Safari luxury: our best camps & lodges
Travellers looking for top quality accommodation, amazingly convenient arrangements, excellent service and fine dining – not to mention some superb wildlife experiences – should look no further.
Many lodges in Botswana feature opulent rooms with plunge pools on private decks, modern en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers and some, even an elegant bathtub. Occasionally, they also have air-conditioning – although that’s often regarded as unnecessary for most of the year.
Additionally, the food provided is often excellent, with a good choice of top wines for a sumptuous dining experience.
Reedbuck Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$16,840 - US$34,050 per person
Mombo Camp
Mombo is synonymous with first class service, food, guiding and, in particular, exceptional game densities. Large, sumptuous suites offer a private retreat between safari activities - you might want to pamper yourself with an in-room massage treatment on your luxurious safari.
Vumbura Plains
Vumbura Plains is a high-end camp that offers – and delivers – excellent standards of food and individual service in luxurious modern surroundings. Enjoy the excellent game experience, or simply retreat to your suite to relax or have a dip in your private plunge pool.
Zarafa Camp
Zarafa offers sheer luxury and adventure in a first-rate game viewing area. Sumptuous suites are thoughtfully decorated but what really stands out is the attentive service and top-notch guiding. If you’re looking to indulge on your safari holiday, then look no further.
Wildcat Safari
4 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$7,860 - US$15,360 per person
Selinda Camp
One of our favourite camps, Selinda’s rooms and common areas are beautifully designed, with the sumptuous en-suite bathtubs particularly worth a mention. Fabulous food, excellent guides and a team who go the extra mile combine to make this a good fit for a luxury safari.
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains reopened in March 2017 after a complete rebuild and now has six opulent tented rooms; tastefully decorated and featuring a private plunge pool, outdoor sala and air conditioning. Superb guiding, excellent food and a hand picked wine list round off the luxury experience.
Kudu Safari
7 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$7,840 - US$18,400 per person
Sandibe Safari Lodge
Each of the stylish and modern rooms at Sandibe Safari Lodge come with air-conditioning, private decks with a plunge pool and a large seating-area making it an extremely comfortable option in a prime game viewing area.
Bushbuck Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$13,570 - US$31,740 per person
DumaTau
Designed with privacy and luxury in mind, the rooms at DumaTau are spacious and airy. The stylish décor, large private verandas and cosy nooks with river views create a real sense of exclusivity, making this the perfect place to relax during your safari holiday.
Leopard Safari
13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
US$9,240 - US$13,060 per person
Cape Grace
This luxury hotel combines modern comforts with traditional Cape culture in an exclusive waterfront setting. At Cape Grace you can expect individually-designed rooms with sumptuous beds and extravagant throws. Flamboyant décor and colonial artworks complete the luxurious feel.
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$14,340 - US$18,200 per person
Mount Nelson Hotel
Timelessly elegant with English colonial décor, Mount Nelson Hotel is perhaps South Africa’s top hotel and offer classic luxury in a tranquil setting. The hotel’s soft pink exterior, heated swimming pools and indulgent afternoon teas highlight the hotel’s attention to detail.
Victoria Falls Hotel
The furnishings and décor of the Victoria Falls Hotel evoke an era of Edwardian gentility, whilst functioning well with efficient modern amenities. For true indulgence, stay under the high ceilings of The Stable Wing, or in one of the hotel’s large and luxurious suites.
Sable Self-drive Safari
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$5,980 - US$8,110 per person
Victoria Falls Hotel
The furnishings and décor of the Victoria Falls Hotel evoke an era of Edwardian gentility, whilst functioning well with efficient modern amenities. For true indulgence, stay under the high ceilings of The Stable Wing, or in one of the hotel’s large and luxurious suites.
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$9,200 - US$17,100 per person
Victoria Falls Hotel
The furnishings and décor of the Victoria Falls Hotel evoke an era of Edwardian gentility, whilst functioning well with efficient modern amenities. For true indulgence, stay under the high ceilings of The Stable Wing, or in one of the hotel’s large and luxurious suites.
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$5,400 - US$8,720 per person
Mushara Outpost
Tasteful wildlife images adorn Mushara Outpost's main area, which exudes an elegant farmhouse style. Each tent has a spacious bathroom whose outdoor shower has a view over the surrounding bush. It adds up to a perfect base for a luxury safari in Namibia.
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$5,090 - US$7,260 per person
Mushara Outpost
Tasteful wildlife images adorn Mushara Outpost's main area, which exudes an elegant farmhouse style. Each tent has a spacious bathroom whose outdoor shower has a view over the surrounding bush. It adds up to a perfect base for a luxury safari in Namibia.
Luxury elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Luxury in other countries.
Kenya
Kenya is distinguished by the diversity of its landscapes, wildlife and culture – but there’s an ...
Malawi
There are only a small number of high-end lodges in Malawi, but these are small, intimate and very ...
Mozambique
Mozambique is off the beaten track. The tourism industry is currently still developing and many ...
Namibia
Wide-open spaces, seemingly endless wilderness and a sense of solitude almost guaranteed: Namibia ...
Rwanda
Rwanda offers striking scenery, diverse wildlife and great cultural experiences – but until recently, ...
Seychelles
With the sun reflecting on the deep blue Indian Ocean, palm-fringed beaches and lush forests, the ...
South Africa
South Africa is an amazing place to experience a luxury holiday. Here you can relax on incredible ...
Tanzania
When it comes to luxurious accommodation, Tanzania isn’t short of beautiful camps and lodges offering ...
Zambia
Zambia has plentiful wildlife across huge areas and many very experienced guides. Although as its ...
Zanzibar
With endless palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and accommodation built with world-class comfort ...
Zimbabwe
With great game viewing, vast national parks and some stunning scenery, Zimbabwe is fantastic to ...
Where to see wildlife species in Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite African animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
82% SUCCESS
2,934 sightings from 3,600 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
1,875 sightings from 3,986 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,008 sightings from 3,047 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
31% SUCCESS
840 sightings from 2,672 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,098 sightings from 3,799 observations
Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
17% SUCCESS
239 sightings from 1,448 observations
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
22% SUCCESS
85 sightings from 395 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
3,504 sightings from 3,850 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,472 sightings from 2,982 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,374 sightings from 3,911 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,562 sightings from 2,875 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
31% SUCCESS
607 sightings from 1,963 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
44% SUCCESS
476 sightings from 1,083 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,272 sightings from 1,823 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,405 sightings from 2,877 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
23% SUCCESS
457 sightings from 1,958 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
22% SUCCESS
436 sightings from 1,952 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
60 sightings from 316 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
68% SUCCESS
2,383 sightings from 3,524 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
3,684 sightings from 4,366 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
52 sightings from 3,201 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
67 sightings from 3,205 observations