Planning a luxury getaway for the holidays?

Where are you dreaming of spending the holidays this year? Image courtesy of Duma Tau by Wilderness Safaris

Just starting to feel ready to plan travel now? Space can be hard to come by but it’s not too late to snag some exclusive, limited availability at some of our most-loved properties, lodges, and boats over the holidays this year.

These six properties, for example, have some space over the holidays—if anything’s of interest don’t miss out on the opportunity to reach out to our safari and South America specialists—as soon as you can—to secure a custom journey.

These properties all have a large focus on sustainability and conservation, which makes them an even better choice for the holidays. Travel that is a cause for good and for celebration? Our favorite combo. Happy holiday planning!

Duma Tau, Botswana

A boat drive on the Linyanti concession—where Duma Tau is situated—almost always involves sightings with elephants in the water. Image courtesy of Duma Tau.

One of our favorite camps in the Linyanti concession, Duma Tau sits on the shores of Osprey Lagoon, a key elephant migration corridor—and they have some limited holiday availability.

Classically decorated with open spaces and dramatic views, this camp is extremely beautiful, and has a light, eco-footprint. Wrap-around decks provide sweeping vistas of serene waters. Take a dip in the pool, sip sundowners around a campfire, or enjoy a meal beneath clear night skies while listening to the nocturnal calls. Reminiscent of an age of exploration, the luxurious, campaign-style canvas tents form part of this experience. Ahh… Linyanti, where elephants cross the river and safari dreams are made. Ask us to find out when there’s availability and how we can fit it into an overall itinerary.

Little Makalolo Camp, Zimbabwe

Taking a bush walk from Little Makalolo Camp in Zimbabwe.

Little Makalolo is a classic safari camp located in central Hwange National Park that is great for families and couples alike. The camp consists of just six traditional style safari tents with en-suite bathrooms and indoor and outdoor showers. The décor is simple yet polished. Activities at Little Makalolo include game drives in Hwange, night drives, walking safaris, and visits to the nearby Ngamo school. Or why not just relax at camp? There’s a lovely pool to cool off in during the heat of the day, and watering hole where many of the resident elephant come to drink—allowing for just about as close of an encounter as you can get! Check the itinerary out below for some inspiration…

Singita Faru Faru Lodge & Sabora Luxury Tented Camp, Tanzania

The sun is shining over the Singita Faru Faru pool. Image courtesy of Singita

Singita properties are the cream of the crop in terms of boutique luxury, and Singita Faru Faru is no exception. Situated in the private Grumeti reserve, just north of the Serengeti’s Western Corridor, Singita’s Faru Faru River Lodge is an amazing game-viewing experience. Did you know that this area alone is home to over 25 per cent of the elephant population of the Serengeti?

If you are are looking for a a luxury glamping experience, then you may like Singita Sabora instead. Singita Sabora has a pool and open lounge and viewing deck. Its special touches, such as al fresco dining under lantern-lit trees and excellent guides on your game drives make this an amazing experience. This is one of our favorite Grumeti camps.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Rwanda

Sabyinyo Silverback lodge is located just a 15-minute drive from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, the starting point for the gorilla treks.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge sits on the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, a short drive from the park entrance where one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth begins: gorilla trekking. Trekking through the jungles of the Virunga mountain range and observing the gorillas in silent awe is a truly life-changing experience.

The lodge is a luxurious option in this area, offering six cottages and two suites all with private verandas, en-suite bathrooms, and sitting rooms with fireplaces. With spectacular views from its elevated position, this lodge provides the perfect atmosphere to relax after a day of trekking. We love how Sabyinyo puts money back into the local community for economic development and conservation. This perfect holiday combo of giving back and enjoyment, also pairs well as an add-on to visiting the Serengeti at this time of year. Ask our experts to tailor you the perfect itinerary.

Explora Patagonia National Park, Chile

A viewpoint along the Carretera Austral—one of our favorite Patagonia road trips.

For travelers who want a full immersion into this new national park, a stay at the Explora Patagonia National Park lodge right inside is a must. Explora works with non-profit Rewilding Chile, the offspring of Tompkins Conservation, to support the ongoing ecosystem restoration happening in the park. On guided hiking, kayaking, and bike riding, guests get an inside look at a landscape that’s been rewilded over the last decade to reintroduce endemic species like rhea, condors, and pumas. A portion of proceeds from each guest’s stay supports this continued conservation work.

Visitors might be hard-pressed to drag themselves away from the dreamy lodge itself, though. The restaurant in the main lodge serves up sustainable meat and seafood, fluffy house-made bread, and maybe the best pisco sour in the region. The local guanacos—wild Patagonian llamas—often gather on the lawn at breakfast, welcoming guests to a new day in this wilderness paradise. Snag one of the last spots of the year by reaching out to our travel experts.

Delfin Amazon Cruise, Peru

Take a cruise through the Peruvian Amazon aboard the Delfin III.

Travelers can explore the Peruvian Amazon region, and particularly the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, aboard the Delfin I, a riverboat with the capacity to accommodate a maximum of 12 guests in four oversized suites, all with panoramic terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and two with private whirlpools. The dining room is located on the second deck where guests can feast on Peruvian cuisine created with fresh ingredients and paired with some of the best South American vintage wines.

The itineraries offer a wide range of inclusive activities such as trail walks, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, canopy walking, swimming with pink river-dolphins, bird watching, night expeditions, and a visit to the Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals.

Galapagos Safari Camp, Ecuador

A family enjoying the tent view from Galapagos Safari Camp.

The Galápagos Islands archipelago are some of very few places on the planet to be relatively untouched by man. With only three per cent of their landmass inhabited, the islands support a number of remarkable ecosystems, as well as being home to marine reserves. Galapagos Safari Camp provides a new way to experience the Galápagos, either in addition to a cruise or as a unique destination in itself. The eco-luxury tented camp follows the African safari tradition in which guests enjoy total comfort under canvas while experiencing nature in its purest form.

Have questions? Reach out to our sales team to plan your holiday adventure!

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