The Best Hotels and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East: The 2021 Gold List
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Singita Pamushana Lodge, Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe
Singita has rightfully earned its stellar reputation for running the slickest safari properties in Africa, and Pamushana is no exception. Insiders choose the untrammeled, biologically diverse reaches of Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve’s 321,000 acres over and over again for long, immersive stays and private animal sightings. The terrain here is strikingly different from other destinations in the region: deep-red soil, colossal boulders, 87 documented rock-art sites, and forests of ancient baobab trees. Even after several days of driving and walking with the excellent guides, spotting large herds of elephants and buffalo, wild dogs and big cats, there is never a sense that you’ve seen it all. Community tours elsewhere in the country can feel a little contrived, but a visit to nearby Kambako Cultural Village is essential. Hands-on and interactive, it’s a living museum of Shangaan culture. The lodge’s hilltop suites overlook Malilangwe Dam, where boat-based birding and game fishing add to the already long list of activities. Food is modern and sustainably sourced. One of the Malilangwe Trust’s initiatives is providing the seed funding for small-scale producers of goods, including honey and eggs, which are then bought by Singita’s kitchens. It also supports equally visible community and conservation endeavors, from a school-feeding scheme to anti-poaching patrols. This is a pioneering property for the future of Zimbabwe. Doubles from $2,400, full board; singita.com —Jane Broughton
Courtesy Singita
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Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
