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. Over time I’ve stayed at too many lovely lodges to rely, however like something, I’ve my favourites! So these are one of the best safari lodges in Africa, tried and examined by yours really.
Publish up to date Might 2023
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 odd safari camp, I personally assume that’s what makes it so particular. Whilst you received’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 really 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 identify of Sandibe. That is the crowning jewel of AndBeyond’s Botswana portfolio, the place they’ve numerous camps within the Okavango Delta and past. Sandibe is the most costly camp from AndBeyond’s portfolio in Botswana, however additionally it is probably the most magical. In case you’re on the lookout for a novel honeymoon location, that is your greatest guess.
3. Sossusvlei Lodge, Namibia
Final 12 months I lastly had the prospect 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 prime to backside and the outcomes are merely breathtaking. Waking up within the desert is a luxurious I’ll definitely 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 definitely was my favorite! I’ll always remember sitting out on my deck as I seen a younger elephant ingesting from my pool and popping over to say hey! I’ve since discovered it is a common prevalence on the lodge, so if you’re on the lookout for shut animal encounters, it is a nice lodge to remain in your safari.
5. Cottars Safari Camp, Kenya
Once 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 positioned on the perimeter of the Maasai Mara. As a result of the park itself is inundated with safari goers, it is a nice different 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 positioned 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-about one of the best safari lodge in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This newly opened lodge got here to the safari scene with a lot reward, notably in celebration of the distinctive location this lodge occupies overlooking the Mara. In case you’re on the lookout for a honeymoon location with views for days, that is your greatest guess in East Africa.
8. Bush Villa, Kenya
Though the Bush Villa falls beneath the umbrella of Cottar’s Safari Camp, I believe it’s worthy of a point out of its personal. This gloriously outsized villa is the proper alternative for giant households or massive teams to take pleasure in their very own non-public oasis. The villa is sprawled out above Cottar’s Safari Camp, overlooking the Maasai Mara under. 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 health club. The villa additionally comes with a personal chef, so you’ll be able to actually relax and luxuriate in some alone time together with your group.
10. Royal Malewane, South Africa
Once 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 attraction, with a novel inside design that makes you’re feeling as if in case you have stepped again in time. You should definitely go to the day spa the place you’ll find this lovely lap pool paying homage to a Moroccan riad.
11. And Past Bateleur Camp
Throughout my time in East Africa, I believe it’s protected to say Bateleur Camp was my favorite safari lodge. This newly refurbished lodge is the proper mixture of outdated meets new, with all of the basic touches however all of the mod cons to go along with it. The service right here was unparalleled to every other camp I stayed at in Kenya.
12. Botswana Sky Beds
For an unforgettable night time within the bush, examine your self into Botswana Skybeds. The sky beds are positioned a brief drive from close by Sable Alley, making it the proper addition to actually immerse your self within the bush. The sky beds are positioned up a 3 story tree home, which means you’re as shut as attainable to the animal exercise all through the night time! This isn’t solely top-of-the-line safari lodges in Africa but additionally some of the 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 perpetually engrained in my thoughts. Singita actually go above and past for his or her friends, 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 decisions of safari camps in Botswana. Whereas Botswana is among the costliest international locations to go to for a safari journey, this camp is extra on the inexpensive finish of the dimensions. In case you are on the lookout for a particular escape with out the hefty price ticket, this camp is reasonably priced.
Learn extra: The Finest Animal Encounters in Africa
15. Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Rwanda has grow to be probably the most wanted nation to go to in Africa. Over latest years it has sky rocketed in reputation, largely because of the inhabitants of mountain gorillas which have drawn hundreds of vacationers to the landlocked nation. Bisate Lodge is among the most iconic lodges within the nation, with their inventive beehive like design.
16. Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
Zambia and Zimbabwe are each thought-about the gateway to Victoria Falls, however if you’re on the lookout 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 definitely our best choice for probably the most romantic.
17. Ngorongoro Lodge, Tanzania
East Africa is the place you must go to if you’re on the lookout for the enduring “Out of Africa” expertise. Ngorongoro must be some of the picturesque lodges to select from, set overlooking the crater itself.
18. Jao Camp, Botswana
I do know I do know, one other Botswana advice!? Consider me once I say no safari is as magical as one which takes place within the Okavango Delta. Jao Camp is one other nice choice for honeymoon {couples} on the lookout for one thing further particular. The fastidiously curated design makes it some of the distinguishable camps.
19. Singita Kataza, Rwanda
Additionally in Rwanda, you’ll find two Singita properties to select from when on the lookout for one of the 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 positioned 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. Nonetheless, when you’re up for some actions, you’ll be able to decide to canoe on the Zambezi river or partake in a microflight over Victoria Falls. Consider me once I say it isn’t for the faint hearted!
