My Luxury Africa Hotlist: The Best Safari Lodges and Beach Retreats (according to me!)
Introduction
Twenty-eight years of African travel and six years as a luxury safari specialist have taught me one thing: not all five-star lodges deliver five-star experiences. I've stayed at dozens of acclaimed properties across the continent, and this hotlist features only those that truly impressed. These are the safari lodges and beach retreats where location, service, character, or sheer brilliance justifies the investment. Every property here has earned its place through personal experience, not glossy marketing 😉
Southern Africa's Safari Finest
Botswana: Wild, Remote, and Worth Every Penny!
San Camp - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Location: Edge of Ntwetwe Pan, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Kalahari Desert
Key Facts: 7 romantic Meru-style tents, seasonal (April-October), solar-powered, accessible by helicopter from Maun
Highlights: Meerkats, desert palms, complete silence, San Bushmen experiences, quad biking on salt pans, incredible starry skies.
Why I loved it: The otherworldly landscape combined with the minimalist elegance of white canvas makes this a deeply romantic and magical camp. Brilliant activities and superb guiding bring this ancient landscape to life – I believe San Camp should be at the start of every Botswana honeymoon.
📸 Sunset over San Camp in the Makgadikgadi Pans
Tuludi - Khwai Private Reserve, Northern Okavango Delta
Location: 200,000-hectare Khwai Private Reserve, bordering Moremi Game Reserve
Key Facts: 7 tree-house style tents, each over 100sqm with private plunge pool, elevated library 4 metres up in the trees
Highlights: Year-round water activities, outstanding predator viewing, exclusive concession with only handful of camps
Why I loved it: Tuludi is quirky, small and intimate, it has a wonderful atmosphere that sets it apart from 'standard' luxury camps. The game viewing in the area is also outstanding
South Africa: From Big Five to Wine Estates
The Safari Camps:
Singita Lebombo - Kruger National Park, N'wanetsi River
Location: 33,000-acre private concession, southeastern Kruger, cliffside above N'wanetsi River
Key Facts: 13 glass-walled contemporary suites + 4-bedroom villa, suspended like eagles' nests, roof terrace wine studio
Highlights: Four eco-zones, dramatic cliff-top architecture, outstanding wine cellar, children 10+
Why I loved it: The position is unbeatable! On a private concession in the heart of Kruger, the landscape is remarkably beautiful and teeming with wildlife. Top that with incredible views from the suites, Singita's understated elegance, superb food and wine, and brilliant guides – I believe the price point is thoroughly justified.
Cheetah Plains - Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Location: Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, sharing unfenced border with Kruger National Park
Key Facts: 3 exclusive-use bush homes (Mvula, Karula, Mapogo), 4 suites each, fully electric safari vehicles, solar-powered
Highlights: Ultimate privacy (2 vehicles max per area), almost guaranteed Big Five sightings, 300-bottle wine cellars, children 13+
Why I loved it: Cheetah Plains is architecturally striking and thoroughly contemporary in feel compared to most lodges. The interiors are magnificent with bold African art throughout. What sets it apart is the sense of exclusivity – you'll feel like a VIP here. My top tip is to choose the Mapogo house – it commands the best views and would make an ideal venue for a big family or friends celebration.
📸: The pool at Mapogo House, Cheetah Plains
Malewane Lodge, Royal Malewane - Thornybush Private Game Reserve
Location: Thornybush Reserve bordering western Kruger, overlooking an active waterhole
Key Facts: 6 luxury suites + 2 royal suites + 6-bedroom bush villa, "Waters of Royal Malewane" spa (voted Best Safari Spa in Africa)
Highlights: "Harvard of the Bush" guiding team, regal colonial décor, award-winning spa, helicopter transfers available
Why I loved it: Where to start?! Famous for being the most ultra-luxe lodge in South Africa, what I treasured most about my stay was the people. From our butler to our guide and everyone in between, all were supremely capable yet relaxed and warm. The main lodge is traditionally styled, but sister properties Waterside, Farmstead and Masiyas Camp are notable for their vibrant and eclectic interiors – some would say slightly bonkers, but I adored them all. Malewane is also renowned for employing the most qualified guiding team, the wildlife viewing in Thornybush is first-rate, and sightings are managed perfectly to avoid overcrowding. The main lodge or Masiya's camp are perfect for couples pushing the boat out, whilst the private villas would be utterly outstanding for a big family celebration.
Dulini River - Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Sand River
Location: Western sector Sabi Sand, elevated above seasonal Sand River in grove of ancient ebony trees
Key Facts: 8 luxury riverside suites, each with private plunge pool and Sand River views, access to 10,500 hectares
Highlights: Prime riverside position for wildlife viewing from camp, intimate size, outstanding value in Sabi Sand
Why I loved it: I first visited this camp in 2016 and again in 2025. The riverside setting is one of its best features – huge suites face the perennial waters of the Sand River and you can game watch from the comfort of your plunge pool. I had a fabulous and deeply knowledgeable guide during my stay, and he, combined with the overall quality of hospitality, made this my favourite mid-range lodge in the area.
Tswalu Kalahari - Kalahari Desert, Northern Cape
Location: South Africa's largest private reserve (120,000 hectares), southern Kalahari at foot of Korannaberg Mountains, Northern Cape
Key Facts: 3 camps - Motse (9 suites), exclusive Tarkuni villa (sleeps 10), Loapi (6 tented homes). Malaria-free, private airstrip, daily scheduled flights from Cape Town (2 hours) and Johannesburg (1.5 hours)
Highlights: Desert black rhino, black-maned Kalahari lions, pangolins, aardvarks, meerkats, guaranteed private guide and vehicle per booking, Malori sleep-out under stars, horseback safaris, lowest guest-to-space ratio in privately protected area in South Africa.
Why I loved it: Tswalu’s Kalahari setting is such a contrast to most safari landscapes. I loved that it was such a contrast to my previous trips. The suites at the Motse are so luxurious, and the food and wine is exceptional even by South African standards. It would pair perfectly with a luxe Botswana safari or a stay in the Greater Kruger area. And it has meerkats…
📸 : Main Pool at Tswalu Kalahari’s Motse Lodge
Beyond the Bush:
La Residence - Franschhoek Wine Valley
Location: Private 30-acre estate in Franschhoek Valley, surrounded by vineyards and mountains
Key Facts: 11 individually decorated suites + 5 family-friendly Vineyard Suites, infinity pool, own wine production
Highlights: "Modern Versailles" with Persian rugs and antiques, complimentary house wines, UNESCO World Heritage surrounds
Why I loved it: Ohh, please take me back here... The vistas from 'La Res' are breathtaking – it sits at the head of a valley surrounded by steep vine-covered slopes with magnificent sunsets. In line with its sister safari lodge, Royal Malewane, the quality and ease of hospitality is absolutely outstanding; staff effortlessly anticipated my every need. Franschhoek itself is a gastro paradise and it would be easy to indulge in a 4 or 5 night hedonistic stay here alone. In my dreams.
Cape Cadogan - Gardens, Cape Town
Location: Historic National Monument building (early 1800s) in Gardens, off vibrant Kloof Street
Key Facts: 19 individually designed rooms, recently renovated 2022, 10 new family-friendly Stable Suites + exclusive Residences
Highlights: Georgian/Victorian architecture, Upper Union restaurant, walking distance to Table Mountain/V&A Waterfront
Why I loved it: Simple, stylish, perfectly positioned, brilliant restaurant. Everything you need in a city hotel. Unfussy and excellently priced too.
Namibia: Wilderness to the Horizon
Ongava Tented Camp - Ongava Private Game Reserve, bordering Etosha National Park
Location: Secluded valley at foot of dolomite hill in 30,000-hectare Ongava Private Game Reserve, bordering Etosha National Park's southern boundary
Key Facts: 8 Meru-style tents (7 suites + 1 family unit), maximum 16 guests, 15 minutes from private Ongava airstrip, 1.5-hour flight from Windhoek
Highlights: Floodlit waterhole at eye-level from camp, rhino tracking sanctuary (largest custodianship in Namibia), access to both Ongava Reserve and Etosha National Park, Ongava Research Centre visits
Why I loved it: Ongava offers a peaceful alternative to Etosha National Park which can become quite busy. I thoroughly enjoyed tracking rhino on foot, and the wildlife viewing – particularly rhino – is outstanding.
Zambia: The Authentic Africa Experience
Lion Camp - South Luangwa National Park, Northern reaches
Location: Remote northern section of South Luangwa, elevated above valley floor with 'treehouse' feel
Key Facts: Luxury canvas and thatch suites, each with river-view deck, seasonal (May-October), accessible from Mfuwe Airport
Highlights: Exclusive unfenced setting, abundant leopards, Thornicroft's giraffe, first-rate guiding, minimal vehicle traffic
Why I loved it: Lion Camp's position is fantastic – the camp overlooks a pumped water source which was teeming with wildlife during my stay: big herds of buffalo and a resident hippo right outside my suite. The surrounding area is full of lion, leopard and their prey. It's one of the most distant camps from Mfuwe, meaning you encounter very few other vehicles.
Sausage Tree Camp - Lower Zambezi National Park
Location: Banks of the Zambezi River in the heart of Lower Zambezi National Park, nestled among mature sausage and mahogany trees
Key Facts: 7 luxury suites + 2-bedroom Kigelia House, private butler ("Muchinda") service, completely rebuilt 2018, seasonal April-November, 40-minute boat transfer from Jeki Airstrip
Highlights: Voted "Best Location in Africa" 2016, unfenced camp with elephants wandering through, guaranteed private guiding, river activities including canoeing and tiger fishing, 25m lap pool on river edge
Why I loved it: Sumptuous suites overlooking the Zambezi – and boating safaris are possibly my favourite way to spend an afternoon. The surrounding area is dense with wildlife and wonderfully remote, meaning there are very few other vehicles.
📸 : Sausage Tree Camp’s suites have huge decks & plunge pools overlooking the Zambezi
East Africa: Where the Great Migration Meets Mountain Gorillas
Kenya: Conservancy Magic
Sarara Camp - Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Mathews Range
Location: 850,000-acre Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, slopes of Mathews Mountains, Northern Kenya
Key Facts: 6 tented suites + exclusive Sarara House, completely off-grid with Tesla solar power, accessible by helicopter to Namunyak airstrip
Highlights: Kenya's second-largest elephant population, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary visits, famous "Singing Wells" with Samburu warriors, community conservation success story
Why I loved it: Sarara is a very special camp in a beautiful remote area. The wildlife viewing isn't as prolific as other regions, so it's ideal for experienced safari goers who will appreciate the remoteness and gorgeous setting. A highlight of my stay was visiting Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.
Naboisho Camp - Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Location: 50,000-hectare Mara Naboisho Conservancy, adjacent to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Key Facts: 9 stylish tented suites (including family tent), fully refurbished 2024, higher animal density than the main Mara Reserve
Highlights: World's highest concentration of lions, unfenced camp allowing wildlife through, walking and night safaris permitted, community partnership model
Why I loved it: Naboisho is one of the more upscale camps on the Naboisho Conservancy. It has a lovely pool, very comfortable tents, wonderful staff, and the conservancy is renowned for big cat sightings, especially cheetah and lion.
Alfajiri Villas - Diani Beach, Kenyan Coast
Location: Northern stretch of Diani Beach, Indian Ocean coast, one hour south of Mombasa
Key Facts: 3 exclusive-use luxury villas (Cliff, Garden, Beach), 1990s-built to pioneering standards, personal butlers and chefs
Highlights: Private beach access, world-class kite-surfing conditions, award-winning cuisine, complete privacy on "best beach in Kenya"
Why I loved it: The villas at Alfajiri are simply gorgeous – indoor and outdoor spaces flow seamlessly, and the décor and gardens are equally beautiful. The service is outstanding and the food is delicious. The Italian owners are deeply invested in these magnificent villas, and their care and attention shows everywhere. Each villa has its own charm and they work individually or can be paired for big family or group gatherings.
📸: Alfajiri Garden Villa’s Pool
Tanzania: From Crater to Coast
Gibbs Farm - Ngorongoro Highlands, Karatu
Location: Outer slopes of Ngorongoro Crater, historic 1920s coffee plantation, 5km from Karatu village
Key Facts: 17 farm cottages + family cottage, working organic farm with own coffee roastery, 30 minutes from Lake Manyara airstrip
Highlights: Farm-to-table dining (90% ingredients grown on-site), elephant caves in Ngorongoro Forest, authentic East African farmhouse experience
Why I loved it: Gibbs Farm is utterly charming! The cottages are lovely – comfortable and cosy. The farm itself is fascinating; we hiked up the outside of the Ngorongoro crater to visit the elephant caves – quite a trek but absolutely worth it. I could easily have stayed longer, and it's a perfect inclusion in any Tanzanian Northern Circuit itinerary.
Namiri Plains - Eastern Serengeti National Park
Location: Remote eastern Serengeti where short-grass plains meet acacia woodland, alongside Ngare Nanyuki underground river
Key Facts: 10 luxury tented suites + 2 private retreats, area closed to tourism 1985-2014 for cheetah conservation, 75 minutes from Seronera airstrip
Highlights: "Big cat country" with remarkable cheetah viewing, nearest camp one hour away, Great Migration viewing November-December, 100% solar powered
Why I loved it: I'm a big fan of Asilia Africa, and Namiri Plains was a highlight of my Serengeti stay in June 2024. Asilia hires and trains brilliant people – from guides to hospitality teams – so the staff are first-rate. The tented rooms at Namiri Plains are vast with big decks overlooking the plains, and the wildlife in this area is superb with far fewer vehicles than other parts of the Serengeti.
Uganda: Gorilla Trekking and Wild Rivers
Bwindi Lodge - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Sector
Location: Just outside Buhoma Gate, overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Munyaga River valley, prime gorilla trekking base
Key Facts: 10 handbuilt bandas (8 standard + 2 deluxe), run by Volcanoes Safaris, personal butler service for all guests, private footpath directly into forest
Highlights: Start gorilla treks directly from the lodge, complimentary spa treatments including famous Rungu massage at Humula Forest Spa, award-winning Bwindi Bar (community training project), signature Gorillini cocktail, Munyaga River Trail to pristine waterfall
Why I loved it: Once again, position is everything – trekking is hard work and being this close to the trailhead is invaluable! Rooms are huge (perhaps too huge?) with views across forested slopes; you genuinely feel immersed in the wilderness.
Nile Safari Lodge - Murchison Falls National Park, Victoria Nile
Location: Southern banks of the Victoria Nile, 20km downstream from Murchison Falls, within Murchison Falls National Park
Key Facts: 8 luxury bandas (6 deluxe + 1 family villa + 1 exclusive), eco-friendly family-run lodge since 2017, 32-acre property, solar-powered, 25-minute drive from Bugungu Airstrip
Highlights: Infinity pool overlooking the Nile, floating massage treatments, boat cruises to base of Murchison Falls, elephants/hippos/crocs visible from camp, shoebill stork sightings, complimentary 30-minute massage per stay
Why I loved it: Rooms are spacious, airy and very comfortable, but the setting on the banks of the Nile makes this a genuinely special lodge. It's the NILE!!
Island Exclusives: Barefoot Luxury & Private Paradises
Madagascar: A World Apart
Miavana - Nosy Ankao Private Island, Northeast Madagascar
Location: 10-square-kilometre private island in remote archipelago, accessible only by helicopter
Key Facts: 14 ocean-front villas (1-3 bedrooms), smallest over 400sqm, helicopter access from Diego Suarez (30 min) or Nosy Be (60 min)
Highlights: Crowned lemurs on island, world-class diving, helicopter excursions to mainland parks, ultimate exclusivity
Why I loved it: Miavana defies description and is simply the most incredible beach property I've ever experienced. Imagine the coolest-looking beach villas on a private island where the sand and sea are picture-book perfect, then add all kinds of water sports, bikes, golf buggies, quad bikes and lemur tracking. The food and hospitality are outstanding, and the helicopter-only access just adds to the glamour. If you're reading this after winning the lottery, I advise heading there straight away and staying until the money runs out.
📸 : Sunset from the deck of a villa at Time + Tide’s Miavana
Zanzibar: Spice Island Sophistication
The Palms - Bwejuu Beach, Southeast Coast
Location: Bwejuu Beach (voted Top 30 Island Beaches by Condé Nast), southeast Zanzibar coast, between sister properties Baraza and Breezes
Key Facts: 7 exclusive villas (adults-only), each over 140sqm with private plunge pool and ocean views, all-inclusive luxury resort, available for exclusive buy-out
Highlights: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award 2024 Top 10 All-Inclusive Hotels in World, Top 3 Hotels for Romance in Africa, private beach cabanas (one per villa), personal butler service, The Sanctuary spa, PADI dive center, access to sister properties' facilities
Why I loved it: I'm a big fan of Breezes, its sister property, and The Palms is the more refined option. Smaller and more intimate but with access to all of Breezes' facilities, this would be my go-to recommendation for couples seeking lazy beach indulgence.
Planning Your African Safari Adventure: Expert Insights
After nearly three decades of African travel, I've learned that timing, logistics, and realistic expectations can make or break a safari. Here's what you need to know.
Best Times to Visit
Southern Africa:
Botswana: San Camp operates April-October (dry season only); Tuludi is year-round
South Africa: Kruger lodges welcome guests year-round, though winter (May-September) offers prime wildlife viewing with sparse vegetation
Zambia: Lion Camp and Sausage Tree Camp operate May-October during the dry season when wildlife concentrates around water sources
Namibia: Ongava is year-round, but May-October offers the best game viewing at Etosha's waterholes
East Africa:
Kenya & Tanzania: The Great Migration reaches the Masai Mara July-October; Serengeti's calving season (January-February) is spectacular but less promoted
Uganda: Gorilla trekking is year-round, though June-September and December-February offer drier trekking conditions
Islands:
Madagascar: Avoid January-April rainy season; May-October offers the best weather for Miavana
Zanzibar: June-October offers sunny, dry weather; December-February is hot and humid but beautiful
Access and Logistics
The rise of light aircraft charter services has transformed African safari logistics. Most premium lodges are now accessible via scheduled or private charters, dramatically reducing road transfer times.
Key Air Hubs:
Maun (Botswana) for Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi
Johannesburg/Hoedspruit (South Africa) for Kruger region
Lusaka/Mfuwe (Zambia) for South Luangwa
Nairobi/Wilson Airport (Kenya) for Mara conservancies
Kilimanjaro/Arusha (Tanzania) for Northern Circuit
Entebbe (Uganda) connects to Bwindi and Murchison Falls
My Top Tip: Don't over-schedule. Quality beats quantity every time. Three nights minimum per lodge allows you to settle in and truly appreciate each destination. Two-night stays feel rushed and you'll spend valuable time packing and travelling rather than on safari.
Combining Destinations
Classic Combinations:
Botswana Delta + Victoria Falls
South Africa Cape Town + Kruger safari
Tanzania Northern Circuit + Zanzibar beach
Uganda gorilla trekking + Kenya Mara safari
Madagascar + South Africa (via Johannesburg)
Insider Tip: Avoid combining more than three camps in a two-week trip. Less is genuinely more when it comes to safari travel.