The untamed South African wilderness roars to life at Qwabi Game Reserve, where luxury and adventure intertwine in a symphony of wildlife encounters and refined comforts. This extraordinary safari in South Africa transforms the traditional experience into something altogether more intimate and spectacular at its adults-only retreat, Babohi, creating moments of both exhilarating excitement and profound tranquillity.
A travel experience like no other
The journey begins with accommodation that redefines bush luxury. Our Leopard room at Babohi features a private deck with a personal plunge pool overlooking the vast savanna, where wildlife roams freely just metres away. The spacious rooms seamlessly blend indoor comfort with the outdoor experience, complete with luxurious bathrooms featuring both indoor rainfall showers and private outdoor options that allow guests to bathe under the African sky while maintaining complete privacy.
Upon arrival to your safari in South Africa, guests are welcomed with refreshing signature cocktails and cool towels, a much-appreciated gesture after the 2.5 hour journey from Johannesburg airport to this remote paradise. The main lodge area, with its soaring thatched roof and open-sided design, captures the essence of safari architecture while providing panoramic views across the reserve. Decorated with local artwork and hand-crafted furniture, the space manages to feel both grand and intimate, with comfortable nooks for reading and quietly observing the wilderness beyond the infinity pool.
The adventures continue long-after the drives
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As dusk falls, the communal lodge transforms, with strategically placed lanterns creating a warm glow that complements the emerging stars. The inviting firepit becomes the evening’s natural gathering point, where guests exchange stories of the day’s sightings while sampling South African wines, the crackling flames providing both warmth and a timeless connection to the land.
It’s on the twice-daily game drives, however, where the true magic of Qwabi reveals itself. Expert guide Damian, equal parts wildlife encyclopaedia and stand-up comedian, transforms each excursion into an immersive education wrapped in entertainment. His uncanny ability to track animals is matched only by his talent for delivering fascinating facts with impeccable comedic timing.
During one of our drives, we were treated to the magnificent spectacle of roaring lions playfully antagonising each other before settling into their characteristic languorous poses. A dramatic territorial dispute between a pair of rhinos unfolded like a scene from a nature documentary, while elsewhere, a baby rhino, barely two weeks old, tentatively followed its mother through the shrubland, taking its first steps into nature’s complex ecosystem.
Wildlife encounters on a safari in South Africa
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The reserve teems with biodiversity – towering giraffes glide gracefully across the horizon, zebras jolt across the track, cheetahs hide in the grass, hippos submerge in watering holes, and buffalo graze in their herds. Smaller creatures demand equal attention, with vibrant birds painting the sky with flashes of colour, tortoises trudging determinedly along pathways, and even elusive snakes making occasional appearances.
These excursions feature strategic pit stops for sundowners, drinks enjoyed while watching the spectacular African sunset, though one such pause was hastily abandoned when two lionesses were spotted beginning a hunting expedition, prompting a quick retreat to the safety of the vehicle before us humans could join the menu alongside the poor unsuspecting gazelles.
Dining at Babohi is an adventure in itself. The restaurant presents a rotating breakfast menu daily, while dinner showcases local specialties including ostrich and other game meats that might be new to international palates. The culinary highpoint arrives on the final evening with an unforgettable bush dinner, an outdoor banquet illuminated by candles and starlight, centred around a traditional South African braai (barbecue). Long tables adorned with elegant décor, set under the vast canopy of stars, create an atmosphere of primal luxury impossible to replicate in conventional hotel dining rooms.
Wellness and conservation at Qwabi
Between wildlife encounters, the reserve’s spa treatments take place in rooms strategically positioned to overlook the expansive landscape, allowing for the ultimate relaxation experience accompanied by sweeping views of the bushveld. The signature ‘Qwabi Renewal’ massage incorporates indigenous plant oils and traditional techniques, creating a sensory journey that connects guests to the land’s ancient healing traditions. Treatment rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that can be fully opened when weather permits, allowing the gentle bush breeze and natural soundscape to enhance the experience.
The reserve’s commitment to conservation becomes evident through thoughtful touches throughout the stay. Water is served in reusable glass bottles, amenities come in biodegradable packaging, and the entire property operates on solar power supplemented by minimal generator use. Morning game drives often include brief stops where Damian points out conservation efforts, from anti-poaching measures to habitat restoration projects that support the reserve’s remarkable biodiversity.
While our beloved elephants remained elusive during this particular visit, the absence of these gentle giants did nothing to diminish the unforgettable experience. Instead, it serves as a perfect excuse for what every visitor inevitably desires after departing Qwabi – a compelling reason to return to this corner of wilderness where luxury accommodation meets untamed Africa in perfect wild harmony.
Recommended resort: Babohi
Starting price: from AED 2,811 per night
Best time to visit: May to September
How to book: Go direct to Newmark’s website
