For many people, bath time is an indulgence. A time to unwind and relax in soothing warm water, perhaps with scented oils and silky soaps, and flickering candles to set the scene. It is a pampering experience, and there is no better place to be pampered than in the serenity of nature. The renewing qualities of the natural world help put us back into balance and remind us what is real. Cleansing us of our human ailments and realigning us with where we came from. A safari is a somewhat spiritual experience, and when we have moments alone in the greatness of the wild outdoors, we can really tap into our primal thoughts and instincts.
It is no surprise that hundreds of safari lodges and rustic African camps have put special effort into making guest bathrooms into places of zen. Whether it is a shower in a rocky cove overlooking an expansive plain or tumbling river, or a bathtub beneath the trees, surrounded by birdsong; we’ve seen some majestic outdoor bathrooms in some of our favourite safari spots. In this blog, we’ve tied together 3 favourite destinations – Sabi Sand, Okavango Delta, and Victoria Falls – and picked our best bush bathrooms in those locations. This one’s for luxury lovers…
SABI SAND
Leopard Hills Private Game Lodge
The prestigious beauty of the Kruger Park’s Sabi Sand reserve is world renowned. It is a wild, wandering terrain; a combination of open grasslands, shady riverbeds, rocky outcrops, and tangled thornveld, which makes for not only an unbeatable habitat for some of Africa’s most sought after predators, but it also paints amazing views that encourage one to get lost in nature. The outdoor showers at this 5* lodge make the most of the unfurling landscapes that roll out below, while stepping indoors to the softly furnished bathroom leads to a deep bathtub with a perfect view through large, light-finding windows.
Londolozi Private Granite Suites
Taking things to the next (and highest) level, Londolozi Private Granite Suites take the concept of bathing in nature and give it a coating of gold dust. Here, guests can sink into a bath of aromatic bubbles out under the open skies on the privacy of their own deck, overlooking a magnificent river surrounded by stark, white granite rock. And when things go too perfectly for words, bathers will be able to lie in reclined comfort and watch the wildlife go past. Imagine sharing your rejuvenating experience with a herd of wild elephants as they cross the granite outcrop, browsing on the foliage they pass…
OKAVANGO DELTA
Beautiful Duba! This is one of Botswana’s most highly documented areas, but it remains protected and conserved. Dereck and Beverly Joubert have applied their famous “aged luxury” detail to this phenomenal tented camp, which has only 5 bespoke tents, designed and decorated by Dereck himself. It embodies the richness of the natural world, and expresses elements of the “explorer era”, keeping in tune with the shapes and textures of the surrounding wilderness. Duba Plains has been likened to the modern day Garden of Eden, and it truly does offer an abundance of temptation. The view from the bathtub at Duba Plains Camp certainly gives us a glimpse of that Eden…
andBeyond Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge
Another Delta gem can be found at this masterpiece of bushveld elegance, where weeping green leaves cascade from their dark bark branches and offer shade to Xudum’s exquisite guest rooms. These sanctuaries are dark ebony structures, with simple lines and shapes, keeping the ambience tranquil and uncluttered. Rich colours and warming pieces of furniture dress these rooms perfectly, and of course, the bathroom is a place of peace.
VICTORIA FALLS
The Zambezi River is one of the greatest African rivers. It forms the border between countries; it feeds the mighty Victoria Falls; it is the home of Lake Kariba; and it is flanked by unbelievable wildlife parks and reserves. This destination is one of immense beauty and variety, given that it is close to Botswana’s Chobe National Park, Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, Namibia’s Zambezi Region; and Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. There are some sublime safari lodges located on the banks of the Zambezi, just upstream from the Falls, offering visitors exclusive access to the river views. Like these two for example…
Royal Chundu
Pure bliss, utmost luxury, serenity, exclusivity: Royal Chundu has perfected the bath time experience with its tub placement on guests’ private viewing deck perched hanging over the brimming Zambezi River. Is that champagne on ice? Why yes, yes it is.
Now re-opened with a whole new look, Thorntree River Lodge is full of simple luxury, natural indulgence, and Zambezi surroundings. The bedroom opens up onto the viewing deck, which opens into a sunken lounge, which opens onto the river! The shower has just as an amazing view as the bed, and the bath, so wherever the relaxing might be taking place, one can be sure there will be an eyeful of breath-taking scenery to behold.
