Africa is the home to beauty that can’t be matched anywhere else. Whether it’s the sprawling savannahs or the thriving ancient cultures, this continent has got it all. And if you’re looking for unrivaled comfort and luxury, then booking a luxury safari in Africa is an unforgettable experience that brings together five-star accommodations, world-class cuisine, and once-in-a-lifetime memories.
From the iconic lodges of Kenya’s Masai Mara to South Africa’s Kruger National Park exclusive reserves, Africa’s diversity is breathtaking. Imagine sipping champagne while gazing at the sundrenched Serengeti or relaxing in your villa’s private plunge pool as elephants pass by—Africa has a luxury safari experience ready to exceed anything you could have ever imagined.
Popular Luxury Safaris in Africa
About The Luxury Safaris in Africa
Classic Luxury Safaris
Kenya’s Masai Mara: Classic Luxury in The Birthplace Of Safari
The Masai Mara is known for its vast plains, iconic wildlife, and traditional Maasai culture—it’s like stepping into another realm. And even though it already offers such a magical experience, some lodges are etched deeply into history with their classic elegance meeting modern comfort vibes.
Angama Mara sits high up on the edge of Great Rift Valley with stunning views over the savanna. The lodge features 30 glass-fronted tented suites that define what ‘luxury’ truly means. Each suite has king-size beds, private decks, floor-to-ceiling windows bringing in as much natural light as possible. Angama Mara doesn’t stop here either—there are plenty more unique experiences for you to enjoy, from hot air balloon safaris to private bush dinners under the stars.
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp takes you back in time with its vintage decor and traditional hospitality, but don’t let that fool you. The camp is every bit as luxurious as it gets. There are 10 white canvas tents that line the banks of Olderkesi River. Each suite has a private veranda and en-suite bathroom so you can have all the peace and quiet you need. Cottar’s also offers unique activities like guided walks with Maasai warriors or horse-back safaris across the plains.
For a modern spin on luxury in the Mara, Mara Plains Camp is your best shot. It’s an eco-friendly oasis at the center of Olare Motorogi Conservancy and boasts seven tented suites that bring sustainable living to a whole other level—recycled hardwood floors, solar power, commitment to leaving zero trace on environment…you get my point! With this camp, there are plenty of exclusive activities such as night drives or guided walks with expert naturalists.
Tanzania’s Serengeti: Unparalleled Wildlife And Unrivaled Luxury
One could argue that Tanzania’s Serengeti is one of the most iconic wildlife destinations out there—and I couldn’t agree more. The vast plains, annual wildebeest migration, and incredible density of predators make it unlike anything else in this world. But what really adds icing to this cake are the grand lodges compliments by every detail designed to maximize comfort and indulgence.
One of the most breathtaking lodges in the Serengeti is Singita Sasakwa Lodge. The lodge is situated on top of a hill and offers sweeping views over the endless savanna. Four-poster beds, private infinity pools, and personal butlers are just some of the luxuries you’ll enjoy at this lodge’s nine private cottages. There are also activities that I’m sure you won’t want to miss out on, like private game drives and wine tastings in their extensive cellar.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is another luxury option for you while you’re in the Serengeti. Their 77 rooms and suites have private balconies, deep soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the savanna. From a full-service spa to a fine dining restaurant overlooking an active watering hole, this resort has it all.
If you’re looking for something more intimate then Roving Bushtops is perfect for you. This mobile tented camp follows the wildebeest migration across the Serengeti every year. The camp’s six luxurious tents have king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas with views of the plains.
South Africa’s Kruger National Park: Exclusive Reserves and Cutting-Edge Luxury
The Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves. It’s home to countless species from big game to rare birds and reptiles. Some people may think that luxury can’t be found in a wild place like this but they couldn’t be any more wrong.
Singita Lebombo Lodge is one of those places where modern design meets traditional African hospitality in all its glory. Fifteen glass-walled suites sit on a cliffside overlooking N’wanetsi River with expansive decks that offer stellar views of the surrounding wilderness.
Royal Malewane is another example of how far ahead these exclusive resorts are. Six luxury suites and two royal suites all have private pools, outdoor showers, and extensive decks overlooking the bush.
Londolozi Private Game Reserve is the best option if you’re looking for something more traditional in your luxury experience. They’ve been welcoming guests for 90 years and their five exclusive camps are a testament to that. Of course you’d be hard-pressed to find something wrong with elegant thatched roofs, private plunge pools, and expansive decks overlooking the Sand River too.
The Okavango Delta is one of the most unspoiled areas in Africa, with lush islands and winding waterways that support an impressive variety of wildlife. Some of the most luxurious lodges in Africa have been built here, so you can be sure to find accommodations that will provide both comfort and immersion.
Nine luxurious tents make up the Mombo Camp, a flagship property of Wilderness Safaris. Each unit comes equipped with a plunge pool, outdoor shower, and deck with views over the delta. The camp offers plenty to do as well — go on a guided walking safari or see it all from above on a helicopter flight.
Next is Vumbura Plains Camp. On the Kwedi Reserve, this stylish retreat has 14 luxury tents across two separate camps. They have their own lounge, dining area and plunge pool perched on stilts to allow for views over the plains below. If you’re looking to explore outside of your tent there are mokoro excursions (in traditional canoes), hot air balloon rides and more.
Built in the heart of the Okavango, Abu Camp is a private villa where each tent sits on its own island (of six total). You’ll also find a plunge pool, copper bathtub and deck at each unit. There’s no shortage of exclusive activities for guests either — go on an elephant-back safari or take part in private bush dinners under the stars.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park: Mountain Gorillas and Five-Star Stays
In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, you can trek through the misty mountains to meet endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. And when you’re done communing with nature, relax in one of the most luxurious lodges in Africa. From high-thread-count sheets to panoramic views of active volcanoes, no detail is spared.
At Bisate Lodge, six villas (shaped like traditional Rwandan royal palaces) are perched on an eroded volcanic cone. Each has a private deck with a view of a volcano or two; inside, there’s a fireplace and butler service. The lodge offers exclusive experiences such as gorilla trekking and guided nature walks.
With eight suites on the edge of the park, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is perfect for hard-core gorilla lovers — if that sounds like you. It sits below three volcanoes and features indoor-outdoor fireplaces and yoga decks overlooking the green countryside.
Virunga Lodge is slightly more old-fashioned than its neighbors, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on luxury. Ten “bandas” come with private terraces over Lake Ruhondo or Lake Bulera and fireplaces to keep things cozy during chilly nights.
Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater: Luxury Meets Wildlife
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to an unusual number of animals (a few examples include black rhinos and elephants). After each day spent admiring these creatures, rest your head at one of Africa’s most luxurious lodges. Expect chandelier-lit bathrooms and stunning views from your king-size bed — don’t be surprised when monkeys climb onto your balcony either!
AndBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge overlooks what was once an active volcano. Its 30 suites have maids, essentially; they’ll draw you a bath or set up dinner for two on your private deck. The lodge is also known to organize exclusive experiences, like trips to Maasai villages.
The Highlands Lodge combines its modern design with the culture of the local Maasai people, who are heavily involved in everything from lodge management to guided walks. Each of the eight dome-shaped suites has a wood-burning stove and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the surrounding hills.
Also nearby is Gibbs Farm, which has been welcoming guests for over 100 years. Spend your days hiking in the Ngorongoro Forest Reserve or lounging by the pool; either way, you’ll sleep well on the king-size beds covered in handmade quilts.
For an exclusive and personal experience, take a look at Entamanu Ngorongoro. This private camp is placed right on the edge of Ngorongoro Crater with views that will take your breath away. The camp has seven luxurious tents that were masterminded to blend in with the scenery. Each tent comes with a private deck, seating area, and bathroom. Venture through the wilderness and explore outside this beautiful place.
Zambia Luxury
South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is one of the most authentic places you can find in Africa. It’s home to some of the most unspoiled land and animals like wild dogs, leopards, and giraffes. The park hosts a few luxury lodges where guests are able to get up close and personal with nature while still enjoying a comfortable stay.
Chinzombo sits on the banks of the Luangwa River in South Luangwa Park and is one of the more iconic lodges there. With six villas designed to blend in with nature, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a different world. Each villa has its own deck, plunge pool, and view of the river.
Time + Tide Mchenja offers guests something new but still provides an excellent service while doing so. You’ll find five classic tents set up along the Luangwa River, each designed for comfort while still blending into nature’s surroundings. Alongside their main services they also offer guided walking safaris.
If you’re looking for something more intimate then try out Luangwa Safari House in South Luangwa Park as well. This house fits four suites which were designed for both comfort and style using natural materials found locally. Take advantage of their private game drives or guided walking tours led by experienced trackers.
Namibia Luxury Safaris
Sossusvlei in Namibia will offer you landscapes like no other place on earth can provide! From towering red sand dunes to gnarled dead trees, this park has it all. Explore the beautiful nature and stay in one of their luxurious lodges.
Little Kulala sits right in the middle of the Kulala Wilderness Reserve. The property is made up of 11 private suites that were designed to resemble classic Namibian farmhouses. They offer guests a chance to sleep under the stars with rooftop star beds. Aside from that they also run guided nature drives and hot air balloon safaris over the dunes.
Another high-end option in Sossusvlei is andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, a property set in the NamibRand Nature Reserve. The lodge has ten suites, each with a private veranda, outdoor shower and desert views. The lodge also offers a range of experiences such as guided nature walks and stargazing with an astronomer.
Zannier Hotels Sonop is another stunning property set in the Namib Desert. The property features 10 luxury tents designed to evoke the romance of a bygone era. Each tent boasts its own private terrace, copper bathtub and desert views. Experiences include guided nature drives and private dinners under the stars.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: Conservation and Community-Focused Luxury
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is one of Africa’s most successful conservation projects; it conserves 62,000 acres of land that house endangered species like black and white rhinos, Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes. Plus, some of the continent’s most community-focused lodges are rooted here — every stay contributes to protecting animals and aiding local communities.
Sirikoi is one of Lewa’s iconic lodges. Set within the conservancy itself, the stunning lodge offers panoramic views of wilderness. It has four tents (and two private cottages), each featuring a deck with its own fireplace.
Lewa Wilderness is another luxury safari lodge at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy that focuses on community engagement over profit margins. Its nine cottages offer views of the conservancy from their verandas or fireplaces; plus, the lodge offers unique experiences like guided bush walks and visits to local schools.
If you’re seeking total seclusion during your trip, opt for Lewa House — a private villa atop the conservancy’s hilltop. The house has three cottages that overlooks just about everything around it; each cottage also has its own outdoor bath and private deck. The villa’s exclusive experiences include private game drives and guided walks with expert conservationists.
Kalahari Desert: Unique Wildlife and Unparalleled Stargazing
The Kalahari Desert offers unique wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else. The expansive red sand dunes, ancient riverbeds and grasslands are home to a diverse range of species. From meerkats to brown hyenas, there is much to see in this corner of the world — including the iconic black-maned Kalahari lions. The desert is also one of the best places for stargazing thanks to clear skies and low light pollution.
A stunning property in the heart of a desert, Tswalu Kalahari is the most luxurious lodge in the Kalahari. The nine legae are designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape, each with its own private deck, outdoor shower and stunning views of the surrounding desert. There are also many exclusive experiences on offer at Tswalu including guided walks with San Bushmen and stargazing sessions with a resident astronomer.
Jack’s Camp is another option for those looking for a high end experience in the Kalahari. The classic safari camp is located on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and like Tswalu it has ten tents. Each tent has its own private veranda, outdoor shower and stunning views of the pans. On top of that there are plenty of other activities to do such as quad bike safaris and meerkat encounters.
Talking about exclusivity and unforgettable experiences, San Camp is perfect for those looking for something new and exciting. This beautiful new property is also located in Makgadikgadi Salt Pans where it has six luxury tents that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Each tent has its own deck, outdoor bath and views of the salt pans too! If you feel like exploring more you can sign up for guided walks with San Bushmen or even have dinner out on the salt pans under the stars!
