Africa's Luxury Safari Lodges
Published on: September 5th, 2017
Last modified: July 27th, 2023
Africa's luxury safari lodges are some of the most exclusive in the world.
These private lodges are the perfect location for friends and family to find a home away from home.
Set within magnificent plains, here's our top picks of the most awe-inspiring lodges in Africa.
1) Leobo Private Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa
Amidst the scenic Waterberg Mountains, 20,000-acre Leobo Private Reserve is the setting for Observatory Bush Villa, a luxury lodge that’s ideal for a large family or group of friends. Overlooking Palala Valley, the lodge is designed with traditional African safari style in mind.
Relax and enjoy life with a sunken fire pit and a pool that’s built into the mountainside. Rather than game viewing, the focus here is on exploring the surrounding reserve with activities such as heli-picnics, fishing, camping, skydiving and kayaking.
2) Ellerman Villas, Cape Town, South Africa
While reflecting the opulence and style of Ellerman House, the hotel’s two exclusive villas offer privacy in a ultra luxe setting for those travelling as a group. Villa One accommodates up to 10 guests and has the benefit of two spa rooms, an infinity pool and kitchen that’s stocked by the villa’s private staff. The villa and surrounding gardens offer panoramic views of the Atlantic ocean and Twelve Apostles mountain range.
Villa two is located on the same vicinity as Ellerman House and designed for smaller groups, accommodating up to six people. The ocean-view villa is a short walk from Clifton beaches and has its own infinity pool and cinema with a wine gallery on the ground floor.
3) Tarkuni Private House, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa
Covering over 100,000 hectares Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is South Africa’s largest private game reserve and with a maximum of just 30 guests at one time you won’t have any crowds to contend with.
The lodge’s pool, deck and open fires, along with the private host, chef, vehicle, field guide and tracker, make for an indulgent retreat as well as safari experience.
4) Singita Castleton, South Africa
Originally used by the family, this luxury African-farmhouse style Singita lodge is now for exclusive use by guests travelling in a group of up to 12 people. The communal living area and six cottages are set within a 45,000-acre private reserve that’s known for it’s abundance of game.
Amidst the lodge and surrounding gardens a private pool, tennis courts, wine cellar and spa treatment room all add to the experience, with your own guide, tracker, chef and housekeeper on-hand too.
5) Morukuru Ocean House
Set within Madikwe Game Reserve on the 36,000-hectare De Hoop coastal nature reserve, with outdoor activities like sand-boarding and mountain biking on offer, Morukuru Ocean House overlooks white-sand beach that’s lapped by the Indian Ocean.
The surrounding land is made up of shrubland, wetlands, limestone cliffs and sand dunes, making it a haven for birdlife, as well as being a prime spot for watching the migration of the southern right whales.
6) Singita Serengeti House, Grumeti, Tanzania
On the slopes of Sasakwa Hill in the 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserve this lodge is in a prime location for wildlife sightings, with a variety of family-friendly activities such as arts and crafts and archery.
Up to eight guests can stay at the lodge, which showcases European design and African artifacts, has onsite staff throughout your stay, in addition to the game drives, and horseback riding safaris for seasoned riders.
7) Chongwe River House, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Best known for its remarkable elephant herds, the Lower Zambezi in Zambia is home to Chongwe River House, an eight-person lodge for an exclusive safari experience.
Situated on the banks of Chongwe River, the lodge is crafted from winterthorn wood and decorated with the river’s coloured pebbles.
8) Pel's Post, Makulele, the Kruger
For something different and off the common route, head to Pel’s Post in the stunning Makuleke. Situated in the most dramatic landscape in the Kruger, the lodge is eco-friendly and totally off-the-grid.
The lodge is available for exclusive hire only, so all safaris and activities can be planned entirely at your own pace. The in-room massage therapies aren’t half bad either.
9) Ivory Lodge Villa, Sabi Sands, South Africa
Located along the banks of the Sabie River inside the Lion Sands Reserve, Ivory Lodge offers the utmost privacy with just six ultra-luxurious, spacious suites, opening onto a private deck and rim-flowing plunge pool.
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives and guided bush walks, visit a local village, indulge in spa treatments or just dream the night away under the stars in one of the reserve’s luxury tree houses.
Our top example trips including these lodges...
Speak to one of our expert travel designers today and start planning your exclusive luxury African safari.