20 BEST Safari Lodges In Africa

We traveled for one full year across Africa. Across empty beaches in Mozambique, dry deserts in Namibia, and the plains of the Serengeti we stayed at some of the best safari lodges in Africa. Dusty days in Masai Mara and Serengeti lead to the most spectacular sunsets as the sun-kissed the earth and an explosion of color would burst into the sky.

It felt as if we saw the beginning and end of time every day in the bush as the sun brought life to the earth.

The miracle of life and the fight for survival plays out in the heartlands of Africa. We witnessed the birth of a baby zebra in Zambia and the death of many at the hands of predators who were themselves fighting for life. It is the greatest show on earth.

There is nothing quite like Africa; however, there are many different places to stay while visiting the beautiful continent. We’ve narrowed down these best lodges, camps, and resorts in Africa hand-selected and tested by the two of us.

We are not magazine editors or travel agents.

We are two real people with a passion for Africa and who have stayed overnight for at least two days in each of the properties listed. The accommodation ranges from classic safari tents to beach paradises and eco-friendly lodges.

We’ll keep updating the list as we return and hope this provides some trip inspiration. These are the best lodges in Africa for romance, adventure, tranquility, and luxury.

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The Best Safari Lodges in Africa

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Anvil Bay – Mozambique

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Anvil Bay is located in the Maputo Special Reserve and has the most stunning location on the Mozambican coast. If you want to feel like a castaway on your vacation then take a look at this place. The reserve is only a four-hour drive from Maputo. However, to get there you either have to have a 4×4 vehicle or hop on a helicopter.

With only nine thatched casinhas hidden away in the coastal mangrove, it is as intimate as it can get. The star of the show here is the wild coast, as Anvil Bay prides itself as having a minimal environmental impact. Rooms are built on stilts from local materials and the main lounge is two tents situated on the beach.

We stayed here for four days and never saw anyone asides from the lodge staff. If we were to pick a beach honeymoon as far away from everyday life as possible, this would be it.

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Montusi Mountain Lodge

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Forget about Johannesburg and Cape Town, the Drakensberg mountain range is a must see in South Africa. The Drakensberg mountains are a long range of mountains formed over 200 million years ago and they are absolutely stunning.

We spent a few days hiking and snowboarding in the dramatic mountains before we checked into Montusi Mountain Lodge for some relaxation in the South African bushveld.

Every chalet here is massive and comes complete with its own fireplace and heated flooring. All the patios have breathtaking views of the Drakensberg amphitheater, so you really can’t beat a morning here. I found Montusi to be the perfect mountain retreat for winter in South Africa – cozy, comfortable, and reasonably priced at $250 a night.

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Tintswalo Atlantic

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Cape Town is spectacular and one of our favorites in the world. We checked into the Tintswalo Atlantic which is located within Table Mountain National Park. It’s the only private lodge inside the park and despite being so close to Cape Town it is secluded. The exclusive lodge is located along the famous Chapmans Peak drive. It’s probably the most stunning location for a property in all of Southern Africa.

The Tintswalo Atlantic is easily one of the most romantic places to stay in the city. Each room is unique and styled after different islands of the world.  Of course, each features a stunning private and views of the sunset over Hout Bay. It’s worth noting that the food served here is also some of the finest that we have had throughout all of Africa. The Tintswalo suffered a devastating fire back in 2015, but instead of calling it quits the owners decided to rebuild and now it is better than ever.

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Wolwedans Collection

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Out of all the places we’ve stayed in the world Wolwedans is easily one of the best safari lodges in Africa. When it comes to luxury in Namibia, look no further than Wolwedans. They were pioneers in luxury tourism in Namibia and are now one of the most classic lodges in Africa. At its onset, it created the massive NamibRand Nature Reserve claiming back thousands of kilometers back from farmers. The famous collection of camps has been serving clients for decades and has an impressive guest list.

The Wolwedans Collection consists of the Dunes Lodge, Private Camp, Dune Camp, and Boulders Lodge. All four of the lodges are scattered across the NamibRand Nature Reserve and all have their own unique style and feel.

Every tent at Wolwedans has spectacular views over the dunes of Namibia, making this our favorite place for coffee in Namibia. We loved everything about Wolwedans, especially their effort towards sustainability. They’re making new efforts towards sustainability. Which includes many of their buildings out of plastic bottles, a full solar power plant, and producing organic food in the desert.

There are a handful of camps and lodges in this list that embody the essence of safari. Wolwedans is classic and timeless.

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Zambezi Queen Collection

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The Zambezi Queen is not your average lodge, because it comes in the form of a ship on the Chobe River. Guests can call this houseboat home for a few days while taking in the views of both Namibia and the Chobe National Park in Botswana.

“The Queen” is a boutique floating hotel with lovely rooms, a pool, bar, and full dining area. During the day everyone can leave the houseboat to go on a river cruise, bird watching, or fish only to return in the evening to mingle with other guests and enjoy delicious food.

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Tongabezi Lodge

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There is absolulty no denying this is one of the best safari lodges in Africa. After eating our way around Africa it’s official, Tongabezi Lodge has the best food in all of Africa. Aside from a wonderful chef, the lodge, which is located in Zambia near Livingstone is probably the most luxurious lodge on the Zambezi River. It’s also arguably one of the best lodges in all of Africa.

Tongabezi has been in operation for over 20 years and it is apparent in their lodge management skills. Everything from the beds to the staff, to the check-in process, is top-notch. No stone is left unturned and after a long travel day the day we checked in we found a fresh bubble bath with high-end bath oils waiting to be enjoyed.

Rooms here are all unique and they include a number of stunning “houses” that you can book for your stay. Each villa has large balconies to enjoy the Zambezi. While a personal valet is sure to make sure you are comfortable at all times.

The lodge is highly involved in the community and runs their own school called the Tongabezi Trust School and now teach over 200 kids from rural Zambian villages including all the employee’s children.

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that Tongabezi has been named one of the “100 Best Hotels In The World.”

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Kilindi Zanzibar

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If you’re in the market for an adults-only, beach paradise lodge on Zanzibar then make sure to check into Kilindi. This Zanzibar hotel is run by the large Elewana Collection and unlike any other lodge, we’ve ever stayed.

The pavilions at Kilindi are one of a kind, designed tastefully with minimalistic flair.  Each “room” has three circle pavilions that open up to the tranquility of the Indian ocean. There is the main bedroom, open air bathroom, and then a private lounging deck. In each setting, you are completely at one with the Zanzibar nature.

Each room also comes with a personal valet. Seafood at the resort is sure to wow any foodie. We were served some of the finest seafood we had in all of Africa and the chef was quick to adapt local ingredients to classic dishes.

It’s safe to say that Kilindi Zanzibar is a rare retreat reserved for those who want a truly special experience. The ambiance, seclusion, and attentive staff make this one of the very top resorts to choose from on Zanzibar. We can’t wait to return one day.

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Emerson Spice Hotel

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Emerson Spice was once an old Merchants House that is now a restored boutique hotel. Set in the middle of Stone Town, and only steps away from Emerson on Hurumzi, all I can say is – this hotel is one of the most unique in the world. Eleven rooms make up the old building and each one is uniquely decorated.

Just stepping into these rooms makes you feel as if you have stepped back a century. Colorful walls, antique furniture, and floor to ceiling curtains surround guests. Small details like period books, handmade local soaps, and towels seal the deal and transport guests back in time.

The Secret Garden restaurant is also hidden away inside this hotel and is one of the best places to have dinner at in Stone Town. Be sure to make reservations – they are well known around the island! It definitely made our cut for one of the best hotels in Zanzibar.

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Cottars 1920’s Camp

What if I told you there was a camp in Kenya where you could live out the old safari days of Africa? Well, Cottars 1920’s Camp on the edge of the famous Masai Mara is that camp.

At Cottar’s 1920s Camp guests are transported back in time to the essence of the original safari. Their guide on this journey is Calvin Cottar. The Cottar family has been guiding guests around Kenya since those early days. They are the “safari family,” and have guided a long list of celebrities, royalty, and aristocrats over a century of operating in Kenya.

Taking up the reigns of his family heritage Calvin and his wife built the Cottar’s 1920s Camp and formed the Olderikesi Conservancy. The 22,000-acre concession is exclusive to the camp and borders both the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Game drives around the conservancy also dip into both parks providing a real sense of adventure in pursuit of wild game.

Meanwhile, the camp is filled with authentic antiques, family photos, and artifacts from a century of safaris now used decoration for the main lounge and tents. Tents at the 1920s camp are a throwback to the former golden era of safari with all the adventure, romance, and atmosphere.

If there is one camp to live out the movie “Out of Africa” this is the one. The large white canvas tents roll up to reveal sweeping views down to the Serengeti and Masai Mara. The beds are four-poster and a working gramophone sits casually on an antique trunk. Bathrooms are ensuite and a woodfired hot water heater ensures guest always have a hot shower.

Experiences on offer here are unique and luxurious. Guests can partake in bush walks, game drive in the family’s 1940 Rolls Royce, bush dinners, spa services (every tent receives a complimentary 30-minute massage), and even a canvas tub bush bath. So make sure you have some nice outfits and a good pair of safari boots packed in your bag.

Not only that but the Masai Mara/Serengeti ecosystem has some of the best game density we’ve seen in all of Africa. We spent two weeks in the two Masai Mara National Reserve!

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Governors Camp Collection

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Our other favorite camp in the Masai Mara is Governors Camp. The location of the iconic camp was once the governors of Kenya private safari camp and entertained guests like Teddy Roosevelt. The Governors Camp Collection houses a variety of different lodges around the Masai Mara.

We stayed in their main Governors Camp, which is their biggest camp with 37 tents. Each tent is simply decorated and comfortable. The location is superb in the heart of the Masai Mara with fantastic game density around it.

On two separate occasions, we had elephants and lions roaming around our at night. The elephants even used our tent poles for a nice scratch. It’s all because of its location right in the center of the Masai Mara and by our accounts the best for wildlife in the National Reserve.

If you are into incredible game sightings and close encounters then Governors Camp should have your name written all over it. They are also one of the best companies to take a hot air balloon safari in the Mara.

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Chinzombo Safari Camp

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We’ve been asked what the absolute best camp we’ve stayed in has been. While that question is too difficult to answer, the most luxurious lodge is Chinzombo in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Chinzombo has an amazing location along the Luangwa River so you will likely find hippos and crocs lingering around night and day.

The park itself is famed for its high leopard population along the riverbanks during the dry season. It provides visitors a good chance of spotting the elusive leopard right form their villa.

Each villa has a bathtub, shower, lounge, minibar, WiFi, and a climate-controlled king-sized bed. The villas deck provides guests a large area for relaxing, take advantage of spa services, and swim in the plunge pool.

The lodge is managed by the highly regarded Norman Carr Safaris who are experts at walking safaris and have some of the best guides in Africa. It is easily the most luxurious lodge you’ll find on this list. The fact it’s located in the fabulous South Luangwa Park makes it only better! Find out why the South Luangwa is awesome!

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Ila Safari Lodge

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We are both incredibly conscious about our footprint when we travel. It’s why we always recommend eco-friendly products to travel with.  That’s why we loved our stay at Ila Lodge in the Kafue National Park in Zambia.

Ila Lodge is a brand new eco-lodge that hits a home run on luxury and sustainability. We loved the solar-powered pontoon boat for cruises on the Kafue River and their electric Land Rover.

The lodge has nine tents in total all facing the beautiful Kafue River. The rooms are open and allow for a blurred line between nature and your room.

The thatched main structure offers an infinity pool, elevated dining area, lounge, coffee station, full bar, and beautiful fire pit. After our game drives in the park, we were to come back to the lodge and enjoy romantic top quality meals.

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Chiawa & Old Mondoro Bushcamp

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Chiawa and Old Mondoro are owned and operated by the same family in the Lower Zambezi National Park. I would suggest anyone traveling to Lower Zambezi to try out both camps.

Chiawa is the larger of the two and in some ways slightly more luxurious. The tents are all large and comfortable with an outdoor shower and indoor bathtub and shower. The main lounge area is fit to handle at least twenty guests and features a bar, upstairs lookout, pool, and even a fitness center.

Old Mondoro is the smaller of the two and much more “back to Africa” feeling. At Old Mondoro guests are truly in the heart of the African wilderness – no WiFi, no unnecessary structures, and completely open. Both camps offer excellent guiding, food, and activities in the Lower Zambezi.

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Little Ruckomechi Camp

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It was only five minutes after we walked into our room that three elephants walked only meters away from our tent at Little Ruckomechi. Little Ruckomechi, or “Little Ruck” is the sister camp to Ruckomechi Camp in Wilderness’s own private concession in Mana Pools.

Little Ruck has four tents and can only accommodate eight people at camp. This makes the whole feeling of being in Mana Pools much more intimate and relaxed. Mana Pools is already far removed from the madding crowds of busier parks so to stay in such an intimate camp feels wild and unique.

We loved the design of the Wilderness Safaris tents and main camp at both Ruckomechi and Little Ruck. They seemed to effortlessly blend safari and the modern touches. Safari activities are conducted on a private concession within the park so Wilderness guests have the wilderness to themselves.

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Gorges Lodge

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Built on the edge of Batoka Gorge, every room at Gorges Lodge has one of the best views we’ve ever seen. The lodges main highlight is its proximity to Victoria Falls. With only a 30 minute drive to the Vic Falls entrance, this is an ideal place to stay when viewing the magnificent falls.

However, there is much more to this area than Vic Falls. Guests here can take a stab at spotting the rare Verreaux eagle, take a trip to the local communities, or even go white water rafting.

At the end of the day nothing is better than coming back to the lodge while falling asleep to the sound of water flowing beneath them.

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Sand Rivers Selous Camp

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Tanzania is one of the best countries in the world to go on safari, and I’m not just talking about traveling to the Serengeti. Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in the world and one of the least visited. We enjoyed a four day Selous safari with Nomad Tanzania.

The Rufiji River serves as the artery to the park and contributes to the stunning natural features of the park. Our safari in the Selous was enchanting.

The eight thatched guest bandas, are set on raised wooden platforms that overlook the river. The rooms are open-fronted, low-key, and permit the wilderness to drift into the villas. The sounds of the babbling Rufiji river are ever-present while hippos grunt happily along the riverbanks.  

Sand Rivers Selous also offers guests the chance to go on game drives, fishing, boat cruises, walking safaris, and fly camping. Fly camping is their signature experience which we recommend for anyone that wants to go camping in Africa in comfort.

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Ololo Safari Lodge

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We arrived at Ololo Lodge not knowing what to expect. The location of the quaint country lodge is on the Southern border of Nairobi National Park. The lodge is owned and operated by a lovely Australian couple who were crazy enough to give lodge management a stab.

They have taken everything they know from their two backgrounds – farming and furniture design – to build Ololo Lodge. The lodge used to be a traditional farmhouse that was restored into comfortable stable rooms, Safari tents, and even a tower suite that all compliment the old countryside theme.

They strive to grow as much as their food as they can from a large organic garden on the property. Which means they serve up some delicious farm to table cuisine. Even if you are not staying at Ololo you can swing by for a meal on their beautiful property. I would recommend making reservations on weekends as it gets busy.

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Kinondo Kwetu

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We didn’t know much about the coast of Kenya before we got there. We landed in Mombasa after an epic safari in the Masai Mara and made our way to Diani Beach.

Our first stop was Kinondo Kwetu, a small boutique barefoot beach lodge run by a young Swedish couple. The Bohemian lodge is great for both couples and families as there is plenty to do and plenty of places to just relax on this property.

Kinondo Kwetu has not one, but two pools – one for adults and one pool large enough to hold scuba diving lessons. The property has sun beds, a sauna, and various hideaways used for meals.

There’s also a stable onsite to go horseback riding along the beach. As well as kayaks, a slack line, a yoga studio, and a fitness center to stay active. It topped our list as one of the best Diani Beach hotels. 

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Kigelia Ruaha Camp

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Kigelia Camp, like Old Mondoro in Zambia, is another African camp that is back to basics. Located along the dry riverbeds in Ruaha National Park this embodies the classic safari camp.

Coffee on a brisk morning and sundowners around a fire are what await you at Kigelia. This magical camp is one of our favorite safari lodges in all of Africa for very good reason.

Here each tent is open with a king size bed, a bucket outdoor shower, and bucket sinks. There is no hard electricity here or WiFi. Like mentioned, this is old school safari, but in a great way!

This was our last stop in Africa and it couldn’t have been more fitting. Falling asleep to the sounds of lions grunting and waking up to the sounds of fish eagles calling is exactly what we want out of an African safari.

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Victoria Falls River Lodge

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When we first were shown our room at the lodge we were blown away by the size. The room was monstrous with a king-size bed,  sectional couch, coffee bar, indoor and outdoor shower, and a two-person bathtub.

The room was bigger than our one-bedroom apartment in New York. I asked them what we had done to be given the best room, and they told me that all of the rooms were the exact same! The next few days were spent enjoying a comfortable bed and taking baths while overlooking the lush bush and Zambezi River.

Every day at the lodge guests can choose to go on either a morning or afternoon game drive around the Zambezi National Park. We hit Zimbabwe at the beginning of the rainy season and all the green was refreshing to see after a month in Namibia.

We opted to wake up early, throw on some safari clothes, and catch the animals before the heat of the day. All the heavy rains and lush bush made the wildlife harder to spot, but we still managed to end our game drive with zebra, giraffe, elephant, impala, warthog, and vulture viewing.

I loved venturing around the Zambezi National Park compared to some of the more popular parks in Zimbabwe. We rarely saw other people and there was never a pile-up of cars gathering around an animal.

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Volcano Safaris Bwindi Lodge

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It’s not something that happens often to us, but when we stepped out of our Land Cruiser and arrived at Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge in Uganda we felt at ease. The individual rooms and lodge blended in with their natural surrounding.

Bandas feature windows that opened wide to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here there was no end to the lodge as the park spilled right onto the property that is frequented by mountain gorillas.

The lodge feels secluded away, yet it is only a few minutes walk away from the Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest park entrance. It feels as if it is within the national park and makes for a relaxing wildlife experience. It’s the perfect place for a good book, coffee, and complete tranquility.

Bwindi Lodge was the perfect place to have a memorable experience while gorilla trekking in Uganda. Their environmental and conservation efforts were duly noted and appreciated.

The lodge gave clear support to the local communities and staff. At its core, the lodge is dedicated to aiding guests in gorilla trekking while ensuring general comfort, great amenities, and support.

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Chobe Water Villas

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Chobe Water Villas sits on the wildlife-filled Chobe River.  It’s also the most modern accommodation we have seen in Africa. Walking into the main area transports you into a varying array of time zones and locations. The interior was decorated in chic white and gray décor and stark shapes.

Exploring the architecture and decoration of the hotel leads to sources of inspiration from around Namibia.  From the skeleton of a whale to the seasonal rains that bring life.

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What To Pack For These African Lodges

There are a few things that one should pack for an African Safari. We help you create your safari packing list and share some of our favorite safari products.

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