One of the important lessons we’ve come to learn about life is that the more you know, the better it gets. The more you discover about any subject, the more fascinating it becomes. This knowledge gives way to wonder. That’s why curiosity is such a key life force, it can not only lead you to new worlds but new ways of seeing those worlds.

Our curiosity at Scintilla, our joy at taking all the roads (not just the one least travelled) has led us to learn more and more about luxury travel, and more particularly, luxury stays and boutique accommodation, in Africa. We know what separates a great lodge from a good lodge. The more you travel, the more you see, the more you learn and the more fascinating the art of a good safari becomes. You come to see the small touches, the nuance of lighting, the timing of events, the narrative of a game drive all combine together to form one lasting impression. And along the way we’ve learned to only partner with the masters of the art, to ensure our guests have only the finest experiences.

How do we do this? Well, since you asked – we’ll let you in on our seven selection secrets…

1. We work with the best people

We have a strong product and content development team – and have, over the years, focused on building solid supplier relationships with the best safari resorts in Africa, to bring you a tightly curated, hand-picked selection of the best in Southern Africa.

2. And take care of them

So they’ll take care of you. A key benefit of these strong connections is being rewarded with the best preferential rates, favourable room stock, complimentary perks and expert insights.

3. We frequently travel

Our product team takes to the road every two to three months, to search out the very best luxury properties in Southern Africa and to uncover unique experiences, with only a small percentage making the cut.

4. You get the VIP treatment

We select products based on the value it will bring to your Scintilla trip. We work closely with the owners and managers of hotels, guesthouses and lodges and have forged strong partnerships, to make sure you’re welcomed as a VIP Scintilla guest. Your likes, preferences and interests are shared with our Scintilla partners, well ahead of your stay. This facilitates a smooth, comfortable and easy stay where your needs are anticipated, and you don’t have to think about a thing.

5. You travel like an insider

As a tailor-made specialist, we’re well-connected and our range of products and services is vast, including special links with local people on the ground – from political voices, to winemakers, chefs, artists and more, to bring you experiences that you wouldn’t ordinarily find.

6. We find the hidden gems

Our team is proactive at sourcing product to match current travel trends and hold vast knowledge on unique, hidden gems, from remote treetop hideaways to rural farm glamping, high lux lodges, to eco-friendly and sustainable safari hideouts and urban city gems – the list of possibilities is endless.

7. We think of the small things

Whether you’re combining a few countries or choose to visit only one, we will do the hard work for you, and this includes finding the best hotels (including which rooms to book), restaurants, and bars, to the most extraordinary sites and places – to ensure you come away from your trip with a real taste of the landscape and the satisfaction that you’ve seen it all.

If you’re ready to see and experience the very best of Southern Africa, get in touch with one of our expert travel curators today and start planning your dream African trip.