Africa’s Top 15 Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps
If your idea of the ultimate African safari is not just about exceptional wildlife viewing but also about staying in luxurious lodges and camps, this article has you covered. It highlights some of the most incredible safari lodges and camps the continent has to offer, from Kenya to South Africa and Rwanda.
Read on to get inspired for your next holiday, whether that’s tracking elephants in Botswana, spotting desert-adapted lions in Namibia or following the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Nestled within a grove of ebony trees, Tongabezi Lodge is a luxurious lodge on a peaceful stretch of the Zambezi River. It features just five beautifully appointed cottages and three family homes, each of which is staffed by a dedicated valet. Not only is the lodge on the doorstep of Victoria Falls but it has been designed as an eco-friendly escape that blends in seamlessly with the stunning natural surroundings. Delicious meals are served on the alfresco deck while a sparkling swimming pool invites you to relax in between game drives, bush walks and canoe safaris.
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Located within the 37,000-hectare Kulula Wilderness Reserve, Little Kulala is an enchanting lodge set within a striking desert landscape. Each of its 11 thatched suites comes with a private deck and plunge pool, plus there’s a rooftop “skybed” where you can spend romantic evenings stargazing with your partner. In addition to an inviting swimming pool, there’s a library, a well-stocked wine cellar and a boutique filled with locally made handicrafts. Guided nature drives, dune walks, and sunrise hot-air balloon flights are among the activities offered.
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Forming part of the Loisaba Conservancy, this exclusive camp lies on an important elephant corridor that connects to the Laikipia Plateau. It features eight spacious sites that offer panoramic views of Mount Kenya and are staffed by dedicated ambassadors to ensure your experience is tailor-made. Embark on guided game drives and walks to spot endangered species, including wild dogs, Grevy’s zebras, leopards and cheetahs. Loisaba Lodo Springs is an important example of how to successfully balance ecological health with sustainable livestock rearing by local tribes.
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Comprising just 16 suites, the Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel offers an intimate stay near Victoria Falls. Each of the suites features a canopied king-size bed and a private terrace with incredible views across the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. African-inspired farm-to-table dishes are paired with local wines in the 1871 Restaurant while the sparkling swimming pool offers an inviting retreat. By day, you can embark on thrilling game drives and rhino conservation experiences in the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve before recounting your adventures around the lodge’s campfire.
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Perched on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, Gibb’s Farm is an award-winning safari lodge in Tanzania. It was established as a coffee plantation in the 1920s and celebrates this rich heritage with its sprawling kitchen gardens and farm-to-table dining experiences. Each of the charming cottages is designed in a rustic-chic style while the original farmhouse has been lovingly restored at the heart of the property. In addition to thrilling game drives into the Ngorongoro Crater and guided walks through the Highlands, you can experience life on the farm, join morning bird counts and indulge in high tea.
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Nestled in a picturesque valley of the Eastern Cape, Shamwari Eagles Crag Lodge is creatively crafted from glass and stone. It has been celebrated as one of the world’s top eco-lodges and blends in beautifully with its lush surroundings. Not only does the lodge provide an exquisite base for wildlife spotting in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve but it boasts an onsite spa, sauna and steam room for a rejuvenating experience. At the end of the day, you can relax beside the roaring fireplace or mingle with the other guests over a game of billiards.
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Set within a remote and exceptionally beautiful landscape, the Hoanib Valley Camp has been designed with the warm colours and textures of the local Himba and Herero tribes. It features six tented suites that blend in seamlessly with the natural surroundings and operate completely on solar power for an eco-friendly stay. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are offered to spot the area’s unique desert-adapted wildlife, which includes elusive lions and black rhinos. Also nearby is the Giraffe Conservation Foundation run by Dr. Julian Fennesy, a leader in giraffe research.
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Nestled amidst huge boulders, Mwiba Lodge overlooks the Arugusinyai River within a wildlife reserve on the edge of the Serengeti. It has been expertly built using locally sourced materials and designed to blend in with the surrounding bush. Each of the 10 tented suites boasts exceptional views across the savannah and is decorated with neutral tones and African artefacts. At the end of an exhilarating day of game viewing, you can refresh in the infinity pool or sink into your antique-style bathtub. Among the lodge amenities are a spa, a fitness studio and a fireside library.
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Located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge is an award-winning property in Rwanda. It comprises six uniquely designed jungle villas inspired by Rwandan royalty, which are set on the slopes of an eroded caldera. A highlight of any stay is a guided trek through the verdant rainforest to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and learn about the area’s connection to Dian Fossey. Rwandan handicrafts and artefacts decorate the communal lounge and dining space, with a well-stocked wine cellar, a library and a spa among the additional facilities.
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Hidden away in a corner of Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Cheetah Plains is a contemporary lodge on the doorstep of Kruger National Park. Each of its three luxuriously appointed villas can accommodate between four and eight guests and come complete with private bomas and heated swimming pools. While the villas offer the exclusivity of a private residence, guests enjoy the dedicated service of a highly experienced guide throughout their stay. Spend your days spotting the “Big 5” in Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park or visit the local communities of Utah and Dixie. Eco-conscious principles have been incorporated into the design of the property, including solar power and water recycling systems.
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With a focus on art and design, Xigera is a unique safari lodge in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve. It offers an inspiring setting for exploring the papyrus swamps and wooded islands of the Okavango Delta, with all the facilities you would expect of a five-star stay. Each of its 12 air-conditioned suites is beautifully appointed, with eclectic decor that celebrates African creatives. When you’re not out on walking safaris and mokoro excursions, you can take advantage of the swimming pool, the well-equipped gym or the luxury spa.
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Decorated in calming creams and whites, Chikwenya Camp is a peaceful sanctuary overlooking the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi rivers. It forms part of a private conservation area alongside Mana Pools National Park, which is renowned for its abundant wildlife and spellbinding landscapes. With just seven tented suites, the atmosphere at Chikwenya Camp is one of luxury and exclusivity, with guests treated to memorable dining experiences prepared under the stars. As a seasonal camp, Chikwenya is open between April and November.
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One of Kenya’s most luxurious camps, Mara Bushtops boasts an incredible hilltop setting on the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It overlooks a private salt lick that attracts a diversity of wildlife and off-road game drive experiences are just a stone’s throw away. Mara Bushtops blends in beautifully with its surroundings and features just 12 opulently appointed tents, as well as an onsite spa and swimming pool. At the end of the day, feast on exquisite dishes crafted by some of East Africa’s top chefs in the warm and inviting dining room.
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One of the premier places for observing elephants in Botswana, the Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge lies in the west of Chobe National Park. It offers exceptional sightings of not only elephants but also lions as they come to refuel along the banks of the Savute Channel. Each of the 12 suites is raised atop wooden platforms and comes complete with outdoor lounges from where you can observe wildlife coming and going. In addition to daily game drives and guided birding walks, cultural experiences are also offered.
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Overlooking an oxbow lagoon in the N’Chindeni Hills, this luxurious bushcamp offers a sublime base for exploring South Luangwa National Park. It is home to four spacious tents with four-poster beds and private verandahs, from where you can watch the wildlife coming and going. Decked out in neutral tones, the communal area nestles amidst a grove of ebony trees and enjoys breathtaking views across the lagoon. Aside from both day and night game drives, you can embark on unforgettable walking safaris to come face-to-face with the area’s abundant wildlife.
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