The Great Escape For the ultimate honeymoon experience you need to escape the crowds and head for the great outdoors. Worried that this will mean sacrificing the heated pools, air conditioning and power showers? Think again. The new generation of safari lodges offer the ultimate in secluded luxury…
OL DONYO WUAS LOADGE, KENYA  Ol Donyo Wuas Lodge looks up to Kilimanjaro and over the fabulous open savannahs that make Kenya so famous. One of Kenya’s first eco-lodges it was rebuilt and refurbished in 2008. All bedrooms enjoy, private plunge pools and separate-ensuite bathrooms each with a spectacular view. For a true taste of adventure, experience the sleep out option “under-the-stars.” Bush breakfasts on the plains under an acacia tree.
Wildlifewatch: This magical wilderness environment can be explored on horseback, via a walking safari, or on a day or night gamedrive. The great plains are home to lions, hyena, elephants, giraffe, cheetah and more. Contact: http://www.oldonyowuas.com
AND BEYOND OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA In 2008 and BEYOND opened two luxurious safari lodges set on a private site in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Isolated on its own island the Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge features nine playfully crafted suites with rooftop sleep-outs, private plunge pools and lofty hideouts.
Decorated in handsome tones of chocolate and ebony, the lodge is filled with quirky accents of recycled rubber, enamel and metal for a touch of the unusual. In contrast the Xaranna Okavango Tented Camp is lighter and more airy. Here the nine sleek ensuite safari tents are cool and light with a delicate colour and organic design that combines canvas with bleached timber. All boast private plunge pools and salas with mesmerising Delta views.
Wildlife watch: The game viewing in Botswana is among the finest in Southern Africa. The concession offers excellent birdwatching and some of the finest game viewing in Africa, including sightings of rare roan antelope, lechwe, tsessebe, elephant, lion, hyena and cheetah to name a few. Contact: www.andbeyond.com
SASAAB, SAMBURU Recognised as one of the most stylish and luxurious game lodges in Northern Kenya, Sasaab has been created to epitomise understated luxury merged with natural beauty in a truly magical setting. Comprised of nine individually located, ensuite luxury ‘tents’ looking down over the river and the African Wilderness, the style of each is relaxed and spacious with an exciting Moroccan flavour.
Wildlife watch: The wildlife of Samburu is particular to the Northern Frontier District with its arid landscape. You’ll find many dry country species including the Gerenuk, Oryx, Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe and the Somali ostrich as well as elephants, lions, leopard, cheetah and numerous others. Contact: http://www.sasaab.com/
MOLORI, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE Molori, which means ‘dreamer’ in Setswana, is situated in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve and is an incredible place for honeymoons, romantic getaways or even perfect for mini-moons (the Jo-burg shuttle will get you here in no time, or for a really memorable transfer, a Private Jet or Helicopter is offered.) Incredible style, food and staff in simply stunning surroundings make it the ideal place for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. The experience is totally bespoke for every guest and sleeping just ten people, it’s very intimate.
 The presidential suites are huge and breathtakingly beautiful. Along with these, the Lodge offers three other gorgeous rooms with flexible accommodation. Take a dip in the stunning infinity pool, lined with shaded, luxurious day beds. Indulge in a treatment at the spa, specialising in aromatherapy and reflexology and experience the thrill of game drives and game walks.
Wildlife watch: Molori Safari Lodge is found within Madikwe Game Reserve, situated in South Africa's North West Province. Boasting 75 000 hectares of unique topography and breathtaking beauty, it is home to the big five, wild dog, cheetah and a large variety of mammal and bird life. Contact: http://www.molori.com/
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