If the pandemic taught us anything, it was that getting back to nature is the ultimate key to wellness and thus more people are looking to book a safari spa break. It is an astounding experience to recline in a hot tub with a panoramic view of lions stalking the plains knowing any moment a herd of elephants may rumble by. Incredible Africa serves up the most immersive spa encounters alongside some of the best safari sensations. These include locations close to the crater of an ancient volcano in the Pilanesberg, in the national treasure of the Kruger Park, the vast plains of the Masai Mara and the lush wetlands of the Okavango Delta. Sit back and get up close and personal with some of the most astonishing animals on the planet from your tub. Magnificent Malawi proffers tropical splendor on its magical lake while Victoria Falls is a natural wonder of the world. When you combine all these locations for a safari spa, you are in for an out-of-this-world experience.

Beau Monde Traveler has selected the top six safari spas in Africa that give visitors a window on the most exotic locations for a serene break on the continent. All selected spas combine the serenity of the outdoors and the best pampering opportunities while allowing visitors to witness extraordinary wildlife events that further enhance wellbeing. Where else but Africa can one peer out over the massage table on the deck of a tented bush suite as gazelles graze nearby and bulbuls sing in the acacia trees overhead. Enjoy bespoke luxury facilities within supreme spas with spectacular surroundings and embrace mother nature’s healing powers as you channel the powers of this ancient land.  This is spa time like no other in the middle of the wilderness. Surrender yourself to the raw and untouched beauty of astonishing Africa.

OL JOGI, Laikipia Plateau Kenya

This private safari lodge set among 60,000 acres, stands atop a rocky island in the Laikipia Plateau in Kenya that is owned by the billionaire Wildenstein art-dealing family. Doubling as a wildlife sanctuary and rhino rescue centre, Ol Jogi has outstanding spa facilities. With massage and steam rooms facing the natural world, the healing power of Africa reflects from outside in. Massage therapists are on call for guests’ every whim and can even perform in-room massages. From the moment couples get changed into their his and hers robes they are in good hands since the resident masseuse specialises in aromatherapy and deep tissue massages. The pool’s cascading waterfall is heavenly and leads on to an outdoor jacuzzi that looks out onto the Masai Mara. Then there are rainforest showers to awaken from the dreamlike scenery that surrounds you. The pool area leads to an adjoining spa and steam room. Be transported to Marrakesh at the Moroccan spa featuring a full hammam and a dedicated yoga room that augments this zen-like nirvana.

Lavishly decorated bedrooms have African, Asian and European décor, embellished with handmade mosaics, stained-glass windows and murals and patterned wall coverings, provide a feast for the eyes. Lodging is split between 13 suites named for wildlife. The two master suites Simba and Mgobo (lion and buffalo in Swahili), are the most extravagant. Each suite has its own private pool, and as one takes a swim it is not uncommon to witness inquisitive young elephants play by the pool. Fanning out from the central lobby is a circular labyrinth of bedrooms and bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers as well as a freestanding bathtub. Guests can also stay in cottages encircling the main house that border the water hole and tropical gardens. Between relaxing and adventures, Ol Jogi is also a perfect place to write about the day’s amazing events from a stunning office desk surrounded by inspiring artwork. A highlight of this stay is ‘wining and dining’ in a James Bond-like wine cellar. As the night falls and the stars come out to sparkle, lodge guests can reminisce on their day by the campfire cradling a glass of champagne.

Ivory Tree Game Lodge Amani Spa, Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Huddled amid woodlands and elephant trails, lies the exclusive Ivory Tree Game Lodge. Set among the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, on the extinct volcano, is a trio of circular hills that bubble out of the landscape, created by eruptions some 1,300 million years ago. This natural wonder is two hours from Johannesburg and offers an immersive safari spa journey.  Treatment rooms can be reached via winding wooden walkways, perched on stilts giving a vantage of the African bushveld as one gets pampered. Here guests can indulge in spa massages, facials, manicures and pedicures as well as Amani’s signature treatments. Try the Urhala body ritual a full body massage, using coconut massage balm, or experience the jewel of Africa massage that uses ancient African Rungu warrior sticks to deliver long deep pressure strokes to promote deep tissue management, reduce pain and improve blood circulation. Alternatively, the Lefika hot stone massage delivers sensory stimulation via natural river stones that are heated to release deep muscle tension while stimulating circulation. Owned and operated 100 percent by women Amani Spas are dedicated to female empowerment and is Africa’s award-winning leading wellness brand.

Xigera Safari Lodge Okavango Delta, Botswana

Harnessing the simple restorative powers of being at one with the natural world, Xigera Safari Lodge’s spectacular spa provides a tranquil haven for travellers and redefines what it means to experience the African wilderness. Here nature provides both the setting and the therapy as guests embrace the untamed wilderness to feel revived, refreshed and rejuvenated. Birdsong and the distant roar of a lion provide a backing track to each day’s new adventure, allowing guests to connect with their environment. Xigera’s soul-stirring spa offers a tranquil haven for guests to heal and relax, and the circle of life is the architectural muse. The setting alone is restorative: set away from the main lodge, the circular treatment rooms are enfolded by slatted screens of Japanese Cedar. The interplay of light and dark through the slats, connects and cocoons guests from the wilderness outside. And there is serene silence, but for the buzz of the wildlife surrounding the spa.

Framing jaw-dropping views of the seasonal flood plains and lush riverine forests, two treatments rooms sit side-by-side. One has two unique treatment beds for couples’ treatments, and the other with a single treatment bed and mani-pedi chair. Enclosed with air conditioning or open to the elements as part of the treatment, they srike an equilibrium with the encircling terrain., Xigera’s wellness pavilion has a reception area and yoga deck and a swimming pool overlooks the river for total serenity. The extensive menu of body and facials focus on three pillars of wellness: restoring, calming and purifying. The ‘signature B’ Africa spa treatments are complemented Tata Harper products. The holistic spa rituals offer a multi-sensory escape for spa visitors, who can choose from botanical products. And after the spa time, guests can dive into the plunge pool on the private patio and awaken the senses. Experts in the fields of mindfulness, wellness and holistic healing visit regularly while a dedicated yoga teacher offers daily classes at sunrise and sunset. Accept the healing powers of the bush amid the serenity of the Okavango Delta and revitalise both body and mind. Later, guests can head back to their room, run a relaxing bath and sip on a glass of bubbly while soaking up the magnificent views.

Royal Malewane, Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa

Royal Malewane in South Africa invites guests to step back into a bygone era at Thornybush Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. There is no better place to relax than in these resplendent surroundings after a thrilling game drive. Deemed one of South Africa’s most exclusive big five safari lodges, Africa House is festooned in antiques, Persian rugs and fine furniture.  Each room is uniquely designed to create unparalleled luxury for 20 guests, with a further six luxury suites at the farmstead. These have a decked terrace, thatched gazebo with a private pool and dramatic bathrooms adorned in art. One can reach the rooms via elevated walkways that weave together the suites.

Royal Malewane is perfectly positioned to enjoy the most excellent game viewing in Africa. The “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino can be comfortably surveyed from the grounds. Voted ‘Best Safari Spa’ the resort embraces the serene bush and the cosmopolitan city. In this oasis of calm, one can rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit surrounded by nature. Four treatment rooms are centred around a central courtyard pool. There’s a steam room, jacuzzi, hot and cold sunken baths, and a gym. Treatments are performed by trained therapists, such as a full-body aromatherapy massage or a thermal body treatment. The power of heat and touch combine to address specific skin conditions. Sore muscles are relaxed as guests surrender to a full-body exfoliation, wrap or massage before unwinding with a sundowner drink as the sun melts into the horizon.

Matetsi Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Look no further than Matetsi Victoria Falls for an authentic African safari spa encounter. In a stunning outdoor treatment room, therapists apply Africology products bursting with natural ingredients and essential oils. The luxuriant spa products and soothing treatments are inspired by the wisdom of Africa’s traditional healers. Relax and unwind on the banks of the Zambezi River, while skilled spa therapists work massages, body-wrap, facial, manicure or pedicures. Spa-goers can indulge in an oil massage that loosens tight muscles and releases tension in the body. Guests choose from relaxing, slimming, detox and energising therapies. Alternatively, the Africology African potato wrap can be warmly applied to soften, soothe and improve skin hydration. This is performed to the rich soundtrack of Africa for the ultimate meditation. Alternatively, enjoy a traditional foot ritual and deeply relaxing scalp massage while the wrap is melted into the skin. Finally, indulge in a soothing massage with marula oil to lock in moisture. Following spa time, guests are invited to sample all the delights of the Matetsi Private Game Reserve by genuine Zimbabwean hosts. They ensure guests are immersed in Matetsi magic from sunrise safaris to sunset boat cruises and Victoria Falls town offers the once in the lifetime encounter of the ‘smoke that thunders.’

Kaya Mawa Lodge Lake Malawi, Malawi

Kaya Mawa Lodge on Likoma island is a sanctuary for spa-goers. Set among mango trees and ancient baobab on a sandy beach encircled by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi, this romantic resort is perfect for honeymooners who can spend days swimming and relaxing. ’Kaya mawa’ means ‘maybe tomorrow’ and couples can enjoy signature treatments in ‘sea huts’ linked to the island by a swing bridge. Guests can enjoy aromatherapy treatments, body scrubs, wraps and even a beachside massage. The spa is draped in white linen, quintessential decor and spa-goers are privy to incredible views across the waters of Lake Malawi, one of the deepest lakes in the world. This outstanding world heritage nature reserve is full of fish and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect spot for a serene safari spa. Each of Kaya’s eleven rooms, chalets and private villas look out over the beach or lake. There are secret decks for sunbathing and couples can enjoy amorous moonlit suppers on the beach. The lodge has its own Labrador called Keira, which adds to the home from home feel. More adventurous souls can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, and sailing or venture out on a mountain bike trail. Furthermore, lodgers can support local community projects by visiting the local village and cathedrals.

Africa’s soul spa experiences

Africa harnesses the healing power of nature and offers rejuvenating safari spa experiences that nourish the mind, body and soul. Look towards this incredible continent for immersive adventures that form life-changing experiences. Africa is a mysterious destination that holds so many enigmas beyond being a safari holiday, including the fact that it is a secret spagoers paradise. Where else can you pair incredible outdoor scenery with serene spas? Choose astonishing Africa for the ultimate safari spa destination.