Africa in a Week

Bisate Lodge - Rwanda

A modern take on rustic charm, up close and personal with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

Bisate Lodge sits in the eroded cone of a dormant volcano in northern Rwanda, with vistas stretching out across the nearby Parc National des Volcans. It’s a beautiful place, and it takes something pretty special to top the view of three brooding volcanoes rearing up through the misty Afro-alpine forest. Luckily, Bisate Lodge is perfectly positioned for some of the best gorilla trekking in the country.

The lodge itself only opened in 2017, and it’s setting the new standard for conservation-focused safari lodges in Rwanda. Cosy domed thatched-roof lodges dot a path winding up through hillside trees. Inside, you’ll find exposed-brick open fireplaces, with stylish furniture and fittings inspired by the materials and textures of the environment around them.

Must do

The gorillas are the stars of the show. There are twelve groups living in the national park, which is within easy distance of the lodge, and there are guided treks daily.

A trek can last anything up to eight hours, and cover up to eight kilometres over thick, muddy terrain – so be prepared. Sightings are reliably regular, and the exertion is worth it when you emerge from the undergrowth to find yourself within 30 feet of these magnificent creatures.

The Silo - Cape Town, South Africa

There are few hotels lucky enough to be able to maximise on views as The Silo.

With Table Mountain as its backdrop, it is hard to imagine an outlook gets any better – but then as you gaze out from floor to ceiling pillowed windows, you spy the sweeping Atlantic and the buss of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Towns working harbour.

This is one of the latest offerings from Liz Biden, South Africa’s most perfection obsessed independent hoteliers. Her personal touch is evident throughout with decadent bedrooms adorned with splashes of colour and original art from her private collection.

Must do

Built in what was Cape Town’s historic grain silo, there’s a glass swimming pool on the roof, direct access to The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa which lies below the hotel as well a restaurant with 360-degree views and one of the best cocktail bars in town.

White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa - Zanzibar

The description paradise island could have been coined for Zanzibar. Crystal-blue waters, fine white sand beaches, beautiful sunshine from an endless bright blue sky, and the shade of swaying palms as you recline in your hammock. So it takes something special to stand out on the Spice Island, but the multi-award winning White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa delivers.

There are only 11 villas dotted across the huge area, meaning you can spend your entire stay in blissful seclusion if you like. The smallest of the villas is 500 square metres, surrounded by lush gardens, while the top-end spots have their own beaches, private pools and jacuzzi baths. This five-star experience isn’t costing the earth though – White Sand grows their own fruit and vegetables and get much of their power from solar energy.

Must do

If you can drag yourself from your hammock, there’s plenty to do too. White Sand is on Paje beach, with some of the world’s best kitesurfing – and the resort even has its own kitesurfing school. Or, for something a little less strenuous, head out on an African dhow to spot dolphins in the local waters. When evening comes and it’s time to relax, you can head to the rooftop champagne bar for cool drinks as the warm sun sets over the ocean.