Many dream of going on an African safari in search of an exceptional and memorable wildlife encounter. The continent has an abundance of luxurious safari lodges that redefine luxury in the middle of the nature for those who have a taste for it. These lodges immerse guests in the unadulterated splendor of Africa’s wild landscapes while offering unmatched comfort and service, from the wide plains of the Serengeti to the lush vistas of Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
In this article, Mrpocu.com will list some of the best luxury Africa safari lodge to book for a memorable experience. From some of the popular lodges know to tourist to some of the instagrammable lodges for your social media feeds. Sit back and relax as you update your bucket-list.
Best Luxury African Safari Lodges
Londolozi, Sabi Sands, South Africa
Comprising five distinct lodges within its exclusive reserve, Londolozi was among the first and remains among the top African safari lodges. The most luxurious alternatives are the three Granite Suites, which have outdoor bathtubs and plunge pools where you can relax while taking in views of the world (or maybe just a herd of elephants). May through September is the ideal season to watch wildlife.
Matetsi River Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Just one hour outside of the well-known Victoria Falls, Matetsi offers the chance to see elephants, lions, hippos, and buffalo, which is one of the reasons it’s rated as one of the greatest African safari resorts. Situated in a vast, immaculate private reserve with 15 km/9 mi of river frontage, the apartments and villas offer breathtaking views of the Zambezi 40 km/25 mi upstream of the falls. August through October, when it’s driest, is the ideal time to see wildlife. When there is less spray, the falls are more visible and places like Devil’s Pool are more accessible.
Sasaab, Samburu NP, Kenya
Sasaab is an opulent tented camp in Samburu National Park located in a remote area of northern Kenya. Every tent with a Moroccan flair features an own plunge pool and outdoor bathroom with views of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
The greatest times to see wildlife are in January and February and from June to September, which are dry months.
Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa
Along with a plethora of other magnificent animals, the all-inclusive Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve will present you to the amazing sight of its namesake species. Before you ever go on safari, the eight opulently furnished rooms of Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve, perched on a South African hilltop overlooking a natural watering hole, offer breathtaking views of African environment and wildlife. The reserve is one of the best game reserves in Africa if you are looking to get close to wildlife.
Whether you choose to relax in your air-conditioned suite, take a dip in your own heated stone plunge pool, or lounge outside your floor-to-ceiling windows, you will always be treated to breathtaking views of the fabled wildlife that Africa is known for. Take an open Land Rover ride with your guide into the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve for up-close views of hippos splashing, lions roaring, leopards hunting, and a variety of other animals meandering across the grassland.
Treat yourself to a fine dining experience when you’re hungry, always with a unique African flair. Enjoy a classy meal in the dining room, a traditional Shangaan boma under the stars, or a romantic dinner prepared by the chef on your own deck.
Mahali Mzuri, Masai Mara Reserve, Kenya
At Mahali Mzuri, a tented safari camp in Kenya’s northern Maasai Mara habitat, awaken to the wonders of untainted Africa. It is difficult to turn down the opportunity to visit Mahali Mzuri. Who wouldn’t want to explore Africa through the eyes of contemporary visionary Richard Branson, whose group is eager to present their image of the “ideal African escape” to you?
Of course, Mahali Mzuri is a unique location, especially as part of the Virgin Limited Edition Collection. With animal sightings and local sights, even the escorted journey from the airstrip becomes into an unplanned safari adventure. After exchanging pleasantries, offering gifts to the locals, and enjoying some welcome drinks, it’s time to explore your opulent, futuristic-looking tent.
Gmundner Lodge, Brack, Namibia
Experience an unparalleled blend of adventure and well-being at Gmundner Lodge, Namibia’s all-encompassing destination. This opulent camp-style refuge, which is fully self-sustaining, evokes memories of the grandeur of an old-world safari set against the rough and tumble of the savannah.
Given that Namibia’s savannah is experiencing the most adverse effects of climate change, it makes sense that Gmundner Lodge is proud of its accomplishments in sustainability. This commitment started at the idea stage, when all of the lodge’s components were built using sustainably sourced, locally sourced materials. Daily operations at Gmundner Lodge are powered by solar energy.
The twelve chic guest suites at Gmundner Lodge, each gently tucked into the undulating terrain and separated from the main lodge, are equally spectacular. These exquisite homes are replete with elements of the old world, such as plush leather couches, beautiful mahogany furnishings, antiques, and one-of-a-kind items. Each has an outdoor terrace that’s great for observing animals, and the clawfoot tub and outdoor shower that’s next to it make it the perfect place to watch the stars at night.
Qorokwe Concession, Okavango Delta, Botswana
sleek and fashionable, the interior décor of the camp reflects the life of the bush: animal prints abound, from cowhide carpets to zebra-print towels near the infinity pool, and wood walls are stenciled like a beetle’s carapace. Situated on an elevated platform with a timber deck, the main building exudes elegance.
It’s spacious, has open walls, and opens up to a big circular fire pit and the surrounding wilderness. The pool area features a termite mound, and a dirt walk leads to the personal villas, which are the pinnacle of modern luxury indoors but have a boxy, unprepossessing outside.
Migration Expeditions, Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana
This is an expedition-style camp, with canvas tents aplenty. However, this is true glamping at its finest—don’t think of it as “basic camping.” There are subtle details everywhere (you’ll find rugs in your tent, book nooks, and thoughtfully chosen décor), and the combination of the plush fixtures and muted furniture creates an environment that is both incredibly cozy and evocative.
The level of comfort offered by this mobile camp is remarkable, especially when you realize that it lacks permanent infrastructure, running water and electricity, and is located hours away from the closest town. Comfortable couches, a fully stocked bar, reference books, and a charging station for your gadgets and batteries are all features of the lounge tent.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve sits the opulent Lion Sands Ivory Lodge. The focus is on providing excellent, individualized service, which includes private wildlife drives in the reserve, which is well-known for its leopard sightings. In addition to offering a chic aesthetic, the resort offers fantastic treehouse accommodations for thrilling sleep-outs in the wilderness.
Singita Boulders Lodge, Kruger
This Afro-chic resort is located in the breathtaking Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a private area of wildness that borders the Kruger National Park, along the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River. Its open-air areas and glass walls let you take in your breathtaking surroundings in the middle of the African bush. With a vast wine cellar including some of Africa’s most sought-after private wine reserves, the dining experience is second to none.
Angama Mara, Masai Mara
The views from Angama Mara, which is perched on what appears to be the very edge of the Great Rift Valley, are breathtaking. The well-designed inside-outside living areas are divided by floor to ceiling windows that span 11 meters or 33 feet. The rooms are furnished with excellent designer and handcrafted furniture that evokes a modern, minimalist Maasai-inspired setting.
Sasaab Samburu, Samburu National Reserve
Sasaab is an amazing opulent tented camp in Samburu that provides the best possible safari experience. Situated in Kenya’s Northern Frontier District, just outside the Samburu National Reserve, the area is characterized by a rich cultural legacy, mountains, and animals. A staggering variety of creatures may be found there, including cheetahs, elephants, wild canines, and the “Samburu Special Five,” which are five species that are exclusive to the region and include the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Gerenuk antelope, and Somali ostrich.
Chief’s Camp – Okavango Delta, Botswana
One of the Delta’s and Africa’s most wildlife-rich regions is where The Chief’s Camp is located. There are options for game vehicle, foot, and mokoros (traditional dugout boat) exploration. Floor to ceiling windows and private plunge pools adorn the spacious suites, which are tastefully designed to blend into the surrounding jungle.
For wildlife, July through October are the driest months.
Singita Faru Faru, Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania
Singita Faru Faru is one of the top African safari hotels in northern Tanzania, especially if you want to see the great migration. With seven suites, a family unit, and a two-bedroom villa, Faru Faru boasts infinity pools that provide views of the surrounding plains and the waterhole. June to September for wildlife in general. The Grumeti River in June and July and the Mara River in September and October are the finest times to see wildebeest crossings.
Jabali Ridge, Ruaha NP, Tanzania
Jabali Ridge, a seldom-visited park in southern Tanzania, features eight rooms with breathtaking views of the baobab-spotted terrain from its infinity pool. One of the most upscale lodges in Ruaha, which is also home to sable and roan antelopes, wild dogs, cheetahs, and one-tenth of the world’s lion population, is Jabali Ridge.
Puku Ridge, South Luangwa, Zambia
One of Africa’s best-kept secrets is the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, which offers unspoiled natural beauty, fantastic walking safaris, and big game viewing without crowds. The stylish and exquisite Puku Ridge is located in this uncharted reserve. It has eight luxury safari tents perched on an elevated ridge with views of plains and trees.
Thorntree River Lodge, Vic Falls, Zambia
Located just upstream from the fabled Victoria Falls, Thorntree is a luxurious and modern safari resort in Zambia that boasts a serene setting on the banks of the Zambezi River. This eco-friendly lodge, which was skillfully constructed using local stone, wood, and repurposed railroad sleepers, finds the ideal harmony between contemporary architecture and the natural world. The enormous riverfront suites have plunge pools on their respective decks, as well as indoor and outdoor lounges and en suite bathrooms with huge tubs.
Dulini Lodges,Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, South Africa
With only eight visitors allowed at Leadwood and a maximum of 12 at both Dulini Lodge and Dulini River Lodge, this is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Kruger. Particularly the original Dulini Lodge, which is situated in lush bush lawns nibbled by nyala under ebony and leadwood trees, has a more homey and “traditional safari” feel with Persian carpets, long drapes, dark timbers, and a swinging bridge over the dry Mabrak riverbed next to an amazing shared pool area. The three lodges have quite different personalities.
In contrast, Dulini River Lodge features more contemporary design and simple rooms with a color scheme that leans toward white, cream, and mild grey. Because there isn’t a central pool, visitors are more likely to spend time in their rooms. As of December 2018, Leadwood was still undergoing reconstruction, but it appears that it will be the most opulent of the three, including just four rooms that are as big as small houses and private pools that are deep enough to plunge into.
Jao Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Situated on a secluded island in the center of the Okavango Delta, Jao Camp offers an unparalleled luxury African safari experience within one of the genuine masterpieces of Mother Nature. It is only reachable by air. The spa at this hotel is regarded as one of the best in Botswana, and the spacious suites are exquisitely furnished with native artwork and woodwork.
Xigera Safari Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana
One of Africa’s most exquisite conservation sites is the Moremi Game Reserve, which is a breathtaking mosaic of lily-covered ponds, shimmering floodplains, open grasslands, and dappled woods. It is the location of the renowned Xigera Safari Lodge and some of the best predator sightings in Botswana. With some of the most opulent accommodations in the region, Xigera Safari Lodge offers a very private Delta experience, personalized service, and an abundance of safari flair.