BUSH LODGES
Designing Immersive Luxury in the Wild
At Sereni Design Studio, we create bush lodges that are more than just beautiful - they are deeply immersive experiences, crafted with sensitivity to place, people and purpose. From guest suites to communal areas and essential service spaces, our team designs every detail to work in harmony with the landscape while delivering a seamless and unforgettable guest journey.
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Over the past few years our focus has honed in on luxury hospitality. We've had the privilege of designing six bespoke lodges and hotels across Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and Namibia. Our work is rooted not just in design excellence, but also in real-world operational insight gained from being part of the teams that have managed and run leading hospitality destinations.
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In 2025, one of our flagship projects was honoured with the Condé Nast Award for Best Waterside Hotel in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Middle East - a testament to our commitment to creating meaningful, place-responsive architecture.
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With each new project, we bring this experience, vision, and passion to bear - shaping bush lodges that are both architecturally striking and operationally sound. Whether you're imagining a remote luxury camp or a fully serviced eco-lodge, we are here to guide your vision from concept to completion.
Rapids View Villa
[ 2022 / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe ]
Rapids View Villa is a truly magical retreat, where nature and design seamlessly converge to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
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Located in the Zambezi National Park, the villa is set on a challenging site, adding to its allure. A large, established tree was preserved, saved from erosion by the river, becoming a key feature of the design. The villa features two separate wings, each housing a main bedroom and children’s sleeping spaces, connected by a communal indoor lounge, dining area, and a two-level outdoor deck. Designed for privacy and luxury, the villa includes a dedicated butler room and kitchen, separate from the main building.
Constructed with a lightweight gum pole structure, thatched roofs, and insulated canvas walls, the villa harmonizes with the landscape, offering breathtaking views and ultimate comfort.
Hippo Creek Villa
[ 2022 / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe ]
Set within the breathtaking Zambezi National Park near Victoria Falls, this family-style villa embraces the site’s unique topography, established trees, and unparalleled views.
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The layout is carefully designed around these natural features, with three interconnected buildings: the central main lodge/communal area, two luxury tented suites on the left, and a third luxury suite on the right. Each suite offers distinct features to suit a variety of guest preferences. The interior spaces are crafted with the discerning traveller in mind, blending comfort and style through thermally insulated rooms, air-conditioning, and custom-designed furniture inspired by the African spirit.
A sophisticated fusion of safari elements with a contemporary touch creates a warm, memorable home-away-from-home experience.
Malachite Lodge
[ 2023 / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe ]
Malachite offers guests a truly unique experience, where Art-Deco elegance meets Afrocentric design in a fusion that cannot be found elsewhere.
Nestled on the edge of the Zambezi River, both the rooms and main lodge provide unparalleled proximity to the water, allowing guests to connect with the enigmatic power of the river. This intimate camp promises exclusivity and a sense of home, where comfort and attentive service create a relaxed and pampered atmosphere.
Newly established yet remarkably authentic, Malachite blends high-end, refined design with a soulful African spirit. The result is a contemporary, playful space that feels both luxurious and deeply rooted in its surroundings, offering a one-of-a-kind escape that is as unique as the guests it serves.
VFRL Superior Family Units
[ 2024 / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe ]
These superior family units at Victoria Falls River Lodge were designed to elevate the guest experience, replacing all existing accommodations with modern, luxurious spaces.
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Each unit features two rooms, both with en suite bathrooms, offering flexibility for families or groups. The second room can be customized as a children’s room or for family and friends, ensuring comfort and privacy. The design seamlessly integrates lush, high-end materials with the natural surroundings, creating a perfect balance of luxury and wilderness. The spacious layout enhances the connection to the African bush, offering guests a true sense of place.
These family units have quickly become coveted accommodations, embodying how the African bush should be experienced -comfortable, immersive, and in harmony with nature.