The Nine Gems of South Africa

Through nine exceptional properties, nestled in private game reserves or boasting breathtaking ocean vistas, discover a country where every stay becomes an act of conservation. From the Lands of the Kruger to the dramatic coastline around Cape Town, South Africa reveals itself in all its splendor, offering unforgettable encounters that proudly showcase its respect for the living world.

Whether nestled in the wilds of the savanna or enjoying ocean views, Relais & Châteaux properties will reveal to you the treasures of this country. Each location exudes passion and authenticity as they present the best of South Africa’s flora and fauna, hospitality, and food and wine. The lodges, estates, hotels, and restaurants are all committed to eco-responsible experiences that deeply respect the country’s wildlife. These are universal values that unite all Relais & Châteaux properties.

The Art of Contemplation 
Ellerman House, Cape Town, South Africa 
Ellerman House offers an elegant urban escape on the glamorous Atlantic Seaboard of Cape Town, South Africa. Within the walls of the historic Cape Edwardian-style mansion, every detail of the individually decorated rooms offer a sense of contemporary charm and can be appreciated with calm contemplation. Art is the golden thread that runs throughout Ellerman House, and selected artworks by prominent African artists fill guest rooms, public spaces and the dedicated Ellerman House Art Gallery. Ellerman House also celebrates artistry in the world of food and wine. From the custom-built Wine Gallery, where the resident sommelier oversees a 7500-bottle collection of wines from leading South African cellars to the exquisite meals prepared by Chef Kieran Whyte.  

Four Decades of Leopard Conservation 
Londolozi Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, South Africa 
When night falls at Londolozi Game Reserve, the sky comes alive with stars and only the distant roar of big cats cuts through the silence of the bush. The fourth-generation Varty family caring for the reserve are pioneers of the original conservation development model, and their sanctuary is devoted to the preservation of leopards among other endangered species. Londolozi - the meaning of which is "the protector of all living things" provides a chronicle of several dynasties of these iconic predators, tracing their bloodlines and protecting their future as a place to view the highest density of wild leopard in the world. Here, ecotourism goes beyond pure travel experience to explore the heart of the region’s identity. A futuristic African village has been created here to showcase the Londolozi philosophy of a place in which humans, animals, and the landscape exist in harmony. 

Majestic Setting for a Wine Tasting 
Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa, Stellenbosch, South Africa 
Perched on the steep slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountains, Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa invites you to discover South Africa’s finest wines. It is precisely here, where the mountains meet the sea, that the vineyards yield exceptionally elegant, intense vintages. The estate’s master sommeliers take pleasure in sharing the secrets of local winemakers with guests at a wine tasting session. Prolong the experience, glass in hand, on the terrace of one of the lodges under the golden glow of the setting sun. This delight for the senses continues with an exploration of the personal art collection of the owner, the renowned jeweler Laurence Graff.  

Symbiosis With Gentle Giants 
Jabulani Safari, Hoedspruit, South Africa 
Jabulani Safari was founded 20 years ago out of the desire of Lente Roode to provide a safe home in a protected wilderness for rescued elephants. Since then, this passion has grown as Adine, her daughter and now owner, has developed South Africa’s first dedicated elephant orphanage in the reserve. This purpose is shared with guests here in the Big 5 Kapama Private Game Reserve, on the edge of the Kruger National Park. Between dawn safaris and leisurely moments spent in a setting inspired by tradition, Jabulani offers unforgettable encounters with its gentle giants and unique insights into their idiosyncratic rituals. This is a rare retreat, where respect for life guides every moment, and Africa can simply be allowed to reveal its splendor. 

In the Heart of the Savanna 
Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge, Ladysmith, South Africa 
Home to elephants, giraffes, leopards, buffalo, lions, and birds, among others, Nambiti Private Game Reserve, one of the region’s most densely populated reserves, is the astonishing setting for the Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge. This provides a unique opportunity for guests staying in any of the five independent suites to see and hear the many wild residents of the savanna and plains, either viewing from panoramic terraces or taking a safari guided by expert rangers. This natural spectacle can also be contemplated from the air during a hot-air balloon flight over the reserve. As the sun sets, the day’s experiences can be relived around the fire accompanied by Zulu songs and dances. To excite the taste buds, meat is grilled on a braai, the traditional Afrikaner barbecue. 

The Awakening of South African Gastronomy 
FYN Restaurant, Cape Town, South Africa 
In the heart of Cape Town City, the FYN Restaurant celebrates South Africa’s natural abundance, with locally sourced ingredients tempered by the rigours of Japan’s fine cooking technique. At the helm is Chef Peter Tempelhoff – a member of the Relais & Châteaux World Culinary Council – assisted by Chef Ashley Moss and manager Jennifer Hugé. With a deep passion for exploring the roots of the region’s cuisine, Peter Tempelhoff has gone so far as to collaborate with a palaeoscientist to explore the unknown and forgotten ingredients of the Cape. The fine produce sourced from the Cape’s ocean and the abundance of locally harvested seaweed contribute to the culinary identity of this restaurant, which features pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan menus. The vibrant and meticulously prepared dishes harmonise with the décor created by Tristan du Plessis, where African wood meets Japanese inspiration. This experience will place you at the crossroads of continents and millennia. 

Serenity From Dawn Till Dusk 
Silvan Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa 
In the heart of one of South Africa’s largest private game reserves, Silvan Safari Lodge offers a sophisticated experience, with night safaris revealing the secrets of the animal world. The contemporary decor and warm colors of each suite are inspired by different South African trees, blurring the lines between the interior and the surrounding bushland. Amid this wooded setting, the outdoor swimming pools offer total relaxation. In total symbiosis with its surroundings, the lodge is actively involved in preserving the ecosystem through its partnership with the organization Wildlife ACT. 

Where the Land Meets the Sea 
Morukuru Family De Hoop, De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa 
Behind the bay windows of Morukuru Family De Hoop, the lines between inside and outside are blurred. Unlike any other, this property is in continuous dialogue both with the surrounding plains and with the ocean, views of which can be enjoyed from the five suites and villas which are fully off-grid and use solar power. In this unspoilt wilderness, simply waiting and watching is the order of the day, whether it be whales in the water or antelopes, zebras, and birds on the land. To make your vacation here special, all you have to do is open your eyes, breathe in the invigorating air, and live the moment. 

Sanctuary on the Savanna 
Morukuru Family Madikwe, Madikwe Reserve, South Africa 
Relaxation and personalization are the key words to describe a stay at Morukuru Family Madikwe, where three solar powered private houses allow you to experience virtual solitude. Built of wood, stone, and thatch, they give the sense of living on the savanna itself. It is an absolute privilege to enjoy this private reserve with its incredible biodiversity and witness the most amazing scenes of animal life. The Morukuru Goodwill Foundation assists with wildlife conservation and community support in and around the reserve in various ways, including rhino notching to enable their monitoring. When you retreat to the sanctuary after an ethical safari, a soak in the outdoor tub rounds off the feeling of total relaxation.