I met H12 at a luxury travel show and just got that little vibe down my spine. I love the style, the understated luxury, outdoor living, unique locations and just whole energy of their offering. Take a look… does it make you tingle?
H12 Art of Life is a collection of authentic, artistic, boutique hotel and lodge experiences in East and Southern Africa! Its core pillars are focused on Art, Conservation, Culture and Community.
1.DELTA DUNES – KENYA
Delta Dunes is the only lodge in East Africa located at the mouth of a river which offers you the unique experience of a 67km private beach, as well as an African bush, stay, all on the waterways of Tana Delta.
Delta Dunes, “The Wild place by the Sea” is a lodge uniquely combining beach, river and bush. Perched on top of miles of rolling rippling sand dunes with fabulous views overlooking the old delta of the Tana River on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, alfresco accommodation and mess area are built in a castaway style but with all the ultimate comforts. This is the only wetland of its type in Eastern Africa.
Room at Delta Dunes Property – Image by H12
Activities include boat cruises for sun-downers and bird and game spotting, bush walks, creek fishing, water skiing, kayaking, tubing, swimming, surfing & sand yachting. Boat trips with the local community on the freshwater river to see hundreds of birds, crocodiles and hippos.
Special highlights: exceptional resident and migrant bird life; pods of hippos & crocodile; endemic Tana River bushbuck; buffalo, lion, leopard and elephant can occasionally be seen and tracks usually found on game walks; cultural visits and dances by the local indigenous Pokomo and Orma tribes.
View of the Dunes at Delta Dunes Property – Image by H12
2. KIPALO HILLS
Mbulia Hill is located in Tsavo, on the ancient elephant path. Elephant sightings are guaranteedd during your stay while overlooking the lush green conservancy and Kilimanjaro on the horizon.
The name ‘Kipalo’ means ‘the place to return to again and again’ in the local Taita language, taken from the ancient elephant rubbings on the rock and baobab trees surrounding the Lodge.
Kipalo Hills is a high on a rocky plateau with a waterhole below the camp which attracts a range of wildlife including elephants, buffalo and leopards. Kipalo Hills enjoys easy access to both Tsavo West and East National Parks for game drives, renowned for the largest population of elephant in Kenya. The Tsavo area is also a bird haven and every room comes with a complete bird list. The lodge can also offer “Fly-camping” down on the Galana and Tsavo Rivers, an exciting opportunity to sleep out under the stars for a night or more.
This Tsavo area is rife with a fascinating history – from its part in the First World War, to the first Railway, ‘The Lunatic Line’, and the famous Man-eaters of Tsavo.
Room at Kipalo Hills Property – Image by H12
3. ELEPHANT GORGE – KENYA
Elephant Gorge Lodge is the latest addition to H12 Africa portfolio. It has a unique, close view of the majestic Kilimanjaro Mountain and the Amboseli area. Elephant Gorge is known for its remote location, gushing gorge and of course, its elephant population.
Room at Elephant Gorge Property – Image by H12
Set in the thicket of “wait a bit” trees within the Kimana Group Ranch, Elephant Gorge Camp is a special destination at one with nature and the landscape. With a maximum capacity of only 10 guests, this lodge provides calm and spectacular views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro on one side and the expansive plains of Amboseli National Park on the other.
View of Kilimanjaro from Elephant Gorge Property – Image by H12
4. LESHIBA LODGE – SOUTH AFRICA
Leshiba Lodge offers walking and horse-riding with Rhino above the clouds on top of the Soutpansberg Mountains. Here you will find a haven of biodiversity mixed with with art and culture. Choose between our authentic Venda Village Lodges, Mwedzi and Duvha luxury suites for romantic seclusion, Hamasha Bush Camp, a true escape from civilization or Luvhondo, with a viewpoint on the edge of a cliff above the clouds.
Leshiba is a private yet affordable game reserve and a celebrated eco-lodge. It has one of South Africa’s highest biodiversity of flora and fauna with unrivalled scenery and a rich variety of wildlife and endemic species.
Noria Mabasa, an internationally renowned local artist, has created a sculpted wonderland of artworks at the properties that seamlessly blend art and living spaces.
If you are interested in finding out more about the H12 properties and travel experiences, travel to Kenya or Africa please get in touch. We have many Africa experts around the globe that work with us to help design the perfect Africa Travel Experience for you.