Modern Luxury Safari Lodges
There's no better way to get away from it all than going on safari in the wilds of Africa. Even in the wild, we're partial to some touches of contemporary life.
How better to end a day of stalking game than by returning to a sumptuous sanctuary?
Our top modern safari lodgings provide just that, decked out with high-tech amenities and indulgences such as lavish bubble baths.
Read on to find out what you can discover in the finest modern luxury safari lodges.
1) Singita Faru Faru Lodge, Singita Grumeti, Tanzania
The ultimate in deluxe, modern safari accommodation, Faru Faru Lodge is the place to stay for a truly memorable and sumptuous Serengeti experience: expect to see wildebeest and zebra casually wandering past your suite.
Aside from the spectacular game viewing, exclusive modern-day extravagances such as a reading area and a Swarovski telescope are included in each room.
2) Earth Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa
For an ultra-futuristic safari experience, head to Sabi Sands’ Earth Lodge. Burrowed into the surrounding savannahs, this minimalist state-of-the-art hotel is environmentally sensitive and a far cry from your typical traditional bush camp. Instead, a sophisticated and innovative design is used here.
Striking natural wooden sculptures echo the outdoor South African wilderness. What’s more, the modern architecture is complemented by modern luxuries including an art gallery, steam room and spa.
3) Singita Boulders Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa
One of the all-time Kruger safari favourites, Boulders offers excellent service in an elegant and up-to-date design setting. Serene opulence is prevalent throughout the award-winning lodge from the private heated plunge pools to the relaxing spa and impressive wine cellar.
What’s more, all twelve suites come with a list of lavish facilities including a fireplace, a game viewing deck, an iPod deck, air-conditioning and both indoor and outdoor showers.
4) Chinzombo Lodge, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Soft hues of greys and creams blend with sleek furnishings here at Chinzombo Lodge in South Luangwa, Zambia. The six modern and simple riverside villas provide plenty of comfort and space, while amenities offered include Wi-Fi, a spa, private plunge pools and exercise areas.
Although slight nods are made to the history of the old safari with colonial luggage trunks gracing the rooms, Chinzombo certainly exudes contemporary style through its current architecture and amenities.
5) Fish River Lodge, Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Designed with a unique contemporary style and built in an almost futuristic fashion, the private chalets here at Fish River Lodge enjoy jaw-dropping vistas of the remote and amazingly scenic Fish River Canyon.
This eco-friendly lodge is adorned with new furnishings whilst outdoor showers, a relaxing pool and spa treatments are all provided.
6) Singita Lebombo, The Kruger, South Africa
Based in the Big 5-rich Kruger Park, Singita Lebombo is an uber modern lodge with design pieces and a lovely and long pool and deck area. The cutting-edge flair of the accommodation starkly contrasts with the enveloping rugged bush land.
Soak up the views from the comfort of your suite thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.
7) Granite Suites, Sabi Sands, South Africa
Sitting on the banks of the Sand River in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve is Londolozi’s super chic and private Granite Suites. Each of the three suites are decked out in complete contemporary luxury with exposed stone walls, dark leather furniture and wide glass windows which give the rooms a cool and stylish edge.
These materials are accompanied by indulgent touches of private infinity pools and fireplaces, promising utter comfort after a day of exciting game drives.
8) Singita Sweni, the Kruger, South Africa
This small, intimate property in the Kruger combines stunning design with a homely, welcoming feeling to stunning effect. Natural African woods flow into airy floor-to-ceiling windows.
Make the most of the pool area, spa and communal lounge area and bar (which guests are encouraged to enter and use as their own, though service is always close at hand).
9) Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa
These ultra-spacious suites each boast their own courtyard, lounge with fireplace, viewing decks and plunge pool, not to mention a well-stocked minibar and vast en-suite bathrooms with free-standing baths, offering you the perfect combination of luxury and privacy.
Their contemporary Afro-European interiors combine with a neutral colour palette, sleekly designed suites and huge windows with sweeping views of Sabi Sands to give you the perfect ultra-luxury safari base.
10) Matetsi River Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Perfectly situated along an exclusive stretch of the Zambezi River, Matetsi River Lodge is ideal for combining the fun of a safari with the magnificent sights of Victoria Falls. Its two intimate camps are characterised by their clean, modern design combined with local craft pieces and re-purposed materials.
Each enjoys en suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, and deep baths looking out over the zambezi, as well as a private veranda with a plunge pool overlooking the river.
11) Angama Mara, Kenya
If you’re looking for a safari experience straight out of a movie set, then Angama Mara is it. It’s luxury tented suites echo the traditional Maasai culture, with a minimalist design fused with splashes of red and tartan print – but the real star of the show is the dramatic, 180 degree panoramic view you get from the 10-metre wide floor-to-ceiling windows.
Unwind at the Pavilian, a communal area where you can relax with a drink by the cosy pit fire, use the fitness centre, swimming pool or art studio, or even picnic on the famous kopje from the Out of Africa poster.
12) The Highlands Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Eight domed perspex-and-canvas suites with king-sized beds and floor-to-ceiling bay windows opening out onto stunning panoramas, en-suite bathrooms and wood-burning stoves…this camp is the height of modern safari luxury in the middle of the wilds of Tanzanian highlands.
Set high on the slopes of the Olmoti volcano, the camp is perfectly located for both privacy and adventure, with superb hikes, nature walks, wildlife sightings and visits to local Maasai communities.
13) Arijiju, Laikipia Plateau, Kenya
As beautiful buildings go, Arijiju is up there with the best. This private use retreat is nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Borana Conservancy in Kenya, and its stunning modern design features vast wooden doors leading to arching cloisters, sun-baked garden courtyards and an infinity pool overlooking a waterhole.
And the interior of the house is just as stunning, with its spacious living space, library, kitchen, games room and cinema, not to mention the grand double-height lounge and dining room. Luxury doesn’t get more classically beautiful than this.
14) Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Sandibe has a fascinating architectural concept, its design being based on a Pangolin’s skeleton. The grand, arching interiors and spacious decking are dressed in shades of copper and wood, and offer sweeping views of Botswana’s romantic landscapes with their fascinating array of resident wildlife.
Giant king-sized beds, outdoor showers and sparkling private plunge pools complete the picture and make for a truly luxury Delta retreat from which to enjoy your safari in comfort and style.
15) Leadwood Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa
There are dramatic river vistas to be had from this lovely, secluded lodge taking its name from the surrounding Leadwood trees. Each suite includes its own private pool, fireplace, sitting room, spacious bathroom and outdoor shower.
The ideal spot for a private family or group safari experience, the communal elevated dining and lounge area is just as luxurious, with sumptuous local produce making up the cuisine.
16) King Lewanika Lodge, Zambia
This stunningly modern take on the traditional safari camp features simple materials such as canvas drops, leather and wooden decks overlooking the wilderness with local thatch and grass in the main area.
Its communal thatch building has lounge, dining and bar areas, with stairs leading down to a fire pit. All the tents open up to dramatic views of the surrounding plains.
