Africa is a continent that conjures up images of vast plains, verdant grasslands and dusty savannahs packed with all kinds of weird and wonderful creatures. A land of regal lions, majestic elephants, elegant giraffes and giant herds of wildebeest, gazelle and zebras, Africa is a truly inspiring place to indulge interests in nature and wildlife and observe some of the world’s most spectacular species in their natural habitat.
Safari breaks are a unique type of holiday that never fail to create lifelong memories and foster an appreciation for the scale and wonder of the natural world. For those planning a safari in Africa, here are some of the best lodges and accommodation options on offer.
The jewel in South Africa’s crown, Kruger National Park, is one of the best places on the continent to see the notorious ‘big five.’
Kruger is an incredibly popular spot, geared up for tourists all year-round with a host of safari lodges to cater for all budgets. Visitors hoping to spend time here can choose from a broad spectrum of options that range from understated camps to luxury lodges with all the mod cons. Here is a selection of the best safari lodges Kruger has to suit every budget.
Elephant Plains Lodge is an intimate camp with just 12 rooms. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, it is located in Sabi Sands Reserve, which is attached to Kruger National Park.
This camp enjoys an enviable location overlooking the Manyeleti riverbed and is ideally situated for spotting some of the most elusive resident species, including wild dogs and leopards. Rooms boast traditional thatched roofs and an al fresco deck, perfect for enjoying the surrounding views. Guests also have access to a library, dining room, pool, gym and games room. Prices include meals plus two daily game drives and a bushwalk meaning that all you have to worry about is getting out into the park and seeing the animals who live there.
Visitors looking for a luxury safari lodge in Kruger National Park won’t be disappointed when they arrive at Jock Safari Lodge in South Africa. This exclusive camp enjoys a beautiful location at a point where two riverbeds converge.
This location not only affords stunning views but also makes this lodge a perfect base for spotting hippos, wild dogs and leopards. Decorated in a colonial style, Jock Safari Lodge offers rooms with private plunge pools and spacious terraces ideally suited to sundown drinks. Prices include all meals, drinks on excursions, a bushwalk and two game drives per day. Guests can also relax at the spa or curl up with a good book in the library after a long day in the bush.
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Botswana is home to some of Africa’s most striking scenery and its safari lodges are well located to take full advantage of these honeypot sites and the tantalising views they provide. Dotted around Chobe National Park and the thriving hive of animal activity that is the Okavango Delta, here are some of the finest safari camps in Botswana.
Nestled in the Chobe Forest Reserve, Muchenje Safari Lodge occupies a fabulous spot overlooking the river and the vast floodplains that surround it. Perched on an escarpment, this exclusive, small development commands breathtaking views.
There are just 11 rooms here, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a personalised experience and a friendly welcome. There is a swimming pool, viewing deck and library, and rooms are housed in thatched chalets which have en suite bathrooms and balconies that overlook the river. Guests can enjoy an array of safari adventures, including morning, afternoon and night drives, as well as river cruises too.
Camp Okavango is a unique safari lodge offering visitors the chance to enjoy a once in a lifetime island adventure. Located on Nxaragha Island surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the famous Okavango Delta, this exclusive camp is made up of a series of elevated walkways, spacious, luxurious suites and beautifully-appointed communal areas.
There is a large swimming pool, expansive terrace for wildlife spotting and star gazing and a self-service bar. Guests have access to a wide range of activities including river cruises and traditional Mokoro boat trips, game drives, bush walking and fishing. Rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner and two safari trips per day.
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Zimbabwe is an increasingly popular destination for safari breaks and it offers some truly magnificent experiences and adventures. In addition to the opportunity to enjoy traditional game drives, many visitors also choose Zimbabwe to enable them to catch a glimpse of Victoria Falls.
Here are some of the best safari lodges in Hwange National Park and some options close to the thundering cascades of Victoria Falls and the rumbling waters of the Zambezi.
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is ideally located to enjoy game drives in Zambezi National Park and marvel at the wonder that is Victoria Falls. Sat atop a rock plateau, this camp is just three miles from the falls and a stone’s throw from the plentiful plains of Zambezi National Park. Rooms have private balconies, many of which are perfectly placed to catch the sunset over the savannah, in addition to air conditioning, en suite bathrooms and a mini bar. Choose the option to upgrade, which provides access to a free mini bar, afternoon tea, sunset cocktails and delicious canapes.
There’s a swimming pool on-site, and guests can choose from a wide range of activities. Falls excursions are popular, game drives are available on a daily basis, and the camp also runs a unique Vulture Culture experience, which is designed to inform guests about these magnificent, endangered birds. The traditional Boma event, which includes dinner and a drum show, is always a highlight so if you find yourself in the area don’t miss it!
One of a handful of private camps found within the boundaries of Hwange National Park, The Hide offers an authentic bush experience with a touch of luxury.
Surrounded by shady bushlands, the lodge is located just behind a watering hole, which is frequented by all kinds of species, including elephants, wild dogs, lions, giraffe and zebra. Guests can often enjoy close encounters from a safe distance without even having to leave the camp.
Accommodation comprises of luxury tents, which have a private veranda as well as both indoor and outdoor bathrooms. Guests can enjoy cooling off in the swimming pool and the large viewing deck is an idyllic spot to watch animals by day and gaze at the starry skies by night.
Kenya is one of the most popular destinations for a safari holiday and it is blessed with an abundance of parks and reserves. Guests visiting Kenya for a walk on the wild side will be spoiled for choice. From the dusty plains of the iconic Masai Mara to Amboseli and Tsavo West parks that lie in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, here are some ideas for those looking for a the perfect safari lodge for your Kenya holiday.
A brilliant option for those keen to enjoy the wonders of Kenya’s wildlife without breaking the bank, Ziwani Tented Camp offers affordable accommodation with scintillating views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Boasting a secluded spot on a dam within a private sanctuary, Ziwani is well-positioned to offer guests unrivaled views of hippos and crocodiles patrolling muddy waters and stalking their prey. Tents are spacious and airy and have modern en suite facilities.
Guests will never get bored here with a daily itinerary that offers a plethora of activities, including game drives, bush walks, night drives, al fresco barbeques and breakfast in the bush. There’s also an adventurers club for kids aged between 3 and 11.
Located in the heart of Amboseli National Park with the imposing peak of Mount Kilimanjaro providing a beguiling backdrop, Amboseli Serena Lodge is a wondrous base for an action-packed safari holiday.
Rooms have private decks, en suite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi to share incredible snaps with friends and family back home, and there’s a floodlit watering hole in front of the lodge which provides round-the-clock wildlife spotting opportunities. This park is home to a variety of species and is famed for its groups of lions, elephants, buffalo and cheetah. In addition to game drives, guests can also dine under the stars in the bush and take part in cultural experiences to gain an insight into Masai life.
Arguably the most famous park in the world, the Masai Mara is home to the big five, as well as myriad other mammal and bird species. Governor’s Camp is perched on the banks of the Mara River and is an ideal choice for those looking for an authentic experience that also boasts creature comforts. The camp’s waterfront location means that sightings of thirsty elephants and hippos are common. Luxury tents all have private bathrooms and guests can enjoy a huge range of activities and excursions, including game drives, nature walks, hot air ballooning and village tours. Prices include all meals and park entry fees.
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Africa is an intriguing and mesmerisingly beautiful continent, brought to life by its enchanting array of native species. Every park boasts picture-postcard views and scenes that are so perfect that they look like they’ve been constructed using CGI.
From the watering holes and lush grasslands to the dusty plains and the rugged mountain backdrops, there’s a dazzling range of locations available and an amazing selection of lodges to suit every budget. No matter your country of destination in Africa, there are options to ensure you have the perfect safari holiday.
