Earth Lodge

Game in Sabi Sand is among the best in South Africa – the Big Five, plus leopard and sometimes wild dog – and Earth Lodge is the most striking of the four lodges here.

A futuristic eco-friendly building, it features rooms built into the earth, enormous cool open spaces and a contemporary design that marries local trees, rocks and geography with cutting-edge architecture.

There is no other camp like it in South Africa: built into the soil, its dome roofs peeking out from beneath the grass. Views are not therefore amazing, however, the bush around is pretty, with plenty of trees, streams and water features, and a Zen Garden for meditation.

Although this camp is architecturally cutting edge, it is still very African: its walls are plastered in local earth, light fittings are created from branches, and bedheads are carved from tree trunks.

Each large room is decorated in earth tones, and has its own plunge pool, living area, and verandah on which dinners can be served (some overlooking the watering hole). Private dinners can be also organised by a fire in the boma, by the watering hole or in the wine cellar.

The butler service, wine cellar and gourmet food make this a foodie destination camp, and there’s a spa for post-safari pampering.