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Karawari Lodge

Karawari Lodge

Sepik River

Standing majestically on a lone ridge, 300 meters above the banks of the Karawari River and overlooking an endless expanse of dense tropical lowland rain forest the lodge sits in one of the most remote and un-spoilt destinations in Papua New Guinea, the lodges private airstrip and the Karawari River being the only way in or out. Stilted villages line the edges of flooded waterways and dugout canoes are the primary mode of transport.

There is a dining and lounge area, 'Puk Puk' Bar and a vast collection of Sepik artifacts are around the lodge which is designed in the form of a traditional 'haus tambaran' or spirit house. The awe-inspiring view at dusk has to be experienced to be believed. The lodge arranges river excursions in 18-seat motorized jet boats to the surrounding villages where you visit traditional homes, witness ceremonial dances and celebrations and are honoured with a glimpse traditional life. Accommodation is in 10 cottages, each built out of local bush materials. Each one has two private twin rooms, each with modern en-suite bathrooms, and a communal veranda. Despite its remoteness, the lodge has electricity, hot & cold water, comfortable mosquito-netted beds, ceiling fans, and a breezy veranda.

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Amenities

Activities, Bar, Restaurant, Walking & Trekking

Inclusions

Our Offers

Other Options

The lodge offers 3 different types of accommodation:


  Lelapa (meaning "family")
  Dithaba (meaning "mountain")
  Kopano (meaning "small gathering") 

All are set overlooking the hills and plains of the malaria-free Madikwe game reserve. Each "lodge" has its own lounge and dining area, giving you the exclusive feel of a lodge within a lodge. African artwork, traditional lamps and artefacts give a real authentic sense of the bush. The rooms are in thatched villas have a private deck with outdoor shower, plunge pool and views across the reserve. Wood-burning fireplaces for cool nights, air conditioning and ceiling fans for when it's hot. 

Rooms at Dithaba Lodge are set further up the mountains and have some of the best views over the plains, while those at Kopano Lodge have a more private, exclusive feel. 

Meanwhile, Lelapa Lodge offers family rooms. 

Activities include Game drive, Game Walks & Bird Watching

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe

As one of the original game lodges in South Africa, Notten's Bush Camp offers a truly authentic African safari experience. It is a destination that captures the true meaning of being in the bush. Family owned and run it is probably our favourite camp in the region. A magical atmosphere is created by minimal use of electric light, lamps and candles enhance the feeling of being at one with nature. Game drives are led by experienced and professional rangers in open-top vehicles and you're likely to see some if not all of the Big 5. Unique walking safaris are offered daily giving you the opportunity of discovering the smaller treasures of the area. 

There's a restaurant and bar area overlooking the bush, there is also a spa and swimming pool for relaxing between game drives. The spacious rooms have both indoor and outdoor shower facilities, a private wooden deck with a beautiful view of the bush. Paraffin lamps and candles replace electric lighting, and all the rooms have air-conditioning (and reading lamps and charging points for your devices). Activities include Game drives, Bush walks, Cultural Visits, Kruger National Park Day Trips, Boma dinners by the fire and much more. 

Nottens Bush Camp

Sabi Sands (Kruger National Park)

Set in a spectacular and unique environment, Oceana offers a luxurious boutique hotel experience in a wildlife reserve overlooking the Indian Ocean. Home to more than 220 bird and 30 animal species. Daily game drives offer sightings of giraffe, zebra and a whole host of plains game. The drives are thoroughly enjoyable, and you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and learn a little about some of the different species. There's a huge private beach and picnics can be arranged, restaurant and bar, swimming pool, spa, gym and bush walks can be arranged. The Ocean Suites are spacious and comfortable and are all air conditioned with tea and coffee making facilities, safe and WiFi. They have their own deck with fabulous views of the ocean and reserve. Pool Suites are newer and have private plunge pool and outdoor shower.

Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve

Port Alfred

How our Tent Ratings work

These are based on our personal experience of the hotel, camp or lodge and should not be compared against ratings you find elsewhere. We intend to guide you and don’t be put off by a low tent rating as some of our favourites fall into the 2 and 3-tent categories.​

It is also important to bear in mind that standards vary from country to country and a 4-tent hotel in South Africa cannot be compared with a 4-tent hotel in another part of the world. 

To summarise our grading system, we have considered the following.

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High in both quality and luxury of experience, and property must have ‘wowed’ us on many levels.

This is our benchmark for excellent service and experience, location and /or activities. 

Good relative value, excellent location and/or experience, and offering an ideal base for exploring the area.

Budget-focused stopover property, sometimes it’s the ideal location on a driving itinerary.

Don’t be put off, these stays are comfortable and a perfect pit stop on a journey where the choices may be limited. 

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Your Adventure, Your Way

All good things start with a conversation and planning your holiday shouldn't be like flicking through a catalogue. Email us, book a free consultation, or give us a call, to get your next bespoke adventure underway.

Phone:

+44 (0)7516 766404

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