In Partnership with Unfound Africa
Home to raw beauty, abundant biodiversity, and an inspiring mix of cultures, Southern Africa is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
As a discerning traveller, you crave somewhere unique to escape to. Somewhere inspiring, breathtaking, and uncharted, that connects you to nature. Let us then introduce a curated collection of properties that brings guests to unexplored (not touristy) destinations, where they are made to feel special. Each property in the portfolio is unique, but underpinning all is the same soul of exceptional guest service and a golden thread of eco-centricity.
Formerly known as Fire Island Eco Retreats, Unfound Africa recently underwent a rebrand to better showcase its diverse portfolio. The company was born with the purchase of Fire Island (Ilha do Fogo) in Mozambique, where their collection of properties grew to conserve and protect the little turtle-strewn island, further expanding to include other sumptuous properties in South Africa, such as the Vida Nova Collection.
They remain eco-centric, and as responsible tourism operators who have a love affair with Mother Earth, sustainability unfailingly underpins everything they do.
Philanthropic travellers will be heartened to know that they provide a percentage of revenues to Fire Island Conservation projects, which focus on wildlife conservation and community upliftment initiatives in impoverished regions around the southern African coast.
Unfound Africa immerses travellers in Africa’s extraordinary nature and wildlife, from the peaks of Swartberg and Table Mountain to the animal wonders of Kruger and the marine marvels of Mozambique’s secluded coastlines. They offer peace of mind for the discerning traveller, where every eventuality has been covered.
Their curated packages have been carefully mapped out, with an understanding that travelling is not just about taking a break—it’s about connection, wellness, sanctuary, wonder, and adventure.
Here are two of Unfound Africa’s spectacular bucket-list properties for your next extraordinary vacation.
The Best of African Wildlife:
Vida Nova Kruger, Marloth Park, South Africa
Imagine waking up immersed in the African wilderness with spectacular scenes of iconic animals and exquisite sunrises from the expansive viewing deck. In the yard below, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, kudus and other wildlife are grazing. Over the Crocodile River, elephants can be seen bathing, and lions are heard roaring in the distance.
Marloth Park, where Vida Nova Kruger is located, is heavily populated with protected game. The boundary fence along Kruger National Park provides a 9-kilometre hiking trail and an opportunity to see elephants, hippos, and lions while walking in safety.
Vida Nova Kruger is a private guest house sleeping up to 17 guests in eight bedrooms, one of which is a loft, ideal for families travelling with children. Unfound Africa guests can fully relax at the lodge in the indoor/outdoor crystal pool, and a selection of spa treatments and massages are available.
You’ll enjoy delicious, African-inspired, chef-crafted breakfast and dinner daily, along with Big Five safari excursions in an open vehicle with experienced guides.
The Best of Bush and Beach:
The Monarch Villa, Machangulo, Mozambique
Machangulo Nature Reserve is one of the few places where the world’s largest terrestrial animal can meet the world’s largest marine animal—the elephant and the whale.
This luxurious villa was built as a private royal residence and has an exquisite primary suite adjacent to two smaller rooms, ideal for families or small groups. In the main house, you’ll find the library, lounges, and dining areas, as well as a stunning wrap-around deck overlooking the ocean.
The villa also has three private suites set apart from the main house, each with a private deck. Rates are full board with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as pre-dinner canapés. There are many beach and water activities available, as well as game drives and cultural tours. The villa offers a full staff complement, plus a spa team and a selection of therapeutic massages.
All of Unfound Africa’s properties use working gardens, providing the kitchens with herb and vegetable produce to keep their footprint low. Bathroom amenities are meticulously sourced, offering a luxurious product that is biodegradable so it does not compromise the surrounding ecosystem. All bedding is high thread count quality cotton for a supremely comfortable sleep.
Unwavering eco-centricity, unforgettable experiences, unfaltering service. All this and more await you with Unfound Africa.
