After residing 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 preserve going again for extra. Through the years I’ve stayed at too many lovely lodges to rely, however like something, I’ve my favourites! So these are the very best safari lodges in Africa, tried and examined by yours really.
Put up 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. When 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 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 various camps within the Okavango Delta and past. Sandibe is the most costly camp from AndBeyond’s portfolio in Botswana, however it’s also probably the most magical. In the event you’re searching for a novel honeymoon location, that is your greatest wager.
3. Sossusvlei Lodge, Namibia
Final 12 months 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. 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, but it surely definitely was my favorite! I’ll always remember sitting out on my deck as I observed a younger elephant consuming from my pool and popping over to say whats up! I’ve since discovered it is a common prevalence on the lodge, so in case you are searching 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 likely one of the oldest on supply 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 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. Whereas it isn’t a standard safari lodge, it nonetheless deserves a spot on this checklist. 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 usually thought-about the very best 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. In the event you’re searching for a honeymoon location with views for days, that is your greatest wager 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 right selection for giant households or large 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 fitness center. The villa additionally comes with a non-public chef, so you possibly can actually chill and luxuriate in some alone time together with your group.
10. Royal Malewane, South Africa
Once I checked in to Royal Malewane a number 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 when you’ve got stepped again in time. Remember to go to the day spa the place you can find this lovely lap pool harking back to a Moroccan riad.
11. And Past Bateleur Camp
Throughout my time in East Africa, I believe it’s secure 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 traditional touches however all of the mod cons to go together 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, verify 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, that 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 crucial 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 ceaselessly engrained in my thoughts. Singita actually go above and past for his or her friends, offering gastronomic meals and unbeatable service. They’ve a number of lodges within the space, however Singita Sweni is my private favorite.
14. Sable Alley, Botswana
Sable Alley is likely one of the fashionable 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 inexpensive finish of the dimensions. If you’re searching 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 turn into probably the most wanted nation to go to in Africa. Over latest years it has sky rocketed in reputation, principally due to 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 artistic beehive like design.
16. Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
Zambia and Zimbabwe are each thought-about the gateway to Victoria Falls, however in case you are searching 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 must go to in case you are searching for the enduring “Out of Africa” expertise. Ngorongoro must be one of the crucial 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 possibility for honeymoon {couples} searching for one thing additional particular. The rigorously curated design makes it one of the crucial distinguishable camps.
19. Singita Kataza, Rwanda
Additionally in Rwanda, you can find two Singita properties to select from when searching for the very 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 selection for honeymoon {couples} who’re looking for a serene location by the water. Nonetheless, when you’re up for some actions, you possibly can choose to canoe on the Zambezi river or partake in a microflight over Victoria Falls. Consider me once I say it’s not for the faint hearted!
