News

Latest News

Featured in The Telegraph: Meet the 2022 finalists of the Tusk Award for Conservation

Meet the 3 chosen finalists for the Tusk Conservation Award in this powerful article by Sarah Marshall in The Telegraph on the lead up to the Tusk Conservation Awards on November 1 2022. David Daballen – on a mission to protect elephants “It was hard to see a massive animal like that being wasted,” he […]

Katie Dalrymple-Hamilton
27th October 2022

Share this article

Featured in The Telegraph: Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award Winner, 2022

As Travel Partner to Tusk, Exceptional Travel is delighted to showcase the dedicated work of Neddy Mulimo, this years winner of the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award. Extract from The Telegraph: Meet the 66-year-old ranger still battling poachers in Zambia. Responding to serious levels of poaching, (Neddy) applied tactics learned during a 20-month stint of national […]

Katie Dalrymple-Hamilton
11th October 2022

Share this article

6 Luxury Hotels that take Farm to Fork Dining Seriously

“Farm to Fork” is an increasingly fashionable trend amongst luxury hotels, but many can fall short on delivery. So, we have curated a small collection of some of our favourite properties around the world that incorporate local cuisine as part of their DNA, then go that extra mile to ensure their guests enjoy a real […]

Katie Dalrymple-Hamilton
21st September 2022

Share this article

Posts from the past

In the Footsteps of Tusk – Tanzania

Tanzania's natural beauty spans the plains of the Serengeti, snow capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, mighty rivers of the Selous and Ruaha and the clear crystal waters of the Indian Ocean. A mecca for wildlife on land and in...

In the Footsteps of Tusk – Rwanda

Known as "The Land of a Thousand Hills", Rwanda is famous for its magnificent mountain gorillas in the forests of Volcanoes National Park. Home to one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population in the North West, Rwanda's...

In the Footsteps of Tusk – São Tomé & Príncipe

With coordinates 1°N,7°E, São Tomé and Príncipe is located at the centre of the world. Created by volcanic activity millions of years ago, these striking islands rise out of the Gulf of Guinea and the vibrant rainforests are amongst...

In the Footsteps of Tusk – Uganda

Once described as "The Pearl of Africa" by Winston Churchill, Uganda is a country of exquisite contrasts. Dense forests, hazy savannahs, hippo filled lakes, meandering rivers and thundering waterfalls. Home to some of the highest concentration of primates on...

In the Footsteps of Tusk – Namibia

Remote, vast, and lesser known than it's neighbours, Namibia is a country that takes you further off the grid than you thought possible. Towering terra cotta sand dunes, coastal deserts, Etosha National Park with desert adapted wildlife and a...

In the Footsteps of Tusk – Zambia

Zambia's rich wildlife resides within some of the most pristine National Parks in Africa. It's natural boundaries of meandering rivers and steep escarpments provide an exceptionally beautiful, unspoilt and seasonal safari - as safari was intended. Behind the scenes,...

In the Footsteps of Tusk – Kenya

This is where it all began, on the foothills of Mt Kenya. Thirty years on, and we invite you to follow In the Footsteps of Tusk. A country of diversity, this journey takes you through Kenya's wildlife rich areas, and...

Elephant Watch Camp

Situated in the dry north of Kenya, in a land of endless rugged beauty and untamed wilderness, Elephant Watch is the ultimate eco-lodge, blazing a trail for others to follow by nurturing an holistic, profoundly meaningful and proactive engagement...

Singita Grumeti

Singita Grumeti is an exclusive private reserve located adjacent to the Western Corridor of the Serengeti National Park in the path of the famed wildebeest migration. Offering unparalleled levels of African luxury, there are just four superb permanents...

Serian’s Serengeti North

Serian’s Serengeti North is a luxury seasonal camp, whose movement is governed by the annual wildebeest migration. Traditional, stylish and relaxed and with a focus on excellent guiding, this is a great option for those looking to experience the...

Ilala Lodge

Family-run Ilala Lodge is set within beautiful grounds less than ten minutes from spectacular Victoria Falls. The spray from the falls makes for a perfect backdrop for your stay and the 73 guestrooms and award winning Palm Restaurant are...

The Victoria Falls Hotel

Established in 1904 and popularly known as the 'Grand Old Lady of the Falls', The Victoria Falls Hotel is set in lush tropical gardens with magnificent views down to the Victoria Falls Bridge and the spray that rises from...

Lewa House

Located at the centre of the renowned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lewa House is set on top of a hill with extensive views over gentle rolling hills with Mount Kenya to the south and the rugged Mathews Range and the...

Lengishu

Lengishu is a stunning exclusive-use family home on the pioneering Borana Conservancy in Northern Kenya. For varied adventures including tracking rhino on foot – Lengishu has it all! Perched on a ridge with views across the Laikipia plains...

Elsa’s Kopje

Named after the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson’s biographical book and film “Born Free”, Elsa’s Kopje is found in remote and rugged Meru National Park in Northern Kenya. Unashamedly romantic and beautifully styled, Elsa’s Kopje is...

Borana Lodge

Borana Lodge is world-renowned as being at the forefront of Kenya’s wildlife conservation efforts. Located at the heart of 32,000 acre Borana Conservancy, Kenya’s newest and most successful rhino sanctuary, Borana Lodge lies at the foot of Mount Kenya,...

Giraffe Manor

Located in the leafy suburbs of Langata on a 140 acre sanctuary, Giraffe Manor offers a unique opportunity to meet the resident giraffe, all of whom are of the endangered Rothschild’s species. Close up encounters with the semi-habituated giraffe...

The Emakoko

The Emakoko is a luxury lodge artfully built into the side of a valley on the Mbagathi River, bordering Nairobi National Park. Within 30 minutes of clearing customs at Nairobi JKI Airport, you can fall asleep to the sounds...

Sasaab

Sasaab is perched on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in the Samburu heartlands of Northern Kenya. A stunning blend of Swahili and Moroccan design, this luxury lodge has a focus on wellbeing, and offers nine thatch and...

Ol Donyo Lodge

Ol Donyo Lodge is set on the Maasai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch, comprising of 275,000 acres of wilderness bordering the Chyulu Hills National Park. With majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, this 16 bed luxury lodge is one of only...

Karisia Walking Safaris

Karisia Walking Safaris specialises in comfortable walking safaris, supported by camels to carry all the camping equipment and luggage. Based in eastern Laikipia, Karisia allow you to explore untouched parts of Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau only accessible on foot and...

Manda Bay

Manda Bay is a rustic beach hideaway found on an idyllic island within Kenya's Lamu Archipelago. Accessed only by speedboat, Manda Bay lies on the remote north western tip of Manda Island, on the Kenyan coast. This friendly owner-run...

Kwando Lagoon Camp

Kwando Lagoon Camp is perched on the banks of the Kwando River in Northern Botswana, nestled beneath towering ebony and marula trees. It is one of just two camps found within the 232,000 hectare Kwando Concession, one of the...

Gomoti Plains Camp

Gomoti Plains Camp is situated in an exclusive community-run private concession on the edge of the Gomoti river system in the south east of the Okavango Delta. This stylish luxury tented camp, set under the shade of acacia...

Shinde

Nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Shinde is an intimate camp, with eight classic tents, located on the edge of the Shinde Lagoon. A complete safari experience, Shinde is an ideal...

Le Quartier Francais

Le Quartier Français is a romantic 28-room boutique hotel set in the heart of the picturesque village of Franschhoek in South Africa’s Cape Winelands. Its central location makes it an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding winelands,...

Onguma The Fort

Onguma The Fort is the most luxurious lodge within Onguma Private Nature Reserve, along the eastern border of Etosha National Park. Entirely unique and boasting probably the finest sunset views in Namibia, this 13 suite lodge combines a classical African...

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Surrounded by majestic mountains, tranquil Hoodia Desert Lodge is ideally located just 20-minutes from the gateway to Sossusvlei. With 11 tented bungalows decorated in an earthy yet luxurious style, the lodge is a perfect base for exploring Sossusvlei's magnificent...

Mushara Outpost

Mushara Outpost is all about old-fashioned hospitality with warm, friendly and personalized service on the doorstep of Etosha National Park. Based upon the elegance of an African Homestead, yet with a contemporary flavour, the lodge features eight custom made...

Okonjima

The family-run Okonjima Nature Reserve rests at the foot of the sandstone Omboroko Mountains, equi-distance between Windhoek, and Etosha National Park. Spanning over 200 km², this vast private reserve is equally known for frequent leopard, brown hyena and pangolin...

Strand Hotel Swakopmund

The four-star Strand Hotel Swakopmund is found directly on the promenade, surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean. With 125 stylish guest rooms, five unique and creative dining options, plus a pampering spa, this is a great hotel...

Kwessi Dunes Lodge

Kwessi Dunes Lodge is a new luxury lodge, with 12 beautiful canvas and thatched chalets, set deep in Namibia’s vast NamibRand Nature Reserve. With its rolling desert plains, backdrop of craggy mountains and iconic red dunes, this is a...

Wolwedans Dune Lodge

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge is perched on top of a red dune plateau, capturing the beauty of the desert. Built in wood and canvas, the main lodge and nine guest chalets reflect their stunning natural surroundings, with the ambience of...

Mowani Mountain Camp

Mowani Mountain Camp is hidden amongst clusters of enormous boulders and boasts simple extraordinary desert views. Built under characteristic dome thatched roofs, there are 15 beautiful tented rooms, a dining room and lounge with sweeping views, plus a fabulous...

Desert Rhino Camp

Set in the midst of the enormous Palmwag Reserve in northwest Namibia, Desert Rhino Camp is one of the best places to track endangered desert-adapted black rhino in the wild. Run in conjunction with Namibia Namibia’s Save the...

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Located in the Northern Cape, just south of the Botswanan border, Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private reserve. This malaria-free wilderness is home to just two magnificent lodges, The Motse and Tarkuni, plus a staggering diversity of wildlife....

Little Oliver’s Camp

Set in the remote southern reaches of Tarangire National Park within easy reach of the Silale Swamps, Little Oliver’s Camp is an echo of the early days of East African safaris. With just five spacious tents, it offers an...

Xanadu Villas

Xanadu is a luxury collection of six individually designed villas nestled on Zanzibar's east coast. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, pristine white sands and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, Xanadu makes for the perfect island escape.

Plantation Lodge

Plantation Lodge is set within lush gardens on the grounds of a coffee plantation, between Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. It offers an excellent alternative to the safaris camps on the Crater Rim, giving the excitement of a...

Chem Chem Lodge

Set on 20,000 hectares of untainted African bush between Tarangire National Park and bird rich Lake Manyara, luxurious Chem Chem Lodge is the perfect place to immerse yourself in an authentic Tanzanian wilderness experience.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Nestled between the mountains and sea, two hours from Cape Town, Grootbos Private Game Reserve is a superb family-run nature reserve set amongst rollings hills of flynbos overlooking the stunning coastline of Walker Bay. Home to the "Marine...

Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Tanda Tula Safari Camp is located in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This East-African camp is unique, being both owner run and one of the few tented...

Bushman’s Kloof

Bushman’s Kloof, situated in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains less than four hours drive from Cape Town, is an exclusive private wilderness reserve and wellness retreat. Vast and ruggedly beautiful, this semi-desert eco reserve is both malaria and...

Royal Madikwe

Contemporary style blends with African elegance at Royal Madikwe Lodge set in the western sector of the famed Madikwe Game Reserve overlooking a busy waterhole. With just four Suites, plus the Royal Villa and Sovereign House, this intimate lodge...

Tuningi Safari Lodge

Tuningi Safari Lodge is a family-friendly lodge located in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve, a malaria-free big five reserve easily accessible from Johannesburg. With endless views over pristine bushveld, best appreciated from the wrap-around decks, this property is...

Ant’s Hill

Ants Hill is perched on an escarpment, on its own private reserve in the malaria-free Waterberg Biosphere. With spectacular views of the Waterberg plateau and mountains beyond, this gorgeous bush home is owner run and very family-friendly, priding itself...

The Oyster Box

Standing proud on Umhlanga’s beachfront, a pretty suburb of Durban, The Oyster Box first opened its doors way back in 1947. The combination of colonial charm, impeccable service, lush tropical gardens and breath-taking coastal setting quickly earned it a...

Phinda Private Game Reserve

Covering over 25,000 hectares of protected wilderness, the vast Phinda Private Game Reserve is Kwazulu Natal’s most exclusive safari destination. Phinda is home to six luxury lodges, each with its own individual charm and character: Mountain Lodge, Rock Lodge,...

Thonga Beach Lodge

Thonga Beach Lodge is set above a secluded bay and nestled into the indigenous coastal dune forest of the KwaZulu Natal’s Maputuland coast. This rustic luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of South Africa’s last unspoilt...

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Set within the vast 22,000 hectare Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Kwandwe Ecca Lodge offers arguably the best family friendly Big Five safari in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Innovative, stylish and intimate, Ecca Lodge has just six expansive suites with...

Marataba Safari Camp

Marataba is located in a 23,000 hectare private concession adjoining the vast, malarial-free Marakele National Park with dramatic views of the Waterberg escarpment.

Samara Private Game Reserve

Surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, Samara Private Game Reserve sits in 67,000 acres of pristine malaria-free wilderness in South Africa's Eastern Cape, just 2.5 hours by car from Port Elizabeth,

Hog Hollow Country Lodge

Hog Hollow Country Lodge is perched above the dramatic Matjies River Gorge, at the Crags, a short distance inland from Plettenberg Bay on South Africa's Garden Route.

The Plettenberg

Laidback yet effortlessly chic, The Plettenberg is perched on the rocky headland overlooking endless stretches of pristine coastline and the majestic Outeniqua Mountains.

Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren is a working wine and fruit farm in the glorious Drakenstein Valley between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Lovely white-washed Cape Dutch buildings form the exteriors, while the interiors showcase a combination of heritage and modern living.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Set at the foot of Table Mountain, in the heart of the City Bowl, the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson, fondly known as the Cape Towns’ Pink Lady due to her pink facade, opened her doors in 1899 and has...

La Residence

Located in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley on a private 30 acre wine farm, La Residence sets the benchmark for luxury accommodation in the Cape Winelands.

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel is authentic Cape Town at its loveliest, with sophisticated charm, and quirky personality in equal measure. Set just off the buzzing Kloof Street, you can live like a local and still be treated as a...

Royal Malewane

Royal Malewane is situated in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve that forms part of the Greater Kruger. Luxury meets the wild in some of South Africa’s finest safari accommodation exuding the beauty of a bygone age while offering...

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

Luxury doesn’t come much more spoiling than the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, set on the border of Thailand and Laos overlooking the mystical Mekong River. Accessed by river boat, and set amidst Thailand’s exotic bamboo forests, this...

The Sarojin

The Sarojin is a stunning beach property designed in a contemporary Asian style on the quiet coastline of the unspoilt Khao Lak, ideally located an hour north of Phuket. The resort is set in lush tropical gardens on a...

Belmond Napasai

The Belmond Napasai enjoys a stunning position in a sheltered cove on the exclusive north coast of Koh Samui. Here you are cossetted from the outside world amongst 49 acres of immaculate tropical gardens yet just a few short...

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

The first luxury boutique property found on Koh Phangan, Anantara Rasananda Villas is an oasis of tranquility in the remote north of this picturesque small island.

Heritage Line Ginger

Heritage Line Ginger is a luxury wooden junk offering one or two night cruises around the beautiful Lan Ha Bay area of the Halong Archipelago.

Amanoi

Amanoi is situated on the dramatic coast line of Nui Chua National Park, one of the country’s largest natural conservation sites.

An Lam Saigon River

For those who prefer to avoid the busy pace of Ho Chi Minh City centre, An Lam Saigon River is a soothing sanctuary nestled under a tropical canopy on the banks of the river.

Azerai La Residence Hue

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, this elegant art deco style boutique hotel has uninterrupted views of Hue’s Imperial Citadel, over the water.

Azerai Can Tho

Surrounded by serene waterways and lush mangroves, Azerai Can Tho is a new addition to the Mekong Delta, setting the bar to a new high. Built on its own private eight acre island, it is the perfect location to...

Anantara Hoi An Resort

Anantara Hoi An Resort has an enviable setting overlooking the Thu Bon River, less than a kilometre from the historic quarter of Hoi An.

La Folie Lodge

Set on the northwest side of tiny Dong Daeng Island in the middle of the mighty Mekong river, La Folie Lodge gives the wonderful opportunity to escape the outside world, relax by the pool and soak up the glorious...

Satri House

A stay at Satri House is like being hosted by royalty in a bygone era, designed with a style inspired by Lao culture in a truly relaxing environment.

Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

With an enviable hilltop location overlooking the UNESCO city of Luang Prabang, Belmond La Residence Phou Vao is every ounce a luxurious colonial retreat.

The River Resort

The River Resort enjoys a lush setting amongst paddy fields and tropical gardens overlooking the vast expanse of the Mekong River.

Ngapali Bay Villas and Spa

Ngapali Bay Villas and Spa is a stylish beachfront hotel set on a secluded bay at the Northern end of Ngapali Beach. Designed by acclaimed British architect David Wordsworth, 32 thatched stand-alone villas are uniquely designed and decorated with...

4 Rivers Floating Lodge

4 Rivers Floating Lodge is set on the mighty Tatai River with a backdrop of the Cardamom Mountains in South West Cambodia. This unique ecolodge is an ideal getaway for those looking to explore Cambodia’s pristine wilderness in comfort...

Knai Bang Chatt

Unique Knai Bang Chatt is a chic boutique hotel situated in the quaint fishing village of Kep, a beach destination on Cambodia’s South Coast, once the 1960s escape for the elite.

Phum Baitang

Phum Baitang, which means ‘Green village’, is a 5-star luxury hotel on the outskirts of Siem Reap. Set within 20 acres of lush gardens, lemon-grass meadows and rice paddies, this elegant retreat is ideally located...

The Strand Hotel

The Strand Hotel in Yangon is one of the most iconic 5 star hotels in Asia. Built in 1901 and acquired soon after by the Sarkies brothers, famed for the likes of Raffles in Singapore and The E&O in...

Villa Inle Boutique Resort

Villa Inle Boutique Resort is nestled beneath the mountains of the Shan State in 20 acres of exotic gardens on the eastern banks of Inle Lake. This idyllic retreat offers 27 spacious free standing villas, designed to blend harmoniously...

Bagan Lodge

Situated just south of ancient Bagan, Bagan Lodge strikes a tempting balance between modern comfort and historic Burmese elegance, within a short distance for the many temples, pagodas and stupas for which Bagan is famed.

Hotel by the Red Canal

Located by Mandalay’s famous Red Canal, this four star hotel is one of the only boutique properties in town. With lush tropical gardens and tranquil water features, it is a breath of fresh air in Myanmar’s former...

Legado Mitico

Legado Mitico is a sophisticated boutique hotel in fashionable Palermo district of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is elegant in style, with excellent service.

Finca Valentina

Small and perfectly formed, Finca Valentina hotel is a rustic, refined ranch just outside Salta in the grape-strewn foothills of the northwestern Andes.

Cavas Wine Lodge

Cavas Wine Lodge was the first Lodge of its kind in South America, blessed by the natural beauty of Mendoza, an idyllic wine growing region at the foot of the Andes.

The Vines Resort & Spa

The Vines Resort & Spa in Mendoza Argentina is a boutique wine & culinary resort set amidst 1,500 acres of private vineyards.

Baker’s Lodge

Set on the southern bank of the mighty Nile River, Baker’s Lodge boasts ten beautifully appointed safari suites, all with tranquil river views. Named after the English explorer Samuel Baker – the first European to view the falls and...

Clouds Mountain Lodge

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is situated in Nkuringo, bordering the south western corner of the Bwindi National Park. It is at 2100m with a sweeping panoramic view of the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes and the Great Rift Valley.

Heron House

Heron House is a beautiful French colonial styled villa set in a tranquil location in Hoi An, on the coast in central Vietnam. A home away from home, the relaxed atmosphere and rural setting make it the perfect escape.

Mahongany Springs Lodge

Mahogany Springs is situated in one of the most intimate, secluded, beautiful and most importantly natural settings in the world and only around 2 minutes away from the Gorilla tracking starting point.

Magashi Camp

Perched on Magashi Peninsula, Magashi Camp looks out over scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga towards the Mutumba Mountains in the west.

Inle Princess

The Inle Princess Resort sits nestled beneath Blue Mountain, offering a serene refuge to unwind in and modern comforts alongside Burmese culture and tradition.

Wazi Dubu

Located on one of the world’s most private beaches, the breath-taking Wazi Dubu is the southern-most property on Kizingoni Beach, part of the Lamu Archipelago just off the Kenya Coast.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay sits on a dramatic bay with golden sand and a backdrop of towering mountains. The family friendly resort has 62 pool villas, several bars and restaurants serving local and international specialities, complemented by delectable...

Get in touch