7 Luxury Lodges in Africa You Can’t Afford to Miss

Safari ideally means roughing it out in the wild. However, if you do not feel up to the challenge, not to worry! The luxury lodges in Africa have a treat in store for you. They will tempt you to forego real world forever to live life like kings and queens.

Following are some of the most luxurious lodges at different safari destinations of Africa…..

Kichwa Tembo Tented Safari Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya

Situated on the border of the lush forest below Oloololo Escarpment, the Kichwa Tembo Tented Safari Camp is an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts as well as first time travelers. Unique in its own way, the tented safari has many incentives to offer.

Why Choose It

• The camp is a part of the Serengeti ecosystem which supports one of the largest animal populations in the world.
• From the private verandas of the safari camp, you can enjoy unending views of the plains.
• Amazing wildlife sightings including more than 450 birds and 6 species of primates is an additional perk.
• The camp is located on a private concession which is leased from the Masai landlords in the Western Mara, where bush walks and night game drives are allowed.
• During the day, you can take a deep plunge in the shady pool.
• You can enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner on the banks of Sabaringo River.
• The charming staff is ever ready to attend to you.
• The well stocked curio shop gives you a good reason to swipe your credit cards.
• The place has two intimate camps, each of which consists of 9 suites.

Rattray’s on Mala Mala at Mala Mala Game Reserve, South Africa:

Located in the heart of the massive Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Rattray’s on MalaMala is a family-owned private game lodge that offers you an up, close and personal sighting of the Big Five, as well as the big cat and the predators.

Why Choose It

• The eight roomy, deluxe suits are decorated in a British-African colonial style.
• The relatively small guest count assures you of privacy and tranquility.
• Large verandas, heated plunge pools and outdoor showers included.
• The suits are air-conditioned but they also have provisions for under floor heating.
• The lodge also has wine cellar, internet hotspot and curio shop.
• However, children below 16 are not allowed in the lodge.
• Guided game walks offered.
• A very well stocked library and knowledgeable professional staff come as incentive.

Mombo Camp: Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Botswana

Nestled in the heart of Okavango Delta, Mombo Camp epitomizes hospitality and luxury in wilderness. The camp is a property of the luxury safari operator Wilderness Safaris.

Why Choose It

• The camp has identical guest rooms. They are divided into two distinct camps: Mombo, which has nine rooms, and Little Mombo which has only three.
• Each of the rooms is constructed on a raised wooden platform that offers excellent views of the open plains.
• The en-suite rooms give you a tent-like feel.
• It is one of the few places of Africa that offer game viewing throughout the year.
• Spectacular game viewing.
• It has dining room, lounge and bar.
• It is one of the most sought after luxury camps in Botswana, so make sure that you book your rooms in advance.
• Personal attention
• Guides provided.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania:

Often called the eighth wonder of the world, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is located on the edge of the world heritage site.

Why Choose It

• The lodge offers an array of interesting activies to its guests, including guided walking safari through dramatic routes that border the crater, a visit to the Masai cultural village and more.
• You can also visit the Empakaai Crater, and enjoy a private bush breakfast and lunch.
• The verandas offer exotic game viewing.
• The lodge has 30 rooms, separated into 3 camps
• With its wooden floors, leather armchairs, crystal chandeliers, hand-wrought local lamp, bathrooms with fresh cut roses and tessellated tile shower, the Lodge is undoubtedly one of the most architecturally spectacular safari lodges in Africa.
• Each of the room is allocated a butler.
• A well stocked library is available for the guests.

Ntwala Island Lodge, Caprivi Strip, Namibia

The Ntwala Island Lodge is located on a group of islands within the Mambova rapids of the Zambezi River. The ultra luxurious lodge caters to no more than eight guests in its four suites at a time, and thus vouches to offer its guests a highly personalized service.

Why Choose It

•  The lodge offers privately guided water borne activities. To assure maximum privacy, each suite is provided with a guide and a boat.
• The lodge’s proximity to Chobe National Park gives you a comprehensive wildlife experience.
• The well trained staff is selected from local communities.
• Each of the suits has private plunge pools as well as a mini bar.
• Other conveniences include bath in atrium, private sala over water and indoor/ outdoor showers.
• Walk-in wine cellar.
• You can interact with the chefs.

CHIAWA CAMP – LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA

The family-owned and maintained Chiawa Camp is nestled under a grove of shady mahogany trees that provide a welcome shade on hot summer days. The camp is situated on the grassy banks of the Zambezi River.

Why Choose It

• You can avail yourself of tailor made safari to suit your preference and interest.
• There are professional guides, 4 game viewing vehicles and three boats to serve you.
• The lodge offers an opportunity to follow different activities like bush walking, game viewing by vehicle or pontoon boat, canoeing, bush breakfasts, angling for the infamous tigerfish, visits to Iron Age sites and the like.
• The camp has a viewing hide from where you can enjoy a peaceful viewing of birds and diverse mammals, including the big cats!!!
• Expert cooks to serve you anytime.

Mihingo Lodge, Uganda

Adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park, Mihingo lodge is the place where luxury meets tranquility. The environment friendly accommodation of the lodge can make any nature lover smile.

Why Choose It

• From the pool area and the dining space, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets over Lake Mburo National Park.
• The lodge consists of ten rooms, each of which is built on wooden platforms with stilts. They have thatched roofs.
• The en-suite bathrooms offer every modern convenience such as flush toilets, hot and cold running water and shower.
• The rooms are placed in various settings. While some are situated in forests, some are on rocky outcrops.
• The main dining area has a big thatched structure which is built from tocks and wood of weathered olive tree.
• The animal gathering in the valley offers the guests excellent game viewing opportunity. In fact, Lake Mburo is home to many different animal species rare in Uganda like eland, zebra, and impala.
• You can enjoy activities like savannah walks, boat trips on Lake Mburo, game drives in Lake Mburo National Park, plus horseback safaris.

If you want to indulge in luxury during your safari to Africa, don’t give it a second thought. A little luxury can do wonders for your trip.