Best Places to Stay in Africa
A good level of comfort and beautiful remote settings are “givens”! Whether you prefer simpler canvas construction, a thatched cottage or an extravagant suite with a private pool is up to you.
Our skill lies in creating the right combination of places and impeccable arrangements which combine to create your perfect holiday.
The Homestead is an ultra-luxurious lodge in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve in South Africa. Modern and contemporary in design, it offers high levels of luxury in the beautiful wilderness of South Africa. Every aspect, down to the very minutiae, of The Homestead is carefully considered in terms of sustainability. The goal here is to provide you with an unforgettable safari experience whilst protecting the Earth and its resources.
Karabezi Houseboat is one of our favourite choices for groups who want to spend some time relaxing on Lake Kariba. You’ll be on board for three nights, exploring the lake’s smaller creeks, admiring the resident wildlife, fishing for tiger fish, and watching some of the most beautiful sunsets Africa has to offer.
Nyanga SkyDeck Retreat is a beautiful property that combines the luxury of an exclusive villa with the excitement and adrenalin of adventure activities. This is somewhere perfect for older families where you’ll wake to misty mountain views before spending the day exploring, ziplining, hiking and swimming. Set deep in the wilderness, this is somewhere you can truly reconnect with nature and one another.
Aberfoyle Lodge promises a sublime blend of adventure and relaxation in the breathtaking highlands of Zimbabwe. Spend the morning sliding down waterfalls or zip lining through the forest canopy, and the afternoon on a tranquil river cruise, a glass of something cool in hand and the cheerful sounds of waterbirds in your ears.
Mnemba Island, a tiny island in the Zanzibar archipelago, is a place so breathtakingly beautiful you can’t quite believe it’s real. Its lush tropical forest fringed by white powder-soft sands is surrounded by the glistening turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean - simply idyllic. We love this exclusive beach paradise, perfect for families and couples alike.
Honey Bear Bush Camp is a traditional camp offering a classic safari experience. It’s entirely unique, though, in that you can track chimps here too. This waterside camp is also the only one in the entirety of the Kyambura Game Reserve, so we really do mean it when we say you’ll have the wilderness all to yourselves!
Kibale Lodge is a beautifully designed and elegant lodge set high up on a ridge in the Fort Portal area. Surrounded by lush greenery, undulating hills, and impressive mountains, the landscape here is nothing short of spectacular. Having spent the day trekking through the depths of the forest tracking chimp, this peaceful retreat is the perfect place to rest.
For unforgettably close encounters with massed-ranks of elephants, Nehimba is unsurpassed. In the dry season, they are drawn in their hundreds to the waterhole at the centre of the lodge and have even claimed ownership of the swimming pool.
Jozibanini Tented Camp in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, offers an immersion in the remote African bush for its intrepid guests. The location may be unspoilt, but you don’t have to be because there’s plenty of comfort in the rustic raised tents and great food to complement a true safari experience.
Luxurious and exclusive, Camelthorn Lodge’s great appeal is the comfort provided by its small collection of permanent villas, each with an elevated game-viewing balcony. The thatched main building surrounding an enormous tree is a stylish hub from which to start your adventures.
Within a private reserve adjacent to a quiet area of spectacular Hwange, known for its enormous elephant population, Bomani is a luxurious tented experience. Moreover, it is fun, diverse, and it is genuinely part of the local community.
Pioneers Lodge combines the charm of colonial styling with the undoubted advantages of modern construction to meet the demands of today’s traveller, all within serene gardens close to the incredible Victoria Falls.
Ant’s Nest is one of the best places in Africa for a family safari, purpose built for families with children ranging from the very young through to teenage years. You’ll be hosted by Ant and Tessa Baber, who exude warm hospitality and have vast experience of conducting safaris for people of all ages in this pristine wilderness environment.
Ignite your inner explorer with a stay at Camp Kalahari, where the comfortable canvas tented suites are reminiscent of an African adventure from an earlier era. With a range of activities for all ages and two family suites, this is an excellent camp for discovering the enchantment of the Kalahari with your youngsters.
Seba Camp is the Okavango Delta’s magical outdoor classroom. This is one of the most family-friendly properties in Botswana, with two family suites and specialist guides and activities that are both engaging and fun for children.
Surrounded by cliffs, rivers and wildlife in huge numbers, Chilo Lodge offers exciting safari experiences in pristine Zimbabwean wilderness. At this magical lodge you can watch elephant crossing rivers right from your bed, before spending the day walking through the bush accompanied by exceptionally knowledgeable guides.
In the South Luangwa National Park, make charming Tafika Camp your base. This romantic camp offers seclusion and tranquility on the banks of the Luangwa River. Tafika is a place where you can escape it all and relish a slower pace, soaking up the wondrous riverine landscape.
Walking Camp
If you’re looking for a true adventure, Expeditionary Walking Camp is perfect for you. It offers a back-to-basics experience, exploring the wilds of Tanzania, but with all the comforts you need. Your camp moves every couple of days and so will you, spending most of the day hiking through the wilderness. This is an opportunity to explore some of Africa’s most beautiful and remote landscapes on a deeper level than ever before.
Opened in 2024, Mokete is a modern tented camp set within a huge expanse of untamed grassland and marsh in Botswana. It’s the only camp within a 50,000-hectare area, so you will enjoy this wilderness, with its huge herds of buffalo and prides of lion, in privacy.
As one of only two lodges set within the renowned Mara Triangle region on the western border of the national reserve Angama Mara offers unsurpassed exclusivity and one of the most overlooked areas of the Masai Mara to explore.
If you’re searching for the ultimate in luxury for your family safari, we may suggest ol Donyo Lodge. Just six suites here emerge from the landscape of Kenya’s Chyulu HIlls. With Relais and Chateaux accreditation, you know that you will enjoy the very best in fine dining and wine selection throughout your stay. Pair that with myriad ways to explore the 275,000 acres of private wilderness. Combine with sister-camp, Mara Plains for a truly indulgent Kenyan safari.
Ol Lentille is one of Laikipia’s most luxurious properties and perfect for families. Here, exclusivity is key. The private 40,000-acre conservancy is over three times the size of Manhattan and teeming of wildlife. Fill your days with activities, enjoying personal butler service back in the comfort of your villa.
Blending the spirit of 1940s African exploration with modern exclusivity and opulence, Jacks Camp has long set the standard for luxury safari experiences. With the addition of the secluded Jack’s Private Camp, guests can enjoy an even more exclusive, private and tailored adventure in the midst of the stark beauty of the Kalahari Desert.
Madikwe Hills Lodge is an intimate and luxurious safari lodge set among the 75,000 hectares of the Madikwe Game Reserve. The main lodge has five luxurious suites, a dining lodge and a spa. The suites have been designed for complete relaxation and comfort, each boasting soft sofas, voluminous mosquito netting and cotton picot linen. Overhead fans and air conditioning are a welcome respite from the harshness of the African heat.
A secluded hideaway in one of the most remote game reserves in Tanzania, Kiba Point is a rustic retreat from modern life. Here your days pass at your own pace, whether you choose to explore by open-sided jeep with a private guide, or intrepidly explore the bush on foot. Since you won’t see any other people while you’re here, it’s the perfect African escape to enjoy with your family.
Tucked away on a 200,000-acre private reserve, Saruni Samburu is excellent for a family safari. We love the six spacious villas, set right into the mountainside, with verandas overlooking the best views in Kenya.
A wealth of activities await you: game drives and walking safaris, mountain treks, bush breakfasts and cultural visits.
Zarafa is one of the most exclusive camps in Botswana with just four luxuriously appointed marquee style tented suites. With a maximum of eight guests, the emphasis here is on individual hospitality, privacy and serenity. A family of up to five may like to treat themselves to the sumptuous Dhow Suites — the most exclusive private property in Botswana.
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is our favourite property for a truly exclusive family safari in the Masai Mara. Located outside the national reserve on a private conservancy, Cottar’s combines authentic style, inspired guiding, immersive activities and fantastic attention to detail. All of which creates an unforgettable African safari.
Discover the remote corners of Kenya’s Laikipia Province, a vast and impressive landscape defined by rocky hills scattered with traditional tribal villages and camel trains traversing the arid wilderness. Staying at the family-owned Ol Malo House ranch, you’ll explore this area on horseback, hikes, drives and flights, ensuring a thrilling adventure for all ages.
High on the edge of an escarpment, with a much visited waterhole below, Loisaba Tented Camp has an enviable position in Kenya’s Loisaba Conservancy. This is an area of rugged natural beauty, the camp a romantic retreat for those wanting to appreciate the wilderness in peace.
Kilindi Zanzibar is Tanzania’s very own beach paradise. Set in 50 acres of lush tropical gardens, this is a luxury boutique hotel which connects you to nature. This gorgeous hotel was originally designed for ABBA’s Benny Andersson. It achieves a perfect blend of Scandinavian minimalism and Middle Eastern architecture.
A collection of exclusive-use bush villas, Morukuru Family welcomes you with top-notch personal service. The unrivalled range of activities, outstanding personal service, expert guiding and world-class cuisine make this portfolio of villas some of the best malaria-free safari properties in South Africa for families or a group of friends.
Set amidst two rolling mountain ranges, the Motse legae and Tarkuni homestead are the ultimate private sanctuaries on the vast Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Recently redesigned to uncompromising standards of comfort and elegance, Tarkuni is an exceptional choice for families seeking a tranquil, exclusive-use escape.
Cresting the rim of its namesake, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a favourite of ours for parents and children alike. The vistas of the crater are visible from everywhere in your suite, surrounding you with the sunlit beauty of one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. Children of all ages are welcome here and will love picnics on the crater floor as well as the WILDChild programme.
Mkombe’s House is the first and only private house in the Serengeti. This is one of the best choices for families who want a classic Tanzania safari in exclusivity with expertly personal and attentive service.
Lewa House in Kenya is more than simply a place to rest your head after your safaris. It’s the intangible warmth of being welcomed as family by owners Calum and Sophie McFarlane with the touches of home that make it a unique experience.
You’ll wake in your thatched cottage to share biscuits on the veranda with the resident ‘go-away-birds’, soaking in the landscape of gently sloping plains and distant mountains.
The Huab Conservancy, about 90km north-west of Khorixas in Damaraland, is a core desert-adapted black rhino area and a pioneering community and conservation development. Ultimate Safaris has entered into an agreement with the conservancy which has secured exclusive use area for the purposes of their Journeys Under Canvas camp.
A luxury safari lodge in the Okavango Delta with a range of exhilarating activities.
Camp Jabulani is an amazing place; a luxury lodge surrounded by African bush teeming with wildlife, where you can enjoy an unforgettable experience in the company of elephants.
Gomoti Plains was one of the most eagerly anticipated safari properties in Botswana and opened its doors to guests in March 2017.
The views from Singita Kwitonda are staggering, and enhanced by vast panoramic floor to ceiling windows throughout all the main areas and every suite, inviting the wild in and your gaze outward.
A stunning, exclusive-use villa, perfect for a group of friends or a family stay.
Set in spectacular African wilderness surrounds, Ecca Lodge is a unique safari property boasting a revolutionary design where penthouse chic meets the bush. Nestled into a gently sloping, densely vegetated hillside, the Lodge is airy and open with barely a barrier between indoors and the African bushveld.
Musekese is tucked away in a quiet corner of the Kafue National Park and offers you the opportunity to experience Zambia’s breathtaking beauty from a quiet, intimate camp.
Etendeka Mountain Camp offers a unique, pristine wilderness experience which will appeal to photographer, naturalist, astronomer and geologist alike, as well as lovers of peace, quiet and open space.
Shinde Camp is one of the most beautifully located in the Okavango Delta, a sophisticated tented camp set on a lush island surrounded by crystal-clear waters and shaded by ebony and mangosteen trees.
Ilala Lodge is the perfect base from which to visit and explore majestic Victoria Falls.
Imagine views overlooking the broadly drifting Zambezi River and stretching beyond to the 2,000 ft peaks of the Rift Valley escarpment. Ruckomechi is an intimate camp with just such spectacular views and situated on a large, private concession within Mana Pools. Ancient forests and wetlands stretch behind the camp, and in front is the massive escarpment of Africa’s Great Rift Valley.
Somalisa Acacia is the sister property of Somalisa Camp and is situated just a ‘stone’s throw’ from the main camp.
Camp Hwange is an opulent safari retreat, in a prime location.
Old Mondoro Bushcamp is a family-run camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park that provides an authentic safari experience without compromising on luxury or service. Fantastic views of the Zambezi and unbeatable wildlife encounters await your arrival, as you escape your routine and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Zambezi National Park.
Sausage Tree Camp was voted #1 on the BBC's Ten Best Luxury Destinations programme and is deserving of the accolade.
Sarara Camp is a small and intimate camp in an impressive and remote area of northern Kenya. The property promises a safari full of unforgettable authentic wildlife and cultural experiences. Think long walks through the bush, learning how to bead with Samburu women, meeting orphaned elephants, and finding a natural water slide in the mountains.
The Royal Livingstone is a five-star hotel on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and brings a new level of luxury and sophistication to this world-famous region.
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is a traditional, comfortable bush camp located in Laikipia on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Elephant Pepper Camp is a step back in time but with modern comforts: an original bush camp, eco-friendly, and committed to finding a way of life that does not harm the wilderness.
Loisaba Star Beds offers the ultimate sleeping under the stars experience combined with superb game viewing, excellent food and a friendly team of staff.
Kigali Serena is a classically elegant hotel offering a warm welcome to all that stay.
The Retreat by Heaven is the first entirely eco-friendly, solar-powered resort in the capital city of Kigali, located just twenty minutes from the international airport, on a tranquil tree-lined street.
Magashi Camp is an intimate, luxurious haven within the wilderness of Akagera National Park.
Camp Amalinda is located in a magnificent setting, built into the side of giant rock formations near the Matopos Hills.
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Victoria Falls Hotel is the most famous -and certainly grandest - heritage hotel in Zimbabwe.
Musango Camp is located in a superb position for game viewing, on the southern shore of Lake Kariba close to Matusadona National Park.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge provides opulent accommodation along with memorable views.
Changa Safari Camp stands head and shoulders above other lodges in the Matusadona National Park and is a prime spot for birding and fishing. It is the park’s newest and most luxurious property set in a remote and secluded location on almost 4km of lakeshore frontage. As it is on its own private concession in the north east of the park, you are assured complete privacy for game viewing.
Sitting delightfully on the banks of a remote section of the Mighty Zambezi, Nyamatusi Mahogany Camp is a luxurious homage to the river.
Chikwenya is one of the longest established and most remote safari lodges in Zimbabwe. The lodge is set on the edge of the spectacularly beautiful World Heritage Site of Mana Pools. The surrounding setting is one of open grassland, shallow Zambezi tributaries and some of the most beautiful woodlands in central Africa which makes an ideal habitat for a rich variety of wildlife.
Kanga Camp is located at the foot of the Zambezi Escarpment in the heart of the Mana Pools National Park on the only private concession within the park.
This modern lodge welcomes you to enjoy a true home-away-from-home safari experience.
Little Makalolo is a beautiful and remote base for viewing the herds of elephants, buffalo, the full range of plains game and predators.
Visitors to Somalisa Camp are treated to breath-taking views of Hwange's magnificent savannah plains.
The original Sand Rivers was built in 1984 by the pioneering guide Richard Bonham. Its successor, Nomad, still occupies this privileged position.
Roho Ya Selous translates to ‘heart of the Selous’. The location truly lives up to its name and is the perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts.
Beho Beho is probably the finest safari lodge in the reserve, set in beautiful hill country overlooking riverine forests, miombo woodlands and plains. It was the first lodge sited in the reserve so has arguably the most privileged position, the most comfortable temperatures all year round, and the most superb views.
King Lewanika is far from the beaten track in an incredibly remote location, but you can appreciate Zambia’s diverse wildlife at your own pace in this unique haven, enjoying the comfort of secluded, luxurious accommodation.
Mwaleshi Camp is the perfect escape for people looking to head off the beaten track and explore some of the more remote parts of Zambia by foot. Nestled on the banks of the Mwaleshi River, guests can stay in a comfortable chalet constructed out of natural materials and complete with en suite bathrooms that are open to the stars.
Situated at the far-eastern reaches of the park, Anabezi is characterised by the elephants which are drawn to the surrounding Winterthorn trees.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat, or an action-packed safari experience, Chiawa Camp has it all.
Situated under a canopy of Albida thorn trees Chongwe River Camp is family owned and managed and benefits from a friendly and informal atmosphere.
Islands of Siankaba is a luxurious way to enjoy Zambia away from the crowds of Victoria Falls.
Tongabezi Lodge is the perfect place to enjoy Zambia at your own serene pace, and to relax at the end of the day.
Check in to the prestigious Royal Chundu Private Island Lodge, the only Relais & Châteaux property in Zambia, which is situated on an island in the Zambezi.
Welcome to Busanga Bush Camp, the perfect place to unplug and wind down in the heart of the Busanga Plains.
Shumba Camp boasts breathtaking views from a tree covered island in the middle of the Busanga Plains.
Mchenja, meaning "the ebony tree", is set beneath a magnificent grove of these trees on the banks of the Luangwa River. It is the most luxurious of the Norman Carr tented camps yet it is also designed to combine excellently with other more rustic bush camps.
There are no fences at Lion Camp, so elephant, buffalo, and antelope come and go as they please. You can watch them from your private deck or the board walk, and they may well be watching you as you swim in the pool. The camp prides itself on its support for conservation and local community development initiatives, including Conservation South Luangwa and the Chipembele Wildlife Education Centre.
Puku Ridge inhabits a remote world of its own, watching the ancient patterns of life and survival while treating its visitors to enjoyably civilised hospitality. This small and intimate camp is built unobtrusively overlooking a vast floodplain where the Puku antelope after which the camp is named can be seen grazing throughout the day.
One & Only Gorilla’s Nest sits atop a mountain by the Volcanoes National Park. Swathed in Eucalyptus, it has fabulous views towards the park and of the volcanos which protrude from the afro-alpine forests.
Built to blend in with its stunning surrounding is the beautiful five-star Nyungwe House, ideally situated on the edge of the Nyungwe Rainforest National Park, in a tea plantation and on the doorstep to the home of 13 species of primate.
The Lake Kivu Hotel occupies a spectacular location on the shores of one of Africa’s largest lakes.
Bisate Lodge is situated on the edge of the Parc National des Volcans, within the eroded, forested cone on extinct volcano with fabulous views towards the park and of the volcanos Bisoke and Karisimbi which protrude from the afro-alpine forests of the park.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is situated on the edge of the Parc National des Volcans, in an undulating area of 11 hectares with fabulous views towards the park.
Nunda River Lodge sits at the entrance to Namibia’s beautiful Caprivi Strip just a short distance from the entrance to the Mahango Game Park nestled at the mouth of the Okavango Pan Handle.
Lianshulu Lodge is located in the western section of the Caprivi Strip overlooking the Kwando River.
Set in a grove of ancient Kokerbome, Fish River Lodge has been carefully designed to echo the terraced and rugged terrain as well as the colours and textures of the landscape.
Canyon Lodge is located in a semi-arid remote region near the Fish River Canyon in the southern reaches of Namibia.
Hansa Hotel is the oldest and finest hotel in Namibia, a monument in its own right in Swakopmund. The building dates from 1905, so is an important part of the town’s architectural heritage, and is a very charming place to stay.
The Strand Hotel is a modern, well-run property right on the beachfront, so you can walk out straight onto the sands and along the coast.
Give yourself plenty of flexibility in Namibia’s historic Swakopmund when you choose Cornerstone Guesthouse or its seaside sister property, the self-catering Atlantik Sicht.
Treat yourself to an authentic desert camp experience when you sleep under canvas in the well-appointed luxury chalets at Wolwedans Dunes Lodge.
Watch oryx and other desert-adapted wildlife cross the highest sand dunes on earth when you stay at Little Kulala in Namibia’s stunning Sossusvlei.
&Beyond’s Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is nothing short of magnificent, a secluded palace in a rugged oasis in the heart of the desert, lying beneath an endless sky.
Natural Selection’s Hoanib Valley Camp is a joint venture between local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. It’s an elegant, intimate camp in the desert with strong ecological and sustainability credentials, reflecting the priorities of its local partners.
Unique design set in the heart of Namibia’s sun-bleached coastal dunes, Shipwreck Lodge is one of Africa’s most innovative new camps.
This luxury tented camp is situated close to the Hoanib River and straddles both the Palmvag Concession and the Skeleton Coast National Park. The Hoanib Valley is a truly unique environment, strikingly beautiful and remote. Staying at the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp you will see the valley at its finest, and get close to the wonderful wildlife residing here.
Few guests ever venture to this remote part of Namibia, but if they knew the secret which is Okahirongo River Camp, they’d be flocking here in great numbers.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes and rugged tranquillity.
Looking across the river the scenic mountains of Angola, a remote sense of peace envelopes you at Serra Cafema.
Sorris Sorris blends a Scandinavia-influenced minimalism with luxurious comforts, spread beneath a dramatic red granite backdrop.
Nestling among rugged boulders on a ridge that provides panoramic views over the surrounding area, Mowani creates the impression of an African village. The asperous landscape is a magnificent backdrop to the camp’s thatched cottages, and the desert-adapted wildlife remains completely undisturbed as its environmental footprint is so light.
Set in one of the most private areas of Damaraland, Onduli Ridge is the perfect property if you relish tranquility.
In the local Herero language, Onguma means, "the place you don't want to leave." Having stayed here, we can say without question that you’re sure to agree.
Safarihoek is a spacious and elegant lodge with the main building on an elevated deck to catch the breeze and positioned under vaulted thatch, allowing for infinite 180º views over the plains below.
Stay at Little Ongava, the natural home of luxury safaris in Namibia, to explore a beautiful private reserve and the thriving Etosha National Park, abundant with intermixed flocks and herds of uncountable numbers.
The eco-friendly Mihingo Lodge has been designed with its natural surroundings in mind; its owners wanted to protect the local landscape and the rare wildlife that calls it home.
Semliki Safari Lodge is an award-winning natural escape and the only accommodation in Uganda’s verdant Semliki Valley.
Surrounded by rainforest on an island in the River Nile, Wild Waters Lodge is one of the most idyllically situated properties in Africa.
Apoka Lodge is your chance to escape it all. Here you can spot the Big Five from the comfort of your own private sitting room.
Mount Gahinga Lodge is a rustic luxury lodge inspired by Ugandan tradition but with modern comfort at heart.
Primate Lodge is situated in the Kibale forest National Park, surrounded by lush tropical forest and right on the doorstep of the starting point for chimp tracking. The lodge features nine luxury cottages, seven comfortable standard cottages and an adventurous Tree House.
Kyaninga Lodge is in a spectacular location, hugging an extinct volcano crater at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains, and surrounded by virgin forests. This dramatic landscape, the sense of peace, and the abundance of wildlife are truly what African dreams are made of.
Baker’s Lodge takes its name from the English explorer Samuel Baker, but it is as far removed from England as possible.
Paraa Safari Lodge is one of Uganda’s longest established lodges, founded in 1954 in the wildlife-rich Murchison Falls National Park. The River Nile cascades some 43m into a 6m wide gorge nearby, which is a natural phenomenon like no other.
The only camp within the boundaries of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Gorilla Forest Camp is the ideal base for gorilla tracking, primate viewing, and birding.
Treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Mahogany Springs Lodge for panoramic views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, its primeval rainforest, and breathtaking mountain scenes.
Stay in the clouds at 2,000m above sea level: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge boasts fabulous views and is within walking distance of the start-point for gorilla treks.
Morokuru River House is one of the most exciting exclusive use properties in South Africa.
Tswalu (meaning “a new beginning”) is designed in classic African style and blends into the Kalahari environment, offering unrivalled elegance.
Located in the North West Province of South Africa, on a rocky outcrop in the centre of the Madikwe Game Reserve, sits the Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge. There are ten sumptuous suites, all with elegant ‘Afrochic’ furnishings. Guests enjoy their game viewing in open topped vehicles, and short walks along old elephant tracks.
Peaks such as the Giants Castle dominate the Drakensberg landscape and are impressive from every angle. Staying at Montusi Mountain Lodge you don’t need to go far for epic views: the natural beauty is already all around you, ready to be explored.
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is a gourmet hideaway that is intimate and personal with magnificent views across the water to the mountains.
Drakensberg’s hidden gem, Cathedral Peak Hotel.
La Residence is the finest boutique hotel in the Cape Winelands. The main house is reminiscent of a French country chateau and is set in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley surrounded by classic Cape Winelands scenery and overlooking a peaceful lake. The hotel is decorated and furnished in style with French antiques, Persian carpets and oil paintings, yet a friendly informal atmosphere prevails.
Founded in 1692, Babylonstoren is an historic Cape Dutch farm within one of the best preserved farmyards in South Africa. Set amidst fruit and vegetable gardens covering 3.5 hectares, the character-filled farmhouse still has whitewashed walls, distinctive gables, and impressive fireplaces. This is a property of immense character, and will make for the perfect retreat after a safari or sightseeing in Cape Town.
Situated in a quiet area of the beautiful village of Franschhoek, in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is the five-star Leeu House. Relaxing in the shady gardens one can lie in privacy and listen to the cicadas and the cooing of the Cape Doves – sounds so evocative of the Cape Winelands. Leeu House is an incredibly sophisticated property for adults who want to wine, dine, and enjoy each other’s company.
Check in at Mhondoro Safari Lodge, a remarkable property where Africa-meets-Europe chic combines with contemporary design, attentive service, and unbelievable wildlife encounters.
We love this property’s quirky design, in particular the two-storey Thabametsi Treehouse which is run entirely on solar power and has impressive views across the park.
Journey to Leobo Lodge for a malaria-free safari, and an action-packed itinerary guaranteed to entertain the whole group. There are absolutely no time frames at Leobo, the reserve is yours to explore in the company of knowledgeable guides, and you can do so at your leisure.
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is the premier wildlife reserve in Kwa Zulu Natal, a lush ecosystem which is home not only to the Big Five but to elusive cheetah as well.
Thanda Safari Lodge invites you to experience ultimate luxury and world-class service.
Home to the late David Rattray, the pioneer of Heritage Tourism in the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, Fugitive’s Drift Lodge has won a reputation as the finest and most interesting lodge in the AngloZulu war battlefield region of KwaZulu-Natal.
Singita really does have the last word in luxury safari experiences, and Singita Boulders is no exception. The location is superb, the game viewing rich, and the lodge is a model of sustainability which other properties should strive to emulate.
Royal Malewane is fit for the king of the jungle, and Conde Nast Traveler has rated it as one of the Best 50 Resorts in the World 2017.
Ivory Lodge is one of the most luxurious and exclusive safari lodges in South Africa.
To simply call this a treehouse would be an understatement. Tsala Treetop Lodge is the most incredible, luxury treetop property set amidst the canopy of an ancient indigenous forest. An idyllic forest getaway, you’ll be met with breathtaking views across rolling valleys, spectacular cuisine, and an array of interesting activities. Imbuing a sense of magic and mystery, a stay in this architecturally unique lodge is an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
At the edge of Hermanus Lagoon’s glistening waters stands Mosaic Lagoon Lodge. Set in an enviable location, where towering mountains meet the rippling ocean, the lodge is perfect for those interested in marine creatures, bird life and fascinating indigenous flora. Far from a one trick pony, this ecological gem is both an idyllic, remote retreat and an action-packed playground, with a host of activities sure to tickle your fancy.
Exuding sophistication, Grootbos Forest Lodge sits within landscaped gardens dotted with indigenous trees. Carefully designed to reflect traditional African warmth and combine it with an intercontinental twist, the lodge fuses aesthetic beauty with ultimate comfort. With breathtaking views and nature to match, stays at Grootbos are undoubtedly memorable.
At the heart of the picturesque Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the exclusive One&Only Cape Town stands. Offering an unprecedented level of luxury, this unbelievably chic waterfront resort is the perfect gateway to experience the vibrant and enchanting Cape Town, and its gorgeous surroundings. An idyllic hotel and spa with great vistas and luxury in abundance, the One&Only is perfect for life's most memorable moments.
Ellerman House describes itself as being for ‘discerning guests accustomed to the finer pleasures of life’ and everything about this glorious hotel reflects that statement. The Cape Town mansion we’d all have in our dreams, it’s a superb Relais & Chateaux hotel with unrivalled views across the manicured gardens to Robben Island, and the beyond to the bay. Perhaps the principal attraction to guests, many of whom return year after year, is the discreet yet attentive service giving you the impression that you are among friends.
One of Cape Town's great landmarks, The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is a truly luxurious resort. A magnificent pale pink building fringed with palm trees, the iconic five star hotel offers tranquillity and seclusion in the heart of the vibrant city. Whether dining in fine restaurants, exploring the bustling streets of the cultural quarter or simply soaking up the sun, your time here promises wonderful memories.
Baraza Resort and Spa is a stunning beachside property on the island of Zanzibar. The eclectic mix of Arabic, Indian, and Swahili influences gives this resort a truly luxurious feel.
Now, this is what dreams are made of, a private island experience! Get ready to enter an unadulterated paradise.
Zawadi Hotel offers the most intimate beach getaway, with a fine attention to detail. Elegant, relaxed luxury awaits.
Jabali Ridge is a truly luxurious retreat in Tanzania’s stunning Ruaha National Park. Here you will be treated to an exceptional safari experience.
In a remote section of Ruaha National Park, the Jongomero Camp is an idyllic safari retreat waiting to greet you. The staff here are superb and will endeavour to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible.
Understated luxury awaits in this beautiful little bush-camp. The gentle simplicity of the design blends seamlessly into the bush, allowing a more intimate connection with the wildlife living alongside
This is a fairy-tale land, where forested mountains fall into a crystal clear lake that is as big as an ocean but without the salt!
Chada Katavi wants you to experience total absorption into the natural world. Expect to see wildlife strolling past your tent and peeking in your windows.
What is evident at Chem Chem is the dedication and passion that went into creating this wild sanctuary. The camp’s founders had a vision to conserve and protect Tanzania’s natural surroundings and the creatures that call it home. They invite you to join them in making this vision a reality. Simply by staying here you are making a difference, since tourism levies go directly to the local communities.
Looking out across a vast blanket of trees to the beautiful Manyara Lake from, all from the luxury of the refreshing lodge pool. This is just one of the memories Escarpment Luxury Lodge firmly imprinted on our hearts. Escape from the world amongst the beauty of the valley, enjoy every comfort you desire and experience adventures that will stay with you forever.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is a luxury safari lodge, set in the heart of northern Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park. The lodge comprises a number of romantic treehouse suites, each built on wooden stilts and with fabulous views of the mahogany forest.
Take to the Tarangire Treetops for the most magical stay. The views from the treetop rooms are as thrilling as the vast amounts of African elephants roaming around the nearby Tarangire National Park.
We find the main dry season (between June and October) to be one of the most exciting times to be in Tanzania and stay in the luxury of Swala Camp. The waterhole within sight of the camp is one of the few permanent sources of water for many miles, attracting a regular procession of elephant, antelope, lion and giraffe.
Oliver’s Camp was established in 1992 by Paul Oliver. His vision was to recreate the old-world charm of a traditional African safari. We can confirm that he and his wonderful team have more than achieved this. Here you look forward to an intimate and exclusive safari experience, with direct access to nature.
Entamanu Ngorongoro is a gorgeous tented lodge, perched high in the hills of Tanzania’s Crater Highlands. Set just back from the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater on a plateau, surrounded by acacia forest, look forward to the most incredible panoramic views out over the crater.
Ngorongoro Manor is reminiscent of an elegant up-country farm home in the Cape Dutch style of architecture. The Manor is one of the finest luxury safari properties in the region to fuse East African safari hospitality with old world Afro-European architecture and décor.
Perched on the rim of the crater with awe-inspiring views and surrounded by this tapestry of spectacular flora and fauna, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers you some of the most sumptuous accommodation in Africa. Everything at the lodge has been designed to invoke awe and delight the imagination.
The personal approach to Onsea House leaves a lasting impression. Every guest is treated with the utmost care. The daily fresh flowers in your room are a beautiful touch. This bed and breakfast truly lives up to its home-from-home ethos.
Rivertrees Country Inn is a small country inn only accommodating up to thirty guests, this guarantees privacy, personal attention and spectacular service. Rivertrees is a truly welcoming place to stay at the start or finish of an exciting safari or an exhilarating attempt on nearby Mount Kilimanjaro.
The chic and cosy Arusha Coffee Lodge is the perfect spot to acclimatise before your safari or unwind afterwards. Each cottage has been mindfully positioned across the lush coffee grove to provide privacy and tranquillity for those who value solitude.
Inspired by a botanical theme, Singita’s riverside Faru Faru lodge welcomes you to barefoot elegance in a laid-back rustic setting. Here you will find every comfort you desire where nature takes centrestage. The nearby Grumeti River is famous for its large numbers of crocodiles and hippo, the lodge offers amazing contrasts through the seasons.
A sumptuous champagne breakfast follows your morning hot air balloon ride. Sayari Camp is known for its intimacy, excellent food and unparalleled personal service. However, it is most famous for being right in the path of the wildebeest migration between the months of June and November.
This is where sustainability and luxury met, and fell deeply in love. Nomad Tanzania brings you Lamai Serengeti, an intimate permanent camp with conservation at its heart. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, each of the lodge’s cosy rooms preserve the peace and rustic charm of this incredible region.
Almanara is an idyllic coastal hideaway situated on a tranquil private stretch of Diani Beach. With the soothing sound of the Indian Ocean washing against the shores, the resort is a combination of natural and modern with mesmerising ocean views and uninterrupted scenes of nature.
Privately owned and run by Swedish couple Filip and Ida Andersson, Kinondo Kwetu is often described as a ‘home away from home’. With room for no more than 38 guests amongst the manicured lawns, lush vegetation and winding pathways you will always find your own private spot for relaxation. With no hotels or other properties in close proximity, the hotel is perfect for a few days of peaceful relaxation, or as a ‘wind-down’ after an exciting few days on safari.
The award-winning Alfajiri Villas is an incredibly luxurious Italian-owned property which nevertheless still has a strong African flair. It’s no wonder that Conde Nast and Harper’s Bazaar have got excited about this property: it really is one of the finest places to relax on the African coast. Each villa has its own distinctive character and style, and you can walk straight out to enjoy the beach.
Lewa Wilderness is one of the oldest safari ventures in Kenya, and the property and experience have been passed down through generations of the Craig family. For over 100 years, the Craigs have helped to protect the country’s landscapes and wildlife and to share them with fortunate guests.
Lewa Safari Camp offers a classic safari experience, with luxurious touches, in an exclusive and wildlife-rich conservancy. This is a great place to stay if you’re interested in endangered species, with a large population of black rhino and Grevy’s zebra living in the area. This particular camp is owned by the Lewa Conservancy, with profits being used to fund it, so simply by staying here you’re making a contribution to the conservation of the area.
Join the family at Lewa House, staying in this charming, imaginatively designed property with owners Calum and Sophie McFarlane and their children. They are charming hosts, and you’ll be welcomed like relatives into their home, your children excited to join their brood and explore the magnificent surroundings.
Loldia Houseis the most comfortable place to stay in this part of the Rift Valley and has a relaxing atmosphere, an excellent standard of cuisine, and is managed by an efficient and welcoming team of staff. Loldia was built in the 1940s by the present owner's grandfather and promises a gentle, slow and relaxing stay, ideal for the very beginning or end of your trip.
Chui Lodge is one of the most comfortable small lodges in the Rift Valley and offers a diverse range of activities. Guests can enjoy a variety of safari activities both in the Oserian Private Wildlife Sanctuary and in the wider Rift Valley. They include visits to Lake Naivasha – one of only two freshwater lakes in the valley – the alkaline Lake Nakuru where lesser and greater flamingos gather in large numbers, and the spectacular rock formations of Hell’s Gate.
Rhino River Camp offers an authentic tented camp experience in the untouched wilderness of the Meru National Park. Secluded and remote, you’ll enjoy a safari experience undisturbed by other visitors but filled with a diverse range of wildlife sightings. As the name suggests, this is a particularly good choice if you’re keen to see rhino.
Built atop a granite hill, Elsa’s Kopje is an idyllically situated boutique safari lodge in the Meru National Park. It was opened in 1999 by Virginia McKenna, and the eponymous Elsa is the lioness star of Born Free. The lodge has been credited with single handedly reviving the fortunes of this beautiful national park.
Combining style and authenticity, Elephant Bedroom Camp offers a classic safari experience amongst the spectacular scenery of the Samburu National Reserve. As the name suggests, this is a great place to stay if you love elephants - they regularly visit, providing you with some jaw-droppingly close sightings.
Sasaab is a beautiful lodge in northern Kenya that offers a true wilderness experience in complete comfort and privacy. This area of Kenya is remote, wild and perfect for disconnecting daily life and immersing yourself in nature.
Saruni Samburi sits in a private conservancy and offers beautiful, uninterrupted views of the wilderness. The vastness and purity of this African landscape combined with the untouched local culture makes for a genuinely different experience.
Opened in late 2023, Angama Amboseli is an intimate, luxurious lodge in Kenya’s very first community-owned conservancy. High concentrations of wildlife roam here and you can expect complete privacy for game viewing and sightings of Super Tuskers - elephants so large their tusks reach the ground.
Ol Donyo Lodge is one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, and also an esteemed member of Relais & Chateaux. Such accolades are warranted: it’s in a truly stunning location, and capitalises on it with meticulous attention to detail and high levels of service.
More than 1,000 elephant reside in Amboseli, overlooked by the breathtaking snow-capped peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro. As a guest at the Tortilis Camp - a Gold Eco-Rated property - you’ll have stunning views, gorgeous accommodation, and a superb activity programme.
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is a magnificent private collection of fully-serviced private houses perched on a wooded rocky kopje in the heart of a private conservation area.
Ol Malo, meaning 'the place of the Greater Kudu', is Colin and Rocky Francombe's home. Owner-run, the lodge offers guests a seemingly limitless selection of activities - no two days here will be the same.
Lodo Springs is the newest and most luxurious camp in the renowned Loisaba Conservancy. This camp is made for adventure and promises an exciting and varied safari experience in a gloriously game-rich area of Kenya.
Nestled within lush acacia forest Naboisho Camp is a wonderfully authentic luxurious tented camp. The camp is in the heart of the action where, in between activities, you can sit back from the comfort of your own veranda watching giraffe or herds of zebra grazing on the plains surrounding the camp.
In the heart of the 35,000 acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy lies Mara Plains Camp. Access is over a bridge across the river, and when you cross it feels as if you are entering a private kingdom, a world apart from the norm. The standard of food and service here is of international class, being the only Relais & Chateaux accredited property in the Masai Mara and one of only three in the country.
More so than any other camp in East Africa, Cottar’s manages to combine simplicity with a real sense of relaxed style and inspired guiding, mouthwatering cuisine, and attention to detail. All of this comes together to create an unforgettable Kenyan safari in the Masai Mara.
One of just three camps sat within a one million acre private reserve, the remote and understated Camp Kalahari is the epitome of seclusion. The quality of the experience here will ensure that even the finest tastes are well catered for, but it is also a place for those with an adventurous nature. Forget the rush of the modern world and become an explorer, scouring the flats for the wildlife that’s adapted to survive the arid conditions.
Atop 10-metre high cliffs on the western bank of the Boteti River, the distinctive Desert & Delta owned Leroo La Tau sits. An exceptional vantage point for the flowing river below, you’ll be treated to incomparable views of the rich wildlife without even leaving your room.
An iconic camp that harks back to an era of glamour, Jack’s Camp is set in the striking Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Whether visiting in the dry or green season, Jack’s offers guests an exceptionally stylish place to stay while admiring the wildlife and unique beauty of the pans.
Tau Pan Camp is situated inside the world famous Central Kalahari Game Reserve right on the edge of the beautiful Tau Pan. “Kalahari” is derived from the Tswana word Kgala meaning “great thirst” – and it has vast areas covered by red sand without any permanent water.
Dinaka rests within its own private concession on the northern edge of the world-renowned Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Surrounded by an expanse of ever changing desert landscape, Dinaka has several, permanent, life-sustaining waterholes which attract an abundance of wildlife all year round. The red sands in this corner of the Kalahari offer exceptional game viewing and a luxurious lodge to stay in too.
Luxurious and comfortably traditional, Deception Valley Lodge is a family-run property set to the north of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Nestled on a private concession, it offers exclusivity, seclusion and unspoilt wilderness. Home to a variety of game, big and small, as well as the indigenous San Bushmen, your experience at the lodge is bound to be extraordinary.
One of the most authentic ways to visit Chobe National Park without compromising on luxury, Chobe Under Canvas offers excellent service, delicious ‘bush’ cuisine and an unmatched atmosphere. The camp is repositioned regularly to give you exceptional game viewing of the rich wildlife inhabiting the Chobe Riverfront.
Chobe Game Lodge offers five-star luxury in the wilds of the bush. A haven of peace and tranquillity, the lodge overlooks the winding Chobe River, which is frequented by a whole host of bird species and wildlife including the world’s largest remaining population of elephants. Fully Ecotourism-certified, Chobe Game Lodge is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for couples, small groups and families alike
Perched atop a hill on the banks of the Chobe River, lies the sophisticated Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero. With panoramic views across the island-dotted floodplains - which many big game, predators, smaller mammals and birdlife call home - the lodge offers a memorable safari experience infused with plenty of luxury.
On the banks of the Linyanti Channel, lies the sophisticated Linyanti Ebony Camp. Rising from marshes dotted with groves of riverine trees, the traditional tented camp is endowed with panoramic views of pristine wilderness. Home to healthy populations of predators, as well as many less seen species, the fantastic wildlife is sure to delight all year round - as are the exceptional guides.
Under a canopy of ebony trees, Botswana’s first Relais & Châteaux member property sits in all its glory. A photographer’s dream, Zarafa Camp is a private property where guests revel in luxury, as well as natural beauty. Downstream, the show stopping Dhow Suite - perhaps the most exclusive property in the whole of Botswana - promises to be absolutely unforgettable.
Perched on the banks of the Selinda Spillway’s watery wilderness, Selinda Camp hides amongst a grove of riverine trees. One of just a handful of Relais & Châteaux member properties in Botswana, the stylish camp was designed to create an indoor/outdoor experience and provides perfect big game viewing all year round.
Located in a beautiful position alongside the Maunachira River, the peaceful oasis of Okuti Camp lies to the east of the Moremi Game Reserve. Overlooking luscious grasslands dissected by the meandering river, the camp is a serene base from which to explore the Moremi, an area renowned for its abundance of wildlife, including the big five.
Deep in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve, refined luxury awaits at Chief’s Camp. A beacon of safari chic, the camp is set on Chief’s Island - the largest land mass in the Okavango Delta - an area that has established a reputation as the ‘Predator Capital of Africa’.
The exquisitely stylish Mombo Camp is the epitome of luxury safari. It's set within a well-renowned wildlife hotspot deep in the Moremi Game Reserve. Known by locals as ‘the place of plenty’, not only does the area boast one of the highest concentrations of wildlife anywhere in Africa, but it’s stunningly beautiful too.
Catering to just 24 guests, Xigera Safari Lodge in the Okavango Delta offers an exclusive, intimate and personal experience, with phenomenal animal encounters both on land and on the water. The thoughtful service and generous hospitality is the cherry on top.
One of the most remote, stylish and exclusive camps in the Okavango Delta, Duba Plains is set amid large floodplains and shaded by mighty ebony, fig and garcinia trees. Incredibly diverse game viewing and a wide variety of unique activities await you here.
The name Singita is synonymous with ultra-luxury in the depths of the African wilderness and Singita Milele is no exception. This property comprises five luxurious suites, and grand, well-equipped shared areas in the heart of a private wildlife reserve in the Serengeti National Park. If you’re looking to see the Great Migration in privacy and comfort, Singita Milele is simply perfect.
If you’re looking for a truly adventurous safari experience then this mobile safari camp is for you. Staying in a mobile camp that changes location regularly, you’ll be transported back in time to the very earliest days of safari.
“The Pride of Africa” is the most luxurious train in the world, and it steams it way across South Africa. Rovos Rail operates a remarkable heritage railway service, with the oldest locomotive, Tiffany, dating from 1894. You haven’t seen South Africa until you’ve seen it from the rails.
Simply designed, with a relaxing ‘back-to-the-bush’ ambience, this safari camp’s focus is to provide an authentic, intimate safari that concentrates on the wildlife and bush experience without forgoing any creature comforts or service.
Mpala Jena is the perfect base from which to explore the Zambezi National Park whilst being within easy reach of the majestic Victoria Falls.
One of the finest contemporary properties in Zimbabwe, the lodge is superbly situated both for exciting wildlife safaris in the reserve and on the river, and for epic sightseeing at Victoria Falls.
With the Gomoti River on its doorstep, Tawana offers an exclusive safari experience in one of Africa’s most exciting wildlife destinations, the Moremi Game Reserve. This area is incredibly rich in wildlife, of varying species. Plains game, predators, amphibians and birdlife can all be seen here. A location as special as this calls for an equally outstanding camp, and elegant, well-equipped Tawana Camp more than delivers.
Named after the area’s resident giraffe, Onduli Enclave is your own private Damaraland retreat. This refined and elegant lodge is set in an otherworldly landscape of dusty red plains, huge boulders, mountains and several jagged rocky outcrops. With a private guide and a helpful team back at the lodge to look after you, you can explore entirely at your own pace.
The Care for the Wild Rhino Sanctuary is one of the world’s most successful rhino conservation projects, rescuing, rehabilitating and rewilding both black and white rhinos, and occasionally other species too. A stay at their Rhino View Lodge supports the project and gives you the unique opportunity to experience and observe this project first-hand.
Loapi offers the epitome of a private Kalahari experience. You’ll stay in your own spacious tented home with its own team of staff. Each of the six homes is carefully placed in the contours of the valley, offering both incredible savannah views and ultimate privacy. The camp is very welcoming of families and, being in a malaria-free area, is great for young and old alike.
House in the Wild is an intimate, family-owned luxury lodge that offers a truly private, high-quality safari experience and a genuine home away from home, simply perfect for families or smaller groups.
South Africa has added its own unique spin to The Plettenburg: it’s no ordinary beach hotel, but rather has been elevated on account of its position, landscape, and overall quality of design and service to be one of the finest hotels along the Garden Route. Plettenberg is one of the most scenic towns on the Garden Route, and the hotel of the same name is the obvious accommodation choice.
Accessible by helicopter, Atzaro Okavango is a newly built, beautifully designed and supremely comfortable camp offering an exclusive safari experience in the Okavango Delta, Botswana’s prime wildlife location. This exquisite property combines superb wildlife viewing with unrivalled levels of luxury.
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
South Africa is an excellent choice for family travel with children of all ages. Its wildlife is abundant, with a great diversity of species, including the Big Five: rhino, leopard, lion, elephant and buffalo. There are vast malaria-free reserves and it’s easy to get from safari regions to Cape Town and the beach.
A safari is a family holiday that your children will cherish forever. Over the last three decades we have received hundreds of questions from both parents and children alike. We have answered some of the most frequently asked question about family safaris to Africa below.
Slowing down and staying longer is the new way of travelling and there are huge benefits to this approach. People, wildlife and the environment directly benefit from you staying a little longer; but in equal measures, so do you.