Down To Earth

The Drama Of The Wild Exists Both Outdoors Andi Inside South Africa’s Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

- Kalpana Sunder

Stepping into the lobby adorned with abstract sculptures of driftwood, I have a 360-degree view of the bushveld, complete with a watering hole. Just outside, there are tables set in a shallow pool of water and daybeds with muslin drapes.

I am at the Earth Lodge, one of Sabi Sabi’s four properties and a National Geographic Unique Lodge, in South Africa’s 65,000-hectare Sabi Sabi Reserve. Unlike most typical colonial style lodges, this one completely blends into its forest home. From nest-shaped coffee tables made of painted branches, and walls that resemble the earth, to metal birds peeping out from behind lampshades and chandeliers of twisted fig wood, the drama of the African wilderness is reflected in every corner. Artist Geoffrey Armstrong’s salvaged wood sculptures and furniture, tribal motifs and knick-knacks like stacks of beads, and upholstery inspired by animal skin decorate the space whose warm metallic colour scheme is a nod to South Africa’s mineral riches.