+44 (0)20 7819 9770
  1. Home
  2. Top Tens 
  3. Eco-friendly Lodges

Top
10

•
The official top ten
Eco-friendly Lodges in Southern Africa

With changing attitudes and ever-growing environmental awareness, an increasing number of travellers are opting to minimise their carbon footprint and like to know that they are staying in properties that take their social and environmental responsibilities seriously. Our Top Ten properties in Southern Africa manage to combine luxury experiences with sensible sustainability. 

At luxury eco-paradise Grootbos set in South Africa’s prime whale-watching haven of Walker Bay, the whole family will love horse riding on the beach and nightly feasts of seafood and incredible organic produce. Or for a safari adventure like none other, head deep within the pristine wilderness of Kruger National Park to Singita Lebombo. One of South Africa’s finest safari lodges, it combines a boldly contemporary design with a serious approach to conservation and sustainability.

Whilst in neighbouring Botswana, gliding on a traditional ‘mekoro’ canoe through the waters of the Okavango Delta at Camp Okavango makes for a gloriously peaceful eco-adventure. For the ultimate barefoot experience, escape to the wild and beautiful southern Mozambican coast to our favourite secret gem, Dunes de Dovela for views stretching over undulating sand dunes, virgin forests and the bright blue Indian Ocean. From June to October, humpback whales can be seen from the lodge and there is amazing birdwatching year-round.

1
•

Grootbos

Authentic African warmth is found at this collection of luxury lodges nestled in the heart of a 2,500-hectare private nature reserve. Artfully designed within ancient Milkwood forests and overlooking the...

View
2
•

Singita Lebombo Lodge

This innovative set-up in 33,000 acres in the heart of the Kruger National Park is deeply inspiring. Singita Lebombo Lodge is nestled in pristine wilderness where a unique wildlife population...

View
3
•

Makakatana Bay Lodge

The heart of Africa’s largest natural estuary, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is also home to delightful safari lodge, Makakatana Bay Lodge. Named after a Zulu chief, the lodge has been home...

View
4
•

Wolwedans Dune Camp

Wolwedans Dune Camp is the charming and more rustic little sister of neighbouring Wolwedans Dune Lodge, yet it still retains the Wolwedans’ hallmark of outstanding service, dining and authentic experience.  Positioned on...

View
5
•

Gomoti Plains Camp

Gomoti Plains Camp is named after the nearby Gomoti River, where roaming floodplains surround the camp with towering palms punctuating the landscape. Gomoti is located in the large community-run NG32...

View
6
•

Camp Okavango

Camp Okavango is located on the romantically named Nxaragha Island in the North East of Moremi. This hidden treasure, in the heart of the permanent Okavango Delta, assures its guests...

View
7
•

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....

View
8
•

Matetsi Victoria Falls

Matetsi Victoria Falls is an intimate luxury lodge setting new standards in Zimbabwe and is a firm Ampersand favourite. Only an hour from Victoria Falls but secluded within the 55,000-hectare Matetsi...

View
9
•

Dunes de Dovela Eco Lodge

Situated 80 km South of Inhambane, Dunes de Dovela Eco Lodge offers a barefoot experience on the wild and beautiful southern Mozambican coast. Owned and hosted by a French couple and...

View
10
•

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...

View

Client Testimonials

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
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
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
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
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
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
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
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
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
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
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
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences