After residing in Africa for nearly a yr now, I’ve had my fair proportion of safari lodges and experiences. But given safari is such a magical expertise, each time I can I maintain going again for extra. Over the years I’ve stayed at too many stunning lodges to rely, however like something, I’ve my favourites! So these are the perfect safari lodges in Africa, tried and examined by yours actually.
Post up to date May 2023
1. San Camp, Botswana
I’ll begin with my favorite camp in all of Africa – San Camp in Botswana. While it’s far out of your abnormal safari camp, I personally suppose that’s what makes it so particular. While you gained’t discover the massive 5 right here within the Kalahari desert, this camp hones in on the smaller creatures discovered within the desert. But greater than that, it’s about actually 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. This is the crowning jewel of AndBeyond’s Botswana portfolio, the place they’ve plenty of camps within the Okavango Delta and past. Sandibe is the most costly camp from AndBeyond’s portfolio in Botswana, however it is usually essentially the most magical. If you’re in search of a novel honeymoon location, that is your greatest guess.
3. Sossusvlei Lodge, Namibia
Last yr I lastly had the prospect to go to Namibia. Being based mostly in South Africa subsequent door has given me many extra excuses to get on the market and expertise extra of Africa. When we ventured North to Namibia, we checked in to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. This lodge has lately been refurbished from prime to backside and the outcomes are merely breathtaking. Waking up within the desert is a luxurious I’ll actually not neglect on this lifetime.
Read 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, however it actually was my favorite! I’ll always remember sitting out on my deck as I seen a younger elephant consuming from my pool and popping over to say whats up! I’ve since realized it is a common prevalence on the lodge, so if you’re in search of shut animal encounters, it is a nice lodge to remain in your safari.
5. Cottars Safari Camp, Kenya
When 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 likely one of the oldest on provide and it’s idyllically positioned on the perimeter of the Maasai Mara. Because the park itself is inundated with safari goers, it is a nice various 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. While it isn’t a standard safari lodge, it nonetheless deserves a spot on this listing. 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 of the perfect safari lodge in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This newly opened lodge got here to the safari scene with a lot reward, significantly in celebration of the distinctive location this lodge occupies overlooking the Mara. If you’re in search of a honeymoon location with views for days, that is your greatest guess in East Africa.
8. Bush Villa, Kenya
Although the Bush Villa falls below 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 right alternative for big households or huge 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 beneath. Even Angelina Jolie has been a visitor of the Bush Villa!
9. Serengeti House, Tanzania
Serengeti House 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 fitness center. The villa additionally comes with a personal chef, so you may actually chill and revel in some alone time together with your group.
10. Royal Malewane, South Africa
When I checked in to Royal Malewane a couple of years in the past I had already visited a handful of close by camps. But Royal Malewane has its personal enchantment, with a novel inside design that makes you are feeling as you probably have stepped again in time. Be certain to go to the day spa the place one can find this stunning lap pool paying homage to a Moroccan riad.
11. And Beyond Bateleur Camp
During 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 right mixture of previous 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 evening within the bush, test your self into Botswana Skybeds. The sky beds are positioned a brief drive from close by Sable Alley, making it the right addition to essentially immerse your self within the bush. The sky beds are positioned up a 3 story tree home, which means you might be as shut as attainable to the animal exercise all through the evening! This is just not solely probably the greatest safari lodges in Africa but in addition one 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 endlessly engrained in my thoughts. Singita actually go above and past for his or her company, offering gastronomic meals and unbeatable service. They have a couple of lodges within the space, however Singita Sweni is my private favorite.
14. Sable Alley, Botswana
Sable Alley is likely one of the in style decisions of safari camps in Botswana. While Botswana is likely one of the costliest international locations to go to for a safari journey, this camp is extra on the reasonably priced finish of the size. If you might be in search of a particular escape with out the hefty price ticket, this camp is reasonably priced.
Read extra: The Best Animal Encounters in Africa
15. Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Rwanda has change into essentially the most wanted nation to go to in Africa. Over latest years it has sky rocketed in recognition, principally because of the inhabitants of mountain gorillas which have drawn 1000’s of vacationers to the landlocked nation. Bisate Lodge is likely one of the most iconic lodges within the nation, with their artistic beehive like design.
16. Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
Zambia and Zimbabwe are each thought of the gateway to Victoria Falls, however if you’re in search of one thing additional 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 any denying this is likely one of the greatest safari lodges in Africa, as it’s actually our best choice for essentially the most romantic.
17. Ngorongoro Lodge, Tanzania
East Africa is the place it’s best to go to if you’re in search of the enduring “Out of Africa” expertise. Ngorongoro must be one 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 suggestion!? Believe me after 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} in search of one thing additional particular. The rigorously curated design makes it one of the distinguishable camps.
19. Singita Kataza, Rwanda
Also in Rwanda, one can find two Singita properties to select from when in search of the perfect 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
Last 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. However, when you’re up for some actions, you may decide to canoe on the Zambezi river or partake in a microflight over Victoria Falls. Believe me after I say it isn’t for the faint hearted!