Hoedspruit, South AfricaModitlo Wildlife Estate
Vuyani Safari Lodge
Bushveld safari lodge
Moditlo Wildlife Estate Hoedspruit, South Africa
Renovated
2013
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Local ResortOutside the door
The house
VuyaniBushveld safari lodge
Ten suites share the private estate, keeping safari drives quiet and wildlife sightings free of convoy crowds.
What it’s good at
Notable
Private candlelit dinners on the patio, and chalets stocked with Africology botanical toiletries.
Listed
A timber observation deck and infinity pool look out across the Drakensberg mountains.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The bedrooms in the Vuyani’s three luxury suites are spacious and full of natural light, and those marble bathrooms contain a large glass shower, a separate bathtub with a rim that begs to hold a drink, and modern double vanities.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Moditlo Wildlife Estate borders the Blue Canyon conservancy and Kruger National Park, where lions and elephants roam.
The rooms
Detached chalets open onto timber decks with private plunge pools, and bathrooms extend into open-air showers.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 12-meter infinity pool is lined with cushioned loungers and lit by lanterns after dark.
At the table
Dinner is served on the open deck overlooking the waterhole, with dishes rooted in European and South African cooking.
How it began

Former London financier Bernie Koppes built the lodge in 2009 as only the third development on the estate.
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.