The 20 Greatest Safari Lodges in Africa

After dwelling in Africa for nearly a 12 months now, I’ve had my fair proportion of safari lodges and experiences. However given safari is such a magical expertise, at any time when I can I maintain 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 very best safari lodges in Africa, tried and examined by yours actually.

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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 bizarre safari camp, I personally suppose that’s what makes it so particular. Whilst you gained’t discover the massive 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 title of Sandibe. That is the crowning jewel of AndBeyond’s Botswana portfolio, the place they’ve various camps within the Okavango Delta and past. Sandibe is the most costly camp from AndBeyond’s portfolio in Botswana, however it is usually essentially the most magical. For those who’re searching for a novel honeymoon location, that is your greatest wager.

3. Sossusvlei Lodge, Namibia

Final 12 months I lastly had the possibility to go to Namibia. Being primarily based in South Africa subsequent door has given me many extra excuses to get on the market and expertise extra of Africa. After we ventured North to Namibia, we checked in to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. This lodge has just lately been refurbished from high 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, but it surely 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 hiya! I’ve since discovered this can be a common incidence on the lodge, so in case you are searching for shut animal encounters, this can be a nice lodge to remain in your safari.

5. Cottars Safari Camp, Kenya

After 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 among the oldest on provide and it’s idyllically situated on the perimeter of the Maasai Mara. As a result of the park itself is inundated with safari goers, this can be a nice various 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 checklist. With simply twelve rooms situated on a personal island off the coast of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is the last word in barefoot luxurious.

7. Angama Mara, Kenya

Angama Mara is often thought of the very best safari lodge in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This newly opened lodge got here to the safari scene with a lot reward, significantly in celebration of the distinctive location this lodge occupies overlooking the Mara. For those who’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 underneath 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 huge 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 chill and revel in some alone time along with your group.

10. Royal Malewane, South Africa

After I checked in to Royal Malewane just a few years in the past I had already visited a handful of close by camps. However Royal Malewane has its personal enchantment, with a novel inside design that makes you are feeling as if in case you have stepped again in time. You’ll want to go to the day spa the place you’ll 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 secure to say Bateleur Camp was my favorite safari lodge. This newly refurbished lodge is the right mixture of previous meets new, with all of the traditional touches however all of the mod cons to go together with it. The service right here was unparalleled to some other camp I stayed at in Kenya.

12. Botswana Sky Beds

For an unforgettable night time within the bush, test your self into Botswana Skybeds. The sky beds are situated 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 situated up a 3 story tree home, which means you might be as shut as attainable to the animal exercise all through the night time! 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 eternally engrained in my thoughts. Singita actually go above and past for his or her visitors, offering gastronomic meals and unbeatable service. They’ve just a few lodges within the space, however Singita Sweni is my private favorite.

14. Sable Alley, Botswana

Sable Alley is among the standard selections of safari camps in Botswana. Whereas Botswana is among the most costly nations to go to for a safari journey, this camp is extra on the inexpensive finish of the size. If you’re searching for a particular escape with out the hefty price ticket, this camp is reasonably priced.

Learn extra: The Greatest Animal Encounters in Africa

15. Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

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

16. Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia

Zambia and Zimbabwe are each thought of the gateway to Victoria Falls, however in case you are 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 isn’t a denying this is among 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 need to go to in case you are 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 after I say no safari is as magical as one which takes place within the Okavango Delta. Jao Camp is one other nice possibility for honeymoon {couples} searching for one thing further particular. The rigorously curated design makes it one of the crucial distinguishable camps.

19. Singita Kataza, Rwanda

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

20. Chinzombo, Zambia

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