Top 10 Safari Lodges and Camps in Africa
Our recommendations.
August 25, 2019
Where lion and elephant say good night to each other
Jungle, desert and steppe. Safari tours not only offer a wide range of options, but can also be customized. From the luxury camp to the cozy dune lodge, African countries offer everything you need for an adventure in the middle of the wilderness. The 10 lodges and camps embody the multifaceted offer for tourists and combine luxury and wilderness.
Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
LIFESTYLE AND LUXURY
The beautifully designed Thorntree River Lodge is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, in the heart of the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. This environmentally conscious oasis blends into the tranquil river landscape and draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of local African culture and contemporary influences. Just 20 minutes from the famous Victoria Falls, the lodge is perfectly situated to enjoy the nearby cascading spectacle with a range of water sports activities. Perched on the riverbank are the twelve luxurious suites, four of which can be used as family suites with interconnecting walkways. Each suite features an en-suite bathroom with an additional outdoor shower, a private lounge area that spans a private terrace, and a plunge pool. The suites' sliding glass walls and high canvas roofs are designed to show off the incredible river panoramas. As well as evenings around the fire pit, dining by the river or a relaxing dip in the infinity pool, the lodge offers a daily range of excursions. Expedition-minded guests won't get bored at the tranquil Thorntree Lodge either. Looking for adventure? Bungee jumping, white water rafting, river cruises, helicopter rides and picnics on Livingstone Island are the order of the day here! After an adventurous day on the river, staying at Thorntree River Lodge is ideal for time out in a peaceful setting in the middle of the African wilderness.
Magashi Camp, Rwanda
LIVING ADVENTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY
The nearby Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda and borders neighbouring Tanzania. A typical savannah landscape, you will find marshlands, lakes and rivers, grassy hills and forests. Magashi Camp is situated on the Magashi Peninsula, a peninsula in Lake Rwanyakazinga at an altitude of 1,300 metres. Safari tours can be booked "by night" and "by day" according to your wishes and preferences. Walking safaris, boat trips and fishing on a "catch & release" basis await adventurous safari fans. A variety of over 500 birds make the heart of nature lovers beat faster. With a bit of luck you can spot the kings of the savannah: lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, black rhinos, buffalos, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, antelopes and zebras. In the main house, guests have access to a large, partially covered lounge with dining area and a bar. The furniture is bright and friendly and creates a pleasant atmosphere. A pool with sundeck invites you to refresh yourself in the cool water. The individual tents are connected to the main building by wooden walkways. Each is made of sturdy canvas fabric and sits on a raised, wooden platform. Guests here enjoy a generous four-poster bed with mosquito netting and authentic wooden flooring. The wet rooms consist of bathroom with shower, washbasin and separate toilet. A spacious veranda with a view of the species-rich African savannah provides unforgettable moments. The whole camp is equipped with photovoltaic systems and thus takes a step towards sustainability. Furthermore - with a few exceptions - smoking is prohibited in the entire camp. Also in the spirit of sustainability, fans are installed in the camp instead of air conditioners. Of course, there is enough electricity for the one or other devices that document the stay in the wilderness. Wilderness Safaris' Magashi Camp works closely with the Rwanda Development Board and the NGO conservation organisation African Parks, which manages Akagera National Park. African Parks is dedicated to the protection of nature and species. - Thanks to this cooperation, poaching has been almost completely curbed. In 2015, lions were reintroduced to the national park after a 20-year absence, followed two years later by black rhinos.
Serra Cafema Camp, Namibia
BACK TO THE ROOTS
Serra Cafema Camp combines luxury and great service in one of the most remote camps in Southern Africa. It is only accessible in a three-hour flight by small plane from Windhoek. The cool Atlantic winds ensure that the camp has cool temperatures even in summer. Here you can enjoy breathtaking scenery in the home of the remote Himba villages, - one of the last true nomads in Africa. Serra Cafema Camp is situated under green trees on the banks of the Kunene River. Guests can enjoy the sound of the water, relax and explore one of the driest deserts in the world. Respectful interaction with the semi-nomadic Himba community, fascinating nature walks, boat trips and guided quad tours complete the experience. The eight chalets stand on raised decks and are made of wood, canvas and thatch. The idea behind the construction of the chalets was to create a unique camp that is in harmony with the environment and the Himba culture.
Namib Dune Star Camp, Namibia
UNDER THE STARRY SKY OF THE DESERT
Africa trip with a difference? The Namib Dune Star Camp makes it possible! The drive through the colourful idyll of the Namib Desert leads directly to the Namib Dune Star Camp. Already from a distance one recognizes the wooden chalets, which open up one after the other in the midst of the spectacular desert landscape. One can hardly believe it, but here one sleeps under the starry sky of the desert. As soon as the mountains turn purple in the evening light, it's time to roll out the beds for a night under the fabulous starry sky of the desert. For early risers, the wonders of the Namib are revealed on a guided walk in the gentle morning light. Namib Dune Star Camp is an unforgettable adventure from the Gondwana Collection. In complete seclusion and scattered far and wide in the red-brown folded dress of the Namib, the eco-camp's cottages blend into the character of nature in an elongated S-shaped line. The view from the restaurant terrace of the main house is absolutely unbeatable at any time of day, but especially when the landscape bathes in the gold of the setting sun. The simply but comfortably furnished chalets make for a pleasant retreat. Each guest has their own cottage with solar shower, rollaway double bed, additional single bed for families or friends and as an exclusive: the terrace for the night of nights.
Khwai Bush Camp, Botswana
FEEL, EXPERIENCE, MARVEL
Khwai Bush Camp is situated on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta in Botswana and borders the Moremi Game Reserve. The lodge stands out as a magical setting ideal for wildlife encounters. It is set amidst a forest of sycamore and lead trees on the banks of the Khwai River. With the charm and allure of a safari, your stay here is completely in tune with nature. With two spacious family chalets, the lodge is especially designed to accommodate families. The camp itself consists of four standard and family chalets along the Khwai River. An elegant but understated chalet with double or twin rooms and spacious en-suite bathrooms provides chill out moments while enjoying the riverbank views. From the thatched verandah overlooking the Moremi Game Reserve, the richest game viewing area in Botswana, you can immerse yourself in the magic of Africa here. From enchanting forests and rolling grasslands to lush floodplains and meandering lagoons, this is one of the most consistent areas for wildlife encounters. The utter tranquility here is broken only by the sounds of wildlife. Activities on offer include guided walking safaris, river activities and game drives. The qualified and passionate guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love of the jungle.
Jao Camp, Botswana
LUXURY IN THE WILDERNESS
In the heart of the Okavango, the luxurious Jao Camp is set amidst riverine forests and floodplains with lush wildlife. The camp (rebuilt in 2019) consists of a main area, two exclusive villas and five singles, all with private plunge pools, living and dining areas and en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. The two Jao Villas, each accommodating four people in two identical guest rooms, share a main area and also have an exclusive vehicle, guide, chef and butler. To minimise the ecological footprint, innovative insulation ensures comfort, while practical glazing attracts daylight into the lodges. Suites and villas are cooled with an evaporative cooler at a fraction of the energy consumed by conventional air conditioning. Calore fireplaces provide warmth in colder months.
Linyanti Bush Camp, Botswana
INTIMATE SAFARI TOUR IN THE JUNGLE
With only six luxury tents, Linyanti Bush Camp offers an intimate safari experience on the border of Botswana's legendary Chobe National Park. The camp is situated in the heart of the region known for its abundant wildlife. It is situated on the banks of the Linyanti Wetlands - one of the main sources of water during the drier months. Consequently, you can look forward to exceptional and varied wildlife encounters all year round. Overnight in one of six spacious tents overlooking the vast Linyanti landscape, the views are breathtaking and can be admired from the comfort of your own outdoor seating area. Sleeping alcoves are furnished in traditional safari camp style, giving each overnight stay the luxury it needs in the wilderness. In addition to the comfort logdes, the communal area features a lounge, bar and dining area with an abundantly stocked bookshelf. - A welcome retreat after a day of activities. Exciting four wheel drive drives bring each guest closer to the surrounding bush. The freedom of being on a private reserve means knowledgeable guides leading exclusive night game drives. This gives one an insight into Botswana's nocturnal world. Whether observing wildlife from a safari vehicle or boarding a helicopter for a panoramic view of swamps, forests and savannah plains is up to you.
Family friendly Safari - Somalisa Acacia Camp, Zimbabwe
FAMILY FRIENDLY SAFARI
Trees stand for rootedness and connectedness. This is one of the reasons why Somalisa Acacia Camp was named after one of the African trees. The acacia tree represents one of Africa's richest symbols. Its silhouette in bright orange and shades of pink harmonizes with the tranquil sounds of the hornbill in the distance. The camp is designed to allow guests to experience tranquil moments with their loved ones as they enjoy the biodiversity of Africa. - Authentic memories under African skies guaranteed! As part of a private tour in Hwange National Park, Somalisa Acacia offers a variety of activities. These include guided walks, typical safari tours and cultural visits. Here you will be accompanied by knowledgeable guides who are happy to share their knowledge and love of their profession with guests.
"Elephant's Eye" Hwange, Zimbabwe
SAFARI ECO LODGE
Elephant's Eye Lodge, Hwange, is situated next to Zimbabwe's largest game reserve, Hwange National Park. The lodge has 8 luxurious tree house style chalets situated around a waterhole. This allows you to observe the wildlife right from your accommodation. Each chalet has double or twin beds fitted with mosquito nets, an en-suite bathroom with bath and basin, an outdoor shower and a wrap-around veranda. Activities at Elephant's Eye, Hwange include full and half day game drives in Hwange National Park, a community upliftment experience, guided educational walks, bird watching, night game drives with trained guides, boma dinners and spa treatments. The lodge's promise: Life-changing experiences where guests actively contribute to the conservation of African wildlife, natural habitat and support the local community.
Chikwenya Camp, Zimbabwe
LIFESTYLE AND LUXURY LODGE
Chikwenya Camp is situated on the eastern border of the Mana Pools National Park and is a paradise for luxury and lifestyle fans. The lodges overlook a floodplain landscape and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment. A dense forest of mahogany trees provides cooling in the African heat. The elephants come very close to the lodge residents here! The mahogany trees shed their protein-rich pods during the dry season, providing elephants with food - naturally. The seven tents are set on wooden decks connected by pine walkways to the elevated main area. The lounge, dining and bar area is a place of hospitality and relaxation. The pool and deck provide space to gaze at the scenery and passing wildlife. - "The Lion King Live!" - Guaranteed!
Picture credits: Jenman African Safaris, African Bush Camps, Gondwana Collection, Wilderness Safaris (Dana Allen, Ruth and Kyle de Nobrega, Anton Kruger, Teagan Cunniff).
