DIVERSITY. DESERT, FOREST, OCEAN.
Africa is home to some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.
Places where geography, ecology, and culture come together in unforgettable ways. In this edition of the Collective, we spotlight three extremely different destinations that offer more than just scenery; they offer perspective, discovery, and a deeper connection to nature.
Miavana by Time + Tide is a remote island sanctuary located off the northeast coast of Madagascar, offering an extraordinary blend of barefoot luxury blended with conservation efforts. Set on Nosy Ankao, part of a protected marine reserve, Miavana provides access to one of the most biologically rich regions in Africa — home to rare lemurs, chameleons, and vibrant coral reefs. Unlike the desert and forest settings of the other two destinations in this Collective, Miavana’s pristine, powder-white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters offer a unique coastal experience where guests can relax, swim, snorkel, or dive amidst thriving marine ecosystems. With its strong focus on conservation and community, Miavana invites guests to engage with one of the planet’s most unique and fragile environments in a meaningful, responsible way.
Did you know?
Miavana is located in the Antongil Bay, one of the few places in the world where you can spot the elusive and endangered Madagascar humpback whale during its annual migration. It is a spectacular marine event that highlights the island’s rich biodiversity.
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a noteworthy example of sustainable luxury set deep within Namibia’s NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of the oldest deserts in the world. Designed to immerse guests in the vast, otherworldly beauty of the red Sossusvlei dunes, the lodge offers guests the opportunity to explore the striking desert landscape, ancient geology, and witness desert adapted wildlife. With guided excursions into the dunes, star-gazing from an in-house observatory, and architecture that blends seamlessly into its environment, the lodge provides guests the rare opportunity to explore one of Africa’s most extreme environments in comfort and with deep respect for its fragile ecosystem.
Did you know?
The towering dunes of Sossusvlei are among the highest in the world, with some reaching over 300 meters (nearly 1,000 feet) tall. Their iconic red color comes from iron oxide, or rust, accumulated over millions of years.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest offers guests a gateway to one of Africa’s most extraordinary conservation areas — Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Nestled at the base of the Virunga Mountains, this luxury lodge provides a serene and stylish retreat surrounded by eucalyptus forest, just moments from the starting point of gorilla trekking expeditions. More than just a place to stay, the lodge curates a deeper understanding of the region’s environment and cultural heritage through guided experiences and local storytelling. With its close proximity to the park One&Only Gorilla’s Nest enhances the life-changing experience of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Did you know?
Mountain gorillas share about 98.7% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest living relatives. Their populations have increased in recent years thanks to intensive conservation efforts in Rwanda.
Diego Skjelfjord, our USA Reservations Manager, recently visited Grootbos in the Western Cape. This is what he had to say about his experience:
“Our stay at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve was one of those trips that really stays with you. We spent two nights at the beautiful Garden Lodge and from the moment we arrived, we felt genuinely cared for. Our guide, greeted us with a big smile, and we were immediately taken by the lodge’s stunning design – all glass and views that stretch endlessly over Walker Bay.
Our two-bedroom suite was spacious, cosy, and filled with thoughtful touches – books to read, hot water bottles tucked into the beds at night, and a deck where we’d sit and just take in the scenery. The minibar was a treat, stocked daily with kombucha, local wines, and Grootbos’ own Fynbos gin.
We packed our days with everything from horseback rides and fynbos safaris to walks through the ancient Milkwood forest and a magical sunset visit to the Klipgat Caves. The kids absolutely loved the Explore Club – movie nights, games, popcorn… it gave us a chance to enjoy dinners in peace, which were a real highlight in themselves.
But what really stood out was the feeling that every detail from the food to the guided activities was designed with care and purpose. The whole Grootbos team was warm, professional, and genuinely passionate about what they do. You leave Grootbos not just with beautiful memories, but with the sense that you were part of something meaningful.”
COLLECTIVE MONTHLY WRAP UP
Please click on the link below for all the latest
Third Party Product updates for the month of August.
This month’s update spotlights the following and more:
Tswalu and Klein Jan part ways.
Mack Air Zimbabwe introduce a new shuttle service.
Mashatu introduces a new property in Mozambique.
White Sands Luxury Villas is now fully wheelchair accessible.
Keeping the dream alive,
Eluisa Di Benedetto | Product Manager
