The 100 Best Safari Lodges In Africa

Did you know that safari means ‘long journey’ in Swahili? Well, you do now. A top contender on almost everyone’s bucket list – treetop lodges! elephants! – safaris in Africa are top of many a bucket list.

As for when to go? June to October is your best bet for a great safari season. And of course, you’ll want to stay somewhere just as beautiful as the scenery outdoors. Africa’s safari lodges conjure images of old-world glamour and are some of the most incredible hotels in the world.

With that in mind, we’ve narrowed it down to the very, very best safari lodges across the continent. These are the lodges that you’ll never forget.

How did Big 7 Travel choose the Top 100?

The “big seven” safari destinations in Africa are South Africa (for Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve), Tanzania (for Serengeti National Park and Ngorogoro Crater), Kenya (the Masai Mara), Botswana (the Okavango Delta) and Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Our round-up focuses on those most famous safari spots and some true hidden jewels.

The final list was compiled using reader feedback, user reviews, previous media coverage and contributions from our travel experts.

Best safari lodges in Africa for 2019:

(No.100-76)

100th. Simien Lodge – Ethiopia

This a rustic safari mountain lodge with beautiful traditional Ethiopian decor. Enjoy a champagne lunch at the high altitude lodge in between safari outings, where you will encounter leopards and hyenas.

Keep an eye out for some unique animals – it takes time to see a Simien wolf but with a little patience they can be found. Gelada (fearsome baboon!) can be seen from Simien Lodge.

99th. Mala Mala – South Africa

Mala Mala is one of the largest private Big 5 game reserves in South Africa and was the first game reserve to change from hunting safaris to photographic safaris. Rattray’s camp has a library containing rare African books and magnificent works of art.

The rangers are experts in conservation and you’ll even get to enjoy a G&T sundowner while out in the Land Rover. Bliss.

98th. Stretch Ferreira Safari Camp – Zimbabwe

Stretch Ferreira Safaris is owned and run by Stretch Ferreira – a professional safari guide who has over 35 years of experience, and is known as a “living legend”. The camp is in a shaded grove on the banks of the Zambezi River, with seven East-African style tents.

Only 12 guests at a time are catered for in the camp, so you’ll get all the attention you could ever need. Plus, the entire camp is soft sand so you can walk barefoot all day if you like.

97th. Little Ongava – Namibia

One of Namibia’s most luxurious camps, this intimate camp has only three spacious suites each with its own plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, “sala”, and outdoor shower. Views of the watering hole are amazing from the open deck.

Day and night wildlife-viewing drives, visiting hides overlooking waterholes, walks and rhino tracking with experienced guides can all be enjoyed.

96th. Tinga Lodge – Chad

This utterly charming camp is in the heart of an excellent game viewing area, with night drives in open 4×4 vehicles and bush walks just some of the great activities.

Despite a history of civil war and poaching, Chad has persevered with a conversation program, so elephant and lion populations have flourished. If you want a luxury stay in one of Africa’s best kept secrets, this is the lodge for you. But shh.

95th. Cottars 1920 Camp – Kenya

This award-winning private safari camp is in the famous ‘seventh’ natural wonder of the world, the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Owned and managed by the oldest established and continuing safari family in Africa, this is old world luxury at its best.

The camp has pretty family tents even have living rooms with fireplaces, and you can also have a ‘safari bath’ outdoors.

94th. Splash Camp – Botswana

This area in the Okavango Delta has long been known as Splash due to the huge water crossings that had to be negotiated to access the camp area, and there’s now a brand spankin’ new safari lodge to experience.

Splash Camp has beautiful suites with private viewing decks, while the main lodge area has a plunge pool that you might just not want to leave.

93rd. Ruzizi Tented Lodge – Rwanda

With a maximum of 20 guests, Ruzizi Tented Lodge is an intimate retreat. Tents are spacious and set back from the lake shore, hidden among swaying palms.

Chill out by the large deck with a fire pit or swing in the hammock on your veranda. As for the safari park itself? Akagera has an inspiring conservation story as it is now home to lions and rhinos, and is the only Big Five park in the country.

92nd. Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge – South Africa

Owner-managed and run, this is an intimate safari lodge where the smallest details are considered. The colonial-style villas are outstanding. Each one has open fireplaces, individual rim-flow pools and salas, expansive wooden decks and private outdoor showers.

The lounge lap pool looks out over the reserve’s private watering hole.

91st. Baker’s Lodge – Uganda

This intimate, safari styled lodge is set within a large private area with direct river access, large shady trees and wetland areas. Basically, it’s a haven for bathing elephants and rhinos.

Rooms are charming and raised on stilts, and staff will deliver you hot coffee to your door every morning to wake you up for your big day of adventure. Whether you spend it in Budongo Forest tracking wild Chimpanzees or in the swimming pool is up to you.

90th. Little Kulala – Namibia

Little Kulala has eleven thatched “kulalas”, each with a private plunge pool and views of the huge Sossusvlei dunes. Adventure out on nature drives or take a balloon safari, which offers an awe-inspiring experience soaring above the desert.

Oh, did we mention that each villa has a rooftop Star Bed for romantic star gazing?

89th. Beho Beho – Tanzania

Beho Beho is a lovely family-owned lodge that’s more like a home than a camp.

The rooms here have it all: a Zanzibari day bed to while away the odd hour in the afternoon when it is too hot to go into the bush, a proper writing bureau (with post cards supplied), ‘Persian’ carpets and even a tripod mounted telescope for private game spotting.

88th. Mkombe’s House – Tanzania

This beautiful place is a bush home-from-home designed specifically with little children in mind, as well as being a great place for groups of friends. It’s the only private lodge in the Serengetti.

There’s a choice of two swimming pools, private chefs, babysitters (yes!) and family game activities aplenty. And a cute rooftop day bed.

87th. Changa Safari Camp – Zimbabwe

Looking for a remote safari? Changa Safari Camp is a little slice of heaven, set in a remote and secluded part of the Matusadona National Park. It’s all about the tiny details here.

Outdoor bathtubs. A bar that has been fashioned around the hull of an old boat. And small sprinklers that may be turned on in front of the rooms, so you can watch the colourful birdlife darting in and out the spray.

86th. Mboko Camp – Republic of Congo

Forest Buffalo and Elephant are common visitors to Mboko Camp, with spectacular star-gazing opportunities and lush rainforest. As for the rooms?

There’s just 10 cabins and two family cabins, so you’ll have peace and quiet. They’re right by the Lekoli River; each cabin has a deck with lounge chairs on which you can rest and listen to the river babbling past you.

85th. Kwandwe – South Africa

26 rooms are split across five very individual and distinct safari lodges and villas on this private reserve of 22,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, giving it one of the highest land to guest ratios in South Africa.

Stay in an elegant fishing lodge, modern villa or historical farmhouse. All are utterly beautiful.

83rd. The Motse – South Africa

Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, with over 110,000 hectares of grasslands and mountains. The Motse camp has just reopened after a renovation and is better than ever.

Rooms are built of desert sand, local stone, rich red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch. There’s also a heated swimming pool and a walk-in wine cellar stocked with fine South African wines.

83rd. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge – Zimbabwe

Chilo Gorge has both private, luxury suites as well as stylish self-catering accommodation, ideal for guests who want a bit of independence. If you do feel like being social, the main lodge has a shaded swimming pool, a lounge, a library, a bar and dining room.

Best of all, the African wilderness is never far away. You can watch local elephants, hippos and crocodiles cooling off in the waters of the river from the viewing deck.

82nd. Duba Expedition Camp – Botswana

Duba Expedition Camp has just six exclusive tents, built on a wooded timbered island and connected to a rich wildlife area by an elaborate set of bridges. Sink into the luxury four poster beds after a day out in the bush and have dinner by the fire pit.

P.S. Its location is the base of many famous wildlife documentaries by National Geographic filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, thanks to its frequent wildlife sightings.

81st. Singita Lebombo Lodge – South Africa

Highlights of this lodge include a roof terrace and wine studio (a multi-level retreat which boasts a library, multi-media room, wine studio and rooftop viewing area), an interactive kitchen, an espresso bar and help-yourself deli, and a 25-metre lap pool.

The private villa at the lodge has its own boma and is fully staffed; ideal for a group of friends or family.

80th. Luangwa River Camp – Zambia

Calling all romantics: this small and intimate camp has just five bush suites, with sunken bathtubs looking out onto your very own corner of Africa.

The suites are outstanding – brick walls and thatch roofs add an extra romantic vibe, while the main lodge has a tempting double plunge pool with a waterfall linking the two.

79th. Boulders Safari Camp – Namibia

This tiny camp is about as far off the beaten track as it can get. Guided scenic drives, two to three hour walking safaris treading along the ancient hunting grounds of the bushmen and eBiking will happily fill your days.

Sundowners can be enjoyed from the top of a mountainous rock plateau – life doesn’t get any better than that.

78th. Linkwasha Camp – Zimbabwe

Linkwasha is a luxurious camp with a refreshingly modern and sleek design. Choose from a combination of contemporary and classic safari-style in the camp’s eight luxury ensuite tents and one family tent, all of which overlook a popular waterhole.

You’ll be kept busy with safari activities, such as morning and evening game drives, interpretive walking safaris, birdwatching and cultural visits.

77th. Sausage Tree Camp – Zambia

Sausage Tree Camp is a chic safari camp in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park with a friendly “bush camp” vibe that combines with private butler service. Best of both worlds, basically.

Just some of the highlights? We love the unique open-air showers, a large deck with private plunge pool & lounge area and mini bar with leather sofas. Oh, and the wildlife, of course…

76th. Elephant Pepper Camp – Kenya

Elephant Pepper Camp is the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of the Mara. There’s over 450 bird species and both resident and transient populations of lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and giraffe.

In a nutshell, the plains are dense AF with game. Elegant tents have Indian Raj-style decor and savannah views.

(No.75-51)

75th. Onguma Treetop Camp – Namibia

This treetop camp is quite simply jaw-dropping. The rooms at Onguma is built on wooden stilts amongst the tree tops with full views over one of the most beautiful watering holes on Onguma Game Reserve.

Plus, there’s just eight rooms here, making it ideal for a cosy and intimate stay. Have an evening massage and keep an eye out for the zebra, lion and giraffe below as they visit the watering hole.

74th. Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Uganda

A peaceful camp that’s ideal for anyone looking to take a break from the busy world. Next to the Ntungwe River, each of the camp’s 10 spacious canvas tented rooms has a private verandah overlooking the river.

Keep an eye out for the tree-climbing lions for which the area is renowned, or, if you’re lucky, George, the lone hippo.

73rd. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge – Zimbabwe

This amazing lodge is without doubt one of the most popular places to stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The sunset-facing lodge looks out onto the African bushveld, which includes a waterhole that’s visited by elephants, buffalo and kudu.

Rooms have glass sliding doors opening on to private balconies, there’s a two-tiered swimming pool and there’s even a fitness centre if you’re feeling up to a workout after a busy day in the reserve.

72nd. Ol Seki – Kenya

Gaze out over the Isupukiai River Valley at this incredible camp, where guests of each tent have their own private kitchen and dedicated staff. The camp is super private and borders the Maasai Mara Reserve – this particular area has one of the highest densities of lion in Africa.

Lavish tents are the ultimate place to stay, and you can also feast at candlelit dinners in the Ndorobo caves.

71st. Gorah Lodge – South Africa

Can you imagine sipping tea on the veranda of a stately colonial manor house while watching a herd of elephants stroll by? Gorah is the only camp in the middle of the famous Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of elephants on earth.

The 11 tented suites are luxurious and spacious, with vibes of the golden era of safari in the early 1900s.

70th. Vakona Forest Lodge – Madagascar

Vakona Forest Lodge is a charming eco-lodge with rooms that look right out into the forest of Andasibe National Park – home to the world’s largest lemur. The lodge itself has 28 Malagasy-style bungalows, with pretty gardens and a cosy library.

For really close up lemur viewing the lodge even has its own ‘Lemur Island’, where you can feed the friendly creatures as they jump on your shoulders.

69th. andBeyond Rock Lodge – South Africa

Dramatically set into a cliff face overlooking spectacular Leopard Rock, suites have private plunge pools that have views of the deep valley below. Three suites also have al fresco showers in the leafy growth, so you’ll feel like you’re bathing in your own private waterfall.

Keep busy during the day with Game Safaris, Zulu village tours; Night turtle drives (seasonal); Scuba and Ocean Safaris; Black rhino tracking on foot or Bush Walks.

68th. Sabora Tented Camp – Tanzania

This intimate 1920s-style explorer’s camp is full of old world charm yet has all the modern touches you expect from a five-star lodge.

The nine lavish tents are air-conditioned and feature a spacious bedroom with reading area, bathroom with bath and outdoor shower, viewing deck with a Swarovski spotting scope, and a library lounge tent lined with antique and rare volumes of African literature.

67th. Kanga Camp – Zimbabwe

We’re warning you: you will not want to leave this place. Set in the remote inlands of the Kanga Pan, the camp’s six tents are all raised on a wooden platform for the best views. Kanga Pan is a sole source of water in dry season, bringing Zimbabwe wildlife right to your doorstep.

Sit on the deck below the splash pool and soak in the uninterrupted views of the camp’s mega-busy watering hole – the perfect “armchair safari”.

66th. Stanley Safari Lodge – Zambia

Stanley Safari Lodge is an elegant and luxurious getaway, with colonial suites and a private plunge pool that evokes the elegant era of old school travel. Venture out in the open-top safari jeeps or have a historic four-course dinner experience aboard the Mulobezi line steam train.

From every room at Stanley Safari Lodge, you can see the distant views of the spray of the Victoria Falls. It doesn’t get much better than this.

65th. Magashi – Rwanda

Magashi may be brand new, but it’s instantly impressive. With a traditional East African “safari under canvas” feel, Magashi’s six airy tented suites and main guest areas have uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga.

Rooms have pieces by local Rwandan artists and the camp is 100% solar powered and completely single-use plastic free.

64th. Crater Safari Lodge – Uganda

Crater Safari Lodge overlooks the second largest crater lake in Uganda, and is also super close to the famous Kibale National Park, home of the chimp trekking safari.

The boma area is the ideal place to relax around a roaring and crackling fire, while rooms (deluxe chalets or standard cabanas) also have views of the crater lake. It is in a remote area and the journey to paradise is long, but it’s worth it.

63rd. Singita Sweni Lodge – South Africa

Yet another beautiful lodge by the Singita group, their Sweni Lodge lies right beside the Sweni River, so expect close up sightings of many animals. All suites have outdoor showers that overlook the river, and outdoor day beds where you can spend a night under the stars.

Plus, there’s a huge variety of things to do here, from game safaris to community cooking classes.

62nd. Ol Donyo – Kenya

Wake up to views of snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro at this incredible Relais & Chateaux lodge. The spacious guest suites, no two of which are the same, have their own plunge pool and enjoy roof terraces where intimate “star beds” can be set up for a night sleeping under the stars.

Ol Donyo is also a pioneer in sustainable tourism: by working with the local Maasai people it has been able to blend conservation and livelihood benefits.

61st. Pumulani by Robin Pope Safaris – Malawi

On the Southern end of Lake Malawi, you’ll find this incredible lodge with direct beach access and no less than two infinity pools. While it’s hardly a destination for viewing big game, there’s wonderful birdlife and clouds of tropical fish.

Each villa has a large bedroom, which opens out onto a private deck where early risers can enjoy the morning’s first rays.

60th. Matetsi Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

This is one of the country’s most idyllic retreats from which to visit the largest waterfall on earth. The pretty Zambezi River runs deep alongside two intimate camps, with nine river-facing suites.

Where they go above and beyond is the attention to detail. Each suite comes with a private safari vehicle and a dedicated team including a personal guide, tracker, chef and butler, for a tailor-made safari experience unlike any other.

59th. Ngaga Camp – Republic of Congo

Ngaga is truly gorilla central. The Camp is in the overlapping home ranges of several groups of western lowland gorillas, with a fun, treehouse design with rooms that have wraparound balconies – perfect for peering directly into the forest canopy.

There’s also a relaxation deck which is located at a natural swimming spot on the Ngaga Stream, perfect for cooling off in after a morning gorilla trekking.

58th. Camp Nomade – Chad

Camp Nomade stays true to its name, as it rotates locations seasonally to make sure guests are always in the best wildlife-viewing area.

The camp is modelled on the traditional nomadic camps of the Sahel region, with just eight guests at any one time. Tents are simple but charming, with a camp bed as well as a chest to keep your belongings in. It also gives 100% of its profits back to Zakouma National Park.

57th. Chobe Game Lodge – Botswana

Chobe Game Lodge is the only permanent game lodge inside the Chobe National Park and has amazing safari viewing points on both land and water. The lodge has a wooden walkway along the river’s edge where you can see some of the best game viewings in Botswana.

Can’t wait to visit? Check out the live webcam from the reserve here.

56th. Ongava Lodge – Namibia

Ongava Lodge is situated in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve, with endless wildlife viewing opportunities – you can hear the lions roar nearby just before sunrise as you get ready for a morning safari.

Beautiful chalets are built out of rock and thatch, with glass doors that lead out onto a private, covered veranda overlooking the Ongava bush.

55th. Virunga Lodge – Rwanda

The magnificent Virunga Lodge is perched high on a ridge with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes. It’s one of the best places for trekking for Eastern Lowland Gorillas in the Virunga Mountains, as well as Golden Monkeys.

Rooms are in Rwandese-style, with their own fireplaces and an indulgent spa to soothe those aching muscles. A once-in-a-life-time experience to see the last of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas.

54th. Selati Sabi Sabi – South Africa

Sabi Sabi’s award winning luxury game lodge has a historic railway theme with outdoor bathtubs and a draped four-poster bed looking out onto your private terrace which has a private plunge pool.

Spot the Big 5 on an open top safari ride to follow the animals on and off-road or choose a walking safari to immerse yourself in the land.

53rd. Ol Malo – Kenya

Ol Malo is an extraordinary family-owned and run lodge that has the perfect mix of home comfort and luxury. You can pick and choose what you feel like doing each day, be it game drives, riding, walking, fishing, medicinal plant walks or learning how to survive like a Samburu.

If you want to get even closer to Africa’s ‘night life’ one can also choose to spend a night in the leopard hide, star gazing in the tree house, or in a tented fly camp.

52nd. andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge – South Africa

Ngala Safari Lodge is on a Big Five private game reserve that shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. The sparkling pool is often visited by elephants while the lodge’s boma creates a dramatic setting for fire-lit dinners.

Guests also have a complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars to use during their stay – fancy.

51st. Abu Camp – Botswana

Abu Camp calls the Okavango Delta home: a UNESCO World Heritage Site where huge herds of elephant roam. The entire lodge revolves around elephant conservation and guests are invited to join the herd (safely!) as they forage, bathe, and wallow in mud.

Each of the tented rooms has a large deck with a secluded outdoor copper bathtub and private plunge pool. Heaven.

(No.50-26)

50th. Sasakwa Lodge – Tanzania

From infinity swimming pools that appear to float out over the plain, to guided equestrian tours and balloon safaris, Singita Sasakwa Lodge is an Edwardian manor house with nine private cottages and a villa, each with a private infinity pool,

The butler-serviced suite includes its own game vehicle, Field Guide, “bar-deli” and exclusive in-room dining. What more could you possibly need?

49th. Elephant Watch Camp – Kenya

Elephant Watch Camp is all about being as eco-friendly as possible: the six en-suite tents are crafted from all-natural materials, including trees felled by elephants. Water is is hand-pumped from their on-site well, carefully distributed and then re-used to nourish the trees and food comes from the local farmer’s market on nearby Mt Kenya.

Bull elephants hang out in Camp quite a bit, especially after the rains, so just relax in bed and enjoy the views.

48th. King Lewanika Lodge – Zambia

This superb lodge is in the middle of Liuwa Plain, home to Africa’s second biggest wildebeest migration, magnificent birdlife, a growing cheetah population and the famed Lady Liuwa lion pride.

Six luxury villas are raised on platforms to make the most of the views, with plush beds and wooden terraces to soak up the sun.

47th. Kyambura Gorge Lodge – Uganda

This eclectic contemporary safari lodge is an ideal location for tracking the lost chimps in the sunken forest of Kyambura Gorge nearby – all suites are individually named after the Kyambura Gorge chimpanzees. You can spot tree climbing lions and finish off the day with a massage at the on-site spa.

To top it off? Meals are prepared using the freshest local ingredients and served in front of a roaring fire in the dining area. Bliss.

46th. Malilangwe House – Zimbabwe

Want an unforgettable safari experience with family or friends? Designed for exactly that, this private villa has five bedrooms, each with its own private deck, that all flow into the home’s living areas, interactive kitchen, chic ‘bar-deli’ and main deck with its large rim-flow pool.

The house comes with a dedicated private chef, game vehicle, Field Guide and butler catering for every need.

45th. The Fort at Fisher’s Pan – Namibia

This utterly unique fort lodge is built in exactly the right spot to give guests probably one of the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia, overlooking the Etosha Pans.

The main fort has massive raw walls, stunning stone cladded features and a huge tower, with African-meets-Moroccan vibes. Stay in one of 11 Bush Suites and one Honeymoon Suites, some of which have outdoor bathtubs.

44th. Ulusaba Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge – South Africa

Ulusaba is Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa and it has the best view of all lodges in Sabi Sand – it’s perched high on a hilltop. Stay at the Rock Lodge or the Safari Lodge, which has cross swing bridges between the lovely tree house style rooms.

When not out exploring the bush, you can relax a little at the swimming pool, the spa or discover the wine cellar.

43rd. Elewana Loisaba Star Beds – Kenya

Handcrafted four-poster wooden beds sit on raised wooden platforms jutting out from a thatched-roof accommodation and are rolled out each night for guests to enjoy the most memorable sleep under the endless African sky.

Sounds like paradise? It really is. Home to elephant and a healthy population of lion, Loisaba is a prime example of a great collaboration between conservation, community, ranching and tourism.

42nd. Belmond Eagle Island Camp – Botswana

This is easily Africa’s ultimate water-focused safari – Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is set on a private island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. You can enjoy game viewing by mekoro (traditional dugout canoe), excursions in small motorboats, barge cruises or thrilling helicopter flights.

High-ceilinged tented rooms flood with light; each has a plunge pool and oversized bed with views of the Delta. Plus, have you seen those bathtubs?!

41st. Chiawa Camp – Zambia

The family owned and operated Chiawa Camp is one of Zambia’s most luxurious safari lodges, with luxurious tents and a lovely Safari Suite. The Safari Suite is what you should book for the ultimate escape.

It’s absolutely huge, with a bedroom with a massive king size bed, a gorgeous bathroom with ball & claw bath and his and hers washbasins and its own deck and pool. Keep an eye out for elephants while you’re having breakfast.

40th. Baines’ Camp – Botswana

With star baths and sky beds on your private deck, this is a total romantic oasis. Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is built on raised platforms high above the Boro River with just five luxury tents that are linked by wooden walkways. Take an outdoor candlelit bubble bath or watch hippos from the edge of the pool.

There’s also an opportunity to go walking in the bush with the semi-habituated elephants of the camp.

39th. Apoka Safari Lodge – Uganda

Apoka Safari Lodge is right in the middle of one of Africa’s best destinations – Kidepo Valley National Park. It’s Uganda’s most remote park and is the only park in Uganda with cheetah.

Big beds with soft duvets are draped with mosquito nets, there’s extra large plush towels, over-sized dressing gowns…you may be as far away from the city as you’ll ever be, but you won’t miss a thing.

38th. Mowani Mountain Camp – Namibia

Dwarfed by massive boulders, this entire camp is absorbed into the landscape, leaving you with a feeling of absolute bliss. The amazing eco-design goes right through to the rooms; there’s 13 en-suite rooms with views across the valley or hill top vistas and two luxury suites, with open-air bathrooms.

It makes perfect sense that that the camp takes its name from the Swahili for ‘Window on Heaven’.

37th. Lewa Wilderness Camp – Kenya

This amazing camp is situated near the base of Mt. Kenya – Africa’s second tallest mountain – Lewa Wilderness is one of Kenya’s oldest and most private safari ventures.

There’s just nine rooms, all of which have antique and handmade furniture, giving each one rustic charm and slick views. As for activities? Go game viewing to see the rhinos, or just two minutes walk from the lodge, the Stables are home to over 30 horses and ponies.

36th. Lugenda Bush Camp – Mozambique

This charming camp has eight East-Africa style safari tents and is part of the the Niassa Reserve, one of the largest reserves in Africa. Until Mozambique’s civil war ended in the early 1990s the Niassa Wildlife Reserve remained completely untouched, so the game population here is a safari lover’s dream.

The wake up call of piping-hot coffee or tea and muffins in the early mornings for sunrise game drives or walks is an added bonus.

35th. One&Only Nyungwe House – Rwanda

In Southwest Rwanda, this stylish retreat is is set on one of the last mountain rainforest habitats on the planet. The lodge itself is located on a working tea plantation and you can trace chimpanzees and endangered Mangabey monkeys.

Rooms are inspired by the natural beauty of Rwanda, while the canopy-level infinity pool and spa are the cherry on top.

34th. Royal Malewane – South Africa

Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and black rhino make up Africa’s Big 5, and you can spot all of these majestic animals on a safari with Royal Malewane. There’s a luxury spa with Dermologica treatments and courtyard pool.

As well as suites, a private villa comes with a chef, housekeeper, butler, private safari vehicle, ranger and tracker.

33rd. Kirawira Serena Camp – Tanzania

This exclusive camp is in an ideal location in Serengeti National Park – prime spot for the ‘Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth’, the annual migration of over one million wildebeest.

Each tent has its own personal valet, and is in antique Edwardian style with steamer-trunks, writing desk, brass lamps, rugs, sepia photographs and four-poster bed with patchwork quilt.

32nd. andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp – Botswana

&Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp combines the best of water and wildlife on twice-daily game-drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, mokoro and powerboat excursions. The camp has stunning tents with Delta views, as well as a private massage sala and candlelit dinners.

(FYI, there’s a drought in Botswana so water activities are unavailable until further notice).

31st. Camp Amalinda – Zimbabwe

This exclusive, privately owned safari lodge is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Matobo Hills, the oldest National Park in Zimbabwe. The lodge looks out over a busy watering hole, which you can see from Amalinda’s famous ‘rock’ swimming pool.

A tour to the local Matabele village and rhino tracking are just some of the highlights here.

30th. Elsa’s Kopje – Kenya

This romantic lodge is really something else. Elsa’s Kopje is in Mughwango Hill, above the site of George Adamson’s original camp where he raised and released orphan lions, long before conservation became fashionable.

Each private cottage is enormous, with views of the plains of Meru National Park. Expert guides know the territory of the Meru lions and leopards, and can also show you medicinal properties of the unusual plants, are keen birders, and the home of the tiny naked mole rat!

29th. Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge – South Africa

Hoyo Hoyo is one of the best places in the whole park to see elephants, with the amazing beasts even coming up to the swimming pool to try sip a sneaky drink. Suites all have traditional Tsonga style design, with private decks looking out over the bush.

A high-end safari lodge that is simply picture perfect.

28th. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp – Uganda

Once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Uganda’s endangered gorillas await when you stay in one of these only eight private luxury tents in the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Rooms even have outdoor bathtubs with forest views.

Sip on local banana beer and keep an eye out for the family of gorillas that visits the camp four to six times per month.

27th. Chongwe River House – Zambia

An amazing private safari home, Chongwe River House sleeps eight in four ensuite bedrooms that push the boundaries of bush architecture. Bathe outdoors or in the swimming pool and enjoy your very own guide, house manager and private chef.

This is perfect for anyone looking for unforgettable wildlife sightings (the Chongwe area is famous for its large elephant herds, which you can view from your own deck) .

26th. andBeyond Bateleur Camp – Kenya

With breathtaking views over the Masai Mara, this camp is set just below the spot where Out of Africa’s famous final scene was filmed. Luxurious rooms have antiques and hand-crafted artefacts that add a vintage safari vibe.

After all your game viewing, chill out with dinner beneath the stars, followed by fireside port and cigars.

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25th. andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – Namibia

This is an outstanding lodge with walk-in wine cellars, floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a location in a Dark Sky Reserve. Rooms come with an outdoor shower and a dramatic skylight over the bed for late night star gazing.

P.S. This incredible lodge is currently closed for refurbs but will be open in October 2019, just in time for prime safari season.

24th. The Hide – Zimbabwe

The Hide’s main lodge overlooks a wildlife-rich waterhole and has rustic rooms, including a beautiful treetop suite.

Get right close up to large herds of elephants and buffalo at the Underground Hide, which provides amazing photographic opportunities. Along the same tunnel, you’ll find a secret wine cellar to browse.

23rd. Il Ngwesi – Kenya

Il Ngwesi is a fantastic community-run camp set on the Il Ngwesi group Ranch. Built into the side of a hill from locally sourced materials – wood, rock and thatching – it’s managed and hosted by a team of Maasai moran (warriors).

It’s an incredible chance to experience the African wildlife, as it’s also a rhino sanctuary. You’ll even get to dine in the village of some of Il Ngwesi’s warrior staff – expect lots of dancing!

22nd. Kagga Kamma – South Africa

Rock formations frame the horizon at this unique lodge with outdoor star suites. Outside in the middle of a Nature Reserve at night, you are by no means roughing it – rooms come with with a proper queen-size bed, cozy bedding, a natural rock pool and a “star bath”!

You won’t spot big game here, but there’s antelope and ostrich and plenty of activities.

21st. Desert Rhino Camp – Namibia

Desert Rhino Camp is in the heart of one of Africa’s largest free-ranging populations of Critically Endangered desert-adapted black rhino. It’s a luxury tented mobile camp, that can be easily moved if local game movements make it necessary.

The pretty camp has eight mega-comfortable Meru-style tents, with story-telling every night around the campfire.

20th. Royal Zambezi Lodge Bush Spa – Zambia

From wherever you are in the camp – maybe your private deck, or in your outdoor bathtub – you’ll have incredible views of the Lower Zambezi National Park. Elephants roam through the camp on a daily basis, and you can also embrace the lodge’s DNA-policy (Doing Nothing at All).

With a keen focus on wellness, the spa has stunning views of the river and uses local indigenous ingredients from the African bush.

19th. Giraffe Manor – Kenya

Could this be the most famous lodge in all of Africa? We’re guessing it’s a firm yes. Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel in one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings, with classic safari-style rooms.

But the most fascinating thing about Giraffe Manor is its herd of resident Rothschild’s giraffe who visit morning and evening in the hope of treats. The hotel doubles up as a giraffe sanctuary with a breeding programme that aims to reintroduce pairs of the giraffes back into the wild.

18th. Faru Faru Lodge – Tanzania

Yet another incredible lodge on Singita’s private reserve, Faru Faru is an easy-going lodge in the heart of the Serengeti. A natural watering hole attracts predators and prey right up to the lodge, so you don’t even have to leave the camp.

There’s two swimming pools, a fire pit under the stars for evening chats and classic rooms with comfy beds.

17th. Kings Pool Camp – Botswana

The newly-renovated and elegant King’s Pool lodge is a 100% solar-powered camp with nine luxurious thatch and canvas rooms. An open-air boma is the perfect place for dinner al fresco, with sundowners every evening on the deck.

Feeling adventurous? See massive elephants at eye-level from the camp’s sunken hide, or ask to arrange a sleepout in the wilderness for a night.

16th. Londolozi Lodge – South Africa

Londolozi is right on the Sand River, in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve within the famous Greater Kruger National Park.

Each of the five camps here have a uniquely different vibe, yet all are beautiful. Londolozi’s Private Granite Suites feature outdoor bathtubs where you can watch elephants play in the river. A sunset river bar and sunken cocktail lounge are suspended high above the Sand River for even more views.

15th. Kapama Karula – South Africa

The perfect place to come with a family or small group of friends if you’re experiencing a safari for the first time. Each of the glass-wrapped villas has its own outside deck area, a full-sized heated pool and loungers, and the larger camp size at Kapama Karula makes it extra lively.

With bathtub views like these, how could you ever leave?

14th. Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero – Botswana

Chobe Chilwero borders the elephant rich Chobe National Park in northern Botswana, aka one of the best wildlife parks in Africa. The luxurious lodge has just 15 suites, as well as the only full spa on the Botswana safari circuit.

After a day of game viewing, what better way to relax than in your own private garden with a cocktail?

13th. Gibb’s Farm – Tanzania

Established as a coffee farm in the late 1920s, Gibb’s Farm was one of the first guesthouses in Northern Tanzania. Now, the lovely old building still retains its colonial feel with beautiful gardens to stroll through.

Feast on organic produce straight from the lodge’s farm, explore centuries-old waterfalls and elephant caves or take a mountain bike day trip to Rotia, spotting wildlife along the way.

12th. Naibor Camp – Kenya

Naibor, a Masai word for ‘space’, is a luxury camp deep in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms are spread throughout the forest.

The Mess tent and sociable fireplace area overlook the Talek River with its resident pod of hippos, with comfortable floor-cushions, rugs and sofas to sink into after a day in the bush.

11th. Somalisa – Zimbabwe

Somalise is an incredible camp with wildlife that includes the Big Five, white rhino, zebra, giraffe and the rare and endangered roan antelope. The main highlight here is an elephant pool which is a popular bathing spot for elephant families.

One minute you’re sipping on your gin and tonic, the next you’re gazing out at wild elephants passing by. Cheers to that.

10th. Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge – Uganda

This rustic lodge is on its own private section of the Munyanga River, and mountain gorillas can regularly be viewed from the terraces crossing the river outside the lodge. It’s no wonder that

At Mahogany Springs it is the little touches that make the big difference. Think: complimentary Afternoon Tea, board games and enormous bathtubs.

9th. Ivory Lodge – South Africa

Here, everything is included – from your champagne of choice stocked in the maxibar to unique dining under the stars. Guests staying at Ivory Lodge can also spend a night or two in a luxury treehouse.

The Kingston Treehouse is built on boulders, across a small drawbridge, with lanterns to light the way. The pictures speak for themselves…

8th. The Highlands – Tanzania

The spectacular Asilia Highlands has a cutting-edge design, with dome suites that strike a perfect balance between a true wilderness experience and a high-style, contemporary escape. Domes have wood-burning stoves and mountain views.

Adventures include game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, community and cultural visits, hiking along Maasai cattle trails or talks with a renowned lion researcher.

7th. The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge – Zambia

This is an award winning safari lodge set in the most prolific game area of the South Luangwa. Where else can you sit in the lobby and watch a small herd of elephants parade on the tile floors, marching past you to reach the Wild Mango tree inside the lodge grounds?

The 18 thatch chalets are beautiful, but it’s the unbeatable wildlife encounters that makes this spot special.

6th. Singita Pamushana Lodge – Zimbabwe

Singita Pamushana Lodge’s breathtaking design is just on highlight; the lodge has an ecotourism focus and purpose to contribute to the conservation of the 130,000-acre wildlife reserve.

Relax in vibrant and colourful suites with handmade Shangaan fabrics, explore the impressive wine cellars or take a break from safari adventures with a trip to the spa.

5th. Enasoit – Kenya

This luxurious private safari camp in Kenya’s Laikipia plateau can only be hired on an exclusive basis, so gather up your friends ASAP. Rooms include classic tents as well as cottages that overlook a watering hole.

The camp offers bespoke ‘Thinking Man’s Safaris’ – guests provide topics that interest them and the camp will source speakers, often leaders in their field, who can develop those interests over fireside chats.

4th. Jack’s Camp – Botswana

A safari here is an extremely unusual desert safari experience; you’ll explore Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, walk with San Bushmen and spend time with wild meerkats.

Bedouin-style tents have the comfiest four-poster beds you’ll ever sleep in, while a jaw-dropping swimming pool underneath a tent is unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else.

3rd. Singita Boulders Lodge – South Africa

You’ll find this between the Hoedspruit and Acornhoek on the western edge of Kruger National Park. You’ll get to see some amazing big game here, but you’ll also be doing it in serious luxury. Each suite has an ensuite bedroom, private sitting room and game viewing deck with private plunge pool. Some are overlooking a well-used watering hole.

Tough competition, but hands down the best safari lodge in South Africa.

2nd. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – Uganda

At over 2,000 metres above sea level, this is Uganda’s highest lodge. You’ll be sleeping in the clouds in one of eight cottages that are built from volcanic stone. Spectacular views stretch all the way to the Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda, with the soft glow of the volcano visible at nighttime.

One of the best lodges to track the famous gorillas, there’s also private butlers, cosy fireplaces to take away the mountain chill and a spa.

1st. Bisate – Rwanda

This truly unique lodge combines the bucket-list gorilla trek with pure luxury. The six forest villas are high in the treetops with circular rooms and local artworks.

The whole Bisate experience is based around lodge’s 4Cs sustainability ethos of Commerce, Community, Culture and Conservation. Every guest who stays joins in on a pioneering reforestation project, which has already seen over 20 000 indigenous trees planted on the Bisate site.