The 20 Finest Safari Lodges in Africa

After residing in Africa for nearly a yr now, I’ve had my fair proportion of safari lodges and experiences. However given safari is such a magical expertise, every time I can I preserve going again for extra. Through the years I’ve stayed at too many lovely lodges to depend, however like something, I’ve my favourites! So these are the perfect safari lodges in Africa, tried and examined by yours actually.

Publish up to date Could 2023

1. San Camp, Botswana

I’ll begin with my favorite camp in all of Africa – San Camp in Botswana. Whereas it’s far out of your extraordinary safari camp, I personally assume that’s what makes it so particular. When you received’t discover the large 5 right here within the Kalahari desert, this camp hones in on the smaller creatures discovered within the desert. However greater than that, it’s about actually disconnecting out of your common life and tuning in to your current. There’s no wifi or electrical energy within the tents, however there are many alternatives to attach with nature.

2. Sandibe, Botswana

My second favorite lodge in Botswana goes by the identify of Sandibe. That is the crowning jewel of AndBeyond’s Botswana portfolio, the place they’ve quite a lot of camps within the Okavango Delta and past. Sandibe is the costliest camp from AndBeyond’s portfolio in Botswana, however it is usually essentially the most magical. In the event you’re searching for a singular honeymoon location, that is your greatest wager.

3. Sossusvlei Lodge, Namibia

Final yr I lastly had the prospect to go to Namibia. Being based mostly in South Africa subsequent door has given me many extra excuses to get on the market and expertise extra of Africa. Once we ventured North to Namibia, we checked in to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. This lodge has not too long ago been refurbished from prime to backside and the outcomes are merely breathtaking. Waking up within the desert is a luxurious I’ll actually not neglect on this lifetime.

Learn extra: The 12 most remoted lodges in Africa

4. Boulders Lodge, South Africa

Boulders Lodge in South Africa was not my first lodge expertise on this nation, nevertheless it actually was my favorite! I’ll always remember sitting out on my deck as I observed a younger elephant ingesting from my pool and popping over to say good day! I’ve since realized it is a common prevalence on the lodge, so if you’re searching for shut animal encounters, it is a nice lodge to remain on your safari.

5. Cottars Safari Camp, Kenya

Once I checked in to Cottars Safari Camp in Kenya, I felt as if I had stepped again in time. The 1920’s safari camp is likely one of the oldest on provide and it’s idyllically positioned on the perimeter of the Maasai Mara. As a result of the park itself is inundated with safari goers, it is a nice different to expertise extra serenity however nonetheless stay in shut proximity to the park.

6. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar

Okay, I’m saying it: Mnemba Island is my favorite lodge in all of Africa. Whereas it isn’t a conventional safari lodge, it nonetheless deserves a spot on this record. With simply twelve rooms positioned on a personal island off the coast of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is the final word in barefoot luxurious.

7. Angama Mara, Kenya

Angama Mara is often thought-about the perfect safari lodge in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This newly opened lodge got here to the safari scene with a lot reward, notably in celebration of the distinctive location this lodge occupies overlooking the Mara. In the event you’re searching for a honeymoon location with views for days, that is your greatest wager in East Africa.

8. Bush Villa, Kenya

Though the Bush Villa falls below the umbrella of Cottar’s Safari Camp, I feel it’s worthy of a point out of its personal. This gloriously outsized villa is the right alternative for big households or large teams to get pleasure from their very own non-public oasis. The villa is sprawled out above Cottar’s Safari Camp, overlooking the Maasai Mara beneath. Even Angelina Jolie has been a visitor of the Bush Villa!

9. Serengeti Home, Tanzania

Serengeti Home in Tanzania is the highest property in Singita’s safari portfolio. This non-public villa boasts 4 bedrooms, an infinity swimming pool and a personal gymnasium. The villa additionally comes with a personal chef, so you’ll be able to actually sit back and luxuriate in some alone time together with your group.

10. Royal Malewane, South Africa

Once I checked in to Royal Malewane a couple of years in the past I had already visited a handful of close by camps. However Royal Malewane has its personal attraction, with a singular inside design that makes you are feeling as in case you have stepped again in time. Make sure to go to the day spa the place you can find this lovely lap pool harking back to a Moroccan riad.

11. And Past Bateleur Camp

Throughout my time in East Africa, I feel it’s protected to say Bateleur Camp was my favorite safari lodge. This newly refurbished lodge is the right mixture of outdated meets new, with all of the basic touches however all of the mod cons to go together with it. The service right here was unparalleled to every other camp I stayed at in Kenya.

12. Botswana Sky Beds

For an unforgettable evening within the bush, test your self into Botswana Skybeds. The sky beds are positioned a brief drive from close by Sable Alley, making it the right addition to essentially immerse your self within the bush. The sky beds are positioned up a 3 story tree home, which means you’re as shut as doable to the animal exercise all through the evening! This isn’t solely among the finest safari lodges in Africa but in addition one of the crucial adventurous.

13. Singita Sweni, South Africa

Singita Sweni was one of many first safari lodges I ever stayed at, however that doesn’t imply I’ve forgotten about it! My expertise at this lodge was so memorable, it’s endlessly engrained in my thoughts. Singita actually go above and past for his or her friends, offering gastronomic meals and unbeatable service. They’ve a couple of lodges within the space, however Singita Sweni is my private favorite.

14. Sable Alley, Botswana

Sable Alley is likely one of the common decisions of safari camps in Botswana. Whereas Botswana is likely one of the costliest nations to go to for a safari journey, this camp is extra on the reasonably priced finish of the dimensions. In case you are searching for a particular escape with out the hefty price ticket, this camp is reasonably priced.

Learn extra: The Finest Animal Encounters in Africa

15. Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

Rwanda has develop into essentially the most wanted nation to go to in Africa. Over latest years it has sky rocketed in recognition, largely because of the inhabitants of mountain gorillas which have drawn 1000’s of vacationers to the landlocked nation. Bisate Lodge is likely one of the most iconic lodges within the nation, with their artistic beehive like design.

16. Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia

Zambia and Zimbabwe are each thought-about the gateway to Victoria Falls, however if you’re searching for one thing further particular then check out Thorntree River Lodge. This peaceable and serene lodge is the epitome of romance, set on the calm banks of the Zambezi river. There is no such thing as a denying this is likely one of the greatest safari lodges in Africa, as it’s actually our best choice for essentially the most romantic.

17. Ngorongoro Lodge, Tanzania

East Africa is the place you must go to if you’re searching for the enduring “Out of Africa” expertise. Ngorongoro must be one of the crucial picturesque lodges to select from, set overlooking the crater itself.

18. Jao Camp, Botswana

I do know I do know, one other Botswana suggestion!? Consider me once I say no safari is as magical as one which takes place within the Okavango Delta. Jao Camp is one other nice choice for honeymoon {couples} searching for one thing further particular. The fastidiously curated design makes it one of the crucial distinguishable camps.

19. Singita Kataza, Rwanda

Additionally in Rwanda, you can find two Singita properties to select from when searching for the perfect safari lodges in Africa. Singita Kataza is an additional particular lodge set within the mystical mountains of Rwanda, only a brief journey from the well-known mountain gorillas.

20. Chinzombo, Zambia

Final however not least, Chinzombo camp in Zambia is idyllically positioned on the banks of the Zambezi river. This camp is a well-liked alternative for honeymoon {couples} who’re searching for a serene location by the water. Nonetheless, when you’re up for some actions, you’ll be able to decide to canoe on the Zambezi river or partake in a microflight over Victoria Falls. Consider me once I say it’s not for the faint hearted!