The 100 Best Safari Lodges In Africa

The 100 Best Safari Lodges In Africa

(No.50-26)

50th. Sasakwa Lodge – Tanzania

From infinity swimming pools that appear to float out over the plain, to guided equestrian tours and balloon safaris, Singita Sasakwa Lodge is an Edwardian manor house with nine private cottages and a villa, each with a private infinity pool,

The butler-serviced suite includes its own game vehicle, Field Guide, “bar-deli” and exclusive in-room dining. What more could you possibly need?

Sasakwa Lodge in Africa

49th. Elephant Watch Camp – Kenya

Elephant Watch Camp is all about being as eco-friendly as possible: the six en-suite tents are crafted from all-natural materials, including trees felled by elephants. Water is is hand-pumped from their on-site well, carefully distributed and then re-used to nourish the trees and food comes from the local farmer’s market on nearby Mt Kenya.

Bull elephants hang out in Camp quite a bit, especially after the rains, so just relax in bed and enjoy the views.

Elephant Watch Camp in Africa

48th. King Lewanika Lodge – Zambia

This superb lodge is in the middle of  Liuwa Plain, home to Africa’s second biggest wildebeest migration, magnificent birdlife, a growing cheetah population and the famed Lady Liuwa lion pride.

Six luxury villas are raised on platforms to make the most of the views, with plush beds and wooden terraces to soak up the sun.

King Lewanika Lodge in Africa

47th. Kyambura Gorge Lodge – Uganda

This eclectic contemporary safari lodge is an ideal location for tracking the lost chimps in the sunken forest of Kyambura Gorge nearby – all suites are individually named after the Kyambura Gorge chimpanzees. You can spot tree climbing lions and finish off the day with a massage at the on-site spa.

To top it off? Meals are prepared using the freshest local ingredients and served in front of a roaring fire in the dining area. Bliss.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge in Africa

46th. Malilangwe House – Zimbabwe

Want an unforgettable safari experience with family or friends? Designed for exactly that, this private villa has five bedrooms, each with its own private deck, that all flow into the home’s living areas, interactive kitchen, chic ‘bar-deli’ and main deck with its large rim-flow pool.

The house comes with a dedicated private chef, game vehicle, Field Guide and butler catering for every need.

Malilangwe House in Africa

45th. The Fort at Fisher’s Pan – Namibia

This utterly unique fort lodge is built in exactly the right spot to give guests probably one of the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia, overlooking the Etosha Pans.

The main fort has massive raw walls, stunning stone cladded features and a huge tower, with African-meets-Moroccan vibes. Stay in one of  11 Bush Suites and one Honeymoon Suites, some of which have outdoor bathtubs.

The Fort at Fisher’s Pan in Africa

44th. Ulusaba Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge – South Africa

Ulusaba is Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa and it has the best view of all lodges in Sabi Sand – it’s perched high on a hilltop. Stay at the Rock Lodge or the Safari Lodge, which has cross swing bridges between the lovely tree house style rooms.

When not out exploring the bush, you can relax a little at the swimming pool, the spa or discover the wine cellar.

Best Safari Lodge in South Africa

43rd. Elewana Loisaba Star Beds – Kenya

Handcrafted four-poster wooden beds sit on raised wooden platforms jutting out from a thatched-roof accommodation and are rolled out each night for guests to enjoy the most memorable sleep under the endless African sky.

Sounds like paradise? It really is. Home to elephant and a healthy population of lion,  Loisaba is a prime example of a great collaboration between conservation, community, ranching and tourism.

Elewana Loisaba Star Beds in Africa

42nd. Belmond Eagle Island Camp – Botswana

This is easily Africa’s ultimate water-focused safari – Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is set on a private island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. You can enjoy game viewing by mekoro (traditional dugout canoe), excursions in small motorboats, barge cruises or thrilling helicopter flights.

High-ceilinged tented rooms flood with light; each has a plunge pool and oversized bed with views of the Delta. Plus, have you seen those bathtubs?!

Belmond Eagle Island Camp in Africa

41st. Chiawa Camp – Zambia

The family owned and operated Chiawa Camp is one of Zambia’s most luxurious safari lodges, with luxurious tents and a lovely Safari Suite. The Safari Suite is what you should book for the ultimate escape.

It’s absolutely huge, with a bedroom with a massive king size bed, a gorgeous bathroom with ball & claw bath and his and hers washbasins and its own deck and pool. Keep an eye out for elephants while you’re having breakfast.

Chiawa Camp in Africa

40th. Baines’ Camp – Botswana

With star baths and sky beds on your private deck, this is a total romantic oasis. Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is built on raised platforms high above the Boro River with just five luxury tents that are linked by wooden walkways. Take an outdoor candlelit bubble bath or watch hippos from the edge of the pool.

There’s also an opportunity to go walking in the bush with the semi-habituated elephants of the camp.

Baines’ Camp in Africa

39th. Apoka Safari Lodge – Uganda

Apoka Safari Lodge  is right in the middle of one of Africa’s best destinations – Kidepo Valley National Park. It’s Uganda’s most remote park and is the only park in Uganda with cheetah.

Big beds with soft duvets are draped with mosquito nets, there’s extra large plush towels, over-sized dressing gowns…you may be as far away from the city as you’ll ever be, but you won’t miss a thing.

Apoka Safari Lodge in Africa

38th. Mowani Mountain Camp – Namibia

Dwarfed by massive boulders, this entire camp is absorbed into the landscape, leaving you with a feeling of absolute bliss. The amazing eco-design goes right through to the rooms; there’s  13 en-suite rooms with views across the valley or hill top vistas and two luxury suites, with open-air bathrooms.

It makes perfect sense that that the camp takes its name from the Swahili for ‘Window on Heaven’.

Mowani Mountain Camp in Africa

37th. Lewa Wilderness Camp – Kenya

This amazing camp is situated near the base of Mt. Kenya – Africa’s second tallest mountain – Lewa Wilderness is one of Kenya’s oldest and most private safari ventures.

There’s just nine rooms, all of which have antique and handmade furniture, giving each one rustic charm and slick views. As for activities? Go game viewing to see the rhinos, or just two minutes walk from the lodge, the Stables are home to over 30 horses and ponies.

Lewa Wilderness Camp in Africa

36th. Lugenda Bush Camp – Mozambique

This charming camp has eight East-Africa style safari tents and is part of the the Niassa Reserve, one of the largest reserves in Africa. Until Mozambique’s civil war ended in the early 1990s the Niassa Wildlife Reserve remained completely untouched, so the game population here is a safari lover’s dream.

The wake up call of piping-hot coffee or tea and muffins in the early mornings for sunrise game drives or walks is an added bonus.

Lugenda Bush Camp in Africa

35th. One&Only Nyungwe House – Rwanda

In Southwest Rwanda, this stylish retreat is is set on one of the last mountain rainforest habitats on the planet. The lodge itself is located on a working tea plantation and you can trace chimpanzees and endangered Mangabey monkeys.

Rooms are inspired by the natural beauty of Rwanda, while the canopy-level infinity pool and spa are the cherry on top.

One&Only Nyungwe House in Africa

34th. Royal Malewane – South Africa

Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and black rhino make up Africa’s Big 5, and you can spot all of these majestic animals on a safari with Royal Malewane. There’s a luxury spa with Dermologica treatments and courtyard pool.

As well as suites, a private villa comes with a chef, housekeeper, butler, private safari vehicle, ranger and tracker.

Royal Malewane in South Africa

33rd. Kirawira Serena Camp – Tanzania

This exclusive camp is in an ideal location in Serengeti National Park – prime spot for the ‘Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth’, the annual migration of over one million wildebeest.

Each tent has its own personal valet, and is in antique Edwardian style with steamer-trunks, writing desk, brass lamps, rugs, sepia photographs and four-poster bed with patchwork quilt.

Kirawira Serena Camp in Africa

32nd. andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp – Botswana

&Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp combines the best of water and wildlife on twice-daily game-drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, mokoro and powerboat excursions. The camp has stunning tents with Delta views, as well as a private massage sala and candlelit dinners.

(FYI, there’s a drought in Botswana so water activities are unavailable until further notice).

andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp in Africa

31st. Camp Amalinda – Zimbabwe

This exclusive, privately owned safari lodge is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Matobo Hills, the oldest National Park in Zimbabwe. The lodge looks out over a busy watering hole, which you can see from Amalinda’s famous ‘rock’ swimming pool.

A tour to the local Matabele village and rhino tracking are just some of the highlights here.

Camp Amalinda in Africa

30th. Elsa’s Kopje – Kenya

This romantic lodge is really something else. Elsa’s Kopje is in Mughwango Hill, above the site of George Adamson’s original camp where he raised and released orphan lions, long before conservation became fashionable.

Each private cottage is enormous, with views of the plains of Meru National Park. Expert guides know the territory of the Meru lions and leopards, and can also show you medicinal properties of the unusual plants, are keen birders, and the home of the tiny naked mole rat!

Elsa’s Kopje in Africa

29th. Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge – South Africa

Hoyo Hoyo is one of the best places in the whole park to see elephants, with the amazing beasts even coming up to the swimming pool to try sip a sneaky drink. Suites all have traditional Tsonga style design, with private decks looking out over the bush.

A high-end safari lodge that is simply picture perfect.

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge in Africa

28th. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp – Uganda

Once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Uganda’s endangered gorillas await when you stay in one of these only eight private luxury tents in the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Rooms even have outdoor bathtubs with forest views.

Sip on local banana beer and keep an eye out for the family of gorillas that visits the camp four to six times per month.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Africa

27th. Chongwe River House – Zambia

An amazing private safari home, Chongwe River House sleeps eight in four ensuite bedrooms that push the boundaries of bush architecture. Bathe outdoors or in the swimming pool and enjoy your very own guide, house manager and private chef.

This is perfect for anyone looking for unforgettable wildlife sightings (the Chongwe area is famous for its large elephant herds, which you can view from your own deck) .

Chongwe River House in Africa

26th. andBeyond Bateleur Camp – Kenya

With breathtaking views over the Masai Mara, this camp is set just below the spot where Out of Africa’s famous final scene was filmed. Luxurious rooms have antiques and hand-crafted artefacts that add a vintage safari vibe.

After all your game viewing, chill out with dinner beneath the stars, followed by fireside port and cigars.

andBeyond Bateleur Camp in Africa

 

Sarah Clayton-Lea

Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York.

Contact [email protected]

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