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01.20.15
From Cape Town to the bush, villas and private estates are the latest way to splurge in South Africa.
Luxurious new rental properties are making it easier than ever to create an extended-family dream trip in South Africa. The Oppenheimer clan turned one of its getaways into Tarkuni ($$$$$), in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, the largest private game reserve in the country. The five-suite property has a dedicated chef and a Land Rover for tracking black rhinos and Kalahari lions.
At the Observatory ($$$$$), guests can explore the Leobo Private Reserve’s ancient landscape by off-road buggy or helicopter. The research-grade telescope makes for astronomer-level stargazing.
Oenophiles have a contemporary crash pad in the Homestead at Oldenburg Vineyards ($$$$$), a 200-year-old farmhouse in the Cape Winelands. The owners stocked the wine cellar with vintages from surrounding wineries.
Perched on Lion’s Head in Cape Town, Villa Two at Ellerman House ($$$$$) could be mistaken for a mansion in the Hollywood Hills. The modern, three-bedroom space has a wine gallery with a massive corkscrew sculpture that holds 1,500 rare local bottles—and looks like a set piece out of Transformers.
Hotel Pricing Key
$ Less than $200
$$ $200 to $350
$$$ $350 to $500
$$$$ $500 to $1,000
$$$$$ More than $1,000
