A safari hotel is one of the best ways to experience Africa’s spectacular natural beauty and wildlife.
Gracefully toeing the line between luxury and adventure, there’s no experience that can bring you as close to the world’s most famous animals with such flair. Impeccable service and spectacular locations, often in the middle of nature reserves, are the norm, and with a newly forged focus on sustainability, you can rest safe in the knowledge your safari hotel is helping the environment show off.
To help you plan, we’ve found the best safari hotel in six of Africa’s most popular safari destinations.
The best safari hotel in Kenya
JW Marriott Masai Mara
Location: Masai Mara Reserve, Kenya
Price: $3,000 a night/ free with points
Vibe: Glamping on steroids
The rundown: It’s not every day you find a luxury safari hotel you could stay in for absolutely nothing. But at the JW Marriott Masai Mara, Marriott’s recently opened safari resort, it’s possible. Not that it’s easy…points do run over 100,000 points a night and are dependent on availability, but if you’ve got the points available, you’d be getting as much as $3,000 a night in value.
The resort itself is nothing short of spectacular. Located in the Masai Mara natural reserve, it’s built up of 20 luxury tents, all boasting views of the park and river. It’s glamping taken to an entirely different level. To think you could score it for points is amazing.
The best safari hotel in Tanzania
Cherero Camp
Location: Serengeti, Tanzania
Price: $800+
Vibe: Migratory marvel
The rundown: Cherero Camp represents pretty spectacular value for a safari hotel. While $800 a night might seem expensive, remember that it gets you a front-row seat to the wonders of the Serengeti—home of the largest migration on Earth.
The stunning guest tents are comfortable, and all enjoy views out across the landscape. All meals are also included, and the decor is guaranteed to strike a nostalgic 1920s camp feel whether you’re in your room or in the dining areas. It’ll make for an unforgettable trip.
The best safari hotel in South Africa
Londolozi Tree Camp
Location: Londolozi Private Reserve, South Africa
Price: $1,000+
Vibe: Conservation kings
The rundown: Londolozi Tree Camp is something of a trailblazer in the safari hotel space. Its sublime location, nestled amongst the trees in the same name’s private reserve, is unmatched. Guests can look down on elephants in the evening, observe monkeys in the trees, and of course, head out on safari to discover the rest of the African wild ensemble.
The property itself is equally wonderful. From the open decks to the airy guestrooms, everything is designed to face and appreciate nature in all its glory. It’s not a huge surprise the words “life-changing” appear so often in the reviews.
The best safari hotel in Namibia
Shipwreck Lodge
Location: Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Price: $1,300+
Vibe: Striking coastal safari
The rundown: The most striking safari hotel on this list is Shipwreck Lodge in Namibia. The country’s unique landscapes have prompted a huge surge in popularity, and the lodge was quick to capitalize on it.
Located in the middle of the dunes, with the Atlantic Ocean looming in the distance, Shipwreck is incredibly remote. It makes the architecture of the individual lodges all the more impressive, struck against the desolate landscape. But within, it’s a five-star luxury eco-resort, offering some of the greatest natural experiences on the continent. Truly special.
The best safari hotel in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls Safari Club
Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Price: $500+
Vibe: Wallet-pleasing wonder
The rundown: The most affordable luxury safari hotel on our list is the Victoria Falls Safari Club. Overlooking Zambezi National Park and featuring its own private watering hole, guests are never far from the wilderness. In fact, they could spy some game as they walk to their rooms.
Don’t think because it’s cheaper it’s any less impressive. There’s still fine dining, butler service, and a spectacular two-tiered pool to enjoy. Guest reviews are nothing short of exemplary, and of course, as the name suggests, you’re not far from the falls themselves. For those on a slightly tighter budget, the Safari Club is a top choice for retaining the luxury feel.
The best safari hotel in Mozambique
Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge and Safari
Location: Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
Price: $160+
Vibe: Stripped-down but spectacular
The rundown: For those on a true budget, Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge and Safari is the best safari hotel. Simple but comfortable, with the wildlife taking center stage, Montebelo proves that an excellent immersive safari experience isn’t just for those with cash to spare.
Rooms are still wonderful, albeit without the same frills as others on the list, and it’s not uncommon to stumble out of your door into the path of a warthog or see a baboon careering around the site—a true adventure for the wildlife enthusiast.
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