New South African Luxury Lodges

Over the past 20 years, South African lodges such as Londolozi, Royal Malewane and Singita have evolved into lavish resorts in the bush, where the sophistication of the suites and the standard of the cuisine are as crucial to the experience as the quality of the wild-life-viewing. Recently, these properties have been joined by two worthy rivals.

Susan White Mathis, a native of Atlanta, had long been in search of a place to build an African retreat, and after an extensive search, she settled on Madikwe Game Reserve, a 185,000-acre tract of arid bushveld located an hour by light aircraft northwest of Johannesburg. Enclosed by a 95-mile fence, it is home to 66 mammal species, including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and wild dog. Having identified a suitable site at the center of the reserve, she set to work. After a while, however, it became clear that the home she had constructed for herself and her friends could also function as a small, ultra-luxurious game lodge.

Set around a rocky outcrop, Mateya Safari Lodge comprises just five huge air-conditioned suites. These are astonishingly opulent, with four-poster beds, deep armchairs, large fireplaces and artwork ranging from tribal sculptures to contemporary African landscape paintings. The marble baths feature soaking tubs positioned to allow a view of passing wildlife, and interconnecting indoor and outdoor showers. From a sun lounger on your private rosewood deck, all you can see is a stretch of tawny grassland extending beyond your infinity-edge pool to a ridge of distant hills.

Public areas at Mateya are equally lavish and include an exceptional library, plus an expansive living area that provides a gallery-like space for White Mathis’ vast collection of African sculpture. A formal dining room is complemented by a wonderful outdoor deck with a view of a waterhole, plus a private dining area in the 8,000-bottle wine cellar. During our stay, the food was uniformly delicious and the service prompt and exceptionally obliging.

Facilities at Mateya include a small spa. The wildlife-viewing is well-organized and the game prolific.

Mateya Safari Lodge 97 Suite, from $1,865 for two (all meals, local beverages, game drives and park fees included). Madikwe Reserve, Molatedi, North West Province. Tel. (27) 14-778-9200.

Shambala Private Game Reserve lies a three-hour drive, or a 45-minute helicopter flight, directly north of Johannesburg. The 30,000-acre estate is the property of South African insurance magnate Douw Steyn, owner of the Saxon, Johannesburg’s preeminent hotel.

Zulu Camp comprises just eight thatched cottages overlooking the Sterkstroom River and surrounded by rushing streams. Their air-conditioned interiors are atmospheric, comfortable and sufficiently spacious, while the adjoining baths are lavish, with soaking tubs, glass-enclosed shower stalls and outdoor showers on adjacent private decks. Public areas include a stylish lounge/library with a log-burning fireplace and an attractive riverfront deck with a small rock swimming pool.

During our stay, we enjoyed exceptional South African cuisine. The property’s principal amenity is a small spa. Shambala contains a wide range of wildlife species, including lion and leopard. A comparatively small and enclosed reserve, it also provides an ideal environment for the protection of black and white rhino, which are currently being killed at the rate of one a day elsewhere in South Africa. Zulu Camp offers its guests the opportunity to ride on an African elephant. However, the highlight of our stay was an ineffably tranquil evening cruise on the reserve’s 75-acre man-made lake, sipping a glass of chilled wine, watching the hippos and casting a lure for the obliging bass and catfish.

Zulu Camp 94 Cottage, from $2,240 for two (all meals, South African wines, game drives, one elephant ride and unlimited boat trips included). Vaalwater 05330, Limpopo Province. Tel. (27) 11-292-6030.