Sundowners beneath an acacia tree, overlooking a fiery horizon. A morning game drive, sunlight beaming through the clouds across the endless savannah. A canopied bedroom draped with mosquito netting, falling asleep to the growling honks of hippos and waking to the birdsong of a cape turtle dove. The sights and sounds of an African safari are distinct and unforgettable, an experience unlike any other on earth. Deciding to take the trip is the easiest part — choosing where to stay is the real challenge. From tented camps in the Okavango Delta to five-star retreats in the Serengeti, here are eight luxurious safari lodges to book now.
Jack’s Camp
(Photo provided by Katherine Parker-Magyar)
Kalahari Desert, Botswana
If it’s old-school Africa style you’re after, look no further than the elegant Jack’s Camp. This iconic Natural Selection retreat is the platonic ideal of safari chic — one can easily imagine Peter Beard sipping a gin and tonic around the bonfire (and that’s because he did). The draped tents are otherworldly and romantic, and the vast landscape of the Kalahari is breathtaking and otherworldly. Visit with the fascinating Ju/'hoansi tribe, whose knowledge is being preserved at the Wisdom Academy, and spend a morning mingling with the native meerkats, whose fearless curiosity is unmatched — don’t be surprised if one climbs atop your shoulder for a better view.
Soroi Luxury Migration Camp
(Photo provided by Katherine Parker-Magyar)
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Safari means ‘journey’ in Swahili, so it’s unsurprising that the pinnacle safari destination exists in Kenya, in the legendary Maasai Mara. The Mara is everything you imagine when you picture an African safari: endless grasslands, scattered acacia trees, fiery orange sunsets, and herds of elephants, zebras, and giraffes roaming the vast plains. Soroi Luxury Migration Camp is in the heart of the Mara, with native guides who can educate you as much on the local people and culture as they can on the wildlife. Soroi supports local communities, so you will also be giving back to the people of the Mara, who are just as integral to the landscape as the wildlife. Book a bush dinner beneath the stars and a guided nature walk to learn more about the indigenous knowledge of the ecosystem. Reserve the Soroi Private Wing, which is set along the banks of the Olare Orok River, and fall asleep to the raucous splashing and grunting of hippos as they engage in their nocturnal activities.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
(Photo provided by Katherine Parker-Magyar)
Serengeti, Tanzania
If you’re eager to visit Africa but nervous about embarking on your first safari, consider the Four Seasons Serengeti, located within Tanzania’s most iconic National Park. The luxurious gold standard of the Four Seasons is maintained in the African wilderness, and the infinity pool overlooking herds of grazing elephants is the perfect spot for a post-game drive siesta. Opt for a hot air balloon safari to see the landscape from above and consider booking a second portion of your trip at the Four Seasons Seychelles. If you’re flying all the way to Africa for the first time, you may as well make it count — from the bush to the beach, you can star in your own edition of White Lotus: Africa.
Tawana
(Photo provided by Katherine Parker-Magyar)
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Head on a MacAir safari plane or private helicopter — just remember, no hard-sided suitcases! — to Moremi Game Reserve, a lush oasis amongst the palms in the Okavango Delta. Checking in at the gorgeous Tawana feels like arriving at the gates of paradise — only the entrance is a recreated traditional sikuku fishing net. Every element of Tawana is carefully considered, from the colorful cultural décor to the winding elephant walks weaving through the property among the trees. Private plunge pools overlook a vibrant expanse of the plains, a favored spot for the surrounding wildlife — elephants and hippos, lions and baboons. Tawana is another Natural Selection property, and the entire group focuses on community support and outreach, so you can be sure that each stay helps to benefit the surrounding area.
Mount Kenya Safari Club
(Photo provided by Katherine Parker-Magyar)
Mount Kenya, Kenya
It’s a local belief that when God wants a vacation, he heads to Mount Kenya. And truly, if there was a place on earth to rival heaven, it’s the verdant grounds of the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club in Nanyuki. The former hunting lodge was a favorite of Hemingway, and though it transitioned towards conservation — check out their animal orphanage, Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy — the old-school safari décor of mounted antlers, polished tusks, and zebra throws remains. The nearby Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a haven for a multitude of rare and endangered animals, including the last two northern white rhinos on the planet, while peacocks roam outside on your patio in the early mornings. Paradise found, indeed.
Virunga Lodge
(Photo provided by Katherine Parker-Magyar)
Virunga Mountains, Rwanda
When it comes to African safaris, the apex predator of all excursions is a gorilla trek in Rwanda. Stay in a retreat tucked away amongst the legendary green hills of Africa at Virunga Lodge, perched cliffside amidst the Virunga Mountains of Musanze. The original gorilla lodge in Rwanda, Virunga Lodge, is part of Volcanoes Safaris, which has pioneered gorilla and chimp tourism for the past 25 years. The lodge is an elevated retreat with elegant décor and romantic tented rooms. Local weavers sell their crafts on the property, which also hosts traditional dancers. Be sure to head to the deck at sunset to witness one of Rwanda’s famous pink sunsets in the land of 1,000 hills.
North Island Okavango
(Photo provided by Katherine Parker-Magyar)
Okavango Delta, Botswana
If the Garden of Eden existed on Earth, it would be the Okavango Delta. And there’s no better place to appreciate its wild and wondrous magic than North Island, a Natural Selection camp located on a private island on the Delta. And if you’re curious about where the wild things are, head out for an evening boat cruise across the transient channels and lagoons, where you’re sure to encounter a group of hippos. Seeking serenity? Sign up for a mokoro, and glide upon the waterways of the delta in traditional canoes. The best part? Natural Selection gives back to the local communities at every camp, so you know that you’re giving back to this beautiful community and landscape, an even better option than leaving no trace.
Soroi Lion’s Bluff Lodge
(Photo provided by Katherine Parker-Magyar)
Tsavo, Kenya
Head down to the Tanzania border of Kenya to stay at Lion’s Bluff, a magnificent mountainside retreat in one of the more underrated regions of the country — the lushly forested environment feels totally different from the Mara or Mount Kenya. Located in the LUMO Conservancy bordering Tsavo West and Taita Hills, the area is a birder’s paradise, and Lion’s Bluff feels like a treehouse above the clouds. Night safari drives provide the chance to spot nocturnal animals in the wild, while an on-site photo hide provides ample photographic opportunities for experts and amateurs alike. Visit a local village to learn more about the native Taita tribe, and head out for a hike amongst the nearby mountains. The cooler climate is ideal for outdoor activities, and it’s nice to stretch your legs after endless game drives. And don’t forget to look up. The African skies are famous for a reason, but they feel extra majestic in Tsavo, where you can watch the storms roll in and get a chance to truly bless the rains.
