Choosing a luxury safari lodge is about more than finding a beautiful room. The location, guiding, wildlife habitat and time available for exploring all shape your experience. A lodge overlooking the Serengeti offers a different holiday from a secluded retreat in Botswana’s Okavango Delta or a forest lodge near Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
This guide to Africa’s top luxury safari lodges for 2027–2028 brings together 15 properties across seven countries. The selection includes permanent lodges, luxury tented camps and specialist wilderness retreats, giving you several ways to plan an African holiday.
These properties form a curated shortlist rather than an official ranking. The numbers help you navigate the guide; your ideal choice depends on your interests, travel dates and budget. Confirm 2027–2028 rates, opening dates, activities and booking conditions before making a reservation.
Africa’s Luxury Safari Lodges at a Glance
| Property | Country | Setting | Consider it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singita Sasakwa Lodge | Tanzania | Grumeti, Serengeti ecosystem | Spacious accommodation and sweeping views |
| &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge | Tanzania | Western Serengeti | A river setting and Serengeti game drives |
| &Beyond Bateleur Camp | Kenya | Greater Maasai Mara | Traditional tented safari atmosphere |
| Mara Plains Camp | Kenya | Olare Motorogi Conservancy | A conservancy safari with intimate accommodation |
| Angama Mara | Kenya | Above the Mara Triangle | Escarpment views and contemporary design |
| Wilderness Mombo | Botswana | Moremi Game Reserve | A wildlife-focused Okavango stay |
| Duba Plains Camp | Botswana | Okavango Delta | Floodplain scenery and classic safari style |
| &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge | Botswana | Okavango Delta | Contemporary architecture in a wilderness setting |
| Singita Lebombo Lodge | South Africa | Kruger National Park | Modern design and a Kruger safari |
| Londolozi Private Granite Suites | South Africa | Sabi Sand region | Privacy and a river setting |
| Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane | South Africa | Greater Kruger | Traditional lodge comfort |
| &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge | Namibia | Namib Desert | Desert scenery and stargazing |
| Wilderness Bisate Reserve | Rwanda | Near Volcanoes National Park | A luxury base for gorilla trekking |
| Chiawa Camp | Zambia | Lower Zambezi National Park | A safari beside the Zambezi River |
| Matetsi Victoria Falls | Zimbabwe | Matetsi Private Game Reserve | Combining a safari with Victoria Falls |
The suggestions in the final column are editorial judgments intended to help you compare the properties.
1. Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania
Singita Sasakwa Lodge combines the atmosphere of an Edwardian manor house with expansive views across Tanzania’s Grumeti landscape. Its cottages offer generous living spaces, verandas and a sense of privacy within the Serengeti ecosystem. The property also lists game drives, guided walks, wellness experiences and other activities.
Sasakwa is worth considering if you want your accommodation to be a substantial part of the holiday. Allow time between wildlife outings to enjoy the setting, rather than treating the lodge as somewhere to sleep between drives.
For a migration-focused itinerary, discuss your travel dates carefully. Staying within the Serengeti ecosystem does not guarantee that the main wildebeest herds will be near your lodge during your visit.
Consider it for: Couples, families and travellers who value spacious accommodation alongside their safari.
2. &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, Tanzania
&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge offers a river setting in the western Serengeti. Its location gives a different perspective on the region from lodges overlooking open plains, with the river environment forming part of the stay.
Consider Grumeti when you want to spend several nights exploring one part of the Serengeti. A longer stay allows your guide to revisit promising areas and gives you time to appreciate the landscape beyond individual sightings.
If river crossings are your main priority, ask how the lodge’s location fits the likely migration movement for your dates. Grumeti River crossings and Mara River crossings occur in different areas; they should not be treated as interchangeable experiences.
Consider it for: Travellers looking for a western Serengeti stay with a distinctive river atmosphere.
3. &Beyond Bateleur Camp, Kenya
&Beyond Bateleur Camp is situated in the Kichwa Tembo private concession beside the Maasai Mara. It offers a traditional luxury camp option for travellers considering Kenya’s celebrated safari region.
Bateleur belongs on your shortlist if you prefer the character of a tented camp to a conventional hotel. The choice also suits travellers who want to focus their Kenya holiday on the Mara rather than fit several distant parks into a short trip.
Before booking, clarify where game drives take place, which conservation fees are included and whether vehicles are shared. These details influence your daily experience as much as the accommodation.
Consider it for: Couples and first-time safari travellers seeking a classic camp setting.
4. Mara Plains Camp, Kenya
Mara Plains Camp is located in Olare Motorogi Conservancy within the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. Its conservancy location is an important part of its appeal and should be considered when comparing it with accommodation elsewhere in the Mara.
Mara Plains is a useful option for travellers who want an intimate camp as the base for their wildlife holiday. It is also worth comparing for photography trips, where vehicle arrangements, guide continuity and time in the field deserve particular attention.
Ask your planner to explain the difference between conservancy drives and visits to the national reserve. Access rules, permitted activities and fees can differ, so a clear itinerary helps you understand what you are buying.
Consider it for: Photographers and travellers interested in a conservancy-based Mara safari.
5. Angama Mara, Kenya
Angama Mara sits high above the Maasai Mara, with contemporary tented suites and access to the reserve below. The lodge comprises two camps, each with 15 suites, giving it a different architectural character from traditional safari accommodation.
The views make Angama an appealing choice for travellers who want to enjoy the landscape throughout the day. It is a property to consider when meals, quiet afternoons and time at the lodge matter alongside game drives.
For a short stay, examine the arrival and departure schedule carefully. Choosing flights that preserve useful time at the property can make a meaningful difference to a three-night holiday.
Consider it for: Honeymooners, design enthusiasts and travellers drawn to wide landscape views.
6. Wilderness Mombo, Botswana
Wilderness Mombo lies in the northeastern part of Chief’s Island in Moremi Game Reserve. Wilderness describes its private traversing rights and the surrounding fertile plains as central to the camp’s wildlife experience.
Mombo is worth comparing if wildlife viewing is the main reason for your Botswana holiday. Give the stay enough time for repeated drives rather than relying on a single outing to deliver your preferred sightings.
When planning an Okavango itinerary, ask which activities each camp actually offers. A camp’s presence in the Delta does not automatically mean that boating or mokoro excursions are part of its programme.
Consider it for: Wildlife enthusiasts planning a substantial Okavango safari.
7. Duba Plains Camp, Botswana
Duba Plains Camp occupies the private Duba Concession in the Okavango Delta. Its surroundings include palm-dotted islands, floodplains and woodland. The camp has five private suites, each with a veranda and private swimming pool.
Duba Plains offers a small-camp option for travellers who appreciate classic safari styling and space to relax between activities. It is a property to compare when you want a few carefully chosen locations rather than a holiday with frequent transfers.
Water-based activities depend on water levels, so confirm the expected programme for your dates. Build your itinerary around the camp’s broader wildlife experience rather than one activity that may be seasonal.
Consider it for: Couples and returning safari travellers seeking an intimate Delta stay.
8. &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Botswana
&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge brings distinctive contemporary architecture to an Okavango setting. Its design makes it a useful comparison for travellers who want a different aesthetic from traditional canvas camps.
Sandibe may suit a holiday where you want both wildlife exploration and a strong sense of place in the accommodation. Consider how it complements another Botswana camp rather than choosing two properties simply because they are both in the Delta.
Before reserving, review the transfer route, luggage allowance and activity programme. These practical details help ensure the journey between camps works smoothly.
Consider it for: Travellers interested in architecture, comfort and an Okavango wilderness setting.
9. Singita Lebombo Lodge, South Africa
Singita Lebombo Lodge is part of Singita’s collection within Kruger National Park. It offers a contemporary alternative for travellers comparing South Africa’s luxury safari accommodation.
Lebombo deserves consideration if lodge design is important to you and you want to include a Kruger safari in a wider South African journey.
For planning purposes, distinguish accommodation inside Kruger National Park from lodges in neighbouring private reserves. The locations, access arrangements and daily activities can differ. Ask for the exact transfer plan and safari programme rather than relying on the broad description “Greater Kruger.”
Consider it for: Couples and travellers seeking a modern lodge within Kruger National Park.
10. Londolozi Private Granite Suites, South Africa
Londolozi Private Granite Suites offers an intimate river setting within Londolozi’s accommodation collection. The property’s official information highlights private heated swimming pools and outdoor baths as features of the suites.
This is a property to compare when privacy and quiet time are central to your holiday. It may appeal particularly to couples planning an anniversary or honeymoon.
Families should check the accommodation policy before making plans. Londolozi currently applies age restrictions at the Private Granite Suites, with an exception for exclusive-use reservations; confirm the policy for your travel year.
Consider it for: Couples and small groups prioritising privacy.
11. Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane, South Africa
Malewane Lodge is the traditional lodge within the Royal Malewane collection in the Greater Kruger area. Its official description highlights classic bush styling, private plunge pools and included twice-daily game drives.
Specify Malewane Lodge when requesting a quotation. Royal Malewane now includes several distinct properties, so a quote using only the collection’s name may leave the accommodation unclear.
Compare the proposed suite, vehicle arrangements and inclusions carefully. For families or groups, the right room configuration can matter more than selecting the most expensive category.
Consider it for: Travellers who prefer traditional lodge comfort and a clearly structured safari stay.
12. &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge occupies a private reserve in the Namib Desert. Its desert setting makes it a distinct addition to this shortlist, rather than a direct substitute for a savannah wildlife lodge.
Choose it for landscapes, open space and a different pace of wilderness travel. It can make sense as part of a journey that combines conventional game viewing with Namibia’s desert scenery.
When comparing packages, ask which desert excursions are included, how visits to the dunes are arranged and what optional activities cost. A clear programme will help you decide how many nights to stay.
Consider it for: Landscape photographers, couples and travellers seeking desert experiences.
13. Wilderness Bisate Reserve, Rwanda
Wilderness Bisate Reserve stands near Volcanoes National Park, with views across forested volcanic slopes. It offers a luxury base for a Rwanda holiday centred on mountain gorilla trekking.
Specify Bisate Reserve in your enquiry, as it is a separate property from Wilderness Bisate. Confirming the exact lodge avoids confusion when comparing itineraries.
Treat accommodation and trekking arrangements as separate items to verify. Your quotation should explain the permit arrangements, transfers and any additional activities. Allow time around the trek to rest and enjoy the setting instead of scheduling every hour.
Consider it for: Travellers combining gorilla trekking with a luxury forest retreat.
14. Chiawa Camp, Zambia
Chiawa Camp sits beneath mahogany trees on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. Its riverside setting provides a different atmosphere from an open-plains safari.
Chiawa is worth considering when you want to spend several days exploring one region at a relaxed pace. The river setting is part of the appeal, making time at camp an important element of the holiday.
Ask for the operating dates and a confirmed activity list for your visit. Also review age restrictions and participation requirements for any specialist activities included in the proposed itinerary.
Consider it for: Travellers drawn to river landscapes and an established safari camp atmosphere.
15. Matetsi Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Matetsi Victoria Falls combines a safari setting in Matetsi Private Game Reserve with accommodation overlooking the Zambezi River. Its options include river suites, family suites and a private villa.
Matetsi is a useful choice for travellers hoping to combine wildlife viewing with a visit to Victoria Falls while keeping accommodation changes to a minimum.
Confirm the details of your falls excursion, including transport, entry fees and the time available for sightseeing. Family travellers should also compare suite layouts and shared versus private activity arrangements.
Consider it for: Couples and families combining a safari, a river stay and Victoria Falls.
How to Choose the Right Luxury Safari Lodge
Start with the experience you want
Choose the main purpose of your holiday before selecting accommodation.
For a Serengeti holiday, compare Sasakwa and Grumeti in the context of your full route. For Kenya’s Maasai Mara, look at the different settings of Bateleur, Mara Plains and Angama. For Botswana, assess how Mombo, Duba Plains and Sandibe fit your wildlife priorities and preferred activities.
Bisate Reserve serves a gorilla trekking holiday, while Sossusvlei Desert Lodge suits desert exploration. They add variety to this guide but offer different experiences from a conventional game-drive safari.
Give each location enough time
For an itinerary like this, consider three or four nights at your main safari property. This is a planning suggestion rather than a fixed rule, but it allows time for several outings and some rest.
A short stay can work, particularly within a longer journey. However, frequent transfers can consume time that would otherwise be spent exploring or enjoying the lodge.
Compare complete quotations
A nightly accommodation rate does not always represent the total cost of the stay. Ask for a quotation that clearly identifies:
- Accommodation and meals.
- Included drinks and laundry.
- Shared or private safari activities.
- Park, conservancy and conservation fees.
- Airstrip and airport transfers.
- Domestic flights.
- Optional excursions and spa treatments.
- Booking, cancellation and amendment conditions.
For 2027–2028, use rates confirmed for your actual dates. An older advertised price or promotion should not be assumed to apply.
Check the room and vehicle arrangements
For couples, privacy and room location may be priorities. Families need to consider age policies, bedroom arrangements and activity restrictions.
Photographers should ask about vehicle capacity and whether a private vehicle is available. These practical decisions can have a greater effect on the holiday than decorative features in a suite.
Planning a Luxury Safari for 2027–2028
Begin with your preferred month, trip length and the experiences you most want to include. Then build a manageable route around a small number of properties.
If the Great Migration is a priority, choose locations with your travel dates in mind and keep expectations flexible. Wildlife movements and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
For a Tanzania holiday, explore the Tanzania safari options from Eddy Tours & Safaris. A personalised enquiry can help establish which Serengeti accommodation fits your route, dates and budget.
For lodges outside Tanzania, confirm whether your requested arrangements can be offered and who will be responsible for each part of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best luxury safari lodge in Africa?
There is no single best lodge for every traveller. Your choice should reflect the destination, wildlife interests, accommodation style and level of privacy you want. Use this shortlist to compare suitable properties rather than choose by position in the list.
Are luxury tented camps comfortable?
Luxury tented accommodation can offer substantial comfort, but facilities vary by property and room category. Check bathroom facilities, temperature control, power availability and accessibility before booking.
Are the 2027–2028 prices confirmed?
Some properties may publish future rates earlier than others. Request a dated quotation for your exact stay, including fees, transfers and activities.
Can I combine several countries?
Yes, but assess the flights, travel days and entry requirements before committing. A well-paced holiday in one or two countries can be more satisfying than a route with many short stops.
Will I see the Big Five?
No lodge can guarantee wildlife sightings. Choose suitable habitats, allow several outings and let your guide respond to conditions during your visit.
Plan Your Tanzania Luxury Safari with Eddy Tours & Safaris
A carefully planned safari gives you time to enjoy both the wildlife and the place you are staying. Share your dates, group size, preferred comfort level and main interests to begin discussing a Tanzania itinerary for 2027 or 2028.
Visit Eddy Tours & Safaris, explore the Tanzania safari packages, or send an enquiry through the contact page.
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