After residing in Africa for nearly a 12 months now, I’ve had my justifiable share of safari lodges and experiences. However given safari is such a magical expertise, each time I can I maintain going again for extra. Through the years I’ve stayed at too many stunning lodges to depend, however like something, I’ve my favourites! So these are the most effective safari lodges in Africa, tried and examined by yours actually.
Put up up to date Could 2023
1. San Camp, Botswana
I’ll begin with my favorite camp in all of Africa – San Camp in Botswana. Whereas it’s far out of your peculiar safari camp, I personally suppose that’s what makes it so particular. Whilst you gained’t discover the massive 5 right here within the Kalahari desert, this camp hones in on the smaller creatures discovered within the desert. However greater than that, it’s about actually disconnecting out of your common life and tuning in to your current. There’s no wifi or electrical energy within the tents, however there are many alternatives to attach with nature.
2. Sandibe, Botswana
My second favorite lodge in Botswana goes by the identify of Sandibe. That is the crowning jewel of AndBeyond’s Botswana portfolio, the place they’ve plenty of camps within the Okavango Delta and past. Sandibe is the most costly camp from AndBeyond’s portfolio in Botswana, however it’s also probably the most magical. In the event you’re in search of a singular honeymoon location, that is your greatest wager.
3. Sossusvlei Lodge, Namibia
Final 12 months I lastly had the possibility to go to Namibia. Being primarily based in South Africa subsequent door has given me many extra excuses to get on the market and expertise extra of Africa. Once we ventured North to Namibia, we checked in to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. This lodge has not too long ago been refurbished from high to backside and the outcomes are merely breathtaking. Waking up within the desert is a luxurious I’ll definitely not neglect on this lifetime.
Learn extra: The 12 most isolated lodges in Africa
4. Boulders Lodge, South Africa
Boulders Lodge in South Africa was not my first lodge expertise on this nation, nevertheless it definitely was my favorite! I’ll always remember sitting out on my deck as I seen a younger elephant consuming from my pool and popping over to say hi there! I’ve since discovered this can be a common prevalence on the lodge, so in case you are in search of shut animal encounters, this can be a nice lodge to remain in your safari.
5. Cottars Safari Camp, Kenya
Once I checked in to Cottars Safari Camp in Kenya, I felt as if I had stepped again in time. The 1920’s safari camp is likely one of the oldest on provide and it’s idyllically situated on the perimeter of the Maasai Mara. As a result of the park itself is inundated with safari goers, this can be a nice various to expertise extra serenity however nonetheless stay in shut proximity to the park.
6. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
Okay, I’m saying it: Mnemba Island is my favorite lodge in all of Africa. Whereas it isn’t a conventional safari lodge, it nonetheless deserves a spot on this listing. With simply twelve rooms situated on a non-public island off the coast of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is the last word in barefoot luxurious.
7. Angama Mara, Kenya
Angama Mara is often thought-about the most effective safari lodge in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This newly opened lodge got here to the safari scene with a lot reward, significantly in celebration of the distinctive location this lodge occupies overlooking the Mara. In the event you’re in search of a honeymoon location with views for days, that is your greatest wager in East Africa.
8. Bush Villa, Kenya
Though the Bush Villa falls below the umbrella of Cottar’s Safari Camp, I feel it’s worthy of a point out of its personal. This gloriously outsized villa is the proper alternative for big households or large teams to get pleasure from their very own personal oasis. The villa is sprawled out above Cottar’s Safari Camp, overlooking the Maasai Mara under. Even Angelina Jolie has been a visitor of the Bush Villa!
9. Serengeti Home, Tanzania
Serengeti Home in Tanzania is the highest property in Singita’s safari portfolio. This personal villa boasts 4 bedrooms, an infinity swimming pool and a non-public health club. The villa additionally comes with a non-public chef, so you’ll be able to actually sit back and revel in some alone time along with your group.
10. Royal Malewane, South Africa
Once I checked in to Royal Malewane just a few years in the past I had already visited a handful of close by camps. However Royal Malewane has its personal attraction, with a singular inside design that makes you’re feeling as you probably have stepped again in time. You’ll want to go to the day spa the place you will see that this stunning lap pool paying homage to a Moroccan riad.
11. And Past Bateleur Camp
Throughout my time in East Africa, I feel it’s protected to say Bateleur Camp was my favorite safari lodge. This newly refurbished lodge is the proper mixture of outdated meets new, with all of the basic touches however all of the mod cons to go together with it. The service right here was unparalleled to another camp I stayed at in Kenya.
12. Botswana Sky Beds
For an unforgettable evening within the bush, verify your self into Botswana Skybeds. The sky beds are situated a brief drive from close by Sable Alley, making it the proper addition to essentially immerse your self within the bush. The sky beds are situated up a 3 story tree home, that means you’re as shut as doable to the animal exercise all through the evening! This isn’t solely among the finest safari lodges in Africa but in addition some of the adventurous.
13. Singita Sweni, South Africa
Singita Sweni was one of many first safari lodges I ever stayed at, however that doesn’t imply I’ve forgotten about it! My expertise at this lodge was so memorable, it’s eternally engrained in my thoughts. Singita actually go above and past for his or her company, offering gastronomic meals and unbeatable service. They’ve just a few lodges within the space, however Singita Sweni is my private favorite.
14. Sable Alley, Botswana
Sable Alley is likely one of the well-liked selections of safari camps in Botswana. Whereas Botswana is likely one of the costliest nations to go to for a safari journey, this camp is extra on the reasonably priced finish of the size. If you’re in search of a particular escape with out the hefty price ticket, this camp is reasonably priced.
Learn extra: The Best Animal Encounters in Africa
15. Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Rwanda has change into probably the most wanted nation to go to in Africa. Over latest years it has sky rocketed in reputation, principally due to the inhabitants of mountain gorillas which have drawn 1000’s of vacationers to the landlocked nation. Bisate Lodge is likely one of the most iconic lodges within the nation, with their artistic beehive like design.
16. Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
Zambia and Zimbabwe are each thought-about the gateway to Victoria Falls, however in case you are in search of one thing further particular then check out Thorntree River Lodge. This peaceable and serene lodge is the epitome of romance, set on the calm banks of the Zambezi river. There is no such thing as a denying this is likely one of the greatest safari lodges in Africa, as it’s definitely our best choice for probably the most romantic.
17. Ngorongoro Lodge, Tanzania
East Africa is the place you must go to in case you are in search of the long-lasting “Out of Africa” expertise. Ngorongoro must be some of the picturesque lodges to select from, set overlooking the crater itself.
18. Jao Camp, Botswana
I do know I do know, one other Botswana advice!? Imagine me once I say no safari is as magical as one which takes place within the Okavango Delta. Jao Camp is one other nice choice for honeymoon {couples} in search of one thing further particular. The rigorously curated design makes it some of the distinguishable camps.
19. Singita Kataza, Rwanda
Additionally in Rwanda, you will see that two Singita properties to select from when in search of the most effective safari lodges in Africa. Singita Kataza is an additional particular lodge set within the mystical mountains of Rwanda, only a quick journey from the well-known mountain gorillas.
20. Chinzombo, Zambia
Final however not least, Chinzombo camp in Zambia is idyllically situated on the banks of the Zambezi river. This camp is a well-liked alternative for honeymoon {couples} who’re searching for a serene location by the water. Nonetheless, in the event you’re up for some actions, you’ll be able to decide to canoe on the Zambezi river or partake in a microflight over Victoria Falls. Imagine me once I say it isn’t for the faint hearted!
