Singita Pamushana

Set on an escarpment with spectacular views over the 130,000- acre Malilangwe Dam and Reserve, Singita Pamushana is one of the most luxurious safari lodges in Zimbabwe—maybe even the continent. The eight freestanding suites, the five-bedroom villa, and the property's main lodge with its thatched roofs were inspired by the ancient Shona city of Great Zimbabwe. A sense of grandeur and primal earthiness are reflected in the use of trees throughout the living spaces and the intricate brickwork of the structures. Guests meet rangers when they arrive to discuss the many activity options, such as game drives, walking safaris, fishing, boat cruising, and visiting ancient rock art or the local village, school and health clinic to learn about community development. Thanks to its conservation successes, Malilangwe is also home to an abundant range of big game, including a large population of black and white rhinos.

The Standout: Malilangwe House, the lodge’s spacious five-bedroom villa, complete with an expansive infinity pool with sweeping vistas, a private guide, vehicle, host and chef Don’t Miss: A guided bushwalk with one of the lodge’s expert guides; seeing ancient rock art

• The stunning and sweeping views over the Malilangwe reserve and the Malilangwe Dam, which can be enjoyed from the lodge's main area and from the decks of most bedrooms
• The impactful conservation and community-building work the lodge does in partnership with the Malilangwe Trust, Singita's NGO partner
• The attentive staff, many of whom have been with the lodge for a decade or more and who go above and beyond to make guests feel at home in the bush

This exquisite lodge in southeastern Zimbabwe, which has become a model for its conservation and community programs, features some of the most extravagant accommodations in the country, as well as access to incredible game viewing. And yet, it remains somewhat of a hidden safari secret, because of its remote location, where tourism is not yet booming, compared to neighboring countries like Botswana and South Africa. Set on an escarpment with spectacular views over a large dam and the 130,000-acre Malilangwe Reserve, Singita Pamushana was conceived as an African royal palace with a main lodge area and nine freestanding villas. The ancient Shona city of Zimbabwe inspired the thatched roofs, the use of trees throughout the living spaces and the intricate brickwork of the structures, which marry a sense of grandeur and earthiness. Indoor and outdoor spaces emphasize the views while making guests feel cosseted with such amenities as private plunge pools and a first-class gym, spa and wine cellar. The villas range from a one-bedroom, which includes both indoor and outdoor lounge areas, to a massive five-bedroom villa with its own dining room and library.

Typically, guests at Singita Pamushana spend their first few hours dumbstruck by the hotel’s views and decorative details—from the giant baobab trees dotting the landscape and intricate tribal tile work on many surfaces to the brass-tipped antler coat racks hung with safari hats and bags for guests to use during their stay. Well-chosen books, African art and objects and touches—like a charging station inside a wooden box or a set of watercolor paints in the bedside table—all add up to make the villas seem more like private homes than hotel rooms. (In fact, the five-bedroom villa was originally built for billionaire American conservationist Paul Tudor Jones and his family, who support the non-profit Malilangwe Trust and spend at least a week here each year.) And the staff, too, encourages guests to feel at home, adjusting meal times and activities to suit preferences and ensure privacy.

Singita Pamushana is the only place in southern Africa where the rhinos do not need to be guarded 24/7; the anti-poaching team here is impenetrable. When a morning game drive routinely includes four of the Big Five and an entire week could be filled with different activities, it is easy to understand why some guests return every year for long stays. An equal draw to the surroundings, though, are the staff; many have been here for a decade or more, and they make guests feel at home in the bush.

Travelers who want supreme comfort and top-notch, diverse  game experiences. There is Wi-Fi, a gym and spa at the hotel, but the cell service is not reliable.

Indagare Impact hotels have been carefully vetted according to our Impact Hotel Criteria.