All the winners and runners-up in the popular 2016 Tusker Awards
in 2016, the Safari Index launched its inaugural Big Tusker Safari Awards. The Big Tuskers celebrate the ultimate safari destinations and experiences in Africa. In the safari world, a “Tusker” refers to an elephant that has remarkably large tusks, with a “Big Tusker” being the biggest of the Tuskers. Big Tuskers are rare in the wild today, not usually seen with the larger herds. The Big Tusker Awards represent a similar concept- they celebrate safari destinations and experiences that stand out and provide unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
There were nine awards categories in the Big Tuskers, with a winner and runner-up being crowned in each. Winners were chosen by participants submitting their votes through the Safari Index awards page. The following safari lodges, camps, and destinations are the Big Tuskers of the safari world for 2016…
Ultimate Safari Destination
Shamwari Game Reserve is situated in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, a malaria-free region. This Big 5 reserve is made up of a variety of habitat types, combining to provide a refuge for an abundance of wildlife species. Open plains, rolling hills, acacia woodland, and riverine habitat make up the reserve, with the Bushman’s River flowing through it as well. This attracts a host of birdlife species, including the distinguished African Fish Eagle. A number of luxury lodges are found in special “rural” zones in the reserve, helping to reduce their environmental impact.
Runner-Up: Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Ultimate Life-Changing Safari Experience
The Hide Safari Camp is located in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, a vast reserve of over 14000 square kilometers of pristine wilderness. This luxurious camp can accommodate everyone from families to honeymooners to small groups, featuring deluxe safari tents, as well as a private safari home. The camp also features a unique underground game-viewing hide, set right on the doorstep of a busy waterhole, as well as a delightful wine cellar. Guests can look forward to thrilling wildlife encounters with the reserve’s plethora of game species, which includes the famous African Big 5.
Runner-Up: Kalahari Plains Camp, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Ultimate South African National Park Camp
Mosu Lodge, Mokala National Park
Mosu Lodge is located in the newest national park in South Africa, Mokala National Park. The reserve is situated in the Northern Cape province of the country, and features vast open plains and dolerite hills that are home to a variety of birdlife and wildlife species, including buffalo and both black and white rhino. Mosu Lodge offers comfortable and affordable accommodation. The lodge is made up of 15 air-conditioned, well-furnished bungalows, some of which are self-catering, and one of which has facilities for the disabled. Facilities at the lodge include a swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and conference facilities. A host of activities are on offer to guests, including hiking, guided game drives, 4×4 trails, and birding.
Runner-Up: Letaba Rest Camp, Kruger National Park
Ultimate Family Safari Camp
Jock Safari Lodge is found on a private concession in the Kruger National Park in South Africa, in a region known for exceptional game-viewing. The lodge‘s 12 spectacular suites overlook a riverbed, and feature private pools and outdoor lounges. The lodge also features a smaller private lodge, called Fitzpatrick’s, that is the perfect retreat for families or small groups. Fitzpatrick’s has its own pool, WiFi access, and lounge with TV. The lodge has special children’s activities, as well as a junior ranging training program for kiddie’s game drives. A babysitting service is also available for an additional cost.
Runner-Up: Shamwari Riverdene Lodge, Shamwari Game Reserve
Ultimate Romantic/Honeymoon Safari Experience
Mnemba Island Lodge is an idyllic beach resort, located on Mnemba Island, off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania. This tropical island paradise is the ultimate getaway for couples and honeymooners. Featuring 10 beachfront cabins, the lodge accommodates just 20 guests in cabins that open onto white sand beaches. Each cabin is designed using wood and thatch, giving it an authentic feel, with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas and ocean views. Enjoy romantic beach walks and sunset views, before dining at night on the beach under the stars. During the day, explore the Indian Ocean by going snorkelling, diving, kayaking and deep-sea paddle boarding. Enjoy private dinners in secluded forest clearings, or relax in your private beach sala, attended to by your personal butler.
Runner-Up: Savanna Game Lodge, Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Ultimate Luxury Game Lodge
Shamwari Eagles Crag, Eastern Cape
Shamwari Eagles Crag Lodge is an ultra-luxury lodge, tucked into a valley in the Shamwari Game Reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape of South Africa. The lodge‘s 9 magnificent suites all feature private decks with private plunge pools, indoor and outdoor shower facilities, and minibars, amongst other amenities. The lodge itself boasts a range of superb facilities that cater to your every need, including a central lounge with a fireplace and TV, as well as a wellness retreat/spa with a steam room, sauna and hydro bath. Enjoy game drives in the Big 5 reserve, as well as visits to the Rhino Centre and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Runner-Up: Royal Malewane Game Lodge, Thornybush Game Reserve
Ultimate Unique Safari Experience
Bushmans Kloof is a unique safari lodge, located in the Cedarberg region of South Africa‘s Western Cape, a World Heritage Site. The area is home to over 130 sites of historically significant San Bushman rock art. Visiting these is an unforgettable experience, where one feels as though they are travelling back in time. The reserve is also known for its spectacular floral blooms in August and September of each year. Bushmans Kloof offers an oasis-like retreat in the heart of the wilderness. It features luxurious accommodation with numerous modern amenities, as well as a range of first-class facilities that include four pools and a world-renowned health spa.
Ultimate Weekend Safari Destination
Nambiti Hills Game Lodge, KwaZulu Natal
Nambiti Hills Game Lodge is located in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve in South Africa‘s KwaZulu Natal Province, perched on a hillside and providing gorgeous panoramic views. The 5-star lodge has 8 luxury suites, each positioned for privacy and featuring wooden verandas and stand-alone bathtubs with views. There are numerous spots to relax and unwind at the lodge– around the pool or sunken fireplace, enjoying dinner in the semi-enclosed boma on a hill, or with a treatment at the spa. Enjoy Big 5 game-viewing on game drives, or embark on a cultural and historical tour of the region.
Runner-Up: Shayamanzi Houseboats, Pongola Game Reserve
Best Value Safari Experience
Quatermain’s 1920s Safari Camp, Eastern Cape
Quatermain’s 1920s Safari Camp is a small safari camp, found in the Amakhala Game Reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape in South Africa. This intimate camp accommodates just 6 guests in 3 classic safari tents, each featuring en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers and private wooden decks. True to its name, the camp exudes a historical charm, providing a genuine tented safari experience. Enjoy game drives out in the Big 5 reserve, as well as other activities that include fishing, boating, and historical tours. Return to camp for a delicious meal cooked over an open fire, before spending the night gazing at the stars in the wilderness.
Runner-Up: Woodbury Tented Camp, Amakhala Game Reserve
