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, every time I can I hold going again for extra. Over time I’ve stayed at too many stunning lodges to depend, however like something, I’ve my favourites! So these are the most effective safari lodges in Africa, tried and examined by yours actually.
Publish up to date Could 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 bizarre safari camp, I personally assume that’s what makes it so particular. Whilst you received’t discover the large 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 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 title of Sandibe. That is the crowning jewel of AndBeyond’s Botswana portfolio, the place they’ve a lot of camps within the Okavango Delta and past. Sandibe is the costliest camp from AndBeyond’s portfolio in Botswana, however it is usually probably the most magical. For those who’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 possibility 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. Once we ventured North to Namibia, we checked in to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. This lodge has lately been refurbished from high to backside and the outcomes are merely breathtaking. Waking up within the desert is a luxurious I’ll definitely not overlook 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, however it definitely 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 hey! I’ve since realized this can be a common prevalence on the lodge, so in case you are on the lookout for shut animal encounters, this can be a nice lodge to remain on your safari.
5. Cottars Safari Camp, Kenya
After 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. As a result of the park itself is inundated with safari goers, this can be 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 listing. With simply twelve rooms positioned on a non-public 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 most effective 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. For those who’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 underneath the umbrella of Cottar’s Safari Camp, I feel 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 personal 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 personal villa boasts 4 bedrooms, an infinity swimming pool and a non-public health club. The villa additionally comes with a non-public chef, so you possibly can actually sit back and luxuriate in some alone time along with your group.
10. Royal Malewane, South Africa
After I checked in to Royal Malewane a couple of 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 you probably have stepped again in time. Be sure you go to the day spa the place you can find this stunning lap pool harking back to a Moroccan riad.
11. And Past Bateleur Camp
Throughout my time in East Africa, I feel it’s protected to say Bateleur Camp was my favorite safari lodge. This newly refurbished lodge is the right mixture of outdated meets new, with all of the traditional touches however all of the mod cons to go along with it. The service right here was unparalleled to some other camp I stayed at in Kenya.
12. Botswana Sky Beds
For an unforgettable night time 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 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 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 perpetually engrained in my thoughts. Singita actually go above and past for his or her company, offering gastronomic meals and unbeatable service. They’ve 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 standard selections of safari camps in Botswana. Whereas Botswana is likely one of the most costly international locations to go to for a safari journey, this camp is extra on the reasonably priced 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 current years it has sky rocketed in recognition, principally because of the inhabitants of mountain gorillas which have drawn hundreds of vacationers to the landlocked nation. Bisate Lodge is likely one of the most iconic lodges within the nation, with their inventive beehive like design.
16. Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
Zambia and Zimbabwe are each thought of the gateway to Victoria Falls, however in case you are on the lookout for 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 is no such thing as a denying this is likely one of 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 need to go to in case you are on the lookout for 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!? Consider me after I say no safari is as magical as one which takes place within the Okavango Delta. Jao Camp is one other nice possibility for honeymoon {couples} on the lookout for one thing additional particular. The fastidiously curated design makes it one of the distinguishable camps.
19. Singita Kataza, Rwanda
Additionally in Rwanda, you can find two Singita properties to select from when on the lookout for the most effective safari lodges in Africa. Singita Kataza is an additional particular lodge set within the mystical mountains of Rwanda, only a brief 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 searching for a serene location by the water. Nevertheless, in the event you’re up for some actions, you possibly can decide to canoe on the Zambezi river or partake in a microflight over Victoria Falls. Consider me after I say it’s not for the faint hearted!