After living in Africa for nearly a yr now, I’ve had my justifiable share of safari lodges and experiences. But given safari is such a magical experience, every time I can I keep going back for more. Over time I even have stayed at too many beautiful lodges to count, but like anything, I even have my favourites! So these are one of the best safari lodges in Africa, tried and tested by yours truly.
Post updated May 2023
1. San Camp, Botswana
I’ll start with my favourite camp in all of Africa – San Camp in Botswana. While it’s removed from your bizarre safari camp, I personally think that’s what makes it so special. Whilst you won’t find the large five here within the Kalahari desert, this camp hones in on the smaller creatures present in the desert. But greater than that, it’s about truly disconnecting out of your regular life and tuning in to your present. There’s no wifi or electricity within the tents, but there are many opportunities to attach with nature.
2. Sandibe, Botswana
My second favourite lodge in Botswana goes by the name of Sandibe. That is the crowning jewel of AndBeyond’s Botswana portfolio, where they’ve a lot of camps within the Okavango Delta and beyond. Sandibe is the costliest camp from AndBeyond’s portfolio in Botswana, but it is usually probably the most magical. In case you’re searching for a singular honeymoon location, that is your best bet.
3. Sossusvlei Lodge, Namibia
Last yr I finally had the possibility to go to Namibia. Being based in South Africa round the corner has given me many more excuses to get on the market and experience more of Africa. Once we ventured North to Namibia, we checked in to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. This lodge has recently been refurbished from top to bottom and the outcomes are simply breathtaking. Waking up within the desert is a luxury I will definitely not forget on this lifetime.
Read more: The 12 most isolated lodges in Africa
4. Boulders Lodge, South Africa
Boulders Lodge in South Africa was not my first lodge experience on this country, nevertheless it actually was my favourite! I’ll always remember sitting out on my deck as I noticed a young elephant drinking from my pool and popping over to say hello! I even have since learned this can be a regular occurrence on the lodge, so in case you are searching for close animal encounters, that is an incredible 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 back in time. The 1920’s safari camp is one among the oldest on offer and it’s idyllically situated on the perimeter of the Maasai Mara. Since the park itself is inundated with safari goers, that is an incredible alternative to experience more serenity but still remain in close proximity to the park.
6. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
Okay, I’m saying it: Mnemba Island is my favourite lodge in all of Africa. While it isn’t a conventional safari lodge, it still deserves a spot on this list. With just twelve rooms situated on a non-public island off the coast of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is the last word in barefoot luxury.
7. Angama Mara, Kenya
Angama Mara is usually considered one of the best safari lodge in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This newly opened lodge got here to the safari scene with much praise, particularly in celebration of the unique location this lodge occupies overlooking the Mara. In case you’re searching for a honeymoon location with views for days, that is your best bet in East Africa.
8. Bush Villa, Kenya
Although the Bush Villa falls under the umbrella of Cottar’s Safari Camp, I feel it’s worthy of a mention of its own. This gloriously oversized villa is the right selection for big families or big groups to enjoy their very own private oasis. The villa is sprawled out above Cottar’s Safari Camp, overlooking the Maasai Mara below. Even Angelina Jolie has been a guest of the Bush Villa!
9. Serengeti House, Tanzania
Serengeti House in Tanzania is the highest property in Singita’s safari portfolio. This private villa boasts 4 bedrooms, an infinity swimming pool and a non-public gym. The villa also comes with a non-public chef, so you possibly can really 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 number of years ago I had already visited a handful of nearby camps. But Royal Malewane has its own appeal, with a singular interior design that makes you’re feeling as if you’ve got stepped back in time. Make sure you visit the day spa where you will discover this beautiful lap pool harking back to a Moroccan riad.
11. And Beyond Bateleur Camp
During my time in East Africa, I feel it’s secure to say Bateleur Camp was my favourite safari lodge. This newly refurbished lodge is the right mixture of old meets latest, with all of the classic touches but all of the mod cons to go together with it. The service here was unparalleled to every other camp I stayed at in Kenya.
12. Botswana Sky Beds
For an unforgettable night within the bush, check yourself into Botswana Skybeds. The sky beds are situated a brief drive from nearby Sable Alley, making it the right addition to actually immerse yourself within the bush. The sky beds are situated up a 3 story tree house, meaning you might be as close as possible to the animal activity throughout the night! This will not be only the most effective safari lodges in Africa but additionally one of the vital adventurous.
13. Singita Sweni, South Africa
Singita Sweni was one among the primary safari lodges I ever stayed at, but that doesn’t mean I even have forgotten about it! My experience at this lodge was so memorable, it’s perpetually engrained in my mind. Singita really go above and beyond for his or her guests, providing gastronomic meals and unbeatable service. They’ve a number of lodges in the realm, but Singita Sweni is my personal favourite.
14. Sable Alley, Botswana
Sable Alley is one among the favored selections of safari camps in Botswana. While Botswana is one of the vital expensive countries to go to for a safari adventure, this camp is more on the reasonably priced end of the size. In case you are searching for a special escape without the hefty price tag, this camp is moderately priced.
Read more: The Best Animal Encounters in Africa
15. Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Rwanda has develop into probably the most wanted country to go to in Africa. Over recent years it has sky rocketed in popularity, mostly due to the population of mountain gorillas which have drawn hundreds of tourists to the landlocked country. Bisate Lodge is one of the vital iconic lodges within the country, with their creative beehive like design.
16. Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
Zambia and Zimbabwe are each considered the gateway to Victoria Falls, but in case you are searching for something out of the ordinary then take a have a look at Thorntree River Lodge. This peaceful 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 that is the most effective safari lodges in Africa, because it is actually our top selection for probably the most romantic.
17. Ngorongoro Lodge, Tanzania
East Africa is where it’s best to visit in case you are searching for the enduring “Out of Africa” experience. Ngorongoro would must be one of the vital picturesque lodges to pick 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 great option for honeymoon couples searching for something out of the ordinary. The fastidiously curated design makes it one of the vital distinguishable camps.
19. Singita Kataza, Rwanda
Also in Rwanda, you will discover two Singita properties to pick from when searching for one of the best safari lodges in Africa. Singita Kataza is an out of the ordinary lodge set in the paranormal mountains of Rwanda, just a brief trip from the famous mountain gorillas.
20. Chinzombo, Zambia
Last but not least, Chinzombo camp in Zambia is idyllically situated on the banks of the Zambezi river. This camp is a preferred selection for honeymoon couples who’re searching for a serene location by the water. Nonetheless, in case you’re up for some activities, you possibly can opt to canoe on the Zambezi river or partake in a microflight over Victoria Falls. Consider me once I say it will not be for the faint hearted!
