best safari lodges 2023

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Travel + Leisure Readers’ 10 Favorite Safari Lodges in Africa of 2023

Majestic wildlife, impeccable service, and lasting memories are all but assured at these remote havens in our annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2023.

How Voting Works

• What Readers Loved
• The Full List

This year’s top 10 safari lodges are spread across Southern and East Africa and represent a range of wildlife experiences, from classic Big Five safaris in South Africa to gorilla trekking in Uganda. A variety of elements factored into readers' votes, including scenery and food, but in the end Travel + Leisure travelers put special importance on wildlife experiences and deft customer service.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Rooms/facilities

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

Courtesy of Mount Gahinga Lodge

What Readers Loved 

At the top of the list, The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge won T+L readers’ hearts thanks to the wildlife for which the property is known — in particular, the elephants that walk right through the reception area to access a large wild mango tree that drops its fruit between late October and mid-December.

Two gorilla-trekking lodges made the top ten, further suggesting that once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters can make a place unforgettable for T+L readers. Rwanda’s Virunga Lodge (No. 2), about an hour’s drive from  Volcanoes National Park, is a base for visiting endangered mountain gorillas, an experience described as “incredible” by one guest. One said it was one of the best places they’d ever visited.

At Gibb’s Farm (No. 8), located amid the  foothills of the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania, multiple voters wrote in that they wished they could have stayed longer, noting the “exceptional” and “outstanding” service from “friendly and very attentive staff.” The dining showcased excellent quality, according to one guest, while another said the culinary offerings “far exceed[ed] expectations.”

Many properties on the list appeared to have the full package. One reader wrote about Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp (No. 3), also in Tanzania: “An outstanding camp with amazing views, service, and location. The staff was attentive and the food was spectacular.” What more could you want?

The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Guests visiting The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge from late October to December may witness the same sight as one lucky T+L reader: “A visit is not complete without the elephants walking through the lodge. Young and old, they trooped through, and I stood mesmerized by their presence.” One guest warned you “may have to wait before venturing out of your room to breakfast as the wildlife have the right of passage.” A clear favorite for the wild experiences, other readers also mentioned the excellent food, “the personal touch upon arrival and at almost every contact,” and guides that “know the park — from the Big Five to the smallest flora ­­­— better than I know my own home.”

A visit to Mfuwe Lodge is not complete without the elephants walking through the lodge. Young and old, they trooped through, and I stood mesmerized by their presence.

The Full List 

1. The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge : South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Reader Score: 98.93

2. Virunga Lodge : Burera District, Rwanda

Reader Score: 98.48

3. Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp : Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Reader Score: 98.40

4. Royal Malewane : Thornybush Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Reader Score: 98.13

5. Mount Gahinga Lodge : Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Reader Score: 97.87

6. andBeyond Bateleur Camp : Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Reader Score: 97.75

7. Thornybush Game Lodge : Thornybush Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Reader Score: 97.60

8. Gibb's Farm : Karatu, Tanzania

Reader Score: 96.57

9. andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge : Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Reader Score: 96.00

10. Angama Mara : Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Reader Score: 95.24

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The best new African safari camps

By Condé Nast Traveller

An African safari is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that every traveller should have. To be among some of the world's most captivating  wildlife  and untouched landscapes  on the planet, just a few feet away from leopards lounging on trees or gazelles gallivanting across the Lower Zambezi, is a feeling far unmatched by a cityscape. And with a host of new African safari camps, there isn't a better time to venture into the wilderness than now…

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti

Given its presence across Africa, safari brand Wilderness has taken its time to arrive in the Serengeti, but last summer it made its move, partnering with local walking-safari pioneer and TV regular Jean Du Plessis. Solar-powered mobile camp Usawa is designed to leave no trace. It was joined late last year by a second camp and, in July, will become part of a trio, all three easy to disassemble and use at any of the nine walking zones scattered across 5,700 square miles of park. The concept? Seamless private on-foot access to the Great Migration, Africa’s 1,200-mile odyssey of life, death and rebirth. Days at Usawa are a timeless tapestry of wild species amid endless vistas – from lions, giraffes, elephants and hippos to the mega-herds of wildebeests, zebras and elands; and the crocodiles and hyenas who lie in wait. Du Plessis’s knowledge of the terrain curates a Serengeti seemingly devoid of other humans. The six tents were designed by glamping pioneer Luxury Frontiers (Camp Sarika by Amangiri, Nayara Tented Camp) and cater for 12 around a central tent where campfire dining unfurls below sprawling, star-strewn skies. From the tents to the acacia-thorn light fittings, handblown glassware and ebony furniture, everything has been commissioned locally. While the animal kingdom runs through the barks and shrieks of its nightly playlist, guests enjoy a prime selection of mainly South African wines paired with international and regional treats, including the moreish Zanzibari urojo, a coconut- and dhal-rich spiced stew. Andrew Harris

Website: wildernessdestinations.com Price: from about £750 per person

North Island Okavango

If the name sounds familiar, that’s intentional. Similar to its Seychellois namesake, this retreat occupies its own island, is surrounded by wildlife and has all the starry qualities set to make it a dazzling success. Some of the team who worked on the lauded Indian Ocean launch more than two decades ago have since founded Natural Selection, the management company overseeing this, Botswana’s sexiest new lodge. Set in a community-owned concession on the edge of the Okavango Delta’s panhandle shared with only one other camp, North Island enjoys a degree of exclusivity – although game drives often meander into the neighbouring concession, where Natural Selection also manages Duke’s and Duke’s East. Wild dogs are among the top animal draws here, with several known active dens attracting the likes of BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, which filmed a sequence for Planet Earth III in the delta area. Spearheading a new trend for micro-camps, the lodge has three suites (with a fourth to follow in March) that horseshoe around a lagoon, fanning from an open-front dining area and marble-topped help-yourself bar – an ideal gathering spot for multigenerational buyouts. Especially glorious at dusk, a decking area snakes into the lagoon, negating the need to head anywhere else for a sundowner, and there’s a well-equipped outdoor gym and hot tub. Shaded by ebony and jackalberry trees, the villas sit on elevated wooden platforms tickled by reeds, with plunge pools, outdoor showers and wraparound verandas perfect for watching elephants munch on fallen fruit. Sarah Marshall

True Travel offers three nights at North Island Okavango from £7,700 per person all-inclusive, with regional flights and transfers.

Onduli Ridge

If the Flintstones were transported to Namibia , this is where they’d live: among the giant boulders of Damaraland in one of the least populated areas of the second-least populated country on earth. The landscape – part dry desert grasslands, part Mars-like miles of stone – is spectacular: scattered with rocks of all morphologies and colours, from black basalt to shards of glittering granite, and dotted with huge boulders and stunted, hardy trees. Ultimate Safaris’ Onduli Ridge sits on a neck between two inselbergs, with views from the rooms at dawn and dusk over wide, flat plains and, in the distance, the purply peaks of the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain range. Every room is spacious and set high up on a deck among the rocks. In some, the showerhead juts from a hunk of granite; in all, bathrooms are partly open to the hills and sky, and the bed can be wheeled onto the deck for stargazing. Ultimate Safaris is renowned for upskilling local workforces, and the cooks, trained from the community, turn out inventive and fresh food, from tapas lunches served on multilayered wooden platters to wood-fired pizzas cooked by the pool under the stars. Local attractions include the  Unesco-protected Twyfelfontein rock-art sites, the Doros Crater, created by a meteorite, a petrified forest and strange geological formations such as the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain. Plus, if you’re very lucky, desert-adapted elephants and wild-roaming rhinos. Lisa Grainger

Website: ultimatesafaris.na Price: doubles from about £825 all-inclusive

Angama Amboseli

In a land where everything is big, the only option is to be bold. Africa’s tallest mountain and some of the continent’s last big tuskers set the scale for Angama’s new camp, close to Amboseli, one of Kenya’s prime national parks. Here, 10 canvas-roofed suites arc around the base of Kilimanjaro, with bedside views of the semi-dormant volcano rising from a magical fever tree forest. Taking up exclusive residence in the community-owned Kimana Sanctuary, the camp is set on an ancient elephant migratory route, protecting an area increasingly under threat from agriculture. Built in partnership with NGO Big Life Foundation, which leases the land from Maasai communities, Angama’s first project outside the Mara has its biggest conservation focus to date, and the best place to get a grip on the story is the mushroom-shaped observation tower. Sink into a rocking chair with a sundowner and watch elephant herds parade across swamps while lights twinkle below Kili – a reminder of the challenges cohabiting humans and wildlife face. Every design detail of the camp pays homage to the elephants who regularly pass through: exterior walls are made from dung and concrete, curved surfaces resemble their physical form and textured table mats mimic their coarse skin. A proposed new road will make Amboseli National Park accessible within 30 minutes, although there’s enough wilderness and wonder inside the sanctuary. Along with game drives and elephant tracking on foot, this is a place to rest and relax; a safe haven for four- and two-legged guests. Sarah Marshall

Africa Travel can arrange a three-night stay at Angama Amboseli from £5,490 per person all-inclusive, with international flights and transfers.

Muzimu Lodge

For years, Gorongosa National Park offered basic rondavels and tents with the bare necessities, and a campground for the more intrepid. Those who visited the park – which has undergone a two-decade restoration – weren’t seeking private plunge pools; rather, the extraordinary nature and wildlife. Set at the southern tip of the Rift Valley, Gorongosa has a rich and varied landscape, its dense jungles and infinite savannah roamed by lions and wild dogs. But 2023 ushered in a new era of smarter hospitality with the opening of Muzimu, an intimate tented lodge connected via wooden walkways on the banks of a river bed. The property’s six canvas tents are simple and restrained, with locally made wooden headboards and desks, as well as pendant lights and lounge chairs in colourful printed fabrics. Their wooden decks overlook a thick tangle of palms and acacia trees. In the main spaces, extraordinary salads and home-baked breads created by local chef Vália Dimitri (who did a stint at The Pot Luck Club in Cape Town) are served at dining tables scattered across the deck. There’s also a giant fire pit for late-night stargazing and a tempting pool fringed with sunbeds for a post-drive dip. The traditional daily game drives seem almost mundane compared with the other excursions on offer: you’ll be up mountains; visiting local research labs and coffee plantations; on epic bike rides; and exploring deep limestone gorges and waterfalls. Mary Holland

Website: gorongosa.org Price: from about £770 per person

Fothergill Island

Lake Kariba is like an inland sea in Zimbabwe: a 1.38-million-acre man-made lake bordering Zambia, fed by the Zambezi river and surrounded by spectacular conservation areas. Two wildlife lovers took over Fothergill Island, within the remote Matusadona National Park, in 2019, and transformed it into the lake’s smartest camp, reopening it in 2021. The five one-bedroom canvas-walled suites, two two-bedroom suites and one three-bedroom private retreat are more like mini villas than rooms, most with an outdoor sala, plunge pool, ponds and pretty gardens protected by electrified elephant-proof fences. A practised team of staff serve modern multicultural cuisine, serious international wines and sundowners around a starlit boma and in upscale safari-style living and dining tents, with views over the pool and lake. The real treats, though, are the activities on land and water: game drives with sunny, well-read guides to track lions, elephants and buffaloes; bush breakfasts on sandy river beds over which gem-coloured sunbirds flit; sunset trips into river gorges teeming with hippos and giant crocodiles; and catch-and-release fishing excursions to try to snag the lake’s famously ferocious tigerfish. For the restless there’s a gym, yoga deck and running track; for children, archery, swimming and wildlife excursions with guides who ooze enthusiasm for this special wild spot. Fothergill has a landing strip for charters, and smart speedboats for whizzing to Kariba airport. Lisa Grainger

Website: fothergill.travel Price: from about £590 per person

Khwai Lediba

Striking the balance between creature comforts and adventure isn’t always easy. But African Bush Camps (ABC), helmed by Zimbabwean former guide Beks Ndlovu, has mastered the art of delivering smart, Champagne-popping safaris without compromising on the thrill of waking up in the wild. Its latest project, Khwai Lediba, in the Okavango Delta, is a prime example, bridging a gap between the company’s portfolio of high-end and expedition-style camps. Hidden in a quieter corner of Botswana’s community-owned Khwai concession – now booming with camps – it neighbours slightly more upmarket sister property Khwai Leadwood, opened by ABC in 2020. Both are a decent distance from the mobile campsites used by self-drivers and Khwai’s main airstrip, though a helicopter can provide faster transfers for an additional fee. Much closer is the Khwai River crossing into the Moremi Game Reserve, where most game drives happen, clocking up sightings of lions, leopards and wild dogs. When four-wheel fatigue sets in, walking safaris and breezy late- afternoon mokoro rides unfold in the concession. Elephants frequently pass quietly through, leaving telltale footprints on sandy paths leading to seven wooden-framed canvas tents, including one honeymoon suite and a family room, both with bathtubs. In the main sitting room, bright murals and thatch-woven lampshades foreground local artists. And shared dinners are the place for the local staff’s storytelling skills to shine. Sarah Marshall

Abercrombie & Kent offers three nights at Khwai Lediba from £4,250 per person all-inclusive, with international flights and transfers.

Loapi Tented Camp

South Africa

Loapi is the newest and smartest addition to Tswalu, South Africa’s largest privately owned reserve, in the arid Kalahari. The reserve has been a 25-year passion project for the South African Oppenheimer family, involving three high-end properties, as well as land restoration and conservation initiatives focusing on animals such as rhinos, pangolins and meerkats. Loapi is the most ambitious arrival yet: a collection of six sustainable standalone homes with private house managers, chefs, guides and trackers. Gapp Architects’ striking glass, steel and canvas houses, spaced at least 165 feet apart, are self-sufficient and can be dismantled and moved, leaving the land untouched. Inside, interiors by Cape Town’s Gregory Mellor are flecked with mohair tapestries, clay sculptures, carved wooden panels and textured umber and cream sofas. But it’s all just backdrop for the main view of golden grassy plains and rust earth that bleeds into distant mountains and a cloudless, electric-blue sky. Tswalu is not for the first-time safarigoer who wants to see the Big Five all in one day. But those searching for rare pangolins or aardvarks, black and white rhinos, wild dogs and cheetahs, may be rewarded. At night, guests eat alfresco – a private chef prepares bright butternut salads, droëwors and biltong, tapas treats or cauliflower soup next to a roaring fireplace – so as to stay in nature. It’s big and bold, and, without another soul to be seen, invites introspection. Mary Holland

Red Savannah offers six nights in South Africa from £7,962 per person all-inclusive, with four nights at Loapi Tented Camp, including international flights and transfers.

Charlotte Davey

Arati Menon

Connor Sturges

CNT Editors

Duke’s Camp

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Thirty year ago, Jack’s Camp blazed on to the  safari scene , pioneering the under-canvas luxury safari in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans. Three decades later, sister camp Duke’s has opened in the northern Okavango Delta. It is named in honour of 80-year-old Sarefo “Duke” Sarefo, the official custodian of the land. The camp is set in the Moremi Game Reserve, home to hundreds-strong elephant herds, wild dogs, lions and leopards that occasionally lounge in trees. On the gin-clear water of the delta, which wiggles its way through the camp, sapphire-backed malachite kingfishers pose next to water lilies. They can be spotted from the camp’s mokoro dug-out canoes; from the sun-drenched deck and plunge pool; from the eight eccentrically styled tents (four more are in planning), with large decks for delta-watching. Inside the tents, wooden four-poster beds with scalloped canopies are topped with cosy feather-filled duvets and pinstripe linen. Paisley fabric is draped from the ceiling and vibrant floral cushions are scattered on armchairs. Bathrooms hark back to the 1920s, with brass fittings and mahogany dresser tables. There’s a theatrical vibe in the communal Bedouin-style dining area, where velvet sofas, Persian rugs and silky pouffes circle a low table often topped with silver tea pots and muffins. Sunlight floods in during the day; by evening it is transformed into a cosy lantern-lit dining area and bar.  Hannah Summers

Website:   naturalselection.travel/dukes-camp Price: From about £645 per person per night full board

Tembo Plains Camp

Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

It wasn’t always so easy to sit and watch a relaxed bull elephant tug grass from the ground at the edge of the Zambezi before gently shaking it off in the river. But Tembo Plains Camp, in the Sapi Reserve east of Mana Pools, is the result of a remarkable relocation project by conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert and their Great Plains Foundation. Having seen the wildlife overpopulation in the Savé Valley Conservancy in Southern Zimbabwe, the Jouberts began Project Rewild Zambezi, an ongoing plan to relocate more than 3,000 animals 600 miles north to the under-populated Sapi Reserve, including 400 elephants, painted dogs, lions, buffaloes, impalas and more. Tembo Plains, tucked into a forest by a hippo-friendly stretch of the Zambezi, is a classically styled camp, with canopied beds and wildlife-friendly cameras provided in each of the four suites, as well as wooden decks and private pools looking over the river. The staff are some of the warmest in southern Africa, including charismatic manager Lloyd Mushure, who serves G&Ts and stories while angling for tiger fish or on canoe trips spotting hippos and crocodiles. In camp, the steady flow of the river provides a hypnotic backdrop to massages, fireside drinks and Zimbabwean dishes such as Lake Harvest bream curry.  Hannah Summers

Website: greatplainsconservation.com/tembo-plains-camp Price:  From about £860 per person per night full board

Sanctuary Tambarare

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya

In a corner of the 90,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy, two females have achieved superstar status. Najin and her daughter Fatu are the last remaining northern white rhinos in the world. Their eggs are safely preserved in a hi-tech lab in Italy in the hope of continuing the species via IVF. For now, a new tented camp – Sanctuary Tambarare – offers a welcome base from which to visit these wildlife sensations, whose diets are lovingly and obsessively monitored and who are protected 24/7 by armed guards. Tambarare’s 10 luxury tents, each different but embracing a simple, golden-age-of-safari look, with billowing white curtains, are ensconced in fever trees under the shadow of Mount Kenya. Their deep-blue walls are dotted with Masai-inspired artwork, and there are private verandas with epic grassland views. Reports indicate that Africa’s rhino population dropped by a staggering 97 per cent in less than 30 years. In 1993, only 2,300 wild rhinos remained. Today that number has more than doubled, and Ol Pejeta is home to nearly 150 critically endangered black rhinos – the largest sanctuary for the animals in East and Central Africa. Here, you can ride horses alongside the rhinos and zebras, cycle across the Laikipia plains; walk past the hippos wallowing in the Ewaso Nyiro River or night-ride past polecats, bat-eared foxes and aardvark (a privilege banned in most Kenyan national parks and reserves). Tambarare can sign you up to meet the local anti-poaching canine unit (the bloodhounds are friendlier than you might imagine) and the park’s rapid-response team, who deal with everything from first aid to chasing bandits.  Divia Thani

Website:   abercrombiekent.co.uk/sanctuary-tambarare Price:  Abercrombie & Kent offers four nights all-inclusive at Sanctuary Tambarare and one night at Hemingways Nairobi from £3,995 per person

Sungani And Kulandila

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

When the Davy family decided to create their own safari camp (having run Anabezi, on the Zambezi, for relatives), the far south-western part of Zambia’s game-rich South Luangwa National Park was fairly untouched. But it had access to nearly 70,000 acres of wilderness and only one other camp nearby. In 2019 they took up the challenge, moving into a couple of tents and designing and building eight-bedroom Sungani, as well as the nearby private-use safari camp Kulandila. Both feel like elegant, welcoming family bush homes, efficiently run by mother and father Lynne and Paul. Their son Michael expertly oversees the walks, canoe trips, boat rides and game drives, while moreish meals are masterminded by former Singita chef Quinton Spocter – from French-patisserie-standard tea spreads to evening feasts that might include delicate Malay-spiced fish or fire-cooked beef. Each of Sungani’s spacious villa-style, canvas-walled rooms is linked by wooden platforms, below which animals can roam – by day warthogs and, at night, hippos waddling from their lily-covered oxbow lagoon. With netted beds, airy living rooms, big baths and outdoor showers, the classic tents are soothing spaces from which to birdwatch or lounge by a plunge pool before heading into the wild to enjoy prolific game: leopards, lions and wild dogs, and almost 500 species of birds. The delivery of a plane and the new Luangwa airstrip means the bumpy if interesting three-hour road trip from Mfuwe is now optional.  Lisa Grainger

Website:   sungani.com Price:  Doubles from about £1,965 all-inclusive

Mila Tented Camp 

Western Serengeti, Tanzania

It’s easy to become blasé about the herds of eland, topi, Thomson’s gazelle, zebra, giraffe and wildebeest grazing around this explorer-style camp in the western Serengeti’s Nyasirori area. Very close to the Grumeti River, where hippos jostle and giant crocodiles bask, it’s free of crowds even at the height of the migration. Brilliant year-round wildlife viewing is the reason Mila went from being a seasonal camp to a permanent one, debuting this May with five tents and a two-bedroom family option in the tawny grasslands. The interiors are romantic yet restrained, and natural fibres rule, from deep khaki Italian-cotton bedsheets to linen throws, slip-covered sofas and handwoven jute underfoot. Reclining leather chairs and bean bags are perfectly positioned to spot jackals and hyenas slinking across the open plains. Multiple mess tents mean not having to share space, so private dining is the norm, and everyone gets a private vehicle. Chefs rotate between Legendary Safaris’ camps, keeping standards high in the humble tented kitchens. An authentic Swahili feast wows as much as chilled pea soup with a swirl of chilli oil followed by seared beef or gnocchi, butternut churros and masala chai. When the morning safari is too good to miss, breakfast is delivered wherever you are – fresh fruit, croissants with pineapple jam, East African-style omelettes and strong Tanzanian coffee. This is the way to safari, with a real sense of intimacy with the wild, vast landscape.  Jane Broughton

Website: cartologytravel.com Price:  Cartology Travel offers seven nights from about £7,210 per person, including transfers

Camp Sossus

Sossusvlei, Namibia

It’s no surprise that the deserts of  Namibia are regularly used as backdrops for sci-fi movies; few places look as unearthly. On a 60,000-acre private concession bordering the World Heritage Site of the Namib Sand Sea, Ultimate Safaris’ founder Tristan Cowley has created an eco desert camp that makes this Mars-like environment not only habitable but comfortable. Every detail has been designed so visitors can connect with nature: the six newly redesigned canvas-and-mesh-walled rooms, clad with protective, rust-coloured “skins” made from recycled oil drums, now have open-air bathrooms with star beds so guests can shower and sleep under the clearest skies on the planet. Private outside areas have shaded day-beds sited to trap cooling westerly breezes for afternoon naps, and a deck has been expanded for sunset yoga, sundowners and lamp-lit dinners. Unlike at most other desert camps, here guests have the  family-friendly private reserve to themselves: to walk or mountain bike, to watch zebras and oryx graze on shimmering grasslands, to swim in spring-filled bush pools, to dine on summits with views of the rippling Tsaris Mountains and the mammoth dunes of nearby Sossusvlei. Best of all, Cowley is one of Namibia’s leading guides, and for Sossus, as with the camp he launched on Onduli Ridge in Damaraland last year, he has created immersive experiences from children’s botany walks and family cycle rides to astronomy lessons by the fire. The camp can be taken privately, as can Namibia’s most inventively designed home, The Nest, tucked up in the hills like a giant thatched bird’s nest.  Lisa Grainger

Website:   ultimatesafaris.na/camp-sossus Price:  doubles from about £435 full board

Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The site of the greatest migration on Earth, Serengeti National Park has become increasingly busy – with more than 40 vehicles at some river crossings. But because andBeyond’s Grumeti Serengeti property is in the far north-west, with few other camps around, wildlife spotting here is relatively private. That is, if you can tear yourself away from the rebuilt designer lodge. Strung above the Grumeti River, in which pods of hippos harrumph and baboons screech, 10 teak-clad modernist villas lie either side of an open-fronted living area, with decks dropping towards the water. As with the company’s other star project,  Lolebezi in Zambia , designers Fox Browne have made this Tanzanian outpost a showcase for contemporary pan-African design: kitenge-covered pouffes alongside hand-woven sisal tables; wooden bamileke tables from West Africa, beaded Namji dolls and a collection of artefacts. For those who don’t want to go on the twice-daily game drives (on which lions are pretty much guaranteed year-round, alongside hundreds of thousands of migrating wildebeest in June and July), there is a circular pool to laze beside, plus morning walks, in-room massages and yoga sessions. In the evening guests converge around a central domed bar lit by orbs of locally blown glass, before migrating to a boma dinner, cigars around a star-lit fire pit and late-night whiskies beside their private plunge pool.  Lisa Grainger

Website:   andbeyond.com/grumeti-serengeti-river-lodge Price:  from about £1,875 per person per night full board

Waterside At Royal Malewane

Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa

Along with enviable locations and pitch-perfect service, lived-in opulence has become a trademark of the Royal Portfolio’s South African hotel collection. Not too far from where it all began at Royal Malewane 22 years ago, this latest addition to Thornybush – a private game reserve that forms part of the Greater Kruger conservation area – feels more like a private home than a hotel. Owner Liz Biden has gone all out to create lavishly layered spaces where jewel-bright colours enliven everything from rugs to walls, antiques to repurposed junkyard salvages. This is a theatrical, transportive experience that amplifies rather than detracts from the vibrancy of the surrounding bush, which crackles with life deep into the night. Even the luminous fever trees, towering above the thatched lodge on the water’s edge, look like they’ve been touched up. There are seven suites with one or two bedrooms, as well as a four-bedroom villa – all with solar-heated pools and air-conditioning that runs on solar power and recycled water. A buzzing open-air bar serves cocktails made with local spirits, and a sommelier picks bottles from the wine cellar to enjoy with seasonal menus. There are many reasons to stay in camp, including a library, lap pool, gym, yoga studio and spa, plus a games room geared to children of all ages – but there are also 34,600 acres waiting to be explored by vehicle or on foot. From birding to epic sightings of lion prides and wild dogs, every outing is amplified in the company of experienced guides and trackers who, collectively, have the highest professional qualifications in the business.  Jane Broughton

Website:   theroyalportfolio.com/royal-malewane Price: from about £1,035 per person per night full board

Mara Plains Camp

Masai Mara, Kenya

This small, remote camp combines a splash of Indiana Jones with a great dollop of luxury in the middle of  Kenya’s Masai Mara . Tents are spaced apart amid a cluster of acacia trees, where the only sound at night is the occasional snort of a buffalo. The place has the air of a Thirties film set, with wooden campaign furniture and Eastern-inspired carpets. But channelling wilderness camping on a seven-star level is the new Mara Plains Jahazi Suite, a spacious two-bedroom tented pavilion set on raised railway-sleeper decking (past which a steady stream of wildlife parades). An indoor dining area leads to a private outdoor veranda and copper baths to melt into. By night, Mara Plains is an enchanting place: candles glitter in lanterns as chefs prepare dishes of tender grilled lamb, potato fritters, passion-fruit roulades and cheese platters with homemade chutney. Breakfast is a treat of orange-zest-flavoured pancakes and fresh coffee served on canvas chairs outside. Game drives reveal a pride of lions sprawled on a rocky escarpment, a breathtaking sight as cubs frolic and snooze in the pampas grass. Other wildlife surprises include kudus, fork-tailed drongoes, hippos mating in the river and mongoose hurtling across rutted tracks. This is the African safari dream, remote and restful, skies with fleeting Daliesque cumulus cloud formations in a landscape untouched for millennia.  Geordie Greig

Website: africatravel.com/mara-plains-camp Price:  Africa Travel offers stays from £1,190 per person per night full board, including game-viewing activities, park fees, flights and transfers (minimum two nights)

Xigera Safari Lodge

Sitting in the richly biodiverse Okavango Delta, Xigera has lions, leopards and semi-aquatic red lechwes on its doorstep. What’s maybe more surprising about this opening from global operators Red Carnation Hotels is that it’s home to one of the world’s largest collections of South African art and design, curated in collaboration with Cape Town’s forward-thinking Southern Guild gallery. This commitment to art shines in everything guests see and touch, from handmade black clay coffee cups by Cape Town ceramicist Chuma Maweni to the dining tables with warped fairy-tale legs by Kenya-born artist Stanislaw Trzebinski. The food is a few notches above most safari fare: a team of five bake the lightest, flakiest pastries for morning game drives and six-course chef’s-table meals, with each chef given free rein to follow obsessions (one menu has a dish dedicated to the much-overlooked onion). Food waste is composted and given to local farmers for free, with vegetables purchased back from them. Herbs are bought from a female-run collective in Maun, the closest city. The 12 suites, reached by a series of raised light-impact wooden walkways, are so large that the super-king beds look modest. Each is different, but all have statement lamps, colourful patterned sofas and indoor and outdoor rain showers stocked with all-natural tulip- and yuzu-scented toiletries. A remote three-storey steel baobab tree with a roof deck can be booked to sleep out in the bush itself. Hannah Summers

Website: xigera.com Price:  Doubles from about £2,355 full board

Usangu Expedition Camp

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Ruaha is one of those wildernesses that safari lovers keep to themselves. Unlike the busy Serengeti, Tanzania’s second biggest park has just 12 camps, and no one had ventured to this particular corner for decades until this summer, when Asilia constructed a light-footprint camp in the Usangu Wetlands in the far south. Poachers roamed freely and unchecked rice farms on the park’s perimeter drained the Ruaha River. Conservationists hope the opening of an expedition camp here will halt this destruction with the help of visitors. When not relaxing in the four solar-powered, mesh-fronted rooms overlooking the plains, guests help guides with research on game drives. Each of the camp’s recycled ethanol-powered four-wheel-drives is fitted with technology to feed information back to the Eco-Research Centre: telemetry systems to track collared cats, GPS radios to pinpoint sightings and thermal night cameras to spot nocturnal creatures. Half of the 16 Tanzanian staff are young villagers who are relishing Asilia’s training – from guide Anderson Pakomyus Mesilla, who three years ago didn’t speak English and now reels off Latin tree names, to Aly Mang’unda, the 22-year-old chef, who creates delicious dishes using just a fire. Beside each room is a square-netted star tent, so guests can sleep with the Milky Way above and the sounds of lions and hyenas roaring and whooping around. Treats on game drives include huge herds of topis, alongside sables, roans and cheetahs.  Lisa Grainger

Website:   asiliaafrica.com/usangu-expedition-camp Price:  Doubles from about £1,290 full board

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The Top 17 Luxury Safari Lodges in the World (2023/2024)

Author: Susan Swanepoel - 7 July 2022

Last Update: 30 January 2024

Part of the African Safari Collection

Table of contents

• Singita Pamushana Lodge
• Nyamatusi Camp
• Royal Malewane
• Londolozi Private Granite Suites
• Singita Boulders Lodge
• Little Saseka
• Wilderness Little Kulala
• Zannier Hotels Sonop
• Sanctuary Chief’s Camp
• Wilderness Jao Camp
• Angama Mara
• Segera Retreat
• Thorntree River Lodge
• Wilderness Bisate Lodge
• Singita Sasakwa Lodge
• Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

The concept of an ‘African safari’ has long been imbued with a sense of excitement, romance, and far-flung adventure. But safari accommodation has progressed a very long way from the basic, dusty old tent used by the old explorers!

Nowadays, safari accommodation is offered in a wide range of options from opulent tented camps to luxury safari lodges offering the last word in comfort and style.

The activities on offer have also expanded vastly to offer visitors a memorable and unique experience. Game drives in comfortable state-of-the-art off-road vehicles are led by expert guides who are steeped in local culture, lore, and history and have an encyclopedic knowledge of wildlife and the environment.

Superb service is the norm, while the gourmet cuisine on offer rivals international standards.

Here are 17 of the very best!

Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe

Singita pamushana lodge, malilangwe.

Situated high on a lofty sandstone ridge in the 130,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Singita Pamushana Lodge overlooks the sparkling Malilangwe Dam. It offers guests eight stylish suites, each with its own private plunge pool.

The emphasis at Pamushana is all on allowing visitors to be soothed and rejuvenated by the Lodge’s superb wilderness surroundings. Guests enjoy twice-daily game drives, sundowner boat cruises, bush walks, and excursions to local rock art sites during their safari in Zimbabwe .

Nyamatusi Camp, Mana Pools

Located on the banks of the mighty Zambezi, opulent Nyamatusi tented camp lies in one of the remotest and wildest parts of Southern Africa. The camp offers guests six luxury suites and guarantees guests a glimpse into an old and untouched Africa.

Each guest tent has air-conditioning, charging points for electronic devices, indoor and outdoor showers, a private viewing deck, and a private plunge pool. Guests have the added luxury of a meticulously curated wine cellar during their holiday in Zimbabwe.

Best Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa

Royal malewane, thornybush.

Royal Malewane offers an unrivaled safari experience in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park that exudes the romance and beauty of a bygone age while offering every modern comfort.

The most qualified guiding team in Africa delivers a thrilling wildlife experience providing fascinating insights into the complex ecosystems of the South African bushveld.

Londolozi Private Granite Suites, Sabi Sands, Kruger Park

Meditative luxury, elegance, elephants, and exclusivity are the watchwords of Londolozi Private Granite Suites in one of Kruger National Parks most outstanding private concessions.

The Lodge’s enchanting river setting seamlessly blends the inside with the outside. Large windows and doors open directly onto the granite rocks alongside the Sand River where breeding herds of elephants wander alongside the river below.

Only three superlative suites are on offer. Each suite has an amazing outdoor bath as well as a heated private swimming pool. The lodge’s colour scheme of silver, charcoal and elephant-grey harmonises with its serene atmosphere and surroundings.

Singita Boulders Lodge, Kruger National Park

African-inspired, eco-concious and tranquil Singita Boulders Lodge aptly sits on the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River. Located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve , it offers marvellous wrap-around views of this game-rich paradise.

The spacious glass-fronted suites are all air-conditioned, with indoor and outdoor showers, private wooden decks and heated plunge pools. Singita offers guests healthy, seasonal food, an extensive wine cellar, a traditional boma, and a library, massage and fitness area. Simplifying the essence of comfort, for complete restoration.

Little Saseka, Thornybush Game Reserve

Little Saseka is the ultimate in intimacy. If you’re looking for the seclusion of staying in your own private lodge while staying at the Thornybush Saseka Tented Camp , here is the place for you to do so.

Enjoy the privacy of this all-inclusive accommodation for your entire family or small group. The main villa has a tented suite, a sunken outdoor lounge area with a fire pit, and an indoor lounge area. With room for up to six people in adjacent tented suites, you can enjoy the luxury of the bush in a prime location.

Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Namibia

Little kulala, sossusvlei.

Kulala lies in the 27,000-hectare private Kulula Wilderness Reserve in the Namib, the oldest desert on our planet. It offers access to the Sossusvlei salt-and-clay pan and the Namib-Naukluft National Park via a private gate. Guest activities include nature drives and walks, eco-sensitive quad-biking and dune excursions, as well as hot air ballooning.

Little Kulala has 11 air-conditioned and beautifully appointed thatched units or guest suites, each with its own deck, private plunge pool and romantic ‘skybed’ under the stars. Excellent cuisine, unparalleled service, a library, a wine cellar and a craft boutique further ensure your world-class experience.

Zannier Hotels Sonop, Namib Desert

Zannier Hotels Sonop transports guests back to the age of the great explorers with designs reminiscent of safari camps from the 1920’s. The stark landscapes of the Namib Desert contrast with the richly layered décor of this luxurious tented camp, giving this lodge a truly opulent atmosphere.

Zannier Hotels Sonop, which is located on a 5 600-hectare private reserve, is the ideal starting point from which to explore this surprisingly diverse region. On the daily dawn game drives, guests might spot roaming desert animals including oryxes, brown hyenas, rabbits or foxes. At night, the majestic starlight is a real wonder. The e-bikes and horses allow a perfect exploration of the boundless surroundings before deciding to explore further the magnificent dunes of Sossusvlei. This surreal lodge out-of-the-time aims to please, whether you have never been in Namibia before or are a seasoned traveler.

Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Botswana

Sanctuary chief’s camp, okavango delta.

Iconic Chief’s Camp is a magical luxury safari camp situated on Chief’s Island in the Moremi Game Reserve , one of Africa’s loveliest conservation areas. Its diverse habitats include verdant forests, rolling grasslands, waterlily-grown wetlands and glittering floodplains.

Visitors are accommodated in spacious bush pavilions with en-suite indoor and outdoor showers. They have their own private viewing decks complete with hammocks. The luxury spa has a resident therapist. Professional safari guides conduct game drives in canopied 4x4s for unrivalled game viewing experiences. Gourmet cuisine, premier wines and world-class personalised service create a memorable Okavango Delta Safari experience .

Jao Camp, Okavango Delta

Completely refurbished in 2019, Jao Camp is one of the Delta’s most opulent luxury camps. Situated on a private island concession, with breathtaking scenery, Jao is only accessible by air.

Its five spacious tented suites and two villas offer complete luxury and are adorned with stunning local artwork and carvings. There are also two plunge pools, a small library, a curio shop, a gym and spa, and a boma for outdoor dining at night. Both villas come with their own private vehicle, experienced guide, butler and chef. A raised hide 20 minutes from camp offers undisturbed wildlife viewing and can even be used for sleep-outs!

Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Kenya

Angama mara, maasai mara.

Set on the lip of the Great Rift Valley, you may well think Angama Mara is suspended somewhere between heaven and earth! The views from Angama Mara are breathtaking and the floor-to-ceiling windows of the spacious suites exploit this wonderfully.

The comfortable interiors are uncluttered, and decorated with handcrafted items that evoke the Maasai culture. Game drives, walking safaris, hot air ballooning or visits to the local Maasai village are on offer, or you can just relax in the peaceful ambience. A family of committed camp managers, safari guides, butlers, chefs and housekeepers find real joy in service to their guests.

Segera Retreat, Laikipia

Segera wants your experience to be unique, wonderfully comfortable and personal, so superlative, tailored service is the watchword of this oasis of opulence set in 50,000 rolling acres of Kenya’s savannahs.

All the spacious suites have private decks equipped with Jacuzzis, sun loungers and swing beds. Segera’s famous kitchen makes dining at the resort a memorable experience. Activities include sundowners, picnics, al fresco dining or pampering in a wellness centre. Why not try a helicopter excursion over the Great Rift Valley?

Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Zambia

Thorntree river lodge, vic falls.

Blending a serene riverside location upstream from the fabled Victoria Falls with a strong eco-preserving ethos, Thorntree Lodge is one of Zambia’s most famous lodges. It makes a perfect and tranquil base for exploring the area. Built from stone, local timber and reclaimed railway sleepers it blends superbly with its surroundings.

The imaginative design of the lodge maximises its stunning location on the Zambezi. The blissfully comfortable lounge seamlessly merges with a stylish dining room. A library also provides Wi-Fi connectivity. A communal deck sits right on the river and boasts an infinity pool and sunken boma. Guests also have access to a gym and spa. The spacious riverside suites have both indoor and outdoor lounges, private decks and plunge pools.

Chinzombo, South Luangwa

Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s hidden gems, ensuring unspoilt nature, uncrowded game viewing and exceptional walking safaris . Nestled into this pristine paradise is the luxury tented camp of Chinzombo .

Its six roomy, award-winning luxury safari tents each have a private verandah, pool and soaking tub coupled with sweeping views over the Luangwa River with its teeming bird- and wildlife.

You can have in-room spa treatments, browse the library, or indulge in a drink at the bar. Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared with home-grown produce under the brightest stars you’ve ever seen. Afterwards, you can relax around a fire pit. Game drives, safari walks, and seasonal boat cruises are also on offer to enjoy during a holiday in Zambia .

Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Rwanda

Wilderness bisate lodge, volcanoes national park.

Bisate espouses responsible ecotourism and the conservation of Rwanda’s breathtaking natural heritage, as borne out by their commitment to reforestation and partnering with the community. Bisate is dramatically situated within the amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone. From the top of Bisate property on a clear day, you are able to see a total of 6 volcanoes.

Bisate was the first lodge in Rwanda to merge world-class luxury with a unique gorilla trekking experience . Deluxe accommodation is provided in six thatched villas that evoke the charming traditional shape of Rwandan architecture. Spacious verandas maximise the marvellous views. Each splendid villa consists of a bedroom, living room with central fireplace, and divine bathroom. World-class cuisine and a well-stocked wine cellar will make your stay at Bisate even more memorable.

Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Tanzania

Singita sasakwa lodge, serengeti.

Sasakwa Lodge is the perfect choice for families or a group of friends who want to combine an authentic Tanzania Safari with flawless service, simple luxury and conservation. An Edwardian manor house with an airy atmosphere, enjoy panoramic views of the Serengeti plains and a sense of immense stillness.

The lodge sits atop Sasakwa Hill in the private 350,000-acre Singita Grumeti reserve in the teeming-with-wildlife-Serengeti. Sweeping verandas ensure limitless views. Hillside Suite is the new villa-for-two, double-volume suite with private entrance and kitchen. The decor combines elegant chandeliers, local artifacts, and antiques with contemporary charm, impeccable service, wholesome, food and fine wine.

Activities include game drives, tennis, bush walks, or visits to the RISE research center or the canine anti-poaching team.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro

The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge combines romance, ageless elegance and utterly breathtaking views from the rim of the planet’s largest caldera. The famous 600-metre deep Ngorongoro Crater harbours a superlatively beautiful wildlife haven. Spectacular year-round game viewing includes antelope, angulates, elephant, buffalo, black rhino, and eland, as well as the world’s highest lion population.

Accommodation is provided in round clay structures that charmingly call the traditional Maasai wattle-and-daub manyattas , or homesteads, to mind. Inside sheer opulence abounds! Chandeliers, brocaded sofas, and copious mirrors evoke a French château fit for royalty. Impeccable butler service and world-class cuisine confirm the resort’s international reputation for outstanding excellence.

Not sure where to go? Want to visit more than one? Our destination experts are on hand to assist you with planning the luxury African safari of your dreams. Get in touch !

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The 20 Best African Safari Camps

These african safari camps stand out for more than their design, location, and superlative hospitality—they’re all leaving a positive impact on their destinations..

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Tswalu’s Loapi Tented Camp has six private safari homes.

Courtesy of Tswalu/Andrew Morgan

With their sublime locations, striking design, exclusivity, and extraordinary guest experiences, Africa’s finest safari camps and lodges are standard setters in luxury travel. But the very best of them all strive to leave a meaningful impact on the communities and landscapes surrounding them. And impact is the lens we’ve used for the 20 retreats we’ve hand selected for our 2023 Hotels We Love series.

With each passing year, these safari camps and lodges are finding new ways to make a bigger difference, whether that means helping to secure and protect more land, leveraging tourism to enable more community support, or finding more sustainable ways to operate. From a minimalist tented camp in Tanzania to a retreat in South Africa famed for its flower safaris, read on for the African safari camps and lodges that will lead you to life-changing experiences in the wilderness—and will also make you feel good about staying there.

In no particular order, here are our picks for the 20 best safari camps and lodges in Africa.

1. Matetsi Victoria Falls

The pool at Matetsi Victoria Falls

Courtesy of Matetsi Victoria Falls

• Location: Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe
• Why we love it: A family-owned lodge with top-notch hospitality on the Zambezi River

The family-owned Matetsi Victoria Falls took its neutral palette of browns, blues, and beiges from the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and its Zambezi River setting, 25 miles upstream from the World Heritage Site–famous falls. Checking into the lodge’s four-bedroom River House villa or one of 18 suites, all with private pools along nine miles of private riverbank, helps fund the protection of the 136,000-acre Matetsi concession that forms part of the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area.

Passionate guides spanning two generations, all brimming with local lore, lead boat cruises, drives, and immersive walks through diverse ecosystems, taking you safely within a few yards of buffalo herds kicking up dust, elephants feeding, and basking hippos and crocodiles. The presence of Matetsi’s anti-poaching scouts has visibly boosted conservation efforts and radically reduced incursions, while solar-pumped waterholes attract animal concentrations, especially during the dry winter months.

From the chefs and waiters serving dishes with locally sourced ingredients to tables by the water’s edge, to the dedicated housekeepers, spa therapists, and gardeners, the true magic of Matetsi lies in its people, who make you fall in love with their country.

2. Singita Pamushana

The guest accommodations at Singita Pamushana in Zimbabwe

Courtesy of Singita

• Location: Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe
• Why we love it: Postcard views, inimitable hospitality, and meaningful community work

With stupendous views from a kopje (Afrikaans for hill) densely wooded with msasa trees, Singita Pamushana offers visitors private access to Zimbabwe’s 130,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, which borders Gonarezhou National Park. The area encompasses contrasting types of terrain, from colossal boulders and sandstone outcrops to ancient baobab forests and dozens of documented rock art sites.

Showcasing ancient tribal crafts, the eight light, airy suites and private villa that make up Pamushana are the height of safari chic; each has an outdoor shower on an elevated pool deck with Malilangwe Dam views. The lodge has a secret weapon to add to its formidable reputation for food, wine, and service: its 100 percent local team, who set a high bar for hospitality in the bush. Wilderness adventures here also come with in-camp luxuries like spa treatments.

Days are filled with tag-and-release fishing, birding, and sunset cruises on the dam, ecology-focused walks with the seasoned guides, and game drives that yield large herds of elephant and buffalo, along with regular wild dog and big cat sightings. A hands-on cultural tour of Kambako, a nearby Shangaan village, crowns a stay that positively impacts a raft of community and conservation initiatives, from farming and school-feeding schemes to antipoaching patrols.

3. Wilderness DumaTau

The pool at Duma Tau sits next to the Okavango Delta’s network of waterways.

Courtesy of Wilderness

• Location: Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana
• Why we love it: Stylish digs, brag-worthy wildlife sightings, and meaningful conservation

DumaTau, from the respected safari lodge company Wilderness , is bang in the middle of the hunting grounds of lion and endangered wild dog in the private 300,000-odd acre Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, which borders the western boundary of Chobe National Park. During the dry winter season, the Linyanti comes into its own when animals migrate to the wetlands from the woodlands. In this wild part of northern Botswana, game drives, walks, birding, boating, sunset cruises, and catch-and-release fishing make for action-packed days.

Located close to the source of the Savute Channel, the camp lies between two elephant corridors. A highlight is up-close sightings of breeding herds of elephants crossing between the mainland and the grassy islands in the swamps to munch on waterlilies. At night, hippos waddle between the 8 suites, which include private pools and outdoor showers overlooking Osprey Lagoon. Elevated walkways link the main camp’s spa, exercise pool, all-day deli, and relaxation decks beneath mature mangosteen trees to sister camp Little DumaTau. Just by choosing this property, guests are helping to fund the conservation of a crucial wildlife corridor in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. The camp also helps support targeted research on IUCN Red List species, like roan antelope, elephants, and wild dogs.

4. Jack’s Camp

Jack’s Camp is in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana.

Courtesy of Jack’s Camp

• Location: Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
• Why we love it: An overdose of vintage charm without cliché in an otherworldly desert locale

In the world of African safaris, Jack’s Camp is nothing short of an icon. The retreat combines under-canvas romance with unique adventures into the ethereal emptiness of the shimmering salt pans. After days filled with game drives, meerkat interactions, and quad-bike adventures, return to the nine capacious suites, individually decorated with four-poster beds and burgundy textiles. Meals are crystal-and-candlelight affairs in the communal tent, which features art and artifacts the Bousfield family have collected through the generations. It’s a safari destination with a deep sense of place and personality.

5. Jabali Ridge

A guest room at Jabali Ridge in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Courtesy of Asilia Jabali Ridge

• Location: Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
• Why we love it: A stylish base in a prime location within Tanzania’s less-visited Ruaha National Park

Forty percent bigger than the bucket-list Serengeti National Park but with a fraction of the visitors, the 7,800 mile Ruaha National Park is the Tanzania that seasoned safarigoers visit for a game dense and relatively car-free experience. The park is known for unparalleled lion sightings (some 10 percent of Africa’s remaining lion population finds sanctuary here) along with thrilling up-close finds like a leopard resting in a tree or a pangolin trundling through the grass. The extremely dry climate, particularly between June and November, forces wildlife to congregate around the pans that remain when the Ruaha River and its tributaries dry up. That’s when cheetahs, wild dogs, and sable, roan, and lesser and greater kudu are frequently seen.

Asilia Africa was among the first safari lodge companies to up the luxury stakes in Ruaha when it opened Jabali Ridge in 2017. Eight breezy suites, designed with a neutral palette and shutters that deflect the sun, sit between enormous boulders above a baobab forest that stretches for miles. Between safari outings there is plenty of space to enjoy the scenery, whether you’re lounging with binoculars on your private deck, dining on plant-based dishes, or taking a post-spa dip in the infinity pool.

6. Singita Sabora Tented Camp

A luxury tent at Singita Sabora Tented Camp in Tanzania

• Location: Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania
• Why we love it: The ultimate under-canvas Serengeti experience without the crowds

Before philanthropist Paul Tudor Jones took over the lease on the 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserve, where Singita Sabora Tented Camp is located, it was a poached-out hunting block. Over the past two decades, the positive impact of Singita’s light-footprint nature-based tourism here, between community land and the unfenced western border of the Serengeti National Park, has contributed to the restoration of a historic animal migration route. Success stories include the reintroduction of eastern black rhino and the return of large elephant and buffalo herds. All of this ensures that game viewing happens year-round, not just when migrating wildebeest arrive in search of fresh grazing.

Of the reserve’s five retreats—each individually tailored to its location on the reserve—Sabora offers hospitality under canvas that feels luxurious yet connected to the landscape. In 2020, Singita rebuilt this longtime favorite, swapping romantic 1920s-era antique furnishings with a chic minimalism that blends into the grassy plains. On closer inspection, interiors reveal layers of handcrafted detail and local provenance. Modern must-haves in the explorer-style camp include a library and media room, winetasting room, fitness center, and spa, all under canvas, and nine self-contained tented suites with fully stocked pantries, private decks big enough to lay down yoga mats, open-plan bathrooms, and canopied beds with localized AC to conserve energy.

The food is often prepared by graduates of Grumeti’s own community culinary school and makes the most of locally sourced produce and East African flavors. Take your pick from full-on Swahili feasts to meal-in-one salads for days out in the bush. Aside from long, immersive game drives without another car in sight, the erudite, passionate guides take guests on nature walks or to visit RISE, an innovative research center on site where scientists are using data to inform conservation solutions.

7. Mwiba Lodge

A tented suite at Mwiba Lodge

Courtesy of Mwiba Lodge

• Location: Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, Tanzania
• Why we love it: Exclusivity with a light footprint in Tanania’s wildlife-filled Mwiba concession

Lying south of the Serengeti National Park, Mwiba Lodge is the flagship property of Legendary Expeditions , which offers private vehicles as standard in all its light-footprint tented camps in the Serengeti. The lodge has exclusive access to the Mwiba concession, 125,000 acres of private wilderness. The concession forms part of an ambitious, 6 million–acre lease protected by the Friedkin Trust to secure a vital wildlife migration corridor between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park.

The lodge’s 10 glass and canvas suites sit between boulders, euphorbias, and fever and coral trees high above the open plains. There’s a spa, gym, extensive wine cellar, and infinity pool where lunch is often served. From December through March, the wildebeest herds drop their calves in the south, ensuring even greater predator activity. Privately guided drives, elevated animal hides for game viewing, helicopter tours, sundowners on the edge of the escarpment, fly camping under the stars, and bush walks with Hadza hunter-gatherers are year-round activities.

8. Angama Mara

Angama Mara sits high on an escarpment overlooking Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Courtesy of Angama Mara

• Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
• Why we love it: Cinematic views, handsome interiors, and successful community partnerships

With a foundation dedicated to raising funds to support conservation, education, healthcare, and small businesses, Angama Mara is an enduring example of partnering successfully with community land owners. Set 1,000 feet above the Rift Valley’s sought-after Mara triangle—a less crowded corner of the greater Maasai Mara National Reserve—this unconventional, thoroughly modern camp has raised the bar when it comes to intuitive service and eye-catching functional design. Angama draws on the collective experience of founders and safari icons Nicky and the late Steve Fitzgerald and, more recently, their daughter, Kate.

Strung along hills made famous in Out of Africa , Angama is divided into two small camps, each with 15 glass-fronted suites in bold Maasai colors, with everything you didn’t even know you needed on safari. The landscape panoramas from the accommodations are cinematic (even the loo has a view). Outdoors on cantilevered decks, stylish red recliners are arranged for watching hot-air balloons drift across the Mara at eye level.

It’s easy to laze away the day in camp with its beading studio, gallery, map room, photographic studio, fitness room, and huge pool with mesmerizing Mara views. Or to linger over deceptively simple, feel-good food, including the “best burger in the Mara” as its called on the menu. Many dishes celebrate the bounty of the shamba (Kiswahili for vegetable garden), where you can view before sitting down to a plant-based lunch. Even so, well-versed guides are waiting to whisk you down the hill to explore the vast grassy plains dotted with thorn trees where zebras, giraffes, topi, and Thomson’s gazelle graze. Here, large herds of elephants congregate on the banks of the Mara River and big cats, especially lions, appear. Angama’s mobile safari camp, four tents for up to eight guests, is a light-footprint alternative to the main camp. Delivering the same attention to detail when it comes to style and service, it can be packed up and repositioned to move with the herds and predator action.

9. Segera Retreat

The Greenhouse accommodation at Segera has ample glass windows to maximize views of the surrounding garden.

Courtesy of Segera

• Location: Laikipia, Kenya
• Why we love it: An art-filled sanctuary with successful community programs

Situated on the grassy Laikipia plateau, Segera feels more like a luxurious, off-grid eco-resort than a safari lodge. Looking onto Mount Kenya, the private retreat has established a reputation as the ultimate mid-safari circuit pause, a luxury base from which to take leisurely walks or guided game drives on 50,000 acres to view large elephant populations and one of the last strongholds of the endangered black rhino.

Some guests continue on from here by helicopter deep into Kenya’s northern frontier, while others enjoy the holistic spa and practice yoga. The six one-bedroom villas are decorated with sculptures from owner and former Puma CEO Jochen Zeitz’s extensive art collection. Families usually check into Segera House or Villa Segera with their multiple bedrooms and private staff. For those who want to feel closer to nature, the Daniel Pouzet–designed Nay Palad Bird Nest is a solar-powered circular sleep-out platform on two levels with 360-degree views.

Guests all have access to the art-filled main lodge with a bar and dining room. Here, a daily changing menu with sustainably sourced, organically grown ingredients is paired with bottles from the retreat’s well-stocked wine gallery. Working closely with Maasai communities, the privately owned ranch runs several successful community projects, from a female antipoaching ranger academy to solar farms, schools, and beading co-operatives. The planting of 2 million indigenous trees is the resort’s ambitious reforestation project to restore fertile topsoil, reduce erosion, and offset carbon emissions.

10. ol Donyo Lodge

The bathroom of a guest room at ol Donyo Lodge

Courtesy of ol Donyo Lodge

• Location: Chyulu Hills National Park, Kenya
• Why we love it: Outdoor sleep-outs and a diverse range of activities liven up the traditional Kenyan safari experience

Set on 270,000 acres of Maasai-owned land bordering the Chyulu Hills National Park, ol Donyo Lodge is a perfect counterpoint to the more famous plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Part of the Great Plains Conservation safari lodge collection, this intimate lodge offers nine understated suites, each with a private plunge pool and an outdoor star bed so guests can take in the sounds of hyenas and lions under a blanket of stars.

But it’s the array of outdoor activities that draws most travelers to ol Donyo: saddle up on rides, lace up your hiking boots, or take a two-wheeled mountain-bike safari. Throw in memorable views of Mount Kilimanjaro and you have one of the best lesser-known luxury safari camps in Kenya.

11. andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

The exterior of andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Courtesy of andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

• Location: NamibRand Reserve, Namibia
• Why we love it: A design-minded retreat in an out-of-this world setting

The sustainably designed andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge on the edge of the NamibRand Nature Reserve captures the raw beauty of the world’s oldest living desert. The otherworldliness of the environment has been consciously translated into every aspect of the experience. The off-grid design factors in the extreme climate and harsh elements, and the desert’s forms, colors and textures are reflected in sculptural stone and steel lines that give way to soft, organic shapes. Throughout, glass walls slide away to amplify the big-sky views. The 10 guest suites are self-sufficient, solar-powered private retreats, each generating ample energy to run on photovoltaic power for everything from the AC and the deep swimming pools to the water harvesting and recycling systems.

Activities at the lodge include climbing the world’s highest dunes at Sossusvlei or e-biking along gravel trails to caves with rock art by the desert’s earliest inhabitants. Back at the lodge, dishes that reflect Namibia’s cultural history include venison and Kalahari truffles and fresh seafood from the Atlantic Ocean. With close to zero light pollution, the Namib is one of the best dark sky locations in the Southern Hemisphere. The best way to end any evening is in the lodge’s observatory. You can also fall asleep counting stars, thanks to a skylight above your bed.

12. Shipwreck Lodge

Shipwreck Lodge is located on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast.

Courtesy of Shipwreck Lodge

• Location: : Skeleton Coast National Park, Namibia
• Why we love it: Eye-catching architecture in one of Africa’s most remote wilderness destinations

Taking its cue from the broken hulls of ships run aground on this coast, Shipwreck Lodge offers 10 freestanding suites of wood and glass seemingly washed up on this lonely shore. Part of the Natural Selection safari lodge collection, it’s the only luxury retreat along 300 miles of beach, with nature drives, dune walks, and quad-bike excursions. Shipwreck Lodge also offers unrivaled access to a coastal ecosystem home to raucous (and malodorous) seal colonies, endemic flora and uniquely desert-adapted wildlife.

13. Waterside at Royal Malewane

The deck of a suite at Waterside at Royal Malewane.

Courtesy of Waterside at Royal Malewane

• Location: Thornybush Private Reserve, South Africa
• Why we love it: Joy-sparking interiors, polished service, and action-packed game viewing led by seasoned guides

The South African Biden family launched its benchmark-setting Royal Portfolio collection with the launch of Royal Malewane Lodge in 1999, and helped elevate Thornybush Private Reserve’s status in the Greater Kruger conservation area. Its recently debuted sister property, Waterside, captures the same private residence ambience. The color-saturated style for which Liz Biden has become well known doesn’t disappoint in seven extravagantly sized suites (some with two bedrooms) and a four-bedroom family villa. No beige here. In-camp amenities ideal for groups include a lap pool, gym, yoga studio, spa, and a games room.

Greater animal diversity, from huge lion prides to 400-strong buffalo herds, means a richer game-viewing experience in this reserve since fences were dropped on the eastern boundary with the Timbavati in 2017, opening it up to the Greater Kruger area. Game drives and walks are led by one of the most qualified guiding teams in Africa. A research and conservation center has recently opened, and you can also spend a morning with the dog antipoaching team.

14. Loapi Tented Camp

A bedroom at Loapi Tented Camp at Tswalu in South Africa

• Location: Kalahari, South Africa
• Why we love it: Contemporary private safari villas overlooking the Kalahari

Tswalu Kalahari , South Africa’s largest privately protected conservation area, comprises 281,000 acres of the semi-arid Kalahari region in the north of the country. Each of the six private villas at Loapi is a stand-alone camp and comes with a private safari vehicle, guide, and tracker. The neutral decor is a contemporary contrast to the more traditional look of the reserve’s main lodge, Motse.

Loapi is all about ensuring highly personalized experience, making it ideal for families and multi-gen travelers looking to shape their safari escape. Each villa also includes a private chef and butler, allowing you to set the pace and focus of meals each day. Lazy breakfast or locally inspired sundowner snacks? All you have to do is ask. Vacations are precious, and at Loapi you get to call the shots.

15. andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge

andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge will reopen in December 2023 following a complete renovation.

Courtesy of andBeyond

• Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Why we love it: Hands-on conservation activities from a stylish base on a groundbreaking private reserve

When it first opened with a clutch of light-footprint, glass-walled hideaways, andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge was considered revolutionary in its design. It also drew attention to a tract of critically endangered ancient sand forest within the reserve, home to two rare antelope, the suni and red duiker. Currently undergoing a reinvention, the new-look Forest Lodge has bigger, airier suites, including a new family suite, and modern safari must-haves like a state-of-the-art gym. Highlights of guided drives and walks, led by graduates of the renowned on-site ranger training school, include reliable cheetah and rhino sightings along with large elephant and buffalo herds migrating across the reserve.

Few reserves in Africa have the biodiversity and habitat diversity Phinda Private Game Reserve offers or its long list of conservation successes and commitment to working closely with neighboring communities through the Africa Foundation. A bold restoration project on community-owned land in the heart of Zululand, this is where andBeyond’s visionary “care of the land, wildlife and people” impact model was born. Some 74,000 acres of farming land have been reclaimed for wildlife, including endangered black and white rhinos, elephants, cheetahs, lions, and elusive creatures like Temminck’s pangolins. Guests can sponsor and experience conservation in action, from rhino notching to elephant collaring, or visit a Zulu village for an immersive cultural experience.

16. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

The guest rooms at the Garden Lodge at Grootbos have large private verandas.

Courtesy of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

• Location: Western Cape, South Africa
• Why we love it: An immersion in forests, coasts, and flowers two hours by car from Cape Town

The equally lovely Garden and Forest lodges of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve overlook Indigenous flowering plant–clad hills, which roll down to a bay where southern right whales calve in season. This singular retreat, carbon negative since 2018, protects a botanical treasure trove—around 6,000 acres—known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. This includes a 2,000-year old milkwood tree forest, where lantern-lit dinners are held. Guided drives, hikes, horseback riding, and wandering through ancient sea caves down on the Walker Bay coast are some of the activities on offer. Staying active is necessary, given how delicious the seasonal, locally sourced, provenance-led menus are, paired to cool-climate wines from the local Overberg region from the owner’s excellent cellar.

More than 900 plant species have been identified on the biodiverse reserve, and many are depicted in a growing collection of botanical art housed in Africa’s first florilegium set below Garden Lodge. While most luxury lodges in South Africa support the conservation of big game and their habitat, through its foundation Grootbos sponsors entomology and botany projects that inform conservation and fund more than 50 community empowerment programs in the area.

17. Singita Kwitonda Lodge

The large bathroom of a suite at Singita Kwitonda Lodge

• Location: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
• Why we love it: Once-in-a-lifetime gorilla treks with a mission-led safari lodge company

Singita’ s Rwandan outpost, strategically positioned on the eastern boundary of Volcanoes National Park to expand vital habitat for mountain gorillas, has been designed to soothe and embrace, providing every conceivable pre- and post-trek comfort. Preparing a pot of local-label ginger tea for you is as thoughtful and considered as the selection of a perfect glass of red from the vintage wine-stocked cellar.

Local building know-how and sustainably sourced materials, like volcanic rock, bamboo, river stones, and handmade clay bricks, ground Singita Kwitonda Lodge’s grand architecture firmly in Rwandan tradition and culture. The interiors of the lodge’s eight suites and private villa, Kataza, are cozy and cocooning, with indoor and outdoor fireplaces and private heated pools. The bathrooms double as spas with massage beds, while yoga mats, art supplies, board games, informative books, and binoculars add to the residential feel.

From the bedding to the modern art, molten lava shades are a constant reminder of the enigmatic volcanic peaks protruding from the cloud forest beyond tall, double-glazed windows. While in-room dining is done well, most guests gravitate to the convivial main lodge to swap trekking tales over nourishing, plant-centric small plates. Fresh produce comes straight from the kitchen garden or the fertile patchwork of small, family owned farms in the surrounding district.

There are guided garden tours and nature walks that help guests better understand Singita’s purpose here. The company began acquiring and piecing together hundreds of tiny, individually owned agricultural plots with the aim of reestablishing gorilla habitat. An on-site tree nursery provides indigenous saplings to the national park as part of a wide-scale reforestation program to expand the primates’ natural habitat. A visit to the Dian Fossey Research Centre, a shord drive from the lodge, is a must.

18. One&Only Nyungwe House

A guest room at One&Only Nyungwe House

Courtesy of One&Only Nyungwe House

• Location: Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
• Why we love it: World-class hospitality in an emerging destination in Rwanda

When it opened in late 2018 on a working tea plantation next to the national park, One&Only Nyungwe House was the only luxury retreat in this part of Rwanda. But that could change, now that African Parks , a Johannesburg-based conservation NGO is taking over the management of the Nyungwe Forest to improve wildlife conservation efforts and develop tourism. The goal is to showcase why Nyungwe—which supplies 70 percent of Rwanda’s water—is also a compelling destination for aficionados of the natural world. The terrain is filled with mahogany and ebony trees, swamps, and waterfalls, and it’s home to 13 species of primates, including the colobus monkey and the gray-cheeked mangabey. There are also some 300 bird species, such as great blue turacos and giant hornbills.

The sprawling One&Only retreat, with its 22 one- and two-bedroom suites, is a destination unto itself. Geometric Imigongo designs cover interior walls with their dramatic, black-white-and-red color scheme; hand-woven decorative plates from local cooperative Indego Africa decorate the rooms; and king-size four-poster beds dominate spacious bedrooms, which face the jungle through floor-to-ceiling windows.

19. Lolebezi

A guest room at Lolebezi

Courtesy of Lolebezi

• Location: Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
• Why we love it: Sustainability-minded design in one of Africa’s unsung wild corners

If you thought Zambia was all about rustic under-canvas camps, it’s time to meet Lolebezi. Part of African Bush Camps collection founded by Zimbabwean guide Beks Ndlovu in 2006, Lolebezi is set on a private concession yards from the Zambezi River. With a contemporary design taking its cue from the surrounding Winterthorn acacia, Lolebezi has upped the ante for luxury in the wilderness within Zambia’s youngest national park. Johannesburg-based Fox Browne wove textures and green-dominant themes into the suites and two family units to dazzling effect.

Located on a game-rich inlet dubbed the “Discovery Channel,” Lolebezi offers a complete immersion in the landscape. Beyond the twice-daily drives in an open air vehicle, guests can spot game on silent canoe safaris, walk the forests in search of shy leopards, or take a river cruise to enjoy Africa’s fourth-largest waterway.

20. Lale’s Camp

The interior of a tent at Lale’s Camp in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley

Courtesy of Wild Expeditions Africa

• Location: Omo Valley, Ethiopia
• Why we love it: Community-led cultural encounters in Ethiopia’s remote Omo Valley

To experience the remote Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia, home to numerous tribes with distinct cultural traditions, Wild Expeditions Africa is the go-to safari outfitter. The company not only has the logistical expertise and insider access, but it also takes environmental and social impact seriously.

If fly camping in the Omo Valley sounds too rugged, then its privately guided trips to Lale’s Camp offers an under-canvas base with the luxury of a flushing toilet and a hot shower. Your host is camp owner Lale Biwa, a man with a thousand remarkable stories to tell about this place where he has lived most of his life. Accessible only by boat, his modest camp of seven tents provides access to the Omo River delta—a network of islands, marshes, and croc-infested waterways overhung with dense fig and mahogany forests known for numerous birds, including Pel’s fishing owl, plus black and white colobus, vervet and De Brazza’s monkeys.

Lale’s respectful relationships with the tribes of the Omo Valley make it possible to witness the traditions and daily lives of the Nyangatom, Kara, Hamar, and Mursi people on walks and boat trips.

Richard Holmes and Jennifer Flowers contributed to the reporting of this article.

Travel + Leisure Readers’ Top 10 Safari Lodges in Africa 2023

Every year Travel + Leisure conducts a survey to ask its readers about their travel experiences throughout the world. Some 1650,000 people are said to partake in this survey, providing a wonderful way for travelers to share their experiences – giving deserving candidates “bragging rights” for a year! 

As you well know, there are so many luxury safari lodges on this inspiring continent. And although Co-founders, Kyle and Leah Green, put in a huge effort to personally see each one – it is just not always possible. So we are always super excited to see which partner luxury safari lodge makes the list! And of course it raises wonderful debates among Ubuntu Travelers – especially if you have been to one or two of them… 

We invite you to have a look! For those who have traveled with us, see whether your lodge is there?  And of course – those of you looking for a little safari inspiration – we invite you to explore and just some of the luxury safari lodges you can visit in Africa with Ubuntu Travel.  Discover ‘Travel + Leisure Readers’ 10 favorite safari lodges in Africa’ for 2023. 

Just quickly: here’s the full list

The survey focuses on four main categories: scenery; food; customer service and most importantly, wildlife experience. Readers are asked to rate each lodge and provide comments to help rank the top safari lodges in Africa

1 )  The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge | South Luangwa National Park | Zambia 

2) Volcanoes Safaris Virunga Lodge   | Burera District | Rwanda  

3) Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp   | Serengeti National Park | Tanzania 

4) Royal Malewane   | Greater Kruger | South Africa 

5) Volcanoes Safaris Mount Gahinga | Mgahinga Gorilla National Park | Uganda 

6) andBeyond Bateleur Camp   | Masai Mara National Reserve  | Kenya

7) Thornybush Game Lodge   | Greater Kruger | South Africa 

8) Gibb’s Farm |  Karatu | Tanzania

9) andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge   | Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Tanzania 

10) Angama Mara | Masai Mara National Reserve | Kenya

1 ) The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge 

South Luangwa Park | Zambia

A spectacular retreat flanked by two lagoons in the South Luangwa National Park. One of Zambia’s most treasured safari retreats, The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge should be on every safari lover’s list when visiting the South Luangwa National Park. The camp overlooks two lagoons, which attract a plethora of wildlife. The park itself is renowned for its incredible sightings, which you can experience on expertly guided game drives and walking safaris. Read more…

Best for: Couples Escapes, adventurous families and private groups

Why we love it! 

• Elephants walking through reception (late October to mid December)
• Exceptional area for walking safaris
• Incredible predator viewing, including consistent wild dog sightings  

2) Volcanoes Safaris Virunga Lodge 

Burera District | Rwanda  | Reader Score: 98.48

Overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes, Musanze Valley, Lake Bulera and Lake Ruhondo, Virunga Lodge is a jewel in the crown of Rwanda’s gorilla lodges. Self-described as Rwandese Afro-chic, expect eclectic yet homely interiors and enchanting hospitality that will make you feel warm and comforted for the duration of your stay. Read more…

Best for: Couples Escapes, Private Groups or multi-generational families. Please note that the minimum age for children to participate on a gorilla trek is 15 and 12 for the golden monkey trek.

• Their position with views of the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes  
• Complimentary spa treatments and massages after your  gorilla trek
• The intriguing Dian Fossey Map Room – an inspiring story of gorilla conservation  

3) Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp 

Serengeti National Park | Tanzania | Reader Score: 98.40  

A magical safari camp, situated on the north of the wildlife-rich Serengeti National Park. Embodying the true spirit of a safari camping experience, Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp is a hidden gem within the astounding expanse of the Serengeti National Park. One of our top choices, the camp sits along the banks of the Grumeti River, which attracts wildlife from all directions. This region is famous for its large resident lion prides as well as plains game. Read more…

Best for: Honeymooners and Couple Escapes 

• Positioned next to the famous Grumeti River
• Panoramic views of the Serengeti from your private deck 
• Seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration experience (Nov to Dec)

4) Royal Malewane 

Greater Kruger | South Africa | Reader Score: 98.13

A magnificent safari haven that boast three unique lodges on its property within the Greater Kruger National Park . Eclectic, luxurious and not-to-be-missed, Royal Malewane has something for every traveler. Here, you will be spoilt for choice. The property offers three safari lodges, which include Malewane, Farmstead, and Waterside. We found each to be exceptional and offer something different depending on your preferences. Read more… 

Best for: Honeymooners, Couples Escapes and families. Each of the three lodges at Royal Malewane offer family-friendly suites. 

• Big Five safaris in the Greater Kruger National Park 
• Ethical off roading practices 
• Personalized dining with the finest South African wines 

5) Volcanoes Safaris Mount Gahinga 

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park | Uganda | Reader Score: 97.87

Inspired by the traditional design and building techniques of the Bufimbira people, African Portfolio’s Mount Gahinga Lodge truly pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Uganda. We were really immersed in an atmosphere of authenticity here, and loved the hand-built bandas (rooms) that boasted luxurious furnishings and a lovely ensuite bathroom. Each banda offers incredible views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Read more…

Best for : Couples Escapes, Private Groups or multi-generational families. Please note that the minimum age for children to participate on a gorilla trek is 15 and 12 for the golden monkey trek.

• Your gorilla trek starts at the lodge with direct access to the Mgahinga National Park. 
• Complimentary spa treatments and massages after your  gorilla trek.
• Visit the Gahinga Batwa Village – the oldest inhabitants of the Central Africa rain forest.

6) andBeyond Bateleur Camp 

Masai Mara National Reserve  | Kenya | Reader Score: 97.75

A magical safari haven, situated on a private concession that borders the western Masai Mara . Elegant, classic and oh-so luxurious, andBeyond’s Bateleur Camp is set at the foot of the Oloololo escarpment and shares a private concession that borders the western Masai Mara. This exclusive camp is rated high on the top of our Kenya “must-visit” list. Read more…

• Its private concession within the Masai Mara 
• Private viewing decks of the Masai Mara 
• Access to guided walking and hot air balloon safaris 

Searching for a safari honeymoon worth toasting? Check out our Suggested Itinerary – Honeymoon in East Africa

7) Thornybush Game Lodge 

Greater Kruger | South Africa | Reader Score: 97.60

Tucked away, within the wildlife-rich Thornybush Nature Reserve, is the award-winning Thornybush Game Lodge. One of our top picks for a South African safari, Thornybush is a must-experience when game viewing in the Greater Kruger National Park . We fell in love with the lodge’s classic safari charm. The suites have been decorated in calming earthy tones and luxurious furnishings. Read more…

Best for: Couples Escapes, multi-generational families and private groups. Kamara House, an exclusive-use safari villa, is perfect for small groups. 

• Its fresh new look and classic safari charm
• A cat lover? This is area is known for its big cat sightings
• On safari exclusive photoshoots – perfect to capture those memories

8) Gibb’s Farm 

Karatu | Tanzania | Reader Score: 96.57

Nestled on the outer-slopes of  the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater , Gibb’s Farm is an enchanting retreat, and one of our “must-experience” properties in Tanzania. The original farmhouse at Gibb’s was built in 1929, when the property (then a coffee plantation) was owned by a German duke. It was only in 1948, when the farm passed hands to the Gibb family that its true transformation began. Gibb’s Farm has been hailed as the oldest guest house in Tanzania and its dedication to personalised, unfussy, and authentic service has stood the test of time. Read more…

Best for: Couples Escapes, private groups and families. Gibb’s offers two farmhouses that are perfect for family travel. 

• Incredible  Great Rift Valley views from the lodge 
• Safaris at Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
• Its a wellness sanctuary with a sense of purpose

Discover ‘Six Reasons to Visit the Ngorongoro Crater’ in our Ubuntu Travel Blog. 

9) andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge 

Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Reader Score: 96.00

Described as the “game lodge on top of the world”, it is hard not to fall in love with the breathtaking surroundings of andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge . Yes, its name is a mouthful but you will forget its complexity once you stay at this iconic safari destination. Here, Victorian furnishings and charming, somewhat quirky, African touches create a sumptuous atmosphere that is as elegant and unique as the Crater itself. The lodge has three camps, each with its own sitting and dining areas. Read more…

• Ngorongoro Crater views from the lodge
• Rose petal baths and champagne
• Game Drives and lion conservation with KopeLion

10) Angama Mara 

Masai Mara National Reserve | Kenya | Reader Score: 95.24

Perched high on the rim of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, with seemingly endless views of one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness destinations, the Masai Mara, is the enchanting Angama Mara . Here, expect nothing less than attentive, unobtrusive service, warm hospitality and exceptional interiors.. Read more…

Best for: Honeymooners, Couples Escape and families. Each camp has a family suite with interconnected rooms.

• Soaring panoramic views of the Masai Mara 
• In the path of the Great Migration (July to October)
• A dedicated photography editing and printing studio 

Suggested Itinerary – The Masai Mara and Serengeti

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If you’re thinking of planning a trip, we’re here to help! Our team of travel designers will create an itinerary just for you to create memories to last a lifetime and conquer your bucket list. Get in touch with us today to start planning your adventure in Africa.

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The 20 Best Safari Lodges in Africa

After living in Africa for almost a year now, I’ve had my fair share of safari lodges and experiences. But given safari is such a magical experience, whenever I can I keep going back for more. Over the years I have stayed at too many beautiful lodges to count, but like anything, I have my favourites! So these are the best safari lodges in Africa, tried and tested by yours truly.

Post updated May 2023

1. San Camp, Botswana

I’ll start with my favourite camp in all of Africa – San Camp in Botswana. While it is far from your ordinary safari camp, I personally think that is what makes it so special. While you won’t find the big five here in the Kalahari desert, this camp hones in on the smaller creatures found in the desert. But more than that, it is about truly disconnecting from your regular life and tuning in to your present. There’s no wifi or electricity in the tents, but there are plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

2. Sandibe, Botswana

My second favourite lodge in Botswana goes by the name of Sandibe . This is the crowning jewel of AndBeyond’s Botswana portfolio, where they have a number of camps in the Okavango Delta and beyond. Sandibe is the most expensive camp from AndBeyond’s portfolio in Botswana, but it is also the most magical. If you’re looking for a unique honeymoon location, this is your best bet.

3. Sossusvlei Lodge, Namibia

Last year I finally had the chance to visit Namibia. Being based in South Africa next door has given me many more excuses to get out there and experience more of Africa. When we ventured North to Namibia, we checked in to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge . This lodge has recently been refurbished from top to bottom and the results are simply breathtaking. Waking up in the desert is a luxury I will certainly not forget in this lifetime.

Read more: The 12 most isolated lodges in Africa

4. Boulders Lodge, South Africa

Boulders Lodge in South Africa was not my first lodge experience in this country, but it certainly was my favourite! I will never forget sitting out on my deck as I noticed a young elephant drinking from my pool and popping over to say hello! I have since learned this is a regular occurrence at the lodge, so if you are looking for close animal encounters, this is a great lodge to stay for your safari.

5. Cottars Safari Camp, Kenya

When I checked in to Cottars Safari Camp in Kenya, I felt as if I had stepped back in time. The 1920’s safari camp is one of the oldest on offer and it is idyllically located on the fringe of the Maasai Mara. Because the park itself is inundated with safari goers, this is a great alternative to experience more serenity but still remain in close proximity to the park.

6. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar

Okay, I’m saying it: Mnemba Island is my favourite lodge in all of Africa. While it isn’t a traditional safari lodge, it still deserves a place on this list. With just twelve rooms located on a private island off the coast of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is the ultimate in barefoot luxury.

7. Angama Mara, Kenya

Angama Mara is commonly considered the best safari lodge in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This newly opened lodge came to the safari scene with much praise, particularly in celebration of the unique location this lodge occupies overlooking the Mara. If you’re looking for a honeymoon location with views for days, this is your best bet in East Africa.

8. Bush Villa, Kenya

Although the Bush Villa falls under the umbrella of Cottar’s Safari Camp, I think it is worthy of a mention of its own. This gloriously oversized villa is the perfect choice for large families or big groups to enjoy their own private oasis. The villa is sprawled out above Cottar’s Safari Camp, overlooking the Maasai Mara below. Even Angelina Jolie has been a guest of the Bush Villa!

9. Serengeti House, Tanzania

Serengeti House in Tanzania is the top property in Singita’s safari portfolio. This private villa boasts four bedrooms, an infinity swimming pool and a private gym. The villa also comes with a private chef, so you can really kick back and enjoy some alone time with your group.

10. Royal Malewane, South Africa

When I checked in to Royal Malewane a few years ago I had already visited a handful of nearby camps. But Royal Malewane has its own appeal, with a unique interior design that makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time. Be sure to visit the day spa where you will find this beautiful lap pool reminiscent of a Moroccan riad.

11. And Beyond Bateleur Camp

During my time in East Africa, I think it is safe to say Bateleur Camp was my favourite safari lodge. This newly refurbished lodge is the perfect mix of old meets new, with all the classic touches but all the mod cons to go with it. The service here was unparalleled to any other camp I stayed at in Kenya.

12. Botswana Sky Beds

For an unforgettable night in the bush, check yourself into Botswana Skybeds . The sky beds are located a short drive from nearby Sable Alley, making it the perfect addition to really immerse yourself in the bush. The sky beds are located up a three story tree house, meaning you are as close as possible to the animal activity throughout the night! This is not only one of the best safari lodges in Africa but also one of the most adventurous.

13. Singita Sweni, South Africa

Singita Sweni was one of the first safari lodges I ever stayed at, but that doesn’t mean I have forgotten about it! My experience at this lodge was so memorable, it is forever engrained in my mind. Singita really go above and beyond for their guests, providing gastronomic meals and unbeatable service. They have a few lodges in the area, but Singita Sweni is my personal favourite.

14. Sable Alley, Botswana

Sable Alley is one of the popular choices of safari camps in Botswana. While Botswana is one of the most expensive countries to visit for a safari adventure, this camp is more on the affordable end of the scale. If you are looking for a special escape without the hefty price tag, this camp is moderately priced.

Read more: The Best Animal Encounters in Africa

15. Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

Rwanda has become the most sought after country to visit in Africa. Over recent years it has sky rocketed in popularity, mostly thanks to the population of mountain gorillas which have drawn thousands of tourists to the landlocked country. Bisate Lodge is one of the most iconic lodges in the country, with their creative beehive like design.

16. Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia

Zambia and Zimbabwe are both considered the gateway to Victoria Falls, but if you are looking for something extra special then take a look at Thorntree River Lodge. This peaceful and serene lodge is the epitome of romance, set on the calm banks of the Zambezi river. There is no denying this is one of the best safari lodges in Africa, as it is certainly our top choice for the most romantic.

17. Ngorongoro Lodge, Tanzania

East Africa is where you should visit if you are looking for the iconic “Out of Africa” experience. Ngorongoro would have to be one of the most picturesque lodges to choose from, set overlooking the crater itself.

18. Jao Camp, Botswana

I know I know, another Botswana recommendation!? Believe me when I say no safari is as magical as one that takes place in the Okavango Delta. Jao Camp is another great option for honeymoon couples looking for something extra special. The carefully curated design makes it one of the most distinguishable camps.

19. Singita Kataza, Rwanda

Also in Rwanda, you will find two Singita properties to choose from when looking for the best safari lodges in Africa. Singita Kataza is an extra special lodge set in the mystical mountains of Rwanda, just a short trip from the famous mountain gorillas.

20. Chinzombo, Zambia

Last but not least, Chinzombo camp in Zambia is idyllically located on the banks of the Zambezi river. This camp is a popular choice for honeymoon couples who are seeking a serene location by the water. However, if you’re up for some activities, you can opt to canoe on the Zambezi river or partake in a microflight over Victoria Falls. Believe me when I say it is not for the faint hearted!

Safari Style

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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Top 10 most luxurious safari lodges in South Africa

Monday newsletters  always feature  top 10 travel lists  to inspire.

Today: Top 10 most luxurious safari lodges in South Africa

Whether you are a safari virgin hoping to catch your first glimpse of the Big Five or a safari aficionado with a specific sighting in mind, South Africa will rarely disappoint. Although the country is a year-round destination, the extended Southern African winter (April to October) is the best time for a safari, because the shrinking vegetation and wildlife converging on waterholes make for better sightings.  Kruger Park is South Africa’s most famous safari destination and even allows visitors to hop around in their own car, although spotting the Big Five on a self-drive safari involves a lot of luck. South Africa’s private game reserves – such as Sabi Sand – offer a far more superior safari experience though since there are no restrictions on access or driving times, only specialized safari vehicles with guides are permitted (and they can go off-road in search of the wildlife) and a maximum of two vehicles at a time are permitted on a single sighting, allowing fantastic photographic opportunities. On top of that, the private fame reserves offer exeptional accommodation that matches the exceptional wildlife experience. Here’s my selection of the 10 best ultra-luxury safari-lodges in South Africa.

There is more information (with reviews & Youtube videos) below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite South African safari lodge in the comments section .

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10. KRUGER SHALATI – THE TRAIN ON THE BRIDGE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Permanently stationed on the historically-rich Selati Bridge above the Sabie River in Kruger National Park, Kruger Shalati offers the most unique luxury accommodation in a re-envisioned train which pays homage to the guests who explored the park nearly 100 years ago. The train celebrates where the first visits to the iconic park were allowed in the early 1920s: the train would park overnight in the exact spot where Kruger Shalati is positioned. The hotel offers 31 rooms, consisting of 24 carriage rooms and 7 Bridge House rooms, all of which provide a deeply visceral experience, tailored for immersive comfort. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, an enthralling break or to simply immerse yourself in earth’s finest creations, Kruger Shalati welcomes you on a journey of discovery with nature in the most extraordinary way imaginable.

• Hotel website : Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge
• Review : read my review of Kruger Shalati here .

9. ULUSABA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, SABI SAND

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, member of Virgin Limited Edition’s award-winning collection of retreats, is Sir Richard Branson’s safari lodge located in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Ulusaba means “place of little fear”, so named because the koppie, or hill, on which Rock Lodge sits provided the ancient Shangaan tribal warriors with the perfect lookout point. Ulusaba has 20 rooms and suites spread over two lodges: Rock Lodge, including the beautiful Cliff Lodge, and Safari Lodge. Rock Lodge has the best view in the Sabi Sand: perched high on the summit of a koppie, with panoramic views over miles of bush, you should grab a pair of binoculars to see what you can spot. Ulusaba’s other resort, Safari Lodge, is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed and some of the rooms are built treehouse-style and you really get the feeling of being in the heart of life in the bush. Safari Lodge’s rooms provide fascinating views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby watering hole.

• Hotel website: Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
• Travel tip : get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD gift shop or spa credit).

  8. THANDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL

With a name that means “love” in isiZulu, Thanda Safari offers an authentically South African wildlife experience matched with sincere commitment to the Zulu culture and passionate conservation of the environment. Located in northern Zululand in KwaZulu Natal, Thanda is home to abundant wildlife, including Africa’s magnificent Big Five. Visitors spend their days on game drives or bush walks and are encouraged to engage in a selection of conservation and cultural programs. Evenings are reserved for fine dining, enjoying wines from the well-stocked cellar, relaxing around the bonfire and star gazing. The luxurious accommodations range from Thanda’s flagship product, Thanda Safari Lodge, which encompasses 9 bush suites, to the exclusive-use Villa iZulu and the ruggedly elegant and utterly romantic Thanda Tented Camp, comprising 15 luxury tents.

• Hotel website : Thanda Private Game Reserve

7. KAPAMA KARULA, KAPAMA GAME RESERVE

Set on the banks of the perennial Klaserie River, Kapama Karula is the flagship five-star lodge of Kapama Game Reserve. Meaning ‘place of peace’, this ultra-luxurious and prestigious lodge exudes calmness and depicts the pinnacle of elegant safari accommodation, with wraparound views of the African bush enhancing the overall sense of tranquillity. Modern whitewashed wood and vast sections of glass, complemented by a neutral colour palette, give Kapama Karula a contemporary African feel. The open-plan lounge and bar are spacious yet cosy, with skylights drawing in natural daylight and moonshine. Kapama Karula has twelve suites, each exquisitely decorated and with generous private space. Each suite has its own outside deck area, full-sized heated swimming pool and sun loungers for relaxation.

• Hotel website :  Kapama Karula
• Review : read my review of Kapama Karula here .

6. TSWALU KALAHARI, NORTHERN CAPE

Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest and most remotely loctaed private game reserve, now protecting over 110,000 hectares of spectacular grasslands and mountains. The owners, the Oppenheimer family, take conservation as their absolute priority and have a vision to “restore the Kalahari to itself.” No more than 30 guests at a time can discover the beauty of this arid savannah, its diverse wildlife and the serenity of what may well be South Africa’s last great wilderness. You can choose to stay at either Tswalu Kalahari’s main property, designated “The Motse”; the nearby personal home of the Oppenheimer family, so-called “Tarkuni”; or one of Loapi’s six ultra-luxury tented homes. At all three camps, a private safari vehicle, guide and tracker is guaranteed with each booking. The total number of beds across the three camps represents the lowest ratio of guests to space in a privately protected area in South Africa.

• Hotel website :  Tswalu Kalahari

5. ROYAL MALEWANE, THORNYBUSH PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Royal Malewane is a luxury safari lodge with only seven one- to six-bedroom villas, located in Thornybush private game reserve on the western border of the Kruger National Park. The lodge, which has Bill Gates, Bono and Elton John among its repeat guests, exudes the romance and beauty of a bygone age while offering every modern comfort and convenience. Besides exhiliriating Big Five safaris, guests can also indulge in relaxing treatments at the tranquil waters of Royal Malewane’s bush spa and enjoy nightly feasts under the African stars. Royal Malewane also operates two other luxury lodges within the same private game reserve – Farmstead and Waterside, each one embodying an exquisite vision of contemporary design and ultimate hospitality.

• Hotel website :  Royal Malewane
• Travel tip : get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD gift from Royal Malewane).
• Review : read my review of Royal Malewane here .

4. LONDOLOZI GAME RESERVE, SABI SAND

Londolozi Game Reserve, Member of Relais & Châteaux, is one of the original safari camps in South Africa. Four generations of family-run hospitality and 40 years of experience hosting ecotourism have culminated in an entirely unique and transcendent bushveld experience for the discerning guest. Guests can choose from one of four small camps or stay in one of just three exclusive Private Granite Suites, each built with nature in mind and designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding habitat. Londolozi offers some of the most spectacular game viewing in an ideal setting, with the some of the highest densities of wild leopards in the world. The Londolozi Healing House experience also offers guests to combine the core safari excursions with artful resting, curated bodywork and yoga in the surrounds of the expansive wilderness presence of Londolozi.

• Hotel website : Private Granite Suites

3. SINGITA LEBOMBO LODGE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Singita Lebombo Lodge is a celebration of cutting-edge design in an African context where everything defers to nature. This dramatic lodge comprises 13 suites and one villa that give guests a front row seat to the Kruger National Park with bold, contemporary open plan suites suspended above the N’Wanetsi River. The exclusive concession is a richly diverse habitat, teeming with game, beneath endless African skies. Other highlights of the lodge include a roof terrace and wine studio (a multi-level retreat which boasts a library, multi-media room, wine studio and rooftop viewing area), an interactive kitchen, and a lovely lap pool. All communal areas of the lodge have been pushed out to ensure that the outside bursts in, offering elegant, calm and meditative spaces immersed in a dramatic landscape of giant euphorbia trees.

• Hotel website :  Singita Lebombo Lodge

2. IVORY LODGE LION SANDS, SABI SAND

Set along the banks of the Sabie River and attracting abundant “big five” wildlife from Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, Lion Sands has four luxurious lodges: River Lodge, Ivory Lodge, Tinga Lodge, and Narina Lodge. Ivory Lodge, which was complety renovated in 2017, is the understated jewel in the Lion Sands crown and the most exclusive safari lodge of South Africa. The ultra-luxe lodge is all about elegance, with an aura of sophistication yet simplicity, boldness yet balance, ebony and ivory, perfect harmony, exclusivity, sensitivity and complete privacy. The 8 one-bedroom Villas and 1 two-bedroom Fish Eagle Villa have their own private rim flow plunge pools with magnificent views over the Sabie River, allowing guests to cool down from the hot African sun while watching animals as they quench their thirst a mere stone’s throw away.

• Hotel website :  Ivory Lodge Lion Sands
• Other accolades : Ivory Lodge Lion Sands also features in my top 10 lists of the  world’s most amazing outdoor hotel rooms , the world’s best honeymoon resorts , the  best hotels in South Africa , and Africa’s most insanely beautiful safari lodges .
• Review : read my review of Lion Sands Ivory Lodge here .

1. &BEYOND TENGILE RIVER LODGE, SABI SAND

Situated in a perfect position on the banks of the Sand River – in the heart of the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve – lies &Beyond Tengile River Lodge. The magnificent lodge features nine enormous, air-conditioned, secluded suites, dotted in the dappled shade of the bushveld, each with panoramic river views. In addition to a master bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower, there is a lounge, dining area, fully-stocked bar, coffee station, and an outdoor deck with private lap pool. For families, two of the lodge’s suites are joined by a covered walkway to create a family suite. The lodge’s guest area offers a mixed selection of open, interactive and private places.  Bespoke furniture, lights and unique décor pieces have been created from skilled local artists and striking fabrics have been masterfully hand-painted.

• Hotel website : &Beyond Tengile River Lodge
• Review : read my review of &Beyond Tengile River Lodge here .

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Oh wow, these places look incredible. I’ve actually visited the Leopard Hills lodge before with my partner a few years ago. This made us to want to book another safari for our 11th anniversary. Last week, we booked a trip to the Mateya Safari Lodge via a luxury travel company called Berkeley Travel. This is where we are staying: http://www.berkeleytravel.co.uk/resorts/mateya-safari-lodge/ – Has anyone booked with them before? I’ve heard really good things so I hope it lives up to its expectations. Thank you everyone. – Evie

I’ve been to them all but the best is Tintswalo Safari Lodge http://tintswalo.com/safari/

I’ve never been to a safari before but these places sound like a dream 😌

Can’t believe Singita Boulders didn’t make the list. We loved Lebombo for the rugged safari experience but believe Boulders had the edge for the lodge product.

Thanda is definitelty the best Safari Lodge in South Africa!

This is definitely the best list. Check out Monwana Game Lodge in Thornybush. I believe it is also one of the best in South Africa.

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Best New Lodges Namibia 2023

The word ‘Namib’ literally translates to vast place and no more adjective could be quite as adept at describing Namibia. Home to stark coastlines , swathes of sprawling dessert, wildlife-filled national parks and the world’s oldest dessert, this inspiring nation now ranks as one of Africa’s fastest growing tourist hotspots.

Catering to this significant rise in visitor numbers, Namibia’s accommodation scene is subsequently blossoming. Every year more and more lodges, camps and resorts are springing up, eager to entice intrepid travellers heading out on the safari adventure of a lifetime.

The best lodges in Namibia are well documented on the SecretNamibia blog but as each year ticks by new entrants force their way into our reckoning. Without further ado here’s our guide to the best new lodges and camps in Namibia for 2023.

Way back in 1995, when the tourism industry in Namibia was just taking its first infant steps, Wolwedans was set up with just four igloo tents. Oh, how times have changed. Nowadays Wolvedans runs 6 camps and lodges under its brand banner, having established itself as one of the preeminent accommodation providers in southwest Namibia.

A collection of dreams, rather than camps (that’s how the Wolvedans website describes them) it’s hard to argue with that bold claim, particularly when you consider that the camps are surrounded by the stunning NamibRand Nature Reserve, a 200,000 hectare desert paradise.

Although the camps aren’t ‘new’ in the sense that they’ve just been built, the formerly named ‘Dune Lodge’ has undergone a huge revamp over the last year or so. Now called ‘Desert Lodge’ this stunning desert home is striking with contemporary furnishings complementing the scorched backdrops superbly. Spacious lounges, bright bedrooms and sundowner decks characterise each modernised suite whilst the Mountain View Suite is the standout, affording guests jaw dropping views of the encircling landscapes.

In 2023 this is a great place to visit for serenity seekers , particularly if your safari itinerary brings you to this remote region of the country.

Onguma Camp Kala

The Etosha region is home to some of Namibia’s most desirable and luxurious camps- little surprise given that a game drive through Etosha National Park ranks very high on most traveller’s Namibia safari bucket lists.

Adding to the array of stunning digs in this part of the country is Onguma Camp Kala, a stylish and opulent lodge located right next to a bustling waterhole in the Onguma Nature Reserve. First opening its doors in November 2022, and the brainchild of designer Nick Pleman, Camp Kala oozes luxury at every turn.

Each of the camp’s lodges are built on elevated wooder decks, affording guests striking panoramic views over one of the Onguma region’s busiest waterholes (ideal for game viewing). As soon as you arrive here, you’ll be greeted by a mud plastered central tower that was designed to replicate the look of a termite mound; this just highlights the level of detail the design team went into in trying to blend the camp into its natural surroundings.

Befitting of a luxury lodge, guests can expect amenities such as a fully stocked personal bar, state-of-the-art cooling systems and full-sized baths. There’s even a butler service so you can rest assured your every whim will be catered for. Bush walks, Onguma sunset drives and Etosha game drives are just some of the activities you can enjoy during your stay. Well worth a visit.

Camp Onduli

For our next entrant we head to Damaraland, another of Namibia’s remote and desolate regions renowned for its fascinating desert-adapted wildlife.

Here safari goers will discover the magnificent Camp Onduli, named after the resident giraffe that’s often found roaming the camp’s perimeter. With six intimate suites, Camp Onduli is a great option for those on a honeymoon safari and here visitors will unearth plenty of luxury amenities that are guaranteed to make your post-nuptials getaway feel extra special.

Each suite comes with a star bed, enabling star-cross lovers to doze off underneath the shimmering night sky. If you manage to drag yourself away from your spectacular bedroom, you’ll also find a library, infinity pool and a cosy campfire located next to the camp’s main lodge.

Activities nearby are perfectly suited to the adventure-seeking safari goer. Elephant and rhino tracking is a popular pastime in these parts, whilst history buffs may well be enamoured by the opportunity to visit some wonderful San rock art sites. After a long day immersing yourself with wildlife, retreat to Camp Onduli for a speciality cocktail and some world-class cuisine.

Anderssons at Ongava

The popularity of family safari trips to Namibia has risen exponentially over the last decade, thanks in large part to the abundance of family-friendly accommodation options that are now on offer.

Leading the list of the best family safari lodges in Namibia for 2023 is Anderssons at Ongava, a beautiful camp nestled in the picturesque Ongava Game Reserve, close to Etosha National Park.

Renovated in 2019, and now boasting 7 private suites and a purpose-built family suite, here families can enjoy a range of first-class amenities including a spacious lounge, library, infinity pool and there’s even a curio shop selling a range of artisan gifts.

Away from the luxury amenities, Anderssons is a bird watcher’s paradise. Located beside the camp’s waterhole visitors will find a special underground photographic hide- a special spot where guests can grab their binoculars and look out for some of Namibia’s most iconic avian species.

If bird watching isn’t your penchant, then take a visit to Ongava Research Centre which is located just a short walk from the camp. Here visitors can explore the centre’s exhibition area and gain a fascinating insight into the conservation work taking place in Etosha National Park and beyond.

Zannier Sonop

The Zannier Hotels group have long been associated with world-class luxury accommodation. However, their magnum opus must be Sonop, their second offering in Namibia after the impressive Omaanda.

Zannier Sonop markets itself as a revolutionary way to experience the untouched beauty of the Namibian dessert; it’s hard to argue with that claim once you arrive at this spectacular lodge.

Set within a private nature reserve on the Southern edge of the Namibian desert, Sonop boasts 10 ultra-luxurious tents that have been ingeniously constructed on top of boulders, meaning guests can enjoy remarkable views of the surrounding desert landscapes.

Every object in the ten tents has been painstakingly selected in homage to 1920’s British explorers. Expect to find binoculars and maps, travellers’ tales, telescopes, antique desks, and handmade stationary. In line with what one might expect from a 5-star safari lodge you’ll also find a stunning private terrace and lavish amenities including vintage bathtubs and there’s even a private landing strip.

When adventure calls, excursions including hot air balloon rides, horse riding and private sunset safaris can all be enjoyed here. If you can’t be persuaded to leave your stunning tent, guests can take advantage of the telescopes fitted in each suit to admire the magnificent surroundings or take part in a spot of dreamy stargazing.

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Best Safari Lodges In Zambia 2023 (Chosen By The Experts)

Are you considering a visit to Zambia but you’re not sure how to get started when it comes to choosing where to go, and mostly where to stay? Read on!

We’ve been promoting Zambia as a prime safari destination for over 25 years now, so we feel confident we know the country inside out. Yes, it’s true that we’re also a safari operator (we have three properties in South Luangwa ) so it’s likely we’ll list our name somewhere along the way. But the real goal of this article is to talk about the many hotels, lodges, and camps we have had the opportunity to stay at and work with over the years and give you our honest opinion; this will hopefully give you some tools to start planning your trip.

We’ve looked at different locations and experiences and came up with our 11 best Safari Lodges in Zambia recommendations, along with a few honourable mentions. This is not a list of the most luxurious companies or the most expensive ones. Not at all. We’ve considered mostly the location and the quality of services provided (with an eye on the value), and a guaranteed spectacular experience. The list is solely based on our own experience and nothing in this article has been monetized. It’s completely independent.

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• Best safari lodge in Livingstone
• Best safari lodge in South Luangwa
• Best safari lodge in Lower Zambezi 
• Best safari lodge in Kafue National Park
• Best safari lodge in Lusaka
• Best safari lodge for wildlife viewing
• Best safari lodge “off the beaten track”
• Best safari lodge for honeymoons
• Best safari lodge for families
• Best down-to-earth safari camp
• Best safari lodge on a budget

1. Best Safari Lodge in Livingstone

Waterberry Zambezi Lodge

Waterberry Zambezi Lodge is a privately owned property located on the banks of the beautiful Zambezi River but in a more tranquil area upriver from the Victoria Falls. It’s peaceful and yet offers access to all the activities one would find closer to the falls or further out in the bush. Different types of accommodation are available, from the family farmhouse to river-front chalets or the newly added safari tents. A great team of staff and affordable rates. To top it up, Waterberry is also highly involved in the local community supporting education and community development.

Honourable Mentions

• Sindabezi Island Camp: We do love this unique camp located on a tiny island in the middle of the Zambezi River.
• The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara: This colonial-style hotel has probably the most privileged location, overlooking the Victoria Falls.

2. Best Safari Lodge in South Luangwa

Kafunta River Lodge

Yes, of course, we think our flagship property wins “best in show” for South Luangwa. We’re a bit biased of course. But we think Kafunta River Lodge has one of the most desirable views in South Luangwa overlooking the floodplains of the Luangwa River and its teeming wildlife. It is a classic safari lodge with only 10 rooms, keeping things very personal and exclusive. In the peak season, the lodge accesses the national park using a unique pontoon crossing, bringing you in one of the best game viewing areas.

The staff is particularly accommodating and the guiding team one of the bests in the valley. Kafunta River Lodge offers great value rates and can easily be combined with its remote camps – Three Rivers Camp and Island Bush Camp.

• Kaingo Camp by Shenton Safaris : If money is no object, then we can recommend Kaingo with its great location in the upper part of the park, and its network of photographic hides.
• Lion Camp : We particularly like the layout of this 10-chalet property, even though it doesn’t have a direct view of the Luangwa River.

3. Best Safari Lodge in Lower Zambezi

Tusk & Mane

This is all about simplicity and pure wilderness. Tusk & Mane is a “new” old-style safari camp, with all the amenities that ensure comfort and safety, and an exceptional safari experience, but far from the over-the-top sophistication that one can find in some of the neighbouring camps. It’s back to the essentials: a comfortable bed, a bucket shower, a campfire and a starry sky. Both Chula and Kutali camps are tiny and are tucked away on remote islands of the river where you can make the most of all the activities on offer.

• Old Mondoro Camp : If you like intimate camps but with more comfort, Old Mondoro is a good choice.
• Chongwe River Camp by Time & Tide : We particularly like the location of this more upscale tented camp, on the confluent of the Chongwe River and Zambezi River.

4. Best Safari Lodge in Kafue National Park

Musekese Camp by Jeffery & McKeith

A small owner-ran camp hidden away on the edge of a spectacular lagoon, Musekese Camp offers some of the best game viewing in Kafue National Park. The team behind this conservation-focused camp is extremely passionate, and their enthusiasm is incredible. The choice of activities is extensive with top-class wildlife viewing and birding. You can also combine with Ntemwa Camp, based in the Busanga Plains.

• Kaing’U Safari Lodge : This property will greatly complement a stay in the northern part of the Kafue due to its exclusive location among the impressive boulders of the Kafue River.
• Busanga Plains Camp by Mukambi : We love this little tented camp ideally perched in the middle of the unique Busanga wetlands.

5. Best Safari Lodge in Lusaka

Latitude 15

This is probably one of the trendiest hotels in Lusaka and we absolutely love its décor and atmosphere of cosmopolitan Africa. It’s the perfect place to start or end a safari, away from the chain hotels that line the jam-packed Lusaka boulevards. Once you enter the lobby or the bar, you find yourself in a swirl of fashion, music, and arts, only 30 minutes from the airport. The dining and social scene is a favourite with locals and international visitors.

• Lilayi Lodge: This is a wonderful full-service lodge on the edge of Lusaka, serving excellent food and offering a variety of activities. Perfect if you have time for a few nights.
• Pioneer Camp & Wild Dog Lodge: These 2 smaller “outback” properties are close enough to the airport for an overnight stay, yet offer a first (or last) safari atmosphere at a good value.
• Ciela Resort & Spa : If you want something quick and easy – this is it. This newly built resort (the first of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio in Africa) is less than 20 min from the airport, with no traffic whatsoever. There are 4 restaurants to choose from, a huge pool, a spa, a golf course… and even its own brewery. Easy for a quick overnight or even for a day room while waiting for your night flight.

6. Best Safari Lodge for Wildlife Viewing

Mwamba Bush Camp, South Luangwa NP By Shenton Safaris 

We’re promoting our friendly competitors in this first place because of its little secret! Mwamba bush camp is located near the Lion Plains in the northern sector of the South Luangwa National Park, and the game viewing there is absolutely stunning. But the best thing about this camp is its photographic hide located at “the last waterhole”. You could be sitting there all day long watching buffalos, elephants, kudus, Lilian’s lovebirds, lions and so much more without the need for a game drive! No wonder they nickname it “Africa’s best place to HIDE”!

• Any lodge in South Luangwa really. When it comes to game viewing, we’ve already established that South Luangwa was the park of choice in Zambia and should be the first on your list. From there the choice of accommodation depends on preference: lodge, tented camp, bush camp… there is something for everyone on every budget.
• Sausage Tree Camp, Lower Zambezi NP: A luxury tented camp located in a pristine area on the banks of the Zambezi River, across from low-reed islands teeming with game, especially elephants. Make sure to take a canoe trip down the Chifungulu Channel.

7. Best Safari Lodge “off the beaten track”

King Lewanika Camp, Liuwa Plains By Time & Tide 

In addition to its most famous national parks, Zambia offers a multitude of very remote locations which can sometimes be challenging to reach but are well worth the effort. One of these is the lesser-known Liuwa Plain National Park in Western Zambia. It is home to the second-largest wildebeest migration, with roughly 30,000 individuals transiting through the park – making it one of the most magnificent spectacles on earth (less the crowds!).

And where else to stay but at the five-star King Lewanika Lodge, the only permanent safari camp in this extremely isolated and beautiful wilderness.

• Shoe Bill Island Camp, Bangweulu Swamp s: If you’re in for an adventure (and don’t mind your feet getting wet), this should be on your list. The Bangweulu Wetlands are home to the peculiar shoebill stork and a staggering variety of other bird species, as well as herds of black lechwe.
• Nhanzilla Camp, Kafue NP : A vast 3000 sq/km area in Southern Kafue, just for yourself. The definition of hidden gem.

8. Best Safari Lodge for Honeymoons

Tongabezi Lodge, Livingstone By Green Safaris 

An exceptionally romantic destination just 12km upstream from the Victoria Falls with beautifully appointed honeymoon houses. For a quirkier experience, choose the Honeymoon Chalet at Sindabezi – the island camp nestled in the middle of the Zambezi River. Apart from the obvious visit to the Victoria Falls, you can enjoy a wide range of activities from tranquil sunset boat cruises to adrenaline-loaded swims in Devil’s pool.

• Three Rivers Camp, South Luangwa NP by Kafunta Safaris : We think the romantic star beds of our remote tented camp make a perfect nest for newlyweds and a justifiable reason for a sleep-in!
• Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi NP : For the ultimate luxury in the bush with spectacular views of the Zambezi.

9. Best Safari Lodge for Families

Sunset House at Kafunta River Lodge (in 2023!), South Luangwa NP By Kafunta Safaris

By 2023 we will offer an upscale two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage geared towards families and friends (up to 5 people) with views of the Luangwa floodplains, a private pool and exclusive dining and activities. Although the house name is still to be decided, we already know that it will have an amazing view of the sunset and benefit from the remarkable skills of our smiling staff and guides.

• The Farmhouse, at Waterberry Zambezi Lodge, Livingstone : This will be your home from home, surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the Zambezi River. A very private option.
• Crocodile Nest at Flatdogs, South Luangwa NP: Flatdogs Camp’s latest addition is the beautifully appointed tented house “Crocodile Nest” which is perfect for families of up to 6 people – and a 24/7 game viewing right from the comfort of the deck.

10. Best Down to Earth Safari Camp

Island Bush Camp, South Luangwa NP By Kafunta Safaris

Made of simple grass, this is the genuine definition of a bush camp and Island BC is one of the few remaining authentic camps in Zambia. Instead of chasing luxury, choose a minimalist and unobtrusive approach to the wilderness. No wifi, no cell phone, no electricity. Just the sound of nature, the light of the bonfire and the hot water from the bucket shower. Oh, and the view of the Luangwa River, in one of the most remote areas of South Luangwa.

• Tusk & Mane, Lower Zambezi NP : With two lightweight fly camps, this is the least fussy choice in Lower Zambezi, but the most rewarding.
• Ntemwa Busanga by Jeffery & McKeith, Kafue NP : Four simple thatched-chalets and open-air bathrooms. Lowkey in style, remarkable in experience.

11. Best Safari Lodge on a Budget

Flatdogs Camp, South Luangwa NP

With a variety of great value accommodation options, Flatodgs Camp is the ideal gateway to South Luangwa with a perfect location only minutes from the main gate. From the simple classic tents to the more exclusive tree house, you will enjoy the facilities of the camp without exploding your budget. And best of all is the delicious restaurant with an à la carte service, no set meals, no set time – order what you want when you want it. A hotspot in the valley!

• Baines River Camp, Lower Zambezi NP : With its Stay for 3 nights, Pay for 2 Special available all season, this is probably the best value option in the otherwise costly Lower Zambezi National Park.
• Mukambi Safari Lodge, Kafue NP: Mukambi is one of the first lodges you will encounter when reaching Kafue NP from Lusaka, and a very affordable option for an all-inclusive safari package.

Are you planning a safari? Download our in depth Zambian Safari planning guide!

Newsletter – December 2023

NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2023

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About African Safari Game Drives

We tell you what a game drive is, what the different types of game drives and itineraries are usually offered, and a lot more!

5 Best reasons to use photographic hides

The Thrills of safari photography: 5 reasons to use photographic hides. Going on an African safari means stepping in wilderness territory where nature’s magnificence unfolds

From Kafunta to Australia: Headlines & Global Fame

In August 2023, we were pleasantly surprised to receive a wave of messages from our Australian guests. They were buzzing with excitement about Kafunta Safaris making headlines in an Australian newspaper. And at the heart of the story was none other than our beloved guest services diva, Betty herself.

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Arusha - Tanzania

The Best Tanzania Safari Lodges 2023/2024

The best tanzania safari lodges.

Tanzania is a dream for many nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The vast landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and incredible biodiversity make Tanzania a top destination for safari experiences. The best Tanzania safari lodges highlighted in this guide offer a spectrum of experiences.

Best Luxury Tanzania Safari Lodges

Explore our recommended luxury safari lodges in Tanzania

Serena Lodges

Melia Lodges

Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge

Best Tanzania Mid-range Safari Lodges

Explore our recommended affordable safari lodges in Tanzania

Lake Burunge Tarangire Lodge

Marera Valley Lodge

Farm of Dreams Lodge

Best Tanzania Budget Safari Lodges

Kankari Lodge

Eileen’s Trees Inn Lodge

Top 15 Resorts in South Africa: Readers’ Choice Awards 2023

View all of the 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards winners here .

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Londolozi Game Reserve Arrow

Even if you’ve never been, Londolozi exists in the imagination: a sprawling cluster of five thatched-roof safari camps, in varying sizes and shades of taupe and beige, built in an ancient riverine forest around waterfalls and tangled vines. Londolozi has been owned and run by the Varty family for nearly 100 years. The word  londolozi  comes from the Zulu language and means “protector of all living things”. Nelson Mandela, who recovered from imprisonment on Robben Island at the family camp, described it as “a dream I cherish for a model of nature preservation in our country”. The camps feel like deeply stylish African homes, layered in natural clay, khaki and sand-coloured linens. Each has its own communal open-air lobby, with plunge pools and various rooms and suites attached. All have wide views across the bush or river, some are wrapped around ancient trees, others flanked by granite rocks. Like on most top-notch safaris, you are fed well here, from the sunrise treats at early morning pre-game drives to the big breakfasts and suppers. The Varty family have been spearheading the emotional wellness trend in Africa, offering multi-day wildlife wellness retreats which involve silent treks and life-coaching sessions. Beyond just a game lodge, Londolozi sees itself as a platform to restore and heal the land. With a jovial family ethos and unbelievable wildlife (you’re pretty much guaranteed to see the waddle of big beasts and furry creatures), this is one of the world’s best safari outposts. From $1,060. — Chloe Sachdev

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve Arrow

One of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition collection of retreats, this private game reserve has 21 rooms and suites spread over two lodges. At the Rock Lodge, enjoy a post-game drive cocktail with panoramic views of the Drakensberg Mountains. Just 500 meters away at the Safari Lodge, walk between treehouse-style rooms on swinging rope bridges or just watch the zebras and impala stroll by on their way to the nearby watering hole.

Molori Safari Lodge Arrow

This wildly luxurious hideaway coexists with nature to put you up-close with the Big Five—especially the elephants, lion, and rhino that roam this northwest corner of South Africa. Known for its world-renowned conservation efforts, Madikwe Game Reserve is rife with wildlife while Molori Safari Lodge packs on the five-star creature comforts; infinity pools, viewing platforms of the property’s own waterhole (plus a subterranean hide for up-close sightings), and treehouse-like suites. All are enclosed by an electric fence that means you won’t need to worry about stumbling upon any animals inside the camp. Multi-course food tastings, a venerated art collection, locally-sourced wine and spirits, an on-site spa, and highly experienced safari guides seamlessly meld opulence and the outdoors.

Lion Sands Game Reserve Arrow

Set on the banks of the Sabi River, this luxurious resort on 10,000 acres comprises four lodges and a family camp. Ivory Lodge rooms, done in ebony and ivory, have views of the reserve and its animals from private terraces with plunge pools, while the cream and beige rooms at River Lodge have freestanding tubs as well as indoor and outdoor showers. After viewing elephants and lions on open jeep drives, enjoy traditional boma dining. The unique treehouses couldn't be more romantic—lit by lanterns, candles, the stars and the moon. After a picnic dinner, settle in for a night surrounded by the safely distant sounds of hippos, hyenas, leopards, and lions.

Charlie Hobbs

Maya Silver

CNT Editors

andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve Arrow

This 70,560-acre private game reserve sits in northern KwaZulu-Natal, not far from the Indian Ocean on the east coast of South Africa, and features multiple andBeyond lodges on site: Phinda Forest Lodge, Phinda Mountain Lodge, Phinda Rock Lodge, Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Zuka Lodge, and Phinda Homestead. At Phinda Rock Lodge, expansive views of the surrounding ecosystem from all of the six suites with private plunge pools provide the perfect opportunity to view the Big Five from afar. Meals are served on an open deck—a classic way to take in sundowners and listen to the forest’s percussive sounds, like the chatter of monkeys or the chirping of red Tonga squirrels. 

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Arrow

For a long time, lodges in South Africa tended to be geared toward the Big Five . Grootbos, on the fynbos slopes near Walker Bay, south of Cape Town , is different. This 6,177-acre private reserve is about treasuring the smaller, finer things. With 889 plant species, seven of which are newly discovered, it is first and foremost a rare botanical treasure trove, in which owner Michael Lutzeyer has employed some of the Cape’s leading botanists and entomologists. The lodges are glassy and contemporary, but there’s a constant call outdoors—from the outside showers to tracking elusive aardvark and Cape leopard, or having lantern-lit dinners in a 1,000-year-old milkwood forest, all fairy-tale tangles. You can ride horses across the sands, past ancient sea caves; go on flower safaris, tree-planting expeditions, and whale-watching flights to see the calving Southern right whales that migrate inshore between July and December. Most of the food on the carbon-negative reserve is grown on site, and nothing comes from more than 30 miles away, with many of the staff graduates of the in-house hospitality academy. But the main takeaway of Grootbos is that just stopping and looking—at the interconnectedness and mad beauty of life—is the most mesmerizing thing of all. 

Lepogo Lodges, Noka Camp Arrow

Morukuru Family, Madikwe Game Reserve Arrow

The Big Five is the big draw across the continent, but at this family-friendly lodge on South Africa's fifth largest game reserve, you'll spot the Magnificent Seven—adding cheetah and African wild dog (an insider favorite for their strategic hunting abilities) as well hippo, rhino, prides of lions and the rest. It's a fittingly spectacular viewing lined up alongside the camp's equally spectacular accommodations: three free-standing luxury villas, each uniquely designed. (Think lots of raw blond woods in the Farm House; stone fireplaces and sink-into-'em couches over at the River House; and a staff of eight, plus an infinity pool and African artwork at the Owner's Home). And unlike many of the lodges across the region, Wi-Fi here is fast and available everywhere, meaning your 13-year-old won't have to wait until she's back in Johannesburg airport to upload her shot of leopard cubs to Instagram.

Kapama Karula Arrow

Morukuru Family, De Hoop Reserve Arrow

Say you're more of a beach bum than a safari enthusiast—don't worry, South Africa still has you covered. Head to the intimate five-suite Morukuru Family Beach Lodge or the nearby four-bedroom Morukuru Family Ocean House , about three hours east of Cape Town on the shore of the Indian Ocean. There are white sand beaches, of course, but also access to the De Hoop Nature Reserve with its zebra and bontebok and protected marine area. You can simply chill on the beach or by the lodge's pool, but we'd suggest letting Morukuru's friendly, attentive staff fill your day with game drives through the reserve, mountain biking, sandboarding, snorkeling, and more. Plan your trip during South Africa's winter (July-October) for prime southern white whale watching from shore, from the lodge's restaurant, and even from your bed. 

Samara Private Game Reserve Arrow

Tswalu Kalahari Arrow

andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge & Tented Camp Arrow

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat Arrow

Located on 18,500 acres in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, this reserve offers light-filled contemporary rooms, a heated pool, a fitness center, and a spa. Meals at Makana draw from native fynbos herbs and local meat, and guests’ stays are elevated by the spirit and insight of an affable staff who happily share their culture and history. The reserve also serves as custodian to the 130 rock art sites, some that date back 10,000 years—guided tours are offered earlier. For those looking to get out into the bush and see the region’s flora, fauna, and awe-inspiring geology up-close, there are hiking trails (of varying difficulty) on the reserve, as well as opportunities for canoeing and fly-fishing at the dams on the property.

Marataba Luxury Lodges Arrow

The lodge hosts 15 canvas-and-stone Tented Suites, each kitted in rich fabrics and niceties such as a complimentary minibar, air conditioning, a roll top bath and an indoor and outdoor shower. Like the communal areas, the tent’s contemporary yet earthy look is a refreshing departure from the overdone ‘Out of Africa’ trope seen in other safari accommodations. If you’re lucky, you might be able to view wildlife activity right in front of your wraparound private deck. Options to relax outside of your tent here include a communal pool with loungers, hammocks amongst the trees and a library with plush brown leather sofas; alternatively, book an in-room spa treatment on your deck and zone out to sounds of the birds and the breeze. For those wanting alternatives for Big Five excursions beyond vehicle drives, Marataba offers a walking safari and a must-do water safari.

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Top 14 Safari Lodges In Kenya 2023

Kenya is one of the most renown countries for an African safari – best known for the Great Migration and the Maasai Mara National Park, it has other amazing game parks including the Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park. Kenya is also home to Mount Kenya which can be found in the Mount Kenya National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Safaris in Kenya consist of a guided excursion, either by safri vehicle or on foot. Professional guides will lead you through the parks, pointing out animals and plants explaining the various relationships between the animals and their habitats. You might even be able to take a hot air balloon flight over a park to get a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife below.

A safari in Kenya allows you to explore the local culture as well as view beautiful wildlife. Many safaris include trips to Maasai settlements, where you can learn about these legendary warriors and cattle herders’ traditional way of life.

When deciding where to stay on a Safari in Kenya it is important to consider which areas you want to visit and the kind of experiences you wish to have.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a wildlife reserve in southwestern Kenya that borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The reserve is named after the Maasai people who live in the area and comprises 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles).

The Maasai Mara is famous for its spectacular wildlife, and it is regarded as one of the greatest places in Africa to observe the “Big Five” – elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Many other species live there, including cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and many varieties of antelope.

The reserve is well-known for its annual wildebeest migration, which occurs from July to October each year known as the Great Migration. Millions of wildebeests, zebras, and antelope migrate from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara at this time in search of fresh grazing and water. The migration is a breathtaking spectacle that draws thousands of people each year.

Cultural activities are also a fantastic highlight of visiting the Maasai Mara. Visitors can experience how the Maasai live during a cultural tour, including their traditional home, diet, and everyday activities. Students can also learn about the Maasai’s close relationship with cattle, which are seen as a sign of prosperity and prestige.

Traditional Maasai activities such as spear throwing, leaping competitions, and dancing are also available to visitors. These activities, which are accompanied by singing and chanting, offer a unique glimpse into the Maasai’s rich cultural legacy.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is well-known for its vast elephant herds, which can be viewed throughout the park. Other wildlife species found there include lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of birds.

The sight of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, is one of the delights of Amboseli National Park. On clear days, visitors may view the mountain’s snow-capped peak towering over the park’s plains. The combination of wildlife and mountain views creates an amazing experience.

Visitors to Amboseli can enjoy a variety of activities such as game drives, guided nature walks, and bird watching. Photographers visit the park to capture the breathtaking beauty and wildlife on film.

You can also take part in cultural tours from the Amboseli National Park.

Tsavo National Park

Mzima Springs, a series of natural springs that provides fresh water to the park’s wildlife, is one of Tsavo National Park’s highlights. Visitors to the springs can take a guided tour and see the crystal-clear water as well as the hippos, crocodiles, and other creatures that reside there.

Tsavo is also known for its breathtaking landscape, which includes rough hills, vast plains, and volcanic landscapes. The landscapes of the park make for a spectacular backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography.

Tsavo National Park visitors can engage in a variety of activities such as game drives, guided nature walks, and bird viewing. The park also includes a tour to a typical Maasai village where visitors may learn about their culture and way of life.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is located in central Kenya, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Nairobi. It is named after the alkaline lake that dominates the park and has an area of 188 square kilometers (73 square miles).

Lake Nakuru National Park is well-known for its diverse birdlife, particularly its resident flamingo population. Millions of flamingos live in the lake and feed on the algae that blooms in the alkaline water. Other bird species that can be found in the park include pelicans, cormorants, and storks.

Our Top 14 Luxury Safari Lodges In Kenya

There are a number of fantastic luxury safari lodges in Kenya, each lodge offers its own unique experiences, tastes and style. Here are our top 14 lodges to stay at while on safari in Kenya.

1. Angama Mara

Angama Mara is perched on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding plains.

The lodge is divided into two camps, each with 15 luxurious tented suites. The tents are fashioned in a classic safari style with modern facilities and are designed to optimize the views.

Angama Mara is inspired by the Swahili phrase that means “suspended in mid-air.” Angama Mara is a spectacular safari lodge overlooking Kenya’s Maasai Mara, regarded by many to be the most beautiful game reserve on the continent.

The lodge is divided into two camps, each with 15 luxurious tented suites. The tents are fashioned in a classic safari style with modern facilities and are designed to optimize the views. The lodge also has a private airfield with access to the Mara below, tailor-made safari days, and a notably warm Kenyan welcome.

Angama Safari Camp, an exclusive-use movable tented camp located deep in the Mara Triangle and amidst the giant herds during the Great Migration, complements the lodge superbly.

2. Mara Plains Camp

Mara Plains Camp is a luxury tented camp in Kenya’s Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp provides a luxurious safari experience with first-rate service and amenities.

The camp is made up of seven luxury tents, each with its own balcony and en-suite bathroom. The tents are decorated in an exquisite, safari-style with modern facilities and are designed to fit into the surrounding nature.

Mara Plains Camp is well-known for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. In addition, the camp provides a variety of activities such as game drives, guided hikes, and cultural trips to Maasai villages.

No other Maasai Mara camp provides the enormous traversing area that Mara Plains Camp does, with access to 40,000 hectares of private conservancy land and the world-renowned Maasai Mara, home of the Great Migration.

3. Porini Lion Camp

Porini Lion Camp is a luxury safari camp in Kenya’s Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp is located in a private conservancy, making for a more private and intimate safari experience.

The camp is made up of ten spacious and exquisite tents, each with its own private veranda and bathroom. The tents are designed to blend in with the surrounding wilderness and have solar-powered lights and hot water.

While picking your Maasai Mara Hotel, avoid the tourist hotspots and go for a more authentic safari experience. The award-winning, eco-friendly Porini Lion Camp provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to go on guided walks with Maasai Warriors and enjoy day and night safari game drives within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy.

4. Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is a safari camp located in central Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The camp provides a one-of-a-kind and authentic safari experience, with an emphasis on sustainable tourism and conservation. Ol Pejeta is located in Laikipia County in central Kenya, overlooking the ragged slopes of Mount Kenya. The environment varies from wetlands and savannah to acacia and yellow-green fever tree thickets.

The camp is made up of six luxurious tents, each with its own bathroom and balcony. The tents are designed to fit with the surrounding bush, providing a private and personal safari experience.

The conservancy is noted for its innovative conservation activities, such as efforts to protect and conserve endangered species such as the northern white rhino.

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is open June – April and closed in May, and it welcomes families and children of all ages.

5. Ol Seki Hemingways Mara

The Ol Seki Hemingways Mara is in the Naboisho Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara Reserve. The conservancy restricts access to clients staying in the region and provides an extremely exclusive safari experience. The lodge is made up of nine exclusive tents that provide amazing views as well as the best Kenyan hospitality anyone could ask for. There is no such thing as a typical day in Ol Seki Hemingways Mara. The lodge is tiny and attempts to personalize every day to your preferences, making your time in the Mara an unforgettable safari encounter.

In the Maasai Mara, wildlife is abundant all year, and game viewing is feasible at any time. The weather and accessibility of particular regions, however, vary according on the rains, which often arrive between May and June and in November.

6. Mara Nyika Camp

Mara Nyika Camp, which means “Great Plains,” is an intimate Great Plains Conservation Réserve-Collection safari tented camp nestled in a valley and is an ideal setting for your Kenya safari. The camp is hidden beneath the treetop canopy on the western edge of the Naboisho Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara.

All of the suites provide guests with breathtaking views of the plains. The walkways connecting the guest suites to the main area have the feel of a treehouse under canvas. The ethos and motivation of the camp are one of exploration and adventure. Mara Nyika Camp values privacy. Privacy to live, think, explore, be passionate, and be pampered – all with one of Africa’s most magnificent landscapes.

7. Saruni Mara Camp

Saruni Mara is a luxury safari lodge in Kenya’s Lemek Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The lodge provides a luxurious safari experience with first-rate service and amenities.

Each of the lodge’s six exquisite suites and one family home has a private veranda and an en-suite toilet. The cottages are decorated in a contemporary African style with modern conveniences and are designed to integrate with the surrounding nature.

Saruni Mara is well-known for its excellent wildlife viewing chances, especially for big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. In addition, the resort provides a variety of activities such as game drives, guided walks, and cultural trips to Maasai settlements.

8. Sasaab Lodge

Sasaab’s architecture, perched on the edge of a river valley, combines Swahili and Moroccan design principles, with the African heat as the key issue. Each of the nine canvas-sided rooms exceeds 100m2, with private plunge pools and breathtaking views across the Laikipia Plateau and Mount Kenya’s jagged peaks. Its elevated position over the river allows it to observe the elephant herds that come to bathe below, as well as a variety of other animals.

Sasaab Lodge is well-known for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, notably for Samburu-specific species such as the gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, and Grevy’s zebra. In addition, the lodge provides a variety of activities such as game drives, guided walks, and cultural trips to surrounding Samburu villages.

9. Ololo Safari Lodge

A small safari lodge on the outskirts of Nairobi National Park in Kenya. The warmth and comfort of a home are combined with seamless style and personalized care at Ololo Safari Lodge. Ololo, a historic Kenyan homestead that has been turned into a modest lodge, is wonderfully positioned on the lovely banks of the Mbagathi River, which forms the Nairobi National Park’s southern border.

The resort is only a 45-minute drive through the park from Nairobi and both major airports, but its remote position feels a world apart. Ololo brings you the pleasures of excellent ‘paddock to plate’ fresh food. Our established and isolated gardens allow guests to settle in and enjoy a one-of-a-kind safari experience.

10. Finch Hattons

Finch Hattons is a luxurious tented camp in Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park. Denys Finch Hatton, a great big-game hunter and explorer who was famously linked with Karen Blixen, the author of Out of Africa, inspired the camp’s name.

The camp has 17 beautiful tented suites, each with its own private veranda and shower. The tents are fashioned in a classic safari style with modern comforts and are designed to fit into the surrounding wilderness.

Finch Hattons is well-known for its outstanding service and customized attention to visitors.

11. Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge in Tsavo West National Park is a tranquil, hushed, and cool refuge framed by Mount Kilimanjaro and the rolling, volcanic landscapes of the deep green Chyulu Hills. It immerses you in stunning beauty and exhilarating adventures while surrounding you with every modern comfort. Our classic stone style enchants arriving guests, as do views of elephants, buffalo, and other plains animals drinking and cooling off in our water hole.

Tsavo West National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and other antelope species. The park is also famous for its breathtaking scenery, which includes spectacular hills, volcanic cones, and the Mzima Springs.

12. Elewana Tortilis Camp

Tortilis Camp is a luxury safari camp in southern Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. The camp is located on a hill overlooking the park, with breathtaking views of the surrounding environment and Mount Kilimanjaro.

The camp is made up of 16 spacious and exquisite tents, each with its own private veranda and shower. The tents are fashioned in a classic safari style with modern comforts and are designed to blend into the surrounding nature.

Tortilis Camp is named after the Acacia Tortilis, a flat-topped umbrella thorn tree, and embraces a hill in one of Amboseli’s Acacia Tortilis woodland regions. Situated in a private conservancy abutting the national park, guests can enjoy wildlife drives, walks, sundowners, and bush lunches both inside and outside the national park.

13. Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge was designed for those with an African dream and a desire for adventure. The safari lodge offers an elegant blend of stark beauty and sumptuous comfort in the heart of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, with Mount Kilimanjaro standing majestically just beyond the golden, acacia-specked grassland.

The two-bedroom family rooms features a bedroom with one king bed, a second bedroom with two twin beds, a common bathroom, and a private terrace overlooking the spectacular grasslands of Amboseli National Park.

14. Porini Amboseli Camp

Porini Amboseli Camp is an eco-friendly safari camp in southern Kenya’s Selenkay Conservation Area, next to the Amboseli National Park. The camp is located in a private conservancy, making for a more private and intimate safari experience.

The camp is made up of nine spacious and exquisite tents, each with its own own veranda and shower. The tents are designed to blend in with the surrounding wilderness and have solar-powered lights and hot water.

Contact Secret Africa

+27 21 204 6073

Email: [email protected]

Address: Workshop17, 17 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8005

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Animals Around the Globe

10 Best African Countries for Safari

Posted: December 19, 2023 | Last updated: December 19, 2023

#1 Botswana

Recommended Tours:

Thus, poachers are seen as enemies of the people. As a result, Botswana has come into view as Africa's most sought-after ecotourism destination. Starting from the Chobe National Park to the Moremi Nature Reserve, you'll be able to witness numerous gems all around the country.

Back in 2014, Botswana widely banned the hunting of wild animals and implemented strict laws which are still in practice. The country resumes its zero-tolerance for poaching and their very own environmental minister, Tshekedi Khama, has even launched a shoot-to-kill policy for poachers.

Botswana, with its wildlife conservation and natural parks, is a haven for nature lovers. It is currently in the top 5, as its approach to the protection and conservation of wildlife is worth the praise. As a country, it is very forward-thinking, some may even call it aggressively forward-thinking when it comes to its preservation and anti-poaching laws.

Its fertile land provides a safe and comforting home to around 200 mammal species. This includes elephants, hippos, monkeys and so much more. Along with 650 bird species and 5,500 plants. Even though the country is still underdeveloped and most of the population live in rural households, its national parks, and sight-seeing destinations are on the top 10 of our lists.

Even though many would face some difficulties in locating Malawi on a map, given how tiny it is, the country is home to the world-renowned Lake Malawi National Park. This is practically one-third of the country and is the most biodiverse lake in the world.

Most of the land in Namibia is occupied by the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. Along with that, the country also has 12 national parks and many other areas which are protected. So, if you go there for a safari, you'll have many rich areas to see and explore.

When it comes to countries with the least amount of population, Namibia is one of them. Which proves to be a good thing for nature. This is because most of the land in Namibia is still unspoiled by human filth or any sort of development, giving nature a chance to breathe.

In the country's Volcanoes National Park, you'll find 10 habituated gorilla families. Groups of 8 trekkers can visit them for one hour per day. But that's enough to get the best African safari experience. And as a nature lover, you'll enjoy the experience to the max.

If you've been around for some time, you'll be familiar with Rwanda's mountain gorillas. They were famously broadcasted and their fight for survival was shown on  National Geographic . This was all thanks to the late  Dian Fossey  back in the 1970s who advocated for the rights of these mountain gorillas throughout her life.

Considering the tragic history surrounding the mass genocide of the people of Rwanda back in 1994, it's truly a blessing what the country has achieved in the past 25 years. There have been countless investments in infrastructure. This has resulted in the country being a very fast-growing destination for ecotourism.

#6 South Africa

But given all the advantages, it's safe to conclude that South Africa also suffers from over-tourism. I mean, if you have so many great attractions, people will flock towards it. Chances are that you'll find yourself in the middle of dozens of unruly visitors who are not too keen on obeying the rules. This occurs mostly during the peak seasons.

Annually, the country has one million visitors. Its biggest attraction is the Kruger National Park with its enrichment in biodiversity. Visitors there also have the liberty to self-drive, thus, getting a first-person private but superb experience. 

For some time now, South Africa has been climbing the charts to become one of the most popular destinations for African safaris. Given its location, South Africa is a very convenient and cheap destination for people from the United States. Besides that, the country also boasts a well-developed infrastructure which makes it perfect for luxury travelers as well.

#7 Tanzania

One of the most popular locations would be the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The country is also a haven for 1100 different bird species. It's no wonder that Tanzania gets this much rep. Especially when the country boasts so many wonders.

We talked about Kenya being the top destination for Safari. Now Tanzania here takes second place in being the continent's most popular safari destination. And why shouldn't it? The country has 16 national parks and an extraordinary amount of wealth and wildlife wonders for the people to witness.

Some of its natural attractions include housing the highest mountain range in Africa. It also has the world's largest free-standing volcano and the second-largest freshwater lake. With its 30 national parks and other wildlife reserves, Uganda boasts many more sanctuaries which are worth the visit. Especially if you're a lover of nature and wildlife.

Often called "The Pearl of Africa", Uganda is certainly a great pick for an African safari. Its reputation as being one of the best ecotourism destinations comes from the country's natural attractions and wildlife.

Out of its 20 national parks, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to many wildlife animals such as African elephants, Angolan giraffes, Cape buffalo, etc. Other than that, there are many private ownerships of National parks, notably the Kasanka National Park which is near the basin of Lake Bangweulu. It's a safe place where visitors can see 400 different avian species.

Zambia may be a bit far down the list of popular destinations for your African safari, but many consider it to be a destination for diversified and immersive safari experiences, and making a notable feature on our 10 Best African Countries for Safari guide. The country is steadily focusing on conservation as their president has shown a keen interest and is working on building the nation's economy as well as the infrastructure.

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I paid $1,600 to stay at a lodge at Parc Omega, where wolves come right up to your window

• My friends and I paid $1,600 to stay at a wolf lodge at Parc Omega, a safari park in Quebec, Canada.
• The lodges had panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows to watch wolves in their forest habitats.
• We thought the experience was well worth the money, especially since we had access to the trails.

This year, more and more people are prioritizing spending money on trips instead of going out with friends — and, with that, visiting dream destinations and soaking in one-of-a-kind experiences are top of mind.

A few years ago, I saw a video of people on a vacation I knew would be worth adding to my own bucket list . This video showed people staying in a lodge at Parc Omega as beautiful Canadian gray wolves walked past floor-to-ceiling windows.

I knew my friends and I had to visit a wolf lodge for ourselves, and this past winter, we finally got to go. Here's what our $1,600 stay at Parc Omega was like.

I booked my trip to Parc Omega several months in advance.

Before I booked a lodge, I regularly checked the cabin availability on Parc Omega's reservation page. I didn't have any specific dates in mind, but knew I wanted a two-night stay during the winter months.

Finally, in May 2023, a two-night stay for February 2024 opened up. I eagerly booked a cabin with two of my friends.

The lodge was expensive, but I split the cost with my friends.

The total for a two-night stay with taxes and fees was $2,160 CAD, or about $1,600 USD, which I split with two friends.

When I booked, I noticed prices for the wolf cabins started at $570 CAD per night. The rates seemed to fluctuate depending on demand and season.

We could choose from a cabin, lodge, or chalet. Since we weren't sure if more friends would join us, we chose a lodge that could house up to six people.

My friends and I flew to Ottawa and drove to Parc Omega.

The drive from Ottawa to Montebello, Quebec, was about an hour long, but we arrived just in time for the 4 p.m. check-in. When we entered the park, we drove to the check-in cabin, which was located near the entrance.

A receptionist handed us maps of the lodges and the whole park, told us we'd be staying in the Artique Lodge, and gave us directions to our housing unit.

Our lodge was one of four houses located near a 13-member wolf pack's protected forest habitat.

Our lodge was located near a 13-member-wolf-pack habitat. At check-in, the staff explained we'd see different wolf behaviors dependent on the season.

For example, they said in the spring, parkgoers may see wolf pups emerging from the den with their mother.

There were a few safety precautions in place.

At check-in, a staff member gave us an emergency number and reminded us not to feed the wolves. A very tall fence also separated the wolf habitat from the lodge's yards and patios, so the animals couldn't get to the parkgoers.

We also couldn't open the windows overlooking the wolves' habitat.

We saw the wolves as soon as we walked through the lodge's doors.

We saw beautiful Canadian gray wolves standing at our floor-to-ceiling window when we entered the lodge .

We immediately sat on the floor, pressed our noses against the glass, and forgot about unpacking the car and putting groceries in the fridge.

I felt so lucky to see the wolves greeting us as new guests. Some of them even started howling, which gave all of us goosebumps.

We watched the wolves through the window for hours.

Eventually, my friends and I put a few blankets and pillows on the floor to get cozy as we watched the majestic animals .

The wolves howled well into the night, which felt magical during the snowfall.

The wolves were a highlight of the trip, but the Artique Lodge was really nice, too.

I thought the Artique Lodge was large enough to fit six people comfortably.

The kitchen had a fridge, stove, microwave, Nespresso machine, and plenty of cookware and utensils. There were two sofas and a coffee table in the living room, four beds around the lodge, and a bathroom on the ground floor.

We also enjoyed an outdoor fire pit with a cooking grate and a seating area.

We enjoyed breakfast alongside the wolves.

The next morning, we cooked breakfast and enjoyed our meals as the wolves fought over their own food in front of us.

I loved watching the wolves play with each other.

We continued to watch the wolves sleep, fight, howl, play, and roam around their habitat. I loved observing their behaviors, which I imagine are similar to wolves in the wild.

We also drove along Parc Omega's trail.

Parc Omega offers a large wildlife safari park with about 20 animal species, including moose, caribou, arctic foxes, and bison. As lodge guests, we had free access to the park.

People not staying at Parc Omega's accommodations can access the wildlife safari with a ticket, which costs about $44 CAD.

With the help of the park map we received at check-in, we drove along the 7 ½-mile marked path, which took about an hour and a half. It was an amazing, lively drive as the deer, moose, and caribou approached our car so we could feed them carrots.

Overall, staying at a lodge at Parc Omega was worth the money.

The wolf lodges at Parc Omega were a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

I loved how the lodge's panoramic floor-to-ceiling bay windows allowed us to be so close to the wolves. I felt like I was living in a fantasy novel.

Although it was an expensive trip for me, I thought the unique excursion was a great value, especially since we had access to the park trails. I'm ecstatic I crossed the wolf lodges off my bucket list.

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Vote for your favorite luxury rv resort!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

A stay at these 20 luxury RV resorts, nominated by an expert panel as the best in the U.S, gives you the best of both worlds — the comforts of your own RV with the amenities of a five-star resort. The perks go far beyond full hookups and Wi-Fi; many include extras like swimming pools, movie theaters, tennis courts, private docks, and full-service spas.  Which luxury RV resort would you most like to visit? Vote for your favorite once per day until voting ends on Monday, May 6 at noon ET. We'll announce the 10 winners on Wednesday, May 15.  Read the official Readers' Choice rules .

A stay at these 20 luxury RV resorts, nominated by an expert panel as the best in the U.S, gives you the best of both worlds — the comforts of your own RV with the amenities of a five-star resort. The perks go far...   Read More

Best Luxury RV Resort Nominees

Photo courtesy of Denise Barlock

Bluewater Key RV Resort

Key West, Florida

Bluewater Key RV Resort in Key West welcomes RVers with near-perfect weather throughout the year, easy access to nearby attractions and golf courses, and stellar amenities. Enjoy conveniences like a temperature-controlled swimming pool, private tropical tiki huts, a dog park, clubhouse, private docks, and high-speed fiber internet.

Photo courtesy of Camp Fimfo

Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country

New Braunfels, Texas

Located in scenic Texas Hill Country, Camp Fimfo aptly describes itself as “a Texas-sized retreat on the Guadalupe River," with 1,000 feet of river frontage. The luxury campsite is family friendly and has monthly rates for those who want to make it a real home away from home. Some on-site amenities include a heated pool, water playground, hot tubs, mini golf, waterslides, and pickleball courts.

Photo courtesy of Matt Theriault

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Cabana Cabins

Auburndale, Florida

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort invites guests to “get into the island state of mind” in central Florida. Located conveniently between Orlando and Tampa, their oversized sites have plenty of room to accommodate all RV sizes and include full hookups, free Wi-Fi and cable access, a charcoal grill, and a picnic table. Each week, the resort features live music and entertainment with delicious food trucks and fun activities for all family members.

Photo courtesy of Disney

The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Orlando, Florida

Equipped with 750 acres of lush Sunshine State land, The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are perfect for a little relaxation in between hitting the parks. While wildlife and walking trails abound across the area, guests can also take advantage of the archery classes, canoeing sessions, and on-site pool complete with a lengthy waterslide.

Photo courtesy of Vima Productions

Dark Sky RV Campground

Kanab, Utah

A paradise for astronomy aficionados, Dark Sky RV Campground offers a spectacular perspective on the scenic Utah city of Kanab. In addition to amenities like private bathroom suites and an outdoor kitchen complete with a grill, the site offers 40 acres of pristine land that are almost totally free of light pollution, providing the perfect opportunity for stargazing on clear nights.

Photo courtesy of Austin Marvel

Firefly Resort

Fredericksburg, Texas

During a lengthy journey across Texas Hill Country, Firefly Resort serves as the perfect base for a few days of relaxation. While the massive two-tiered pool complex serves as its centerpiece, there's a wealth of other amenities to enjoy during a stay, with options spanning from a bookable private chef experience to a playground for younger guests to enjoy.

Photo courtesy of Drazen Zigic / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground

Buellton, California

Fire pits, massive pools, and a sprawling playground are just a few of the amenities that await guests at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, a lauded property in the heart of Santa Ynez wine country. Visitors can swing by on-property dining venue Feather & Fire for some ultra-flavorful pizza, and any canine pals can enjoy the dog park.

Photo courtesy of skynesher / E+ Getty Images

Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head is renowned for its incredible golf courses, but there's a lot more to do across the island than just hit the driving range. For those who prefer to stay in, the on-property spa tub, pool, and gym are all top spots, while bike rentals and outdoor pickleball and tennis courts are available for anyone in need of some fresh air.

Photo courtesy of Nena Quick

Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas Motorcoach (LVM) Resort offers Class A Motorcoach facilities across 41 acres in the heart of Las Vegas. Some 400 landscaped sites are shaded with more than 1,000 palm trees, while amenities include a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, resort-style swimming pools, a spa, pickleball courts, and a fitness center.

Photo courtesy of Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Townsend, Tennessee

Located on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is a top spot for basking in the verdant beauty of Appalachia. Incredible hiking opportunities abound all around the site, while activities like bingo and trivia are perfect for befriending fellow travelers — and to sweeten the deal, spa services can be booked for guests as well.

Photo courtesy of Irina Velichkina / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Luxury RV Resort

Gulf Shores, Alabama

The southern shores of Alabama are renowned for their idyllic beauty, and Luxury RV Resort is perfectly equipped to showcase its wonders. Beyond the 97 RV sites scattered across the property, visitors can play a few rounds of cornhole or shuffleboard, use the kitchen in the on-site clubhouse, or do a few loads of laundry after a long day lounging at the beach.

Photo courtesy of Motorcoach Country Club

Motorcoach Country Club

Indio, California

The Motorcoach Country Club in the Palm Springs area features scenic beauty and the amenities of a five-star resort. Regular activities and events — like bocce ball tournaments, billiards nights, pickleball, and golf outings — keep the community active and engaged.

Photo courtesy of Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort

Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort

Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort, located in the mountains of western North Carolina, gives visitors easy access to Lake Toxaway and the surrounding waterfalls, lakes, streams, and parklands. On-site amenities include pickleball courts, bocce ball, a fitness facility, two swimming pools, and a dog park.

Photo courtesy of Naples Motorcoach Resort

Naples Motorcoach Resort

Naples, Florida

The Naples Motorcoach Resort is one of the only motorcoach resorts with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Features like a large infinity pool, spa, fitness center, dog park, private theater, two card rooms, and outdoor pickleball courts lend the feeling of a five-star resort.

Photo courtesy of Kristine Daniels

Normandy Farms

Foxboro, Massachusetts

Normandy Farms, deep in the woods between Boston and Cape Cod, has been serving RVers since 1971. Facilities include a bike park, creative arts center, disc golf course, dog park, fitness center, playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a wellness center.

Photo courtesy of welcomia // Getty Images

Resort at Canopy Oaks

Lake Wales, Florida

Featuring 200 acres of green space, Resort at Canopy Oaks hosts five styles of RV sites, including waterfront, premium, and platinum. All sites come with concrete pads, full hookups, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Visitors can enjoy amenities like a resort-style pool, pickleball courts, clubhouse, tiki bar, and an on-site pizza and sandwich shop.

Photo courtesy of Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Holiday

Summerland Key, Florida

For visitors exploring the beauty of the Florida Keys via RV, Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Holiday offers particularly lavish accommodations. Rental boats, paddleboards, and kayaks are available for guests who want to explore the sparkling shores, while those who prefer to stay inland can hop on a rental bike or spend their time lounging by the property's pool.

Photo courtesy of Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains

Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains

Granby, Colorado

Kayaking, bowling, and gold panning are just a few of the activities available for guests at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains, a sprawling RV camping site in Colorado's Grand County. During the warmer months, guests can take full advantage of the rushing Colorado River with fly-fishing and bocce ball, while skiing is a top activity for visitors during the winter.

Photo courtesy of The Waves Signature RV Resort

The Waves RV Resort

The Waves RV Resort offers guests easy access to the Gulf Cost’s nearby white sand beaches. As a 55+ active lifestyle resort, the gated, 56-acre RV destination has amenities like a clubhouse, a fitness center, billiard room, and a tiki lounge with fire pits. Lakefront RV sites offer full hookups with cable and Wi-Fi.

Photo courtesy of SeventyFour // Getty Images

Winding River Resort

Grand Lake, Colorado

Just west of Rocky Mountain National Park, Winding River Resort highlights the spectacular beauty of the Centennial State at its best. All throughout the year, RV owners arrive in droves to take advantage of the massive array of outdoor activities, with fishing, hiking, farm visits, snowmobiling, and horseback trail rides all available for guests.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Chez chesak.

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50...   Read More

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at [email protected].

Jenny Peters

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los...   Read More

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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