Planning your first African safari or returning for a second visit requires consideration of several factors. One of the most crucial is where you’ll stay.
The best lodges and camps will place you in the heart of wild game reserves, concessions or national parks. They strive to offer luxurious amenities as well as world-class cuisine in these pristine settings.
Asilia Africa’s Rekero Camp
Rekero, a seasonal safari camp situated along the Talek River within Masai Mara Game Reserve, offers guests an unrivaled view of the Great Migration. Here, guests can expect to spot wildebeest and zebra by the thousands as they make their annual journey across this river.
Tented camp runs by Asilia Africa, a company dedicated to sustainability and making an impact on people and wildlife in its vicinity. Their philanthropic arm Asilia Giving funds projects that promote conservation and social upliftment within communities.
Rekero’s spacious tents are decorated in classic safari style with a contemporary flair. Each features an en-suite bathroom with hot-water shower and flushing toilet, as well as an inviting private veranda where you can unwind on either day bed or couch.
At day, game drives are the main activity. But guests can also enjoy nature walks and bush picnics to observe various birds and other species in the area.
Children at the camp can take part in activities like family safaris, lawn games and archery! Local visits such as visiting Maa Trust beadwork project give them an insightful view of rural life and provide them with souvenirs to take home.
Tarangire Treetops Safari Lodge
Tarangire Treetops Safari Lodge is situated within a private game reserve within conservation area and offers guests an array of activities like big five safaris and bird watching safaris, game walks, gourmet picnics, Masai village tours and night drives. Plus it has its own swimming pool for ultimate relaxation after a long day of wildlife viewing!
Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s best kept secrets and a sought-after northern safari destination. The park boasts abundant wildlife with an impressive elephant migration each year, plus you can spot plenty of lions and leopards here too!
Elewana’s Tarangire Treetops Safari Lodge is situated within a private concession leased from a Maasai community. This remarkable property features 20 treehouse suites tucked away amongst a baobab forest.
Each Treehouse Suite measures 65 sq metres and boasts a private balcony with stunning views of the baobab trees in the distance. All rooms come complete with en suite bathrooms, an expansive view deck and an in-room electronic safe for added peace of mind.
Elewana’s Tarangire Treetops safari camp offers guests an authentic African experience with natural materials and modern African decor, making it the perfect destination to get closer to nature. Unlike other Tarangire safari camps, this one is not fenced off from nature so guests have more of a chance at getting acquainted with its wildlife and surroundings.
Botswana Skybeds
Khwai Private Reserve, bordering Moremi and Chobe, boasts this stunning camp overlooking an active waterhole – offering one of Botswana’s most exclusive safari experiences. It is sister camps to Hyena Pan, Sable Alley and The Jackal & Hide which are also located within this stunning concession of the Khwai River.
Visitors to this remote area can sleep on five metre high platforms with 360 degree views of the wilderness. These sturdy split level platforms are furnished with beds and covered by a mosquito net at night. The bathroom levels offer shower, flush toilet and wash basin facilities.
Skybeds’ main attraction is its proximity to a waterhole that’s popular during both dry and wet seasons. Animals often come here for a drink from this pan.
This truly exceptional safari experience is ideal for honeymooners or adventurous couples seeking an exciting new perspective of Africa. The three Skybeds can accommodate up to six people, each platform featuring its own bathroom level with shower and flush toilet.
The only drawback to the platform area is that it is unfenced, meaning dangerous wildlife can wander through easily. Nonetheless, the camp has implemented safety measures and its management and guides are first aid certified.
Amboseli Serena Camp
Amboseli Serena Camp is situated at the foothills of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Surrounded by giant acacia trees and beside gently flowing springs, its 96 rooms offer panoramic views of this breathtaking park’s landscape.
Each room is decorated in the traditional Maasai style with beadwork, gourds and hand-painted murals. Guests have the option of twin or standard en-suite bedrooms featuring either king or twin beds as well as a private balcony overlooking the scenic park.
Amboseli Serena’s suites boast breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro from their private roof-view terrace. Additionally, each suite features an expansive en suite bathroom with Jacuzzi and shower.
At the hotel, guests can enjoy a range of activities like game drives, safari walks, sundowners on observation hill, camel rides, nature treks and visits to Maasai village. Plus they provide massages and body treatments.
In the evenings, guests can savor delectable dishes at Maasai-inspired restaurant. Afterward, they can reminisce about their day’s adventures over cocktails on the expansive terrace or beside a cozy firepit. Furthermore, as part of its Re-Forestation Program, guests are invited to plant their own tree!
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge
The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most captivating safari destinations, boasting diverse wildlife such as lions, elephants and even the rare hippo. Take a boat safari through calm waters with pink exposed hippo bellies grazing below you or simply sit back and take in all the birds flying overhead.
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is the ultimate Okavango Delta water-experience safari lodge. Reopened after a near total rebuild, it has been decorated to reflect an explorer’s base and features twelve spacious deluxe tented rooms with oversized beds, outdoor decks, private plunge pools, indoor/outdoor showers, reading nooks and walk-in wardrobes.
Each luxury tent is raised upon wooden platforms shaded by an African thatch roof and offers breathtaking views of the Delta. Suites come fully-equipped with king-sized beds with mosquito netting, as well as a mini bar, safe, hairdryer, WiFi connection and air conditioning for your comfort.
The lodge provides a range of water-themed safari activities such as motorboat safaris, barge cruises, mekoro (local canoe) and fishing. Guests also have the option to book an unforgettable air safari experience by helicopter.
Masai Mara Serena Camp
At Ol Donyo Oseiya hill in the western ‘Mara Triangle’ sector of Maasai Mara National Reserve, this 74-room lodge is one of Masai Mara’s most iconic safari accommodation options. Established in 1973 by Serena Hotels group whose largest shareholder is Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, it’s one of its kind.
Masai Mara Serena’s 74 guest rooms are designed with traditional Maasai art in mind and boast private balconies that take in views of the expansive African landscape. Each room is arranged in twin ‘wings’ that radiate outward from a central building, set apart so guests can take in uninterrupted views of the famous Masai Mara plains.
Each en-suite room is thoughtfully designed and arranged to replicate a traditional Maasai Manyatta – cluster of domed huts surrounded by a brushwood boma – while providing all modern comforts. Rooms are situated so that they offer uninterrupted river views from private balconies, as well as breathtaking sightlines from the restaurant, bar or swimming pool.
At Masai Mara Serena, you can enjoy an array of activities like game drives and bird watching. Get to know the local culture by visiting one of its Maasai villages; if you’re lucky, your stay may even include a traditional dance performance for an unforgettable experience!
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
With spectacular views of the 3 million year-old Ngorongoro Crater, this safari lodge is one of Tanzania’s most unique properties. Inspired by traditional mud and stick homesteads, this &Beyond property consists of three distinct camps – North Camp, Tree Camp, and South Camp.
Each camp operates independently with its own living and dining areas, as well as viewing terraces. Each of the 30 stilted, handcrafted banana thatch suites is decorated in exquisite antiques for an unforgettable opulent experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views over the crater while en-suite bathrooms boast fresh roses and chandelier-lit bathtubs.
Guests are indulged in a range of luxurious treatments and holistic experiences, such as holistic massages and private butler service. Additionally, guests can take advantage of game drives (in regulation close-sided vehicles) and cultural tours at no additional cost.
The lodge’s domed dining room serves delectable Pan-African treats in an atmospheric setting to enjoy meals with family and friends. You may also opt for taking your meals outdoors on the open-air deck, where you can take in stunning views over Ngorongoro Crater.
If you’re searching for the ultimate African Safari experience, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is an ideal option. Not only does it provide a range of amazing activities but it’s situated within Ngorongoro Conservation Area which boasts abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.