Top African Safari Lodges – Our Expert Picks

Segera Retreat, Kenya

Best for: Relaxation, acclimatisation, and cultural immersion.

If you’re travelling from the United States, starting your journey at Segera Retreat in Kenya is highly recommended whilst you acclimatise to Africa and the time zone changes.  This luxurious lodge offers the perfect setting to relax before embarking on your adventure.

Highlights of Segera Retreat:

– A privately-owned art gallery showcasing impressive collections.

– One of Africa’s best private wine cellars.

– Stunning facilities including a gym, swimming pool, and a unique outdoor star bed where you can sleep beneath the stars.

– Wildlife viewing through game drives and walking safaris.

– Opportunities to engage with the all-female ranger team and visit local community projects.

While there is wildlife to enjoy here, Segera is best for immersing yourself in the spirit of Africa and unwinding in absolute comfort.

Masai Mara, Kenya: Angama Mara

Best for: Witnessing the Great Migration and year-round wildlife viewing.

Next, head to the Masai Mara; arguably the best wildlife region on the African continent and home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, Africa’s most iconic wildlife spectacle. Every year, between July and September, two million animals traverse the Mara River in search of fresh grazing. This is Africa’s most iconic wildlife phenomenon, documented on countless occasions in the David Attenborough nature documentaries.

Angama Mara, located in the Mara Triangle, offers unparalleled luxury and direct access to the best wildlife viewing in the area.

Why Angama Mara?

– Prime location for witnessing the migration and year-round game viewing.

– Beautifully designed, spacious villas with sweeping views of the savannah.

– Exceptional cuisine and impeccable service.

– Unique experiences such as a women’s beading project and access to a professional wildlife photographer to enhance your photography skills.

Serengeti, Tanzania: Singita Mara River Camp & Singita Sabora

Best for: Seasonal migration and family-friendly luxury in Tanzania.

The Serengeti, part of the same ecosystem as the Masai Mara, offers equally breath-taking wildlife experiences. The Great Migration typically occurs in the southern Serengeti between December and March. The northern Serengeti, particularly the Lamai region, is another hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts. There are several excellent luxury camps and lodges for good Migration viewing, but my favourite are the Singita Mara River Camp and Singita Sabora.

Singita Mara River Camp & Singita Sabora Highlights:

– Couples’ experiences including wellness treatments, yoga, and private game drives.

– Community outreach programmes supporting 21 surrounding villages.

– A fascinating anti-poaching observation unit providing insight into conservation efforts.

– Activities for children such as interactive bush walks, stargazing, and arts and crafts.

There is also the alternative of taking a private villa in the same region, the Milele Villa, perfect for families.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Best for: Gorilla trekking and cultural immersion.

For the definitive luxury safari, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the ultimate destination.  Your up-close encounter with mountain gorillas is a mesmerising experience that ranks among Africa’s most exclusive wildlife adventures. Singita Kwitonda Lodge is perfectly positioned to offer both luxury and proximity to this unique wildlife haven.

Unforgettable Experiences:

– Take two guided gorilla treks that allow you to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, a mesmerising experience.

– Golden monkey trekking, birdwatching, and scenic hikes.

– Visits to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

– Cultural immersion through the local community culinary schools and traditional arts and crafts.

Okavango Delta, Botswana: Xigera Safari Lodge

Best for: Water-based safaris and pristine wilderness.

The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems. With its vast floodplains, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife, it’s often referred to as the “jewel of Africa.”

Xigera Safari Lodge offers an exceptional experience that combines water-based activities with luxurious accommodations and tremendous views. The owners own a wine farm in the Cape and the wine served is excellent quality. The staff are incredible here too.

Highlights of Xigera Safari Lodge:

– Game drives in open vehicle, boat rides along the channels and floodplains, and mokoro / canoe safaris.

– Stunning rooms with breathtaking views of the Delta.

– An excellent spa, gym, and swimming pool.

– Exceptional South African wines sourced from the owners’ Cape vineyard.

Malilangwe Reserve, Zimbabwe: Pamushana Lodge

Best for: Big Five game viewing and ultra-luxury stays.

Zimbabwe’s sumptuous Singita Pamushana Lodge, located in the private Malilangwe Game Reserve, offers an unparalleled level of exclusivity and in my opinion is one of the most luxurious lodges in all of Africa. Malilangwe spans 50,000 hectares and is home to the Big Five, and much more. I encourage you to engage with the local communities and visit the excellent philanthropic projects.

Pamushana Lodge Features:

– Opulent, enormous  villas with private plunge pools, including a five-bedroom villa perfect for families.

– Game drives, walking safaris, boat trips and fishing on the lake.

– Wildlife safaris to nearby Gonarezhou National Park, known for its large elephant population.

– Visit to the local community-focused initiatives, including opportunities to engage with locals.

– Additional amenities such as a gym, tennis court, and even a football pitch where you can play football against locals or the lodge staff.

Kruger National Park, South Africa: MalaMala Rattray’s Camp

Best for: Intimate luxury and exceptional wildlife density.

Nestled along the Sand River, MalaMala Rattray’s Camp offers a small, intimate setting. This was the private home to the late owner and it is an incredibly comfortable lodge which occupies the largest tract of land in the Kruger National Park overlooking the Sand River.

Why Choose Rattray’s Camp?

– Unmatched Big Five viewing in a private concession with some of the most concentrated wildlife viewing in the country.

– Luxurious yet understated accommodation with attentive service, with a swimming pool, small gym and spa treatments.

– A dedicated children’s bush programme for families.

– Land ownership handed back to the local community, showcasing the power of sustainable tourism.

Planning Your Luxury Safari

Each of these destinations offers a unique blend of luxury, wildlife, and cultural immersion. Whether you prefer the tranquil waters of the Okavango Delta, the thrill of the Great Migration, or the exclusivity of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Africa has something exceptional to offer.

Ready to plan your dream African safari? Get in touch to create a tailored itinerary that matches your preferences and schedule.