With so many world-class African safari lodges for you to choose from, finding the best can be tougher than spotting a pangolin in the wild, so we’ve selected ten of our favourites for you to start with.
We represent more than 500 lodges in South and East Africa, so if you're on the hunt for a specific lodge, contact us and talk to a destination specialist.
LION SANDS IVORY LODGE
South Africa – Kruger Park
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge takes it’s cue from nature, with a luxury safari lodge built with all natural materials, “of the earth” so to speak.
The lodge is one of Africa’s most sophisticated with a timeless design that incorporates thatch, glass, wood, steel, water and sand to create a lodge like no other.
The lodge comprises 8 luxuriously appointed single villas and one double-suite villa.
The villas overlook the Sabie River from an elevated position so you don’t have to worry about animals strolling in whilst you enjoy the sounds of the bush.
The lodge is priced from $713 per person sharing, per night in low season.
SINGITA FARU FARU Tanzania – Serengeti
The Singita Faru Faru Lodge is located in the Grumeti area in northern Tanzania and forms part of the world-renowned Serengeti Mara ecosystem, home to the Great Migration.
Singita Faru Faru lodge is unique in it’s style and reminds us of a traditional botanists camp, with quirky practicality and a mix of organic yet contemporary style.
The lodge enjoys very close proximity to the river and plains, so you will enjoy an intimate wilderness experience.
Singita Faru Faru is priced from $1,270 per person in the low season.
MOMBO CAMP
Botswana – Okavango Delta
Mombo Camp is fondly referred to as “The Place of Plenty” as it is considered one of the best areas for wildlife in Africa.
Here you will enjoy a newly rebuilt camp that retains its 30 year history and proud conservation purpose.
The camp consists of nine large, luxury tented suites elevated above the ground.
Each suite offers you a private veranda with views over the floodplain, a private plunge pool for cooling off on hot days, an inside sitting room, bedroom and bathroom, complete with indoor and outdoor showers.
Highlight attractions at Mombo Camp include bountiful hunting grounds for prides of leopard and lion and some of the best big game viewing in all of Africa.
Mombo Camp rates start at $1,348 per person sharing, nightly.
ROYAL CHUNDU Zambia – Near Victoria Falls
Royal Chundu lodge is situated a few minutes from Victoria Falls, a world heritage site, on the mighty Zambezi River.
The Island Lodge at Royal Chundu is the most exclusive of the two lodges and is located on Katambura Private Island.
The lodge comprises just four small villas offering a discreet setting for you to enjoy with a group of friends, or as a couple.
A unique feature of these villas is the private bath on the deck, as you can see in the picture above. This is one of the best ways you could ever end a day, soaking in your private oasis as the world floats by.
The nearby Victoria Falls area offers you a wide range of activities including helicopter tours of the falls, tiger fishing, river rafting, sunset cruises, bungee jumping, safaris and more.
COTTARS 1920
Kenya – Masai Mara
If you want to experience endless views of game over the distant horizons of the Masai Mara and Serengeti plains, then the unspoiled setting that Cottar's is situated on is the perfect location for you.
The Camp boasts its own private 6,000 acre private conservancy and is only 1km (0.6miles) from the Masai Mara game reserve.
Cottars camp comprises 10 luxury tents with one honeymoon tent, five family suites and five double tents.
If you want to experience the golden age of sari with a throwback style environment, the combination of marquee tents, attentive staff and antique furnishings should be on your bucket list.
Cottars 1920 Camp is priced from $571 per person sharing, nightly, in the low season.
ROYAL MALEWANE South Africa – Kruger Park
There should not be a travel guide on earth that does not place Royal Malewane amongst their very best African safari lodges.
This exquisite lodge has been voted in the top 50 resorts in the world according to Conde Naste traveler, the yardstick of luxury.
This classic yet elegant lodge is located in the greater Kruger Park and exudes the romance and beauty of a bygone era.
Royal Malewane includes an award winning spa where you can soothe your mind, body and soul after a wildlife safari in the most animal dense park in Africa.
The lodge is priced from $1,593 per person sharing and reservations are recommended at least 6 months in advance.
SINGITA PAMUSHANA
Zimbabwe
Singita Pamushana Lodge is currently closed and reopens in May, but this unique hilltop lodge is still worth mentioning, as you need to book several months in advance regardless.
Singita Pamushana lodge is located in a 130,000 acre reserve and is the ecotourism arm of the not-for-profit Malilangwe Trust, created to protect and manage the extraordinary wilderness area next to the Gonarezhou National Park.
The forest-like lodge is set amongst hundreds of baobab trees and is inspired the culture of the Shangaan people.
There are 6 palatial suites and one stunning 5-bedroom villa, each with private plunge pools, panoramic views and luxurious furnishings.
Rates at Singita Pamushana are priced from $1,585 per person nightly, fully inclusive.
LION SANDS NARINA South Africa – Kruger Park
Imagine an African safari lodge perched among a canopy of 100 year old trees, overlooking the Sabie River, in the style of a luxurious treehouse.
Sounds perfect, right?
Well if you are one of the lucky few who can afford this level of accommodation, Lion Sands Narina lodge could be your ideal location in the wildlife-dense Kruger National Park.
Each of the 9 luxury suites offer complete privacy and boast a plunge pool overlooking the river, a perfect setting to unwind and let your thoughts wander free.
Lion Sands Narina is priced from $713 per person sharing, nightly, and is thus one of the best value offers on the top 10 list.
VUMBURA PLAINS Botswana – Okavango Delta
Vumbura Plains Lodge is an eco-retreat offering you the very best of the Okavango Delta’s wildlife and activities.
The Okavango Delta is a World Heritage Site and one of the finest safaris settings in all of Africa.
This contemporary retreat comprises two satellite camps, consisting of 14 rooms in total.
Each large, luxuriously appointed room is elevated from the ground and offers you indoor and outdoor showers, en-suite bathroom, a lounge area with iconic floodplain views and a private plunge pool.
A unique experience at Vumbura is that you can enjoy game viewing on land or water, within an area teeming with bird and wildlife.
Vumbura Plains is priced from $913 per person sharing nightly, in the low season.
SINGITA SABORA Tanzania – Serengeti
Singita Sabora is an intimate 1920’s style explorer camp that will give you a sense of nostalgic adventure.
The camp is situated in the Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania, where you can enjoy the thrill of the Serengeti.
The camp comprises 9 tented suites all lavishly furnished and boasting a treasure trove of antiques, original furniture, artefacts, Persian rugs, Zanzibari chests, brass and silverware.
The tented camp amenities are also world-class and feature a spa, gym facilities, swimming pool and all the amenities you are accustomed too in and amongst the wildlife of the Serengeti. A truly unique experience!
Singita Sabora is priced from $1,270 per person sharing, nightly.
For more information on the best lodges in Africa, contact us and speak to one of our destination specialists today.
We represent over 500 luxury lodges and hotels in South and East Africa.
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