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The official top ten
Secret Gems in Southern Africa

If you’re hankering after something a little different, a little special for your next holiday, we have 10 secret gems that are truly lovely yet off the radar of most travellers. We’ve selected a range of quirky options, like Stellar Escapes, an exclusive seasonal camp offering thrilling desert encounters in Namibia’s Damaraland, to Babylonstoren, a 300-year-old Cape Dutch farm spread over 250 hectares of South Africa’s ravishing Winelands.

1

Nkwichi Lodge

Nkwichi Lodge is a small and very special eco lodge secluded within the Manda Wilderness Conservation Area on the Mozambique shoreline of Lake Malawi, known locally as Lake Niassa. Set...

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2

Babylonstoren

A 300-year-old Cape Dutch farm spread over 250 hectares and soaked in history, Babylonstoren is a memorable taste of the region’s traditional culture. Thick whitewashed walls, simple four-poster beds and...

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3

Sindabezi Island

Sindabezi Island is the little sister property to Tongabezi Lodge, located on a speck of an island in the middle of the Zambezi River, a few kilometres downstream from Tongabezi....

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4

The Beach House

An extraordinary and impeccably styled 4-bedroom villa in one of the Garden Route’s most stunning and sought after islands: welcome to The Beach House, one of the most luxurious new...

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5

Xigera Safari Lodge

Xigera Safari Lodge in Setswana stands for ‘Paradise Island’ – aptly named given its picture perfect palm-fringed islands, crystal clear channels and papyrus beds. From Xigera, safari outings are varied...

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6

Huab Under Canvas – Stellar Escape

Huab Under Canvas is an exclusive seasonal camp offering phenomenal luxury glamping and thrilling desert encounters, nestled in a grove of Mopane trees on the banks of a tributary of...

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7

Kanana Camp

Nestled in an intricately woven and watery landscape, you will find Kanana Camp. A true Delta experience awaits, inhabited by a myriad of birdlife and wildlife unique to this exceptional...

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8

Tsala Treetop

Magical is almost an understatement when describing this collection of treetop lodges perched in an age-old indigenous forest. The delights begin at the entrance, flanked by water features, leading to...

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9

Meno a Kwena

Midway between the Okavango Delta and the spectacular Central Kalahari Game Reserve lies the quirky and charming Meno a Kwena, providing guests with a totally unique African wildlife experience. Each...

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10

Tuli Safari Lodge

Far from the Okavango and some 800kms to the south, lies the beautiful and untamed Northern Tuli Game Reserve. Tucked in the easternmost corner of Botswana, it is a unique,...

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Client Testimonials

Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

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