7 Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Africa for an Unforgettable Stay
Image: Sasaab Lodge, Kenya
Think safari, and you might picture open savannahs, lions lounging under acacia trees, and dusty tracks. Now add in private plunge pools, candlelit bush dinners, spa treatments with a view of the plains, and design so good you’ll forget you’re in the wild. Welcome to the sensational world of luxury safari!
Here are 7 safari lodges that we know that our customers will love and redefine what it means to sleep under the stars. These are more than just places to stay, they're the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that shift your perspective, inviting you to see Africa in all its raw and awe-inspiring beauty without compromising on comfort.
Choosing the right lodge and reserves to enjoy sprawling savannahs, rolling plains and wildlife wonders can be a challenge, but with our help and expert guidance, we’ll make your dream safari getaway a truly unforgettable one.
🌿 1. Singita Lebombo Lodge, South Africa
Where: Kruger National Park
Ultimate Highlights: A sleek, glass-walled masterpiece perched above the N'wanetsi River. It’s nature meets boutique design with a serious sustainability ethos.
Rooftop star bed platforms
World-class wine cellar
Exceptional Big Five sightings
What Makes It Special: This lodge delivers a true sense of space and light. The contemporary architecture blends seamlessly with the rugged landscape, and each suite feels like a floating glass sanctuary. With on-site wellness therapists, curated wine tastings, and access to private reserves, this is Kruger at its most refined.
🌿 2. Angama Mara, Kenya
Where: Overlooking the Maasai Mara
Ultimate Highlights: Set on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, with cinematic views and a front-row seat to the Great Migration.
Floating above the Mara plains
Glass-fronted suites with private decks
Maasai-guided walking safaris
What Makes It Special: The attention to detail is phenomenal—from the iconic red rocking chairs to the personalised butler service. Wake up to the sound of wildebeest, enjoy a private picnic on the exact hill from Out of Africa, and end your day with sundowners over endless plains.
🌿 3. Royal Malewane, South Africa
Where: Thornybush Private Game Reserve
Ultimate Highlights: Think colonial-style grandeur meets world-class guiding.
Private decks with plunge pools
Exceptional cuisine & spa
Private villa options for families or groups
What Makes It Special: Royal Malewane is all about indulgence and impeccable service. The guides are among the most qualified in Africa, the spa is award-winning, and the decor blends antique charm with lush comfort. This is old-world safari, elevated.
🌿 4. Sasaab, Kenya
Where: Samburu National Reserve
Ultimate Highlights: Moroccan-meets-African design with sweeping views over the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Camel safaris & helicopter tours
Open-air bathrooms with a view
Excellent cultural experiences with the Samburu people
What Makes It Special: With its bold North African design and focus on immersive experiences, Sasaab is a feast for the senses. Enjoy sunrise yoga, sip mint tea in your private plunge pool, and spend evenings under the stars with stories from Samburu warriors.
🌿 5. Londolozi Private Granite Suites, South Africa
Where: Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Ultimate Highlights: This ultra-exclusive lodge offers just three lavish suites with dramatic river views and seamless integration into the natural surroundings.
Private heated plunge pools
Outdoor bathtubs with a view
Legendary leopard sightings and exceptional guiding
What Makes It Special: Londolozi is a pioneer in conservation and luxury safari. With access to one of South Africa’s most game-rich reserves, each experience feels intensely personal. Expect extraordinary service, wellness programs, and a deep sense of connection to the land.
🌿 6. Singita Sweni Lodge, South Africa
Where: Kruger National Park, South Africa
Ultimate Highlights: Hidden among trees along the Sweni River, this ultra-intimate lodge feels like a luxurious treehouse in the heart of the wild.
Sleek, contemporary suites with floor-to-ceiling glass
Elevated walkways through lush riverside bush
Wildlife sightings from your private deck
What Makes It Special: With only seven suites, Sweni Lodge offers a deeply serene and sensorial safari experience. Interiors are inspired by nature with rich textures, outdoor showers, and bold design. It’s refined, remote, and effortlessly cool—ideal for couples seeking peace, privacy, and adventure in equal meas
🌿 7. &Beyond Mnemba Island, Tanzania
Where: Off the coast of Zanzibar
Ultimate Highlights: Okay, so we’re slightly cheating with this one as it’s not technically a safari lodge… but this castaway-chic island is the ultimate post-safari wind-down.
Barefoot luxury at its finest
World-class snorkelling and dolphins galore
Just 12 rustic-luxe bandas on a private island
What Makes It Special: It’s the kind of place where shoes are optional and everything is about effortless elegance. With personalised menus, candlelit beach dinners, and marine encounters on your doorstep, Mnemba is pure barefoot bliss.