There is no question that an African wildlife safari is one of the most memorable vacations you'll ever experience.
Venture into the bush or onto the open plains in search of elephant, big cats, zebra and giraffe, where every day uncovers something new and exciting.
Get up early to hear the dawn chorus, enjoy sundowners while the sky turns red, and feel the magic of the African night.
If this sounds like the perfect holiday for you, read on to see popular luxury African safaris and a guide to the finest locations in Africa…
Everyone who likes their creature comforts will be happy to know that there is no need to rough it on safari, not when Southern and East Africa are packed with luxury safaris and experiences that measure up to any world class hotel.
Think sumptuous furnishings, candlelit dinners and romantic bath tubs, then add a uniquely African touch with guides who bring your wildlife experiences to life through their insights about animal behaviour and the environment.
Since there are so many lavish safari camps in Africa, no list of luxury African safaris will be the same as another.
Here are a few where you will be able to feel the heartbeat of Africa as you wallow in luxurious comfort, good service, superb food and wine.
SOUTH AFRICA Contemporary chic safari
Kruger is South Africa’s flagship national park, a place to see wildlife from the Big Five to hippo, cheetah and sable antelope. It is also the leading honeymoon destination in Africa.
Stay in bold contemporary style at Singita Lebombo Lodge, where the open-plan suites seem to be suspended over the N’wanetsi River.
The abundant use of glass makes the luxury suites blend into the surrounding landscape.
After your safari drives in search of big game, enjoy romantic sundowners, stargazing, visit the spa, gym or pool, or make the most of the roof terrace and wine studio.
A true luxury safari experience in one of Africa’s finest game viewing destinations.
BOTSWANA
Luxury Safari with a conscience
The floodplains around Mombo Camp in the Okavango Delta teem with wildlife all year round.
Nine tents, each with a separate sala, are raised off the ground for wonderful views. Visit the open thatched gym to work off some of the fine food, cool down in one of the plunge pools or relax with a massage.
Wilderness Safaris believes that contributing to environmental or social causes is the ‘new luxury’ and at Mombo you can learn how your visit helps re-establish populations of rhino in the Delta.
Luxury African Safaris thus play a vital role in conservation.
Luxury Mokoro safaris
On a remote private island in a part of the Okavango Delta that has water all year round you’ll find Camp Okavango, built on raised wooden platforms.
Enjoy the quintessential Okavango experience of gliding silently through the water in a mokoro (dug-out canoe), go out in a motor boat or for a guided bush walk on a neighbouring island.
Drink in the views from your private deck or cool off in the rim-flow pool. In keeping with Botswana’s low impact tourism policy there are only 12 guest rooms and the camp is 100% solar-powered.
This is one of the most unique luxury African safaris you’ll ever experience.
Royal safaris The new Sanctuary Chief’s 5-Star Camp, which opened in June 2016, stands in Chief Moremi’s former royal hunting reserve in the Okavango.
This is one of the richest wildlife areas in Africa, giving you a chance to see big cats, wild dog, elephant, giraffe and more.
Sophisticated luxury is the keynote where each enormous suite has a private dining area and terrace pool.
Sumptuous surroundings, attention to detail, and strong environmental and philanthropic underpinnings make for a top-notch experience in a true African luxury.
TANZANIA
Crater safaris
Set on the rim of three-million-year-old volcanic caldera, Tanzania’s Ngorogoro Crater Lodge provides wonderful views over the crater floor, which is rich in wildlife from predators to birds.
Although the lodge’s design is inspired by the traditional Maasai homestead, here it is embellished with antiques, silks and chandeliers – a ‘Maasai meets Versailles’ effect.
Floor-to-ceiling windows mean the natural views are never obscured, even while you soak in the tub.
A personal butler is on hand to ensure your luxury African safari experience is perfect in every detail.
KENYA
Classic colonial-era luxury safaris
Travel back in time to the classic safari camps of the late 1920s with their thick rugs, tea chests and brocade curtains.
This is Elewana Sand River Mara in Kenya’s Maasai Mara reserve. From its beautiful setting along the river you can venture out for exceptional game viewing of big cats and herds of antelope, or the annual wildebeest migration.
Imagine you’re starring in a Hollywood movie and indulge in a romantic soak in the freestanding bath before a delicious dinner, served with impeccable safari style.
Hot-air balloon safaris
Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon in Kenya’s Maasai Mara as the pink dawn nudges the far horizon.
This is a chance to see wildlife from a new perspective as you float silently above the Mara’s rivers, grasslands and acacia trees.
Spot herds of zebra, wildebeest and Thomson’s gazelle, perhaps even elephant or lion.
The vision from your basket under the balloon will be etched on your memory forever.
Finish your adventure with an Out of Africa-style champagne breakfast and your unique luxury ballooning safari experience is complete.
Luxury Flying safaris (Kenya and Botswana)
Unleash your inner adventurer and take to the air on a 13-day luxury flying safari that combines some of Africa’s best game viewing in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Kenya’s Chyulu Hills and Maasai Mara.
Luxuriate in your own private plane (a Next Generation Pilatus PC12), pilot and guide to ferry you from the elegance of Duba Plains and Zarafa camps in Botswana to Kenya’s ol Donyo, where snow-topped Mount Kilimanjaro forms a backdrop to Africa’s elephants.
Then fly in comfort to Mara Plains, home to the largest population of lions and leopards in the Maasai Mara.
NAMIBIA
Luxury train safaris
Join Rovos Rail for a nine-day luxury train safari on Africa’s most opulent train, taking in the vast Fish River Canyon, the red dunes and white salt pans of Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei in Namibia’s southern desert, as well as the abundant wildlife of Etosha National Park.
Enjoy fine food and wines in the Edwardian elegance of the dining car, relax in the observation car with a view of Namibia’s open spaces, and fall asleep to the rocking of the rails.
For more information and luxury lodge ratings visit Relais & Chateaux or Conde Naste Traveller.
Why book with us?
At African Safari Home we specialise in creating bespoke luxury safaris. We have over 20 years experience, are fully bonded for your peace of mind and offer the best rates at over 300 luxury properties in South and East Africa.
Contact us today and a friendly travel expert will give you the best options available for your requirements and budget.
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