Safari experiences have come a long way from camping in the wild with dusty tents.

Luxury safari experiences are a new way of experiencing the wild and exotic animals of South Africa while staying in absolute comfort. These are some of the best spots for a luxurious safari stay.

1. Singita Boulders Lodge, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Singita is a big name in luxury safari experiences, and the Singita Boulders Lodge in Kruger National Park is one of the best. With glass walls and open-air spaces, you get an unobstructed view of the wild surroundings.

The lodge is also situated on the banks of the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It offers a relaxing experience with heated plunge pools, a wine cellar, and seasonal food offerings.

2. Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Greater Kruger

The Royal Malewane offers two luxury lodges at the edge of Kruger National Park. The main lodge has eight suites and an African villa, while the other has three suites and a farmhouse villa.

The villas provide ample space for those who prefer privacy or are on a trip with family. The wildlife in the area is exceptional, with sightings of hundreds of bird species and the top five animals: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino.

3. Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Championing responsible ecotourism and conservation of Rwanda’s wildlife and natural environment, the Wilderness Bisate Lodge offers a refreshing stay. It is aesthetically nestled within an amphitheater of eroded volcanic stone, and you can even spot six volcanoes from the top of the property.

The lodge offers spacious accommodations that incorporate Rwandan architecture. It also provides a unique gorilla trekking experience.

4. Little Kulala, Sossusvlei, Namibia

Little Kulala is within the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, in the oldest desert on Earth. The reserve offers private access to the Namib-Naukluft National Park and the famous Sossusvlei salt and clay pan.

Guests stay in large thatched huts with private plunge pools and skybeds under the stars. Activities include dune excursions, quad biking, hot air ballooning, and nature drives.

5. andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

There are six lodges by andBeyond in the Phinda Private Game Reserve, with many conservation activities for all guests to enjoy. Game drives are available twice a day, and you can take a diving day trip to the nearby Sodwana Bay, a diving hotspot.

When you’re tired from all the activities, you can chill out in your lodge and admire the rolling green hills and mountains.

6. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro, Tanzania

Right in the world’s largest caldera, a beautiful haven teeming with wildlife can be found all year round. Travelers can spot antelopes, elands, black rhinos, and elephants in the area.

Ngorongoro is also home to the highest population of lions in the world. Homesteads are built using the traditional Maasai wattle and daub technique and royally decorated like a French chateau.

7. Lion Sands, Greater Kruger

As the only private reserve with access to the Sabie River that attracts wildlife all year round, you will spot many animals in their natural habitat.

Lion Sands offers three remarkable treehouses and the famous Ivory Lodge, which features eight suites and two villas. The treehouses allow you to sleep under the stars in the great outdoors, which is a fun experience.

8. Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana

With a great mix of floodplains, wetlands, forests, and grassland, Sanctuary Chief’s Camp on Chief’s Island provides fantastic views and wildlife. Each pavilion in the camp comes with a private viewing deck with hammocks for you to use on lazy days.

Game drives in canopied trucks offer professional guides for a safe and informed experience. Night drives, helicopter excursions, and seasonal mokoro excursions are also available.

 

9. Chinzombo, South Luangwa, Zambia

For those who prefer a less crowded and seemingly untouched experience, Chinzombo in South Luangwa National Park is a great option. The park offers luxury tents with a verandah, pool, and soaking tub overlooking the vast expense of wildlife and bird habitats.

You can join their walking safaris, seasonal boat cruises, game drives, or have an in-room spa treatment.

10. Angama Mara, Maasai Mara, Kenya

In the Great Rift Valley, you’ll find the Angama Mara with its floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to enjoy the natural world’s beauty. Rooms are decorated with handcrafted items from the Maasai culture, and there’s a lot to do.

From hot air balloon rides and visits to local villages to game drives and walking safaris, you can indulge in the thrill of spotting animals and local Maasai culture.

11. Singita Pamushana Lodge, Malilangwe, Zimbabwe

The sprawling Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, high above a sandstone ridge, is where the Singita Pamushana Lodge overlooks the Malilangwe Dam. There are eight wonderfully decorated suites to choose from, each with its own private plunge pool. In terms of activities, you could join in on the sundowner boat cruises, bush walks, game drives, and local rock art tours.

The Singita Pamushana Lodge prides itself on bringing guests a rejuvenating experience.

12. Jao Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana

To experience Jao Camp, you must be flown in, as this private island is only accessible by air. The place comes with five tented suites and two villas. The villas come with private vehicles, guides, butlers, and chefs.

On the island, you can visit their curio shop, swim in plunge pools, relax in the gym and spa, have quiet time in the small library, or visit their boma for outdoor dining. A raised hide is available 20 minutes from the campsite for undisturbed wildlife viewing and sleep hideouts.

13. Thorntree River Lodge, Vic Falls, Zambia

A riverside location with water flowing from the iconic Victoria Falls, Thorntree River Lodge offers a tranquil and peaceful getaway.

The lodges are built from reclaimed railway sleepers. They have a lounge, dining room, library, communal deck with an infinity pool, and a sunken boma for socializing. The riverside suites have indoor and outdoor lounges, private patios, and plunge pools.

14. Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve, South Africa

Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve is the largest private reserve in South Africa, covering over 100,000 hectares. This means that guests have a portion of the sprawling red dunes and desert to themselves.

It also means that there’s abundant space for you to hike, walk, ride horses, spot wildlife, and track animals. guests can spot a variety of wildlife, from meerkats to black rhinos.