Inside Aesthetics: Africa’s Most Mesmerizing Lodge Interiors

May 18, 2023

From the carefully curated design elements to the luxurious amenities, there’s nothing quite like the experience of a well-designed lodge.

In this post, we’re highlighting the lodges we believe offer their own unique blend of traditional design, modern luxury, and stunning natural surroundings, to make for the most unforgettable experiences around.

Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

The villas, main lodge and walkways of Bisate Lodge, Wilderness Safari, Rwanda

The reception area, Bisate Lodge, Wilderness Safari, Rwanda

Vast bedrooms with comfy chairs and balconies, Bisate Lodge, Wilderness Safari, Rwanda

Nestled in the heart of Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge offers guests a truly unique experience. The lodge’s interiors are a blend of traditional Rwandan design and modern luxury, with handwoven textiles, local artwork, and organic furnishings. The unique, thatched design takes inspiration from the King’s Palace at Nyanza, adding to the lodge’s authentic cultural charm.

The lodge seamlessly blends modern luxury with organic Rwandan culture, creating a sophisticated ambiance that exudes elegance from every corner. The spherical rooms and public spaces are meticulously crafted, providing bespoke and sustainable solutions to the challenging terrain.

Like giant birds’ nests tucked into the trees, the six Forest Villas that make up Wilderness Bisate at Volcanoes National Park are simply breathtaking. With a ‘next-level’ attention to detail, Bisate Lodge truly is a testament to the time-honored traditions and enduring culture of Rwanda, in an astonishing location you won’t be able to get enough of.

La Residence, Franschhoek

La Residence is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of Franschhoek, South Africa’s wine country and lovingly referred to as the gourmet capital.

The spectacular hideaway is reminiscent of a Provencal home on the outside, and when you venture inside, your jaw is sure to drop thanks to the decor reminiscent of a stately manor. Each suite is individually decorated, with unique touches like antique mirrors, ornate chandeliers, vast fireplaces and plush velvet sofas — all this set under a vaulted ceiling, in a 30-acres private estate.

The hotel also boasts stunning gardens (complete with roaming peacocks), luscious pool and decadent spa, making for a luxurious and indulgent experience. Opulence truly awaits you here, and the furnishings are every antique lover’s dream. A true benchmark for luxury accommodation, the guest book boasts signatures from Elton John, Lionel Richie and George Clooney.

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Okavango Delta

lounge Inviting fireplace overlooking the Okavango Delta — Inviting fireplace overlooking the Okavango Delta

Private dinning table overlooking the bush at Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge — Private dinning at Sandibe

Situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is a beautiful eco-lodge that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape of wild palms and gnarled fig trees.

Your first glimpse? A mesmerising look at shingled wood resembling a giant pangolin. Inside, warm wood tones await. Throughout the lodge, you’ll discover intricate basketware, sculpted wooden tables, and unique feature pieces that showcase the craftsmanship of Botswana’s artisans. The twelve guest suites peek out from beneath the forest canopy, resembling carefully woven nests of the weaver bird.

If comfort, serenity and thoughtful touches are what you are after, then Sandibe is an absolute must-see.

Mpala Jena, Zimbabwe

Beautiful open bedrooms at Mpala Jena — Beautiful open rooms at Mpala Jena

Nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River, Mpala Jena is a luxurious tented camp that offers guests a truly unique experience. The epitome of “barefoot luxury”, it oozes both comfort and chicness in an enthralling concoction.

Guests rave about the sunrises and sunsets, which are framed by the camp’s interiors which combine traditional African design and modern luxury. Expect handcrafted furnishings, beautiful textiles, and stunning artwork.

Each tent features a private deck, beautiful views of the river, and an outdoor shower, allowing guests to feel fully connected to nature. The contemporary African feel and unique architectural design elements will leave you breathless, and so will the surrounding wilderness!

Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique

bedroom interior at Kisawa Sanctuary Benguerra — Kisawa Sanctuary Benguerra

Bathroom with a breathtaking ocean view at Kisawa Sanctuary — Bathroom with a breathtaking ocean view

Located on the beautiful island of Benguerra, Kisawa Sanctuary is a stunning eco-resort that combines traditional Mozambican design with modern luxury. The resort’s interiors are a mix of natural materials like wood and stone, with beautiful textiles and artwork adding a touch of elegance. Each villa features a private pool, outdoor shower, and beautiful views of the ocean, allowing guests to fully relax and unwind in a picturesque setting.

The name ‘Kisawa’ means unbreakable, apt considering the bond between people and place, life and land here. Take in the surrounding Indian Ocean from your luxurious suite, constructed by skilled artisans from Benguerra Island as well as patented 3D printing technology (!). The decor comprises supple linens, individual colour palettes per room and even terrazzo bathtubs! There is quite simply nowhere better to take in the subtropical beauty and balmy temperatures of Benguerra than at Kisawa Sanctuary.