Safari Lodges with a Difference: The Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Africa
Imagine staying in a luxury safari tent where you’re woken up by the sounds of the wilderness and surrounded by fascinating wildlife and landscapes. A safari tent where the ambiance is impeccable, the service faultless, and every detail has been carefully considered.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is what awaits you when you embark on a journey to discover the finest safari lodges in Africa.
In this blog post, we will guide you through a selection of Africa’s most elegant luxury safari tents, showcasing their unique features, stunning locations, and unforgettable experiences.
But First…
A Video Overview of the Best African Safari Lodges
Here’s Where to Contact us Should You Need Help Finding and Booking the Best African Safari Lodge
Call or WhatsApp us at +254-704-532-105 or +254-719-222-430. You can also email us at safarioffers@kenyaluxurysafari.co.uk, safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com or james@ajkenyasafaris.com.
And Here are Some of our Most Booked Safaris, All of Which Feature Excellent Safari Lodges
The Classic, 3-Day, 2-Night Masai Mara Safari
From £798
The Budget, 3-Day, 2-Night Jambo Masai Mara Safari
From £887
The Luxury, 4-Day, 3-Night Basecamp Masai Mara Safari
From £1233
The Perfect, 4-Day, 3-Night Keekorok Lodge Safari
From £1111
The Adventures, 4-Day, 3-Night Masai Mara Luxury Family Safari
From £1143
The Classic, 10-Day, 9-Night Family Safari in Kenya
£2495 Per Adult
£1310 Per Child
The Magical, 4-Day, 3-Night L. Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari
From £959
The Luxury, 5-Day, 4-Night L. Naivasha, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari
From £1359
The Super, 5-Day, 4-Night Nairobi & Masai Mara Safari
From £1134
The Magical, 6-Day, 5-Night Amboseli, L. Naivasha, & Masai Mara Safari
From £2234
The Adventures. 7-Day, 6-Night Kenya Wildlife Adventure
From £2060
The Magnificent, 7-Day, 6-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari
From £1945
The Top, 8-Day, 7-Night Kenya Wildlife Safari
From £2078
The Memorable, 5-Day, 4-Night Masai Mara Honeymoon Experience
From £1248
Executive Summary
- We highlight the best family-friendly lodges, romantic getaways & conservation-focused safari lodges.
Unforgettable Safari Lodge Experiences
A luxury African safari provides an incredible blend of adventure, relaxation, and indulgence, creating an experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime. Some highlights of a luxury African safari include:
- Exciting game drives
- Hot-air ballooning
- Glamping
- Fly-in safaris
- Contemporary gourmet dining
Southern African Delights
Southern Africa hosts numerous luxurious safari lodges that deliver unique experiences you won’t forget. Destinations such as South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia are well-known for their stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and exceptional lodges. These lodges boast:
- Exciting sleep-outs in the bush in one of the superb treehouses
- Lap pools
- Breath-taking views over striking landscapes
- Contemporary design with stone walls, polished concrete, and a color scheme of charcoal, silver, and elephant-grey
- Luxury canvas suites
- Air conditioning in every suite
Some of these safari lodges include;
- Mukambi safari lodge in South Luangwa National Park
- Xigera Safari Lodge at the Moremi Game Reserve
- Imbali Safari Lodge at the Kruger National Park
- Onguma The Fort (Namibia)
- Singita Boulders Lodge in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
Guests at these lodges have a variety of activities to choose from. They can:
- Go walking or mountain biking
- Watch zebras and oryx grazing on vibrant grasslands
- Swim in spring-filled bush pools
- Dine atop summits overlooking the Tsaris Mountains and the enormous dunes of nearby Sossusvlei
- Partake in immersive experiences such as children’s botany walks, family cycle rides, and astronomy lessons by the fire, focusing on smaller creatures found in the desert and taking the chance to disconnect from regular life.
East African Adventures
East Africa features a selection of safari lodges in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. These lodges are famous for their extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities and breathtaking natural landscapes. Some of the lodges include:
- And Beyond Bateleur Camp
- Ngorongoro Lodge
- Cottars Safari Camp
- Mara River Lodge
- Sand River Masai Mara
- Sasaab Samburu
- Ruaha National Park
- Mila Tented Camp
- Serengeti House at the Serengeti National Park
- Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge
- Singita Sasakwa Lodge
- Ol Pejeta
- Singita Faru Faru
- Angama Mara
- Chinzombo camp
- Jabali Ridge
- Bush Villa
- Singita Kataza
- Tambarare
- Sasaab
- Thorntree River Lodge
- Mnemba Island
These lodges come with a variety of unique features to appease discerning travelers, including private plunge pools, luxurious accommodations, and personalized services. Guests also have access to a variety of activities, including game drives, guided bush walks, boat safaris, and cultural experiences.
Unique Safari Lodge Features
Every safari lodge brings a unique set of features and amenities to the table, guaranteeing a tailored and memorable experience for each guest. Some lodges that provide private plunge pools for guests to enjoy include:
- Stanley Safari Lodge in Zambia
- Kapama Karula Luxury Suites in South Africa
- Tinga Lion Sands in South Africa
- Kichwa Tembo in Kenya
- Matetsi Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
- Mombo Camp in South Africa
- Jack’s Camp in South Africa
- Singita Sweni Lodge in South Africa
- Phinda Rock Lodge in South Africa
In addition to having a private plunge pool, a safari lodges may also provide:
- Exceptional accommodations (Some lodges also offer spacious suites for an enhanced luxury experience)
- Personalized service
- Exquisite amenities, including comfortable beds, tea and coffee-making facilities, communal toilets and showers, and personalized service
The Magic of Private Island Safaris
A private island safari provides a distinct and exclusive experience, promising a more intimate and personalized adventure. Set in remote and secluded locations, private island safaris provide a higher degree of privacy and flexibility, enabling guests to tailor their itinerary and explore off-road areas that are not open to regular safaris. Also, private island safaris may provide a variety of additional activities and amenities, such as private pools, beaches, water sports, and spa facilities.
Two of the most magical private island safari destinations are the Okavango Delta in Botswana and the Zambezi River in Zambia and Zimbabwe. These locations offer secluded luxury, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and stunning landscapes sure leave you in awe. In the following subsections, we will explore the luxurious safari lodges in the Okavango Delta and along the Zambezi River.
Okavango Delta
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is an inland river delta situated in the Kalahari Desert. The delta is known for providing remarkable wildlife encounters and exclusive island havens. The luxurious safari lodges in the Okavango Delta include;
- Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge
- Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp
- Jacana Camp
- Chitabe Camp
- Splash Camp
- Xigera Safari lodge
These camps and lodges offer private island retreats, unparalleled wildlife experiences, and access to a private reserve.
Xigera Safari Lodge, for example, offers; 12 suites offering spectacular views of the delta, a remote three-storey steel baobab tree with a roof deck for sleeping out in the bush and locally sourced all-natural tulip- and yuzu-scented toiletries
Jao Camp, on the other hand, offers elegantly styled rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a gallery, museum, library, and exciting activities such as boat rides.
Zambezi River Retreats
The Zambezi River, which flows through Zambia and Zimbabwe, offers a serene and picturesque setting for luxurious safari lodges. Some of the most distinguished safari lodges located along the Zambezi River are Thorntree River Lodge, Victoria Falls River Lodge, Royal Chundu River Lodge, Old Drift Lodge, and Matetsi River Lodge. These lodges provide a range of wildlife experiences, including observing elephants, buffalo, kudu, impala, warthog, spotted hyena, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, lions, leopards, various antelope species, and an abundance of birdlife such as Schalow’s turaco and African finfoot.
Adventure activities available at these lodges include game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris, ensuring an unforgettable wildlife experience for every guest.
Family-Friendly Safari Lodges
Choosing the right family-friendly safari lodge is key to creating lasting, unforgettable memories. These lodges offer tailored experiences, child-friendly amenities, and a range of activities that cater to the interests of the whole family. Family-friendly safari lodges provide a range of amenities, including interconnecting rooms or family cottages, swimming pools, luxurious bathrooms, lounges, libraries, dressing rooms, patios, and ample space.
Some of the most suitable safari lodges for families in Africa include:
- Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
- Lelapa Lodge at Madikwe Safari Lodge
- Little Garonga
- Chitwa Chitwa
- Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
- Singita Pamushana Malilangwe House
- Time + Tide Chongwe House
When selecting a family-friendly safari lodge, consider the amenities provided, the activities accessible, the locality, the expense, and the security of the lodge.
Romantic Safari Getaways
There is a decent amount of safari camps and lodges which make an ideal setting for honeymoons and other special occasions. These luxurious retreats feature al fresco dining, couples spa retreats, and secluded locations that create an intimate and unforgettable experience. Some of the highest-rated romantic safari lodges in Africa include Singita Lebombo, Royal Malewane, Natural Selection Little Sable, andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Zannier Sonop, and Lion Sands.
Other romantic safari lodges worth considering are:
- La Residence
- Amalinda Lodge
- Savanna Lodge
- Singita Sabora Tented Camp
- andBeyond Tengile River Lodge
- Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge
- Greystoke Mahale
- Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Each of these lodges offers a unique setting and a range of amenities that cater to couples, ensuring a memorable and intimate experience.
Conservation-Focused Safari Lodges
Conservation-focused safari lodges put a premium on sustainability and wildlife protection, letting guests support wildlife protection initiatives while staying in eco-friendly accommodations. These lodges support wildlife protection by:
- Investing their income into conservation efforts
- Backing research and specific conservation projects
- Contributing to conservation societies and research projects
- Aiding in preserving wildlife through initiatives such as vaccinating cheetahs, de-horning rhinos, and managing wildlife concessions.
These lodges also;
- Incorporate recycled materials in lodge construction
- implement water treatment systems
- Supporting local communities by building schools and pffering employment.
By choosing a conservation-focused safari lodge, guests can enjoy a luxurious retreat while making a positive impact on the environment and local wildlife.
Experiencing African Culture at Safari Lodges
By showcasing local traditions, art, and cuisine, safari lodges and safari camps offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in African culture. Lodges such as Bisate in Rwanda offer guests a chance to observe African cultural experiences through thatched architecture, colorful textiles, and local crafts such as woven laundry baskets.
Some of the traditional African cuisines offered at safari lodges include dishes such as Safari Food, Cape Malay Curry, Piri Piri Chicken, Jollof Rice, Seswaa, and Zanzibar Pizza. In addition to enjoying delectable dishes, guests can also attend traditional dance performances, learn about local handicrafts, and participate in cooking classes that showcase the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Africa.
Adventure Activities at Safari Lodges
Exciting adventure activities are a staple at safari lodges, giving guests the opportunity to experience the African wilderness from a fresh perspective. In addition to game drives and guided bush walks, guests can partake in hot-air balloon safaris in;
- Namibia (Sossusvlei)
- South Africa (Drakensberg and Magaliesberg)
- Kenya (Masai Mara National Park)
- Tanzania (Serengeti)
Other adventure activities available at safari lodges include quad biking at Sasaab Safari Lodge in Kenya and canoe safaris in areas such as the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the lower Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and remote rainforests in Africa. These activities offer a unique, close-to-nature experience with minimal disruption to the environment and wildlife.
Culinary Delights at Safari Lodges
Safari lodges are known for their exceptional dining experiences, featuring world-class wines and unique African-inspired dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Popular dishes served at safari lodges typically include:
- A full English or continental breakfast
- A buffet lunch
- Rusks, fruit, biscuits, and tea for snacks
- Melktert and malva pudding for dessert
- Braai (barbecue)
- African curries
- Rolex (a Ugandan street food)
- African donuts
- Ethiopian cuisine
- Bobotie (a South African dish)
- Nyama choma (grilled meat)
In addition to these mouth-watering dishes, safari lodges typically offer a variety of world-class wines to complement the dining experience. Some lodges, such as Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, offer rare wines, while others like Imbali Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park boast an exceptional selection.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Safari Lodge
When deciding on the perfect safari lodge, think about factors like;
- The lodge’s proximity to a game reserve or national park.
- Its closeness to water sources or migration routes. Your chance of spotting wildlife is at an all-time high when staying in lodges close to water sources.
- Your budget. Depending on your budget you can choose to stay at a budget or luxury safari lodge
- The amenities you’re looking for. These include air conditioning, private plunge pools, comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms with hot showers and bathtubs, tea and coffee stations, safes for valuables, dining areas, lounges, bars, laundry services, swimming pools, expansive viewing decks, and spa facilities.
- The diversity and profusion of wildlife that can be observed. If there’s a speciic wildlife species you’re looking to observe, make sure to select a lodge with access to that wildlife.
- Sustainability. Choose a lodge that gives back to the community and participates in wildlife conservation. This way, you’ll also be involved in a noble cause.
In the end, your personal preferences will be a major factor in deciding which safari lodge is best for you.
Summary
In conclusion, Africa offers an incredible array of luxurious safari lodges, each providing a unique and unforgettable wilderness escape. From the enchanting Southern African delights to the remarkable East African havens, there is a safari lodge that caters to every preference and desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask and we will answer!
How much does it cost to stay at Safari Park lodge?
Staying at the Safari Park Lodge starts at £790 per night for two guests, with additional adults costing £175 and children between three and 15-years-old costing £125 per night.
Can you stay overnight at Safari Park?
Yes, you can stay overnight at West Midland Safari and Leisure Park in Bewdley, England, with the award-winning Safari Lodges providing a luxury lodging experience like no other. The lodges and cottages offer a unique chance to get up close to over 165 species of exotic animals.
How much does it cost to stay at an African safari?
An African safari can range from $125 to $1,500 per night, depending on your budget and the level of luxury desired. Budget safaris cost around $150 a night, mid-range $350, and luxury options up to $750. The most expensive safaris may cost more than $1,500 per night.
What types of wildlife can I expect to encounter at a safari lodge in Africa?
Visitors to African safari lodges have the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hyenas, and various bird species.
Are there any safari lodges that cater specifically to families?
Yes, there are many family-friendly safari lodges, such as Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, Lelapa Lodge at Madikwe Safari Lodge, and Little Garonga, which offer tailored experiences and child-friendly amenities.