Matt Davison
Africa is renowned for being the best continent for wildlife viewing. In this picturesque location, you’ll find numerous luxury African safari resorts for an unforgettable experience. It is filled to the brim with natural beauty and animal sighting opportunities.
As African safari vacations increase in popularity, you’ll find more camps and lodges that offer opulent amenities. At these luxury African resorts, you can enjoy services such as contemporary gourmet dining and game drives in a top-of-the-range private vehicle.
While there are many accommodation options on the continent, there are a few that top the list. These locations offer authentic adventures with superior services and deluxe rooms. In this guide, you’ll find five of our favorite luxury safari lodges and resorts for a spectacular vacation.
Tip: If you’re traveling with your loved ones, check out this guide on African family vacations.
5 Best African Safari Resorts
The upcoming accommodation options are located beside breathtaking rivers, amongst animals, and boast awe-inspiring views of endless plains. At these resorts in Africa, safari experiences are out of this world. Here are the top spots for an exhilarating trip in the wild.
1. South Africa Safari Resorts: Singita Kruger National Park
Singita is one of the best places for safaris in Africa. It is located in the southeastern region of the world-famous Kruger National Park in South Africa.
This beautiful location comprises two lodges, Sweni and Lebombo. Both of these top luxury safari lodges offer a unique experience. At Lebombo Luxury Lodges, you’ll find 15 private suite spaces with amenities such as a rooftop terrace, wine studio, and a private plunge pool.
Lebombo was built into the cliff of the N’wanetsi River, with open feature decks welcoming anyone to enjoy a nightcap underneath the stars. Sweni Luxury Lodge provides guests with seven different accommodation options for a splendid stay.
Sweni is tucked into the banks of the Sweni River, where you’re likely to spot crocodiles and big cats. Both of these safari lodges offer similar features such as:
- Fitness centers
- Wellness and spa centers
- Boutiques and galleries from the locals
- Unique wine experiences
- Guided walking safaris and game drives
- Restaurants
- Swimming pools
Tip: If you’re looking for more opulent accommodation in a private game reserve, consider a stay at Elephant Plains Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
2. Tanzania Safari Resorts: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is a sanctuary of comfort nestled in northern Tanzania. It is situated in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, neighboring a watering hole. Here you can watch large herds of elephants at the watering hole while relaxing on your private terrace or in the infinity pool.
The lodge has six different suites and three villas, each with unique and captivating designs. Some rooms feature a private deck, while others have private plunge pools.
The room designs convey a traditional feel with local furniture and artwork. However, these safari lodges have all the necessary modern features such as air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
This opulent safari lodge offers several services such as:
- Discovery center – used to educate visitors on animals and local traditions
- Fully equipped spa
- Fitness center
- Three on-site restaurants
- Kijana Klub – created for kids of all ages
- Games room
Image by Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
3. African Safari Resort in Rwanda: Bisate Lodge
Bisate Lodge is one of the best safari lodges in Africa. It is situated next to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. At the Bisate, you’ll come across elevated, nest-like safari accommodation with astounding views of two volcanoes, Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi.
Bisate Lodge is considered the first luxurious and eco-sensitive safari camp in Rwanda. It offers an immersive wild primate experience. Animals can be spotted from your chic thatched private villa.
There are also walking safaris on offer to discover some of the endangered primates. During luxury safari vacations at Bisate, you can enjoy several activities such as:
- Guided walks through the forest
- Treatments at the fully-equipped spa
- Cultural experiences with the locals
- Gorilla trekking
- Golden monkey trekking
- Hikes to Dian Fossey’s Grave & Karisoke
4. Best Safari Lodges in Kenya: Governors’ Camp
Located in Masai Mara National Reserve, Governors’ Camp offers a splendid stay in East Africa. At these luxury African safari camps, you can enjoy a walk in the forest along the banks of the Mara River. Here, you can expect to see crocodiles, hippos, and an abundance of birdlife.
Other camps have a view of the sweeping plains of Masai Mara. The tented camp is spacious and bright, allowing natural light to sweep in for a relaxing bush camp safari in Kenya.
Governors’ Camp is one of the best luxury safari camps that offers a peaceful stay in a secluded location. It’s an excellent option for those looking to spend their honeymoon in Africa. Additionally, there are larger tents that are perfect for a family trip to Africa.
For a memorable game viewing experience, we recommend visiting Masai Mara National Park between July and October for epic views of the annual Wildebeest Migration. You can expect to see around two million wildebeest and more than 700,000 antelope species crossing the Mara River.
Other splendid amenities at this bush lodge include:
- Luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms
- Dining tent and bar with river views
- Spa tent
- Souvenir shop
- Game drives at Masai Mara
Image by Governors Camp
5. Safari Resort in South Luangwa National Park: Time & Tide Chinzombo
Time and Tide Chizombo is a premier safari camp located in the heart of Zambia in East Africa. This luxury resort is situated in South Luangwa National Park and overlooks the stunning Luangwa River. At the river, you’ll spot elephants quenching their thirst in the morning and hear the lull of hippos at night.
The safari camp is named after a gorgeous tree that grows nearby. Here, you’ll also find awe-inspiring ancient msikizi trees. Amongst the stunning scenery, you’ll find several spacious villas.
Tide and Time resort offers accommodation in three main areas: South Luangwa, Liuwa Plain, and Lower Zambezi River. Whether you’re looking for a luxury safari tent for honeymoon couples or family-friendly accommodation, there are suitable options for all.
Safari goers can enjoy an unforgettable experience lounging on private decks with river views and stargazing with a glass of wine. South Luangwa National Park is an excellent destination for animal viewing.
It’s one of the most game-rich areas where you can expect to see lions, buffalos, crocodiles, wild dogs, impala, and much more. This luxury African safari resort also offers:
- Boating safaris (seasonal)
- Day and night game drives
- Spa treatments
- Dinner under the stars
- Sleepout under the stars
Image by Time & Tide
Set Off on Luxury African Safari Vacations
It’s easy to see why the African continent attracts safari-goers from all around the world. A stay in one of these luxury African safari resorts promises an opulent adventure in the wild.
Whether you choose to visit South Africa or Kenya, all the countries are home to picturesque national parks with spectacular game viewing opportunities. And, the sumptuous safari lodges provide an idyllic setting to enjoy extraordinary views and cultural experiences.
Although a vacation in a private reserve may seem costly, you don’t have to break the bank to stay in the best safari lodge. To get the best bang for your buck, check out this guide on all-inclusive safaris in Africa.
