After dwelling in Africa for nearly a yr now, I’ve had my justifiable share of safari lodges and experiences. However given safari is such a magical expertise, every time I can I hold going again for extra. Through the years I’ve stayed at too many lovely lodges to rely, however like something, I’ve my favourites! So these are the most effective safari lodges in Africa, tried and examined by yours actually.
Put up up to date Might 2023
1. San Camp, Botswana
I’ll begin with my favorite camp in all of Africa – San Camp in Botswana. Whereas it’s far out of your unusual safari camp, I personally suppose that’s what makes it so particular. Whilst you received’t discover the large 5 right here within the Kalahari desert, this camp hones in on the smaller creatures discovered within the desert. However greater than that, it’s about actually disconnecting out of your common life and tuning in to your current. There’s no wifi or electrical energy within the tents, however there are many alternatives to attach with nature.
2. Sandibe, Botswana
My second favorite lodge in Botswana goes by the title of Sandibe. That is the crowning jewel of AndBeyond’s Botswana portfolio, the place they’ve quite a lot of camps within the Okavango Delta and past. Sandibe is the most costly camp from AndBeyond’s portfolio in Botswana, however additionally it is probably the most magical. For those who’re in search of a novel honeymoon location, that is your greatest guess.
3. Sossusvlei Lodge, Namibia
Final yr I lastly had the prospect 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 just lately been refurbished from high to backside and the outcomes are merely breathtaking. Waking up within the desert is a luxurious I’ll definitely not neglect on this lifetime.
Learn extra: The 12 most remoted lodges in Africa
4. Boulders Lodge, South Africa
Boulders Lodge in South Africa was not my first lodge expertise on this nation, nevertheless it definitely was my favorite! I’ll always remember sitting out on my deck as I observed a younger elephant ingesting from my pool and popping over to say howdy! I’ve since discovered this can be a common incidence on the lodge, so if you’re in search of shut animal encounters, this can be a nice lodge to remain to your safari.
5. Cottars Safari Camp, Kenya
After I checked in to Cottars Safari Camp in Kenya, I felt as if I had stepped again in time. The 1920’s safari camp is without doubt 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 different to expertise extra serenity however nonetheless stay in shut proximity to the park.
6. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
Okay, I’m saying it: Mnemba Island is my favorite lodge in all of Africa. Whereas it isn’t a standard safari lodge, it nonetheless deserves a spot on this checklist. With simply twelve rooms situated on a non-public island off the coast of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is the final 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. For those who’re in search of a honeymoon location with views for days, that is your greatest guess in East Africa.
8. Bush Villa, Kenya
Though the Bush Villa falls underneath the umbrella of Cottar’s Safari Camp, I believe 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 non-public oasis. The villa is sprawled out above Cottar’s Safari Camp, overlooking the Maasai Mara beneath. Even Angelina Jolie has been a visitor of the Bush Villa!
9. Serengeti Home, Tanzania
Serengeti Home in Tanzania is the highest property in Singita’s safari portfolio. This non-public villa boasts 4 bedrooms, an infinity swimming pool and a non-public health club. The villa additionally comes with a non-public chef, so you possibly can actually relax and revel in some alone time along with your group.
10. Royal Malewane, South Africa
After 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 novel inside design that makes you’re feeling as if in case you have stepped again in time. Remember to go to the day spa the place one can find this lovely lap pool paying homage to a Moroccan riad.
11. And Past Bateleur Camp
Throughout my time in East Africa, I believe it’s secure to say Bateleur Camp was my favorite safari lodge. This newly refurbished lodge is the proper mixture of outdated meets new, with all of the traditional touches however all of the mod cons to go together with it. The service right here was unparalleled to 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 actually immerse your self within the bush. The sky beds are situated up a 3 story tree home, that means you might be as shut as potential to the animal exercise all through the evening! This isn’t solely among the finest safari lodges in Africa but in addition one of the crucial adventurous.
13. Singita Sweni, South Africa
Singita Sweni was one of many first safari lodges I ever stayed at, however that doesn’t imply I’ve forgotten about it! My expertise at this lodge was so memorable, it’s perpetually engrained in my thoughts. Singita actually go above and past for his or her friends, 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 without doubt one of the fashionable decisions of safari camps in Botswana. Whereas Botswana is without doubt one of the most costly international locations to go to for a safari journey, this camp is extra on the inexpensive finish of the size. In case you are in search of a particular escape with out the hefty price ticket, this camp is reasonably priced.
Learn extra: The Greatest Animal Encounters in Africa
15. Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Rwanda has change into probably the most wanted nation to go to in Africa. Over current years it has sky rocketed in recognition, principally due to the inhabitants of mountain gorillas which have drawn hundreds of vacationers to the landlocked nation. Bisate Lodge is without doubt one of the most iconic lodges within the nation, with their inventive beehive like design.
16. Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
Zambia and Zimbabwe are each thought-about the gateway to Victoria Falls, however if you’re in search of one thing additional particular then check out Thorntree River Lodge. This peaceable and serene lodge is the epitome of romance, set on the calm banks of the Zambezi river. There isn’t a denying this is without doubt 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 it is best to go to if you’re in search of the enduring “Out of Africa” expertise. Ngorongoro must be one of the crucial picturesque lodges to select from, set overlooking the crater itself.
18. Jao Camp, Botswana
I do know I do know, one other Botswana suggestion!? 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 additional particular. The fastidiously curated design makes it one of the crucial distinguishable camps.
19. Singita Kataza, Rwanda
Additionally in Rwanda, one can find 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 looking for a serene location by the water. Nevertheless, should you’re up for some actions, you possibly can decide to canoe on the Zambezi river or partake in a microflight over Victoria Falls. Imagine me once I say it’s not for the faint hearted!
