If you're dreaming of a safari and want the ultimate blend of wildlife and comfort, let’s talk about African safari hotels. I've been lucky enough to experience a few, and over the years I’ve learned how much the right lodge or tented camp can shape your entire trip. The landscape, the service, the food, even the distance from key wildlife areas, these things matter more than you think. Whether you're planning your first safari or a return visit, finding the right place to stay is worth the extra research.
I’m writing this the way I’d write an email to a close friend who asked, “Where should I stay if I want something unforgettable but still grounded in nature?” These places aren’t just about high-thread count sheets and infinity pools (though they have those). They’re about being close to the wild while still feeling deeply taken care of.
If you're still in the early stages of planning, you might also want to read more about African safaris, all-inclusive African safari vacations, or my breakdown of how much safaris cost.
Key Points Before You Book
- Book early—many of the best African safari hotels fill up months in advance, especially during peak season.
- Choose a lodge that’s near the wildlife experiences you want, whether that’s the African savannas or specific parks like Kruger National Park.
- Know your goals—some places are better for photography, others for romantic honeymoons, others for sheer luxury.
African Safari Hotels: My Top 5 Most Luxurious Picks
Let’s get into it. These are the places I’d stay again in a heartbeat or recommend to anyone wanting a top-tier experience without losing that raw connection to the wild in Africa.
1. Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania
Singita Sasakwa sits in the private Grumeti Reserve, bordering the Serengeti. When I arrived here for the first time, it honestly felt like stepping into another era—like an old-world manor house had been magically transported into the heart of the African savanna. The lodge has this incredible mix of colonial charm and raw wilderness. Think antique furniture, massive four-poster beds, glittering chandeliers, and sweeping verandas—all perched above a landscape where giraffes and zebras roam freely.
I still remember waking up that first morning, pulling back the curtains, and seeing a small group of zebras grazing just beyond my private infinity pool. The quiet was unreal—just the sounds of birds and the distant rustle of grass. The suites are enormous, almost indulgently so, but somehow never feel disconnected from the land around them.
What really sets this place apart is the privacy. Because it’s located in a private concession, the game drives are calm, unhurried, and incredibly intimate. You’re not jostling for space with other vehicles or dealing with crowds. It’s just you, your guide, and the vast open plains. For me, that sense of quiet connection is everything.
If you're curious about the surrounding region, check out my write-up on the African savannas.
2. Royal Malewane, South Africa
Royal Malewane is nestled in Thornybush Private Game Reserve next to Kruger National Park, and I’ll be honest—this is where I felt truly pampered in the best way possible. From the moment you arrive, every detail feels intentional. The suites are like private sanctuaries, with plunge pools, outdoor showers, and huge bathrooms that make you feel like you’re in a spa more than a safari lodge.
What blew me away here was the quality of the guiding. These weren’t just drivers—they were some of the most knowledgeable trackers and rangers I’ve ever met. They knew where the leopards might be hiding, which direction the lions had moved overnight, and even how to spot signs I’d never notice on my own.
If you’re hoping to see the wild cats of Africa up close, this is a phenomenal place to do it. I also appreciated how quiet the drives were—there’s a real sense of intimacy and respect for the environment here.
3. Angama Mara, Kenya
Angama Mara is perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, overlooking the Masai Mara. I stayed here during migration season, and the view from my tent was like watching nature’s most epic documentary unfold in real time. The design is sleek and modern, but the soul of the place still feels deeply Kenyan.
The service here is so personal—I was even surprised one afternoon with a picnic lunch set up just for me under a lone acacia tree. These kinds of touches are what make this lodge feel special. It’s elegant, but not over-the-top. I also loved how much effort they put into storytelling and local culture. You really feel like you’re being welcomed, not just housed.
If this is your first safari, I think this is one of the best places to ease in. The wildlife is spectacular, the infrastructure is excellent, and you can learn a lot without feeling overwhelmed. For more ideas, check out my guide on the best places to go on safari in Africa and other African safari countries.
4. Zarafa Camp, Botswana
When I talk about the kind of lodge that made me feel both adventurous and totally relaxed, Zarafa Camp always comes to mind. It’s tucked into the Selinda Reserve in Botswana, with just four tents—so you feel like the camp was built just for you. And yet nothing about it feels basic. The rooms are elegant, the copper bathtubs are stunning, and everything runs on solar power.
I loved the quiet mornings here. Sitting on my deck with coffee, watching elephants cross the lagoon. The entire camp blends into the environment beautifully, and the staff are incredibly warm without being overly formal. One of the highlights was heading out on boat safaris along the channels—something that feels completely different from a typical game drive.
Botswana is also incredibly safe, well-managed, and perfect if you’re trying to avoid crowded safari circuits. If safety is a concern for you, you’ll want to read more about the safest country in Africa to visit.
5. Matetsi Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Matetsi offers something a little different—it’s ideal if you want to combine safari time with a visit to Victoria Falls. I stayed here after a longer trip through Botswana, and it was the perfect place to wind down. The lodge sits on a private stretch of the Zambezi River, and the combination of river safaris, walking safaris, and traditional drives gave me a broader view of the ecosystem.
The interiors are incredibly thoughtful—local art, handmade furniture, and open-air spaces that feel both modern and rooted in place. I also loved how close it was to the falls themselves. One morning, I took a guided tour of Victoria Falls, then came back in time for sundowners on the river.
If you're looking to combine destinations, Matetsi works well with a broader itinerary that starts or ends with African safaris from Cape Town.
What is the average cost of an African safari trip?
A typical safari trip ranges from $300 to over $1,500 per person per night. The range depends on whether you’re going for a mid-range lodge or one of the more luxurious African safari hotels. You can check my full breakdown of how much safaris cost.
What is the safest African country to visit for safari?
Botswana is widely considered one of the safest countries for safari travel. It has a stable government, high-end tourism model, and incredible conservation efforts. You can learn more in my guide to the safest country in Africa to visit.
What is the best safari company in Africa?
There’s no single best company, but names like Wilderness Safaris, &Beyond, and Singita are often considered top-tier. It depends on whether you want a mobile tented camp or permanent lodge. Many of these companies operate within all-inclusive African safari vacations.
Where should I go for my first safari in Africa?
For a first-time safari, I usually recommend Kenya or South Africa. They have excellent infrastructure, diverse wildlife, and a range of lodge styles. Start by checking the best places to go on safari in Africa.
What is the best month to go on an African safari?
Generally, the dry season—June to October—is best for game viewing. That’s when animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. But different regions vary. I cover some of this in my article on African safari animals.
How much is an average 10-day Kenya safari cost?
For a comfortable 10-day safari in Kenya, expect around $5,000–$9,000 per person, depending on where you stay and what’s included. I’ve got more specifics in the how much safaris cost article.