Safari lodges have progressed a long way from the basic, primitive tented camps you’d see old explorers visiting in Africa. Nowadays, safari accommodation is a mix of luxurious glamping, opulent wellness retreats and eco-conscious lodges, all crowning impressive scenery, stays and service. We’ve narrowed down our Top Luxury African Safari Lodges based on key interests, focusing on the magical experience a safari provides. Whether you’re after unfiltered natural beauty, extraordinary wildlife encounters or a family trip of a lifetime, there is definitely a safari lodge to suit your ‘must haves.’
Read on to discover our top picks on Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges.
1. For Glamping: Singita Sabora Tented Camp, Tanzania
Singita Sabora Tented Camp is the perfect destination for travellers craving an African safari infused with uninterrupted elegance. It’s set on 350,000 acres of protected wilderness in Singita Grumeti and offers game-viewing opportunities all year round.
Why We Love This Lodge
- 9 self-contained suites that include private pantries, dining, fitness areas and meditation decks
- Swimming pool in main camp area
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access and electricity available
- Wellness and fitness centre facilities available with Yoga
- Plenty of activities such as Game Drives, Community Visits, Guided Safari Walks
Who is This African Safari For?
Guests looking to embrace indoor-outdoor living with quintessential elements of contemporary luxury tented safari will love this place!
2. Majestic Wildlife: Savute Elephant Lodge, Botswana
Belmond Safaris Savute Elephant Lodge in Botswana is the place to stay if you’re wanting to be surrounded by majestic wildlife on your African Safari. Get up close and personal with elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas and antelope from the lodge’s unique viewing deck.
Why We Love This Lodge
- Four-poster bed complete with mosquito netting
- Lavish bathroom complete with modern accessories
- Internet access and discreet air-conditioning
- Two game viewing activities per day, per person
- Swimming pool and spa
Who is This African Safari For?
If you’d love to be in the middle of a true wilderness environment, but still want to enjoy the finer luxuries, Savute Elephant Lodge in Botswana is the place for you.
3. Retreat: Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, South Africa
Discover bespoke treatments, nurturing therapists and a truly tranquil experience at Bushmans Kloof retreat. Recognised as one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, it’s set on a 7500-hectare private reserve. It offers a unique African experience, combining five-star luxury with South African cuisine, culture and wellness.
Why We Love This Lodge
- 17 rooms and suites offering private patios overlooking manicured gardens
- Residents only signature spa, offering bespoke treatments and facilities using luxurious Tata Harper and B|Africa products
- Ultra-private villas available, complemented with their own bar and pool
- All meals included, plus authentic dining experiences using fresh and robust South African ingredients
- Four serene swimming pools
Who is This African Safari For?
You’ll love this lodge if you’re after an all-inclusive stay that offers sumptuous wellness facilities while still being connected to wilderness and unfiltered natural beauty.
4. Impressive Scenery: Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique
So it may not exactly be your typical African Safari, but this lodge was too good not to mention. Positioned within a 300 hectare stretch of forest, beach and sand dunes, Kisawa Sanctuary will simply take your breath away. It’s situated on the Southern tip of Benguerra Island, 14 kilometres off Mozambique. The neighbouring National Marine Park is home to rich and undisturbed subtropical ecosystems in the Indian Ocean.
Why We Love This Lodge
- Incredibly intimate and private, with only 8 residences on site
- Each residence has its own private beach, infinity pool, open-air deck and outdoor day area
- Diving opportunities for guests to explore marine wildlife with scientists
- Turquoise Cove views
- Tailor made butler service
Who is This African Safari For?
This ultra-private, tropical getaway is for those after an exclusive stay surrounded by untouched natural beauty.
5. Remote: Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, South Africa
This unparalleled safari experience is situated within the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve and combines luxury with breathtaking views and untamed wilderness. The reserve itself is situated on the banks of the iconic Sabie River- a remarkable destination that showcases Africa’s untamed landscapes.
Why We Love This Lodge
- Your own private pool, lounge and patio
- Dedicated team of staff
- Game drives in open safari vehicles and guided bush walks available
- Spa treatments that favour Africology products, a fully-kitted out gym and wellness facilities
- All-inclusive from a champagne-stacked mini bar to personalised laundry services
Who is This African Safari For?
Guided wildlife safaris, walking safaris and moments infused with tranquillity is what to expect when staying at the Lion Sands Ivory Lodge. An ideal location for those looking to be a bit remote yet still enjoy contemporary luxuries.
6. Eco-Conscious: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Rwanda
Set on the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, this is one of the most outstanding eco-lodges in Rwanda. It’s where more than a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas find refuge, making it popular amongst conservation enthusiasts.
Why We Love This Lodge
- Gorilla trekking and Golden Monkey trekking experiences for guests
- Farm-to-table culinary program that influences the lodge’s dining
- Private outdoor heated plunge pools
- Dedicated Conservation Room providing an interactive educational space
- Arkarabo Nursery- one of Kwitonda’s biggest conservation success stories
Who is This African Safari For?
You don’t have to be a fully fledged conservationist to enjoy this experience! Kwitonda Lodge is perfect for travellers wanting breathtaking scenery in close proximity to Volcanoes National Park- whilst staying in opulent, detailed accommodation.
7. Blended Indoor to Outdoor Living: Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
This lodge is a haven for serenity, situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, just 20 minutes from Victoria Falls. It takes advantage of an open living concept, with several amenities located outdoors.
Why We Love This Lodge
- All Luxury Suites include plunge pools
- Each suite has its ensuite with indoor and outdoor showers
- Large private open viewing deck with views of the Zambezi River
- Communal lodge consists of open dining
- Spa and Gym facilities on-site
Who is This African Safari For?
Travellers who are adamant about visiting the mighty Victoria Falls will absolutely love the location of this lodge. Guests who appreciate elegant, private open-living will be taken aback by the Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia.
8. For Couples: Jack’s Camp, Botswana
Despite the name, trust that this luxury safari camp is filled with romance, seclusion and natural beauty. It’s intimate, with only ten Bedouin-style canvas tents, all featuring an ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, a plunge pool and private verandah.
Why We Love This Lodge
- Unmatched views looking out over the Makgadikgadi salt pan
- Elegant candlelit dinners paired with local wines is a must
- An impressive choice of extraordinary activities like playing with meerkats!
- Plunge pools with magnificent views for you and your partner to unwind in
- Couples wellness therapies in the dedicated spa tent
Who is This African Safari For?
From honeymooners to couples looking for a romantic stay, holidaying in Jack’s Camp is a once in a lifetime experience.
9. For Families: The Tswalu Kalahari Motse Camp, South Africa
This camp is designed for families wanting a private stay, with only 9 suites on-site! An ideal spot for many, as it’s malaria free and has plenty of activities for children. The Motse Lodge has experiences such as horse riding, meerkat spotting and private safari adventures!
Why We Love This Lodge
- Be up close and personal with antelopes, birds and a variety of wildlife that enjoys the gardens and waterhole on-site
- Communal guest area that offers covered verandas, two swimming pools and a fire pit
- Tswalu Spa accompanied with a Gym, Photographic Studio and the Gallery boutique stocked with art, jewellery and souvenirs
- En suite bathrooms with indoor-outdoor showers and a freestanding bath (no bath in children’s bedrooms)
- Each suite has a private sitting area with a wood-burning stove and a shaded veranda with a large daybed
Who is This African Safari For?
Adventure-seeking families will find the Motse Camp at Tswalu Kalahari a great getaway destination. Groups looking for uninterrupted natural beauty, immersive safari experiences and dramatic landscapes will most appreciate this unique lodge
10. A Tour Package: African Safari Tour Botswana Style with A&K
Are you craving the all-inclusive African safari experience but don’t want to do any of the planning? That’s totally okay! We have thrown in a tour package that combines luxury accommodation, extraordinary game regions and stunning natural beauty. Abercrombie & Kent’s Luxury Small Group Journey – Botswana Safari in Style Tour is a true African safari tour.
Why We Love This Tour
- Airport meet and greet with private transfers
- English-speaking resident tour director and local guides
- Luxury accommodations including two nights at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp – one of the finest and most sophisticated stays
- Private guide on an exploration of Victoria Falls
- Unmatched wildlife viewing on game drives, guided bush walks and scenic river safaris
Who is This African Safari For?
This tour will spark interest in travellers looking for a well-rounded, all-inclusive African safari without the hassle of planning! This 10 day adventure will allow you to explore, appreciate and soak in the raw beauty of South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. If you’re time-bound, booking a tour is the most efficient way to maximise your holiday experience!
Enquire now about booking these safari lodges. Please get in touch with an experienced luxury travel specialist to book, or to discuss further.
