The Best Safari Lodges in Africa

(Last Updated On: December 14, 2017)

There is not much that compares to a day spent on an African safari, on game drives watching the incredible wildlife bring the beautiful landscapes to life. Full of spontaneous and natural sightings, no two safari holiday will ever be the same in the same way every safari lodge has something different to offer its guests. We have put together a list of some of our favourite safari lodges, all perfect for different needs.

Best for a Big Five safari – Saruni Mara, Kenya

Cottage at Saruni Mara
One of the cottages at Saruni Mara, looking out over a valley leading to the Masia Mara

Nothing beats a classic Big Five safari, especially when enjoyed in an iconic wildlife destination like the Masai Mara in Kenya. Tucked away in a secluded valley in the Mara North Conservancy you’ll find Saruni Mara, an intimate boutique lodge of five elegant cottages. A beautiful lodge, offering an authentic African experience in luxury and comfort, the local Maasia warriors lead the activities. During the game drives and guided walks, they will share with you their anicent wisdom and knowledge on the area and the animals, taking you to the secret corners of the world famous Masai Mara in your bid to see the Big Five.

Maasia guides leading the game drive
The Maasia guides lead the game drives

Best for luxury – Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, Botswana

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is found in the heart of the Okavango Delta

When spending your days on a dramatic water safari in the world’s largest inland deltas, it is best to have a lavish lodge to retire to. Found in the heart of the Okavango Delta on the island of Xaxaba, the location of the Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is the ultimate in luxury. The extraordinary camp has 12 deluxe tented rooms, each one decorated with an elegant style and equipped with a large bathtub, indoor and outdoor showers, and a spacious deck with a private plunge pool. From the huge four poster beds you can look out onto uninterrupted views of the Delta. To make things even more fabulous, here all inclusive covers everything – food served on the deck of your room, drinks at sunset in the bar, water activities including a mokoro safari and a helicopter ride.

Evening view over the Okavango Delta at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge
Enjoy a drink at sunset looking over the Okavango Delta at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

Best for stunning views – Lebombo Lodge, South Africa

Panoramic views from Lebombo Lodge
One of the stunning views from Lebombo Lodge

Found in the famous Kruger National Park, the Singita concession offers visitors an exclusive safari in an isolated part of South Africa’s wilderness. The only place to stay when enjoying this eastern part of South Africa is the dramatic and beautiful Lebombo Lodge. Set along a rugged cliff face above the N’wanesti River, the glass walls and elevated wooden viewing decks of each of the 15 suites are perfect for looking out and contemplating the astonishing landscape full of animals, including four lion prides.

The wildlife of Singita concession
The Singita concession has four lion prides

Best for hiding away – Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Tanzania

Treehouse suites in Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
One of the treehouse suites in Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Retreat to a quiet corner of Lake Manyara National Park and stay in one of Lake Manyara Tree Lodge’s romantic tree-house suites. Held 10 feet off the ground and blending beautifully into the boughs of mahogany trees, the private treehouses are an idyllic place to retreat to after a day on game drives watching the areas famous tree-climbing lions, hundreds of flamingos, dozens of elephants and large numbers of buffalo, cheetah and leopard. Spending the night marvelling at a pitch black sky laden with stars and surrounded by the noises of the nearby wildlife is the best way to end a day spent on a classic Tanzania safari.

Game drives in Lake Manyara
Game drives in Lake Manyara are filled with wildlife

Best for eco-warriors – Sindabezi Island, Zambia

Incredible views from Sindabezi Island
Spectacular views from Sindabezi Island

As well as boasting an incredible location on a private island in the Zambezi River, Sindabezi Island is Zambia’s most environmentally friendly property. From this idyllic camp you can easily explore Victoria Falls and experience the full force of ‘the smoke that thunders’. The five chalets are built from mostly sustainable forests and use recycled wood chips and solar power for power – the ideal camp for a barefoot luxury wilderness experience. The only source of light after the sun has set is from candlelight and lanterns, preserving the beautiful location as well as creating a wonderful atmosphere.

Lanterns and candlelight provide the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a dinner next to the Zambezi River
Lanterns and candlelight provide the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a dinner next to the Zambezi River

One comment on “The Best Safari Lodges in Africa

  1. I like the bush vibe of and the amazing sunsets of the the Masai Mara. The Saruni Mara, Kenya views are impressive.

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