Top 10 Best Luxury Safaris in Africa You Need To Plan A Year In Advance

Exploring the diverse regions of Africa seamlessly ties into the heart-stirring experience of safaris, an adventure that encapsulates the essence of this magnificent continent. Each region, with its unique ecosystems and wildlife, offers an array of safari experiences that are as varied and vibrant as Africa itself.

**In North Africa**, while safaris may not be the first experience that comes to mind due to its desert-dominated landscapes, countries like Morocco offer incredible opportunities for desert safaris. Here, you can explore the vastness of the Sahara on camelback, spend nights under the stars in traditional Berber tents, and discover oasis towns and ancient kasbahs.

**West Africa** might not be the quintessential safari destination, but it offers unique wildlife experiences. The Pendjari National Park in Benin, part of the W-Arli-Pendjari (WAP) complex spreading across Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger, is teeming with elephants, lions, and hundreds of bird species, offering a more off-the-beaten-path safari adventure.

**East Africa** is arguably the safari capital of the world, renowned for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra traverse the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. These countries, along with Uganda and Rwanda, also offer unique gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experiences in their dense rainforests, providing an intimate glimpse into the world of these great apes.

**Central Africa**, particularly Uganda and Rwanda, offers some of the most exhilarating rainforest safaris to see mountain gorillas and other primates. The Congo Basin itself is a treasure trove of biodiversity, and although it’s more challenging to access, it provides an unparalleled adventure for the intrepid explorer.

**Southern Africa** is famed for its well-organized and diverse safari experiences. From the Okavango Delta in Botswana, where safaris are conducted by mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe), to the legendary Kruger National Park in South Africa that boasts an impressive diversity of wildlife. Namibia, with its dramatic landscapes of the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park, offers unique desert and salt pan safaris.

No matter which region of Africa you choose to explore, the safari experience is a profound journey into the wild heart of the continent. It’s an opportunity to witness the majesty of Africa’s landscapes and the remarkable wildlife that calls it home. The essence of a safari extends beyond the wildlife sightings; it’s about connecting with the continent’s soul, understanding its challenges, and becoming a part of its extraordinary story.

Planning well in advance is essential, as these unforgettable experiences, particularly those in highly coveted destinations like game camps and lodges, are in demand and often booked a year out to secure a place in the heart of Africa’s wilderness.

Here are the top 10 best luxury safaris in Africa:

Tanzania – Greystoke Mahali

The East African country of Tanzania is home to some of the most beautiful nature parks and gorges on the continent. Therefore, it makes sense why it is one of the best safaris in Africa. One of the best luxury safaris in Tanzania includes the Greystoke Mahale safari, in the Mahale Mountains in Western Tanzania.

While the Mahale mountains are in a league of their own, what makes the Greystoke Mahale safari unique is the experience of boating through the scenic lake Mahale and spotting the native chimpanzees. Seeing the animals up close is one of the primary reasons people love to visit Greystoke Mahale. In addition, Greystoke Mahale provides visitors with a glimpse of the stunning and different side of Africa. Here lush, green rainforest trees greet the pristine blue lake and climb the gorgeous mountains. A true paradise on earth. If you’re someone who is fascinated by nature and loves chimpanzees, the Greystoke Mahale safari in Tanzania is for you.

Tanzania- andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

The Ngorongoro Crater or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania is the world’s largest volcanic caldera/crater. Don’t worry; it’s unfilled and inactive, making it extremely safe to visit. In addition, the crater is home to native wildlife and bird species, making it among the most popular safaris in Africa.

The andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is counted among the world’s best game lodges. It offers a thrilling safari that takes you across the crater spotting the big five, hippos, zebras, crocodiles, and antelopes. The andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge also offers romantic packages for couples looking for a different experience. On the other hand, active travelers enjoy a variety of cultural walks, trails, and hikes.

Tanzania- Singita Faru Faru Lodge

The Singita Faru Faru Lodge takes you on an unforgettable safari of the Serengeti National Park, a World Heritage Site where safaris are a way to learn, engage and experience. Witness a memorable safari by staying at the Singita Faru Faru Lodge. Here spotting wildebeests and zebras running across the green grasslands is a daily occurrence.

The Singita Faru Faru Lodge is adorned with East African Style and offers a luxurious private game reserve experience. Of course, when you have finished your extraordinary game drives, you can always rely on the lodge to bring you relaxation. But the Singita Faru Faru Lodge’s safari of the Serengeti is one experience you must try!

Botswana- Duba Plains

In the mystical Kakoro, Botswana, one of the best African safaris you can go to is the Duba Plains’ safari of the Okavango Delta. This swampy inland frequently catches bouts of rain and becomes a prime candidate for amazing safaris. The Duba Plains safari usually takes you on a safari game drive in the delta. Here guests explore the natural beauty while observing lions, cheetahs, red lechwes, antelopes, zebras, giraffes, wild dogs, and more.

Travelers seeking a thrilling adventure experience can soar above the Okavango Delta on a helicopter and gaze over the animals running across the marshland. The experience is unbelievably unique and guarantees you will start planning your next African safari adventure before this one is even complete. 

Botswana – DumaTau Camp

Another one of the top Botswana African safaris is the DumaTau Camp, which casually takes you on a private wildlife reserve, the Linyanti, a portion of the Chobe National Park. The DumaTau Camp is stellar and worthwhile for anyone who’s into unique experiences. The DumaTau Camp brings travelers even closer to nature than most luxury African safaris.

Instead of spending your time at the nearby lodges, guests camp out in tents on the private reserve. So, of course, it comes as no surprise that the DumaTau camp is also a luxurious experience. Each tent has a personal plunge pool parallel to the Linyanti River, so you get an unmatched safari drive. The wildlife includes the Big Five, elephants, hyenas, and for bird lovers, there are several native birds species.

Zimbabwe- Victoria Falls River Lodge

One of the prettiest and most popular tourist destinations in Zimbabwe is Victoria Falls. The falls are a romantic cascade of pristine water that flows down into the magnificent Zambezi River. Interestingly, one of the most popular activities includes taking the Zambezi River Safari through the Victoria Falls River Lodge. The lodge is situated near a secluded portion of the Zambezi National Park. 

The River Lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience that cruises through the park and takes you on a spectacular journey. Visitors often sight leopards, buffalos, cheetahs, lions, elephants, zebras, warthogs, impalas, hippos, crocodiles, kudus, sables, waterbucks, ostriches, and more. 

What makes the Victoria Falls River Lodge special is that it offers a unique honeymoon experience. So if you are a newlywed and are looking for attractive honeymoon packages, or if you want to take your lover on an incredible and thrilling vacation, Victoria Falls beckons. 

Kenya- Cottar’s 1920s Camp

The Cottars 1920s Camp is a private conservancy that is quite famous in Kenya and internationally. The Cottars 1920s Camp is a unique safari camp experience because it offers visitors the opportunity to tour the Maasai Mara conservancies of Kenya and borders the Serengeti in Tanzania. This is truly the best of both worlds, and one of the best safaris in Africa. The Maasai Mara is a peaceful retreat complete with cattle calmly grazing on the reserve. Travelers who enjoy combining adventure and relaxation will appreciate this Kenyan refuge. Frequent wildlife sightings include buffalos, elands, giraffes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, hippos, spotted hyenas, and zebras. A few lucky visitors might even come across wild dogs, aardvarks, striped hyenas, pangolins, leopards, and cheetahs.

Kenya- Mara Plains

Another Kenyan safari is of the Mara Plains in Narok, part of the Maasai-Mara conservancy. The Mara Plains safari is another luxurious advent to explore the beautiful nature of Africa. For anyone intrigued by African wildlife, the infamous big-5, this Kenyan safari checks all the boxes.

The Mara Plains are inhabited by wildebeests, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, hippos, puff adder snakes, black rhinos, servals, secretary birds, crocodiles, and more. Although quite rare, some lucky travelers may have the chance to spot the elusive black leopard. Like the other luxury safari lodges in Africa, this camp offers exceptional service, comfort, and a romantic setting in a tranquil environment. The interiors of the camps are decorated with a lush and semi-modern style. 

Rwanda – Basati Lodge

When most travelers think of Rwanda, they immediately picture Volcano National Park, situated in the north-western Rwanda rainforest. But, of course, Rwanda has plenty of volcanoes, five in the Virunga Mountains, making up the National Park. Here, you will find some of the most incredible wildlife on earth, including mountain gorillas. Travelers come from every corner of the globe are able to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Other frequent and favorite sightings in the park include buffalos, golden monkeys, bushbuck, spotted hyenas, black-fronted duiker, and elephants, making for one of the best African safari locations.

Birdwatchers will also love the Rwandan safari as around 170 species of birds have been spotted in the region. The Bisate Lodge is a romantic, stylish, and comfortable villa situated just on the dramatic slopes of one of the few volcanic craters. It gives you a glimpse into the Rwandan way of life and impresses well-heeled travelers with its authentically warm and friendly staff.

– Chiawa Camp

Neighboring Zimbabwe, the Zambian camp of Chiawa brings you one of the most exquisite safaris of Africa-the Lower Zambezi National Park safari. The Zambezi National Park settles on the brink of the mighty Zambezi River. So, in addition to the beautiful wildlife, you spot in many regions of Africa, visitors of the Zambia-Chiawa Camp have the chance to observe hippos and crocodiles. 

Arriving by pontoon boat at the luxury safari lodge offers an immediate immersion into the native setting. What can be better than starting your safari wildlife with a heart-pounding adventure? The Zambezi National Park is home to elephants, leopards, lions, zebras, hippos, antelopes, crocodiles, buffalos, African wild dogs, and over 400 species of birds. It is truly a nature lover’s paradise! The Chiawa Camp was the first camp built on the Lower Zambezi National Park. They have spent decades perfecting the art of entertaining the world’s most discerning guests on safaris. This one, you definitely should not miss!

Africa is the land of diverse culture, heritage breath-taking tourist attractions in its beautiful wildlife reserves and nature parks. However, if you genuinely want to explore and immerse yourself in the culture and local way of life, you must enjoy one or all of these top 10 best safaris in Africa!

For more information on the best safaris in Africa, check out our previous blog based on one of our team members own experience!