The Top Ten Safari Lodges in Africa

The Top Ten Safari Lodges in Africa

Choosing the right safari lodge can often be a daunting and perilous process, so our Sales Director Chris Wain who is Conde Nast Traveler's Top Africa Specialist has saved you the leg work and stress by revealing his top ten safari lodges in Africa. 

Xigera Safari Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana 

One of Africa’s newest safari properties, but undoubtedly already one of its most luxurious, no expense was spared in the creation of the extraordinary Xigera Safari Lodge. Lying deep in the Okavango Delta, the individually-designed suites boast unique works of art and handmade furniture, and the guest facilities include a wine cellar, library, spa, swimming pool and a unique three-storey Baobab sleep-out tower. For those able to tear themselves away from all this, the surroundings offer some of Africa’s finest game viewing opportunities – including game drives, guided walks, boat excursions and trips in mokoro canoes.    

Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda 

Rwanda has really upped its game in recent years with a slew of new luxury lodges opening to cater for those keen to visit this East African gem. Amongst these is Bisate Lodge, run by the doyen of top-end safari operators, Wilderness Safaris, and sitting close to the Volcanoes National Park, home to the world’s largest population of endangered Mountain Gorillas. Just 12 luxury guests can be accommodated in the 6 opulent villas, each of which is almost 100 square metres in size.

Singita Boulders, Sabi Sands, South Africa

A real trailblazer when it opened, South Africa’s Boulders Lodge still remains one of the true icons of the safari industry. Owned and run by the inimitable Singita, it sets the standard for luxury bush living, offering the privileged few contemporary interiors, stunning design, legendary service and of course, being in the Sabi Sands, the very best game viewing right from its doorstep. Should the thrill of safari ever wane, then the swimming pool, spa, gym & library all lie in wait back at base, and what a base. 

Chinzombo, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia 

Home to some of Africa’s finest walking safaris, the South Luangwa also plays host to one of the continent’s finest safari lodges – Chinzombo. Designed by the renowned safari architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, this camp has really elevated Zambia’s safari offering to a world-class level. It offers just six villas, all strung along the water’s edge of the Luangwa River with large private viewing decks and plunge pools.

Little Kulala, Sossusvlei, Namibia

In the middle of the Namib Desert miles from anywhere, and set along a dry river bed lies one of the jewels in Namibia’s crown – Little Kulala. An exceptional safari lodge in an exceptional location, days can be spent enjoying game drives, guided walks, hot air balloon rides or trips amongst the towering sand dunes. Night time however is when the novelty factor kicks in, with guests able to spend the night under the wide-open starry skies on the specially-designed rooftop skybeds – an unbelievable experience matched by few other places in Africa.

Jack's Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

Recently revamped and reopened, Jack's Camp has rightfully regained its place as one of Africa’s, if not the world’s, most remote and remarkable hotels. Set way out on the dramatic salt pans of the Makgadikgadi, think 1940’s style, Persian rugs, chandeliers, antique billiards table, Natural History Museum cabinets, private plunge pools and tea tent, combined with activities as weird and wacky as quad biking, night game drives and walks with Bushmen guides. Totally unique.

Cottar’s 1920s Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya

One of the first, (it is over 100 years old), but still one of the best, Cottar’s is an elegant safari camp which conjures up the romance and thrills of a bygone era. Spacious white canvas tents are as far removed from glamping as is possible, and the game drives, escorted nature walks, surprise bush breakfasts and hot air balloon rides available bring things bang up-to-date. The Masai Mara setting is one of Africa’s most magnificent, and this five-star camp does not let it down.

Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Another property from the Singita stable, this time in one of Africa’s largest private game reserves overlooking the endless plains of the Serengeti. Tanzania’s finest, Sasakwa has a collection of private superior cottages and villas, each with their own swimming pool and acres of space. The attractions of the Serengeti really need no introduction, but the lodge’s offerings include a fitness centre, tennis court, stables and a comprehensive & educational children’s programme. A safari lodge which sets the luxury benchmark for the African bush.

Matetsi, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

A luxury safari lodge with an added bonus – of having the mighty Victoria Falls nearby. Located within its own private game reserve, Matetsi is actually split into two separate camps, each with nine contemporary villas which sit majestically along the banks of the Zambezi River. Five-star viewing decks, plunge pools, fitness room, massage sala and wine cellar are complemented by game drives, safari walks, canoeing and boat cruises, plus of course there’s always that waterfall just down the road to have a look at.

The Motse, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa

Vast African skies, dune picnics, meerkats, rock art, horse-riding, gourmet cuisine and star gazing are all major highlights at Tswalu, South Africa’s largest privately-owned game reserve. As one would expect from the lodge’s owners – the Oppenheimer family - the accommodation isn’t too bad either, consisting of just eight ginormous ‘legaes’ (or ‘little houses’). Only accessible by private light aircraft, Tswalu has more than 100,000 hectares of serious luxury just waiting to be explored.