Kubili House
Thornybush Private Game Reserve, South Africa
-
Safari Lodge
-
Fully Inclusive
-
Personal Butler
-
5 Bedrooms
-
8-10 Guests
-
Sustainable
Kubili House is a stunning example of modern architectural design, flawlessly blending natural elements with sleek, contemporary lines. Situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, this luxurious property offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains and lush vineyards. From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility, with every detail carefully crafted to ensure the ultimate comfort and indulgence.
Luxury Safari Lodge
in Thornbush Private Game Reserve
Arguably Africa’s most exclusive private safari residence, Kubili House redefines bush living from the wildlife-rich savannah plains of Thornybush Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park.
Why our Travel Designers like it…
“Kubili House offers a luxurious, private, and unforgettable safari experience inside Thornybush Game Reseve which shares an open boarder and game with the Kruger National Park.”
-Julia
Cozy Bush Life
Meets Sophistication
Nestled in the heart of the Thornybush Game Reserve lies the majestic Kubili House, a true African masterpiece. This luxurious private villa is the epitome of sophistication and offers an experience that is second to none. Boasting four elegantly designed suites, a private swimming pool, and breathtaking views of the surrounding bushveld, Kubili House offers the ultimate exclusive getaway for discerning travelers.
The house is a contrast of the monolithic and the weightless, the open and enclosed, the ancient and modern, the north and the south, water and drought. These contrasts create an aura of mystery, much like the landscape itself and the ruins that inspired the house. The space is divided into two parts: an open pergola with a floating roof, and a weighty, rocky, monolithic counterpart. The pergola is made of smooth finishes and low-to-the-ground furniture, designed to immerse the guests in the Kruger landscape. The monolithic counterpart is made of antique wooden beams and reclaimed wood floors, giving it a sense of age and human time. There is also a subtle nod to the Japanese Wabi aesthetic, the belief that there is perfection in imperfection. This is evidenced in the handmade African clay tiles with their almost imperceptible gold-leaf flaws.
You can indulge in a range of activities, including game drives and bush walks led by experienced guides, archery, photography or simply taking in the beautiful vistas from the privacy of your villa and unwinding under the African sun. With every last detail taken care of, this is an experience that is sure to exceed your expectations.
Key Features of Kubili House
Kubili House is an exclusive-use villa located in the Thornybush Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. It is a luxurious and spacious villa with five bedrooms, three swimming pools, a spa and steam room, and an animal-magnet waterhole serenely viewable from the House's many decks. A chef, sous chef, a large, amiable staff are in alert attendance.
-
Guests at Kubili House can enjoy a variety of safari activities, including game drives, guided walks, bush breakfasts, sundowners, spa treatments, swimming, fishing, bird watching, night drives, cultural experiences, and activities for children.
The lodge is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo), as well as other animals such as cheetahs, wild dogs, and African wildcats.
-
A Private chef and sous chef are included in your stay and will design your daily menus according to your preferences. This means that you will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals that are tailored to your individual preferences. The chefs are experts in South African cuisine and can create a variety of dishes to suit your taste.
-
The resort offers a variety of cultural experiences, such as visits to local villages and markets. Guests can learn about the local culture and way of life. The resort offers a variety of cultural experiences, including:
Visit to a local village: This half-day excursion takes guests to a local village. Guests can learn about the local culture and way of life.
Visit to a local market: This half-day excursion takes guests to a local market. Guests can learn about the local culture and economy.
Cooking class: This half-day class teaches guests how to cook traditional Malagasy dishes. Guests can then enjoy a meal of their own creation.
-
Kubili House offers a wide variety of single malts and cigars for its guests to enjoy. The lodge has a well-stocked bar with a selection of over 100 different single malts, including Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, and Lagavulin. The bar also has a humidor with a selection of over 50 different cigars, including Cubans, Dominicans, and Nicaraguans.
-
Kubili House offers a variety of childminding services for families with children of all ages. The lodge has a team of experienced and qualified nannies who are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children.
The nannies are available to take care of children's needs, such as feeding, bathing, and changing diapers. They can also help children with their activities, such as playing games, reading stories, and doing arts and crafts activities are designed to be both fun and educational.
Kubili House FAQs
-
Thornybush Game Reserve is a privately owned game reserve in South Africa that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo). Game drives in Thornybush are a great way to see these animals in their natural habitat.
Game drives at Kubili House are conducted in open-topped vehicles, which gives you the best possible view of the animals. The vehicles are also equipped with a tracker, who uses their knowledge of the bush to find the animals. Bookings for 6 guests and under will have use of one private vehicle. Bookings for 7-10 guests will have 2 vehicles at disposal.
-
Kubili House is located in the Thornybush Game Reserve, which is home to a wide variety of game animals, including the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo). Other animals that can be seen on safari at Kubili House include: cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippopotamus, crocodile, and birdlife
-
Julian and Aida Koski live in New York City with their two children. They are passionate about Africa and safari adventures and are fastidiously detailed — always wanting to ensure that their guests have an authentic African Safari Experience. Aida is a renowned chef in New York and is responsible for making sure that the lodge’s food is a world class affair. Julian, aside from being a successful business person, is passionate about design and architecture.
The architecture of the house reflects Julian’s design sense and his ability to blend the home seamlessly into its surroundings.
-
When you stay at Kubili House, you are not just enjoying a luxurious safari experience. You are also helping to create positive social change in Africa. Kubili House is committed to responsible tourism, which means using the power of tourism to improve the lives of local people and protect the environment.
One of the ways that Kubili House does this is by having a no-tipping policy. Instead, 10% of the published gross rate is pooled and shared equally among all staff members. This ensures that everyone who works at Kubili House is fairly compensated, regardless of their position. It also removes the incentive to provide the "information" or "services" that may be offered in exchange for tips.
Kubili House also invests in the local community through its Community Development Fund. This fund supports a variety of projects, such as building schools and clinics, providing clean water, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
By staying at Kubili House, you can be sure that your money is going to make a difference. You are not just enjoying a luxurious safari experience. You are also helping to create a better future for Africa.
-
One of the greatest driving forces around the building of Kubili House was the owner’s twin children. Long ago before they were born the owners wanted to make sure that their children’s upbringing was counterbalanced with the privileges of growing up in New York City.
Kubili House has created an array of enriching and engaging activities for children which include:
• Pottery with the use of a pottery wheel and kiln
• Painting and art with state-of-the-art equipment and easels
• Segway rides (Back of house, not in the reserve)
• Swimming in the heated pools
• Baking with Thulani our master baker
• Star gazing
• Movies, games and puzzles
• Making animal track molds
• Archery
-
Yes, Kubili House offers a variety of photography equipment for guests to use, including:
DSLR cameras with Telephoto lenses, Tripods, etc.
The equipment is available to rent, and the staff can provide assistance with using the equipment. Kubili House also offers a photography workshop for guests who want to learn more about taking great safari photos.
-
Helicopter Tours: See the African bush from a different perspective with a helicopter tour.
Blyde River Canyon Tour: Visit one of South Africa's most beautiful natural wonders.
Local Community Tour: Learn about the local people and culture.
-
Scheduled flights to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport happen twice daily from Johannesburg and Cape Town. From there it’s a quick 40-minute road transfer to Kubili House.
Charter flights direct to the Thornybush or Jackalberry Airstrip, where you are collected in an open game viewing vehicle and transferred to Kubili House.
