Time to Visit Benguerra Island:
May to October – dry and mild, perfect beach weather
What We Love at Benguerra:
- Post-safari peace with a tropical twist
- Traditional dhow sailing trips
- Horse riding along the shoreline
- Snorkeling and diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago
- Whale sightings (June–October) and rare dugong encounters
- Slow mornings on your private deck with fresh coffee and ocean breeze
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Suggested Itinerary: Spend 3 to 4 days
For some, the beach isn’t the place to unwind after safari – and if that’s you, we recommend trading palms for dunes. Nestled in the heart of Namibia’s vast desert wilderness, andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offers something entirely different: stillness, space, and sublime isolation. Our Marketing Manager once cheekily described it as “built for romance and intimacy” – and honestly, he’s not wrong. This place was made for honeymooners, stargazers, and those looking to reconnect in the quietest corner of Africa.
Set along a rugged mountain ridge, the lodge’s 10 stone-and-glass suites each feature a plunge pool, fireplace, and even a retractable skylight over the bed for stargazing straight from your pillow. The ensuite bathroom includes a glass-encased rain shower with 180-degree desert views – yes, really.
Beyond your suite, you’ll find a serene rim-flow pool, an interactive kitchen and wine cellar, and plenty of quiet corners to sip, read, or just soak it all in. Days can be filled with hot air balloon flights, quad biking, or guided walks across lunar-like dunes – or not. That’s the beauty of this place. Read More…
Best Time to Visit the Sossusvlei:
All year round – though May to October offers cooler mornings and crisp desert air.
Our Favourite Sossusvlei Attractions:
- Stargazing from bed (retractable skylight = genius)
- Plunge pools with endless desert views
- Hot air balloon safaris over a sea of dunes
- Romance and reconnection in total privacy
- A surprisingly deep wine cellar in the middle of nowhere
- Sunrise excursions to Deadvlei, one of the world’s most iconic landscapes
Why Travel With Ubuntu Travel?
From Kyle & Leah Green, Co-Founders
We started Ubuntu Travel with one simple belief: that a safari should be more than a trip – it should be personal, meaningful, and leave a positive impact long after the journey ends.
Over the years, we’ve met and spoken with hundreds of travelers one-on-one (Leah alone has done over 800 personal discovery calls), helping each guest design a trip that feels like their own. Whether it’s your honeymoon, a family adventure, or that long-awaited bucket list escape, you’ll always work directly with us or someone we’ve trained – because we believe relationships still matter.
But this isn’t just about where you go – it’s about how your travel gives back. To date, with our guests’ help, Ubuntu Travel has contributed over $250,000 to conservation and community development. We’ve helped collect more than 860,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles in partnership with Ocean Co., and in 2025, we’re proud to support regenerative farming that’s impacting over 1,000 people across East and Southern Africa.
So whether you’re sleeping under a Namibian sky, sharing stories by a campfire in Botswana, or watching whales off the Mozambican coast, just know: you’re part of something bigger. And we’ll be with you, every step of the way.
Ready to Plan Your Safari?
If you’re thinking of planning a trip, we’re here to help! Our team of travel designers will create an itinerary just for you to create memories to last a lifetime and conquer your bucket list. Get in touch with us today to start planning your adventure in Africa.
