Unforgettable Safari Experiences: Best African Lodges

A safari experience may be the ultimate bucket-list trip, and it’s not just because of the animals. The chance to see lions, elephants, hyenas, and other incredible creatures in their natural habitat is undeniably appealing. Moreover, the safari dream is also about indulging in luxurious accommodations while immersed in nature—dining on fine china under the stars, sipping afternoon cocktails beneath a towering baobab tree, and sleeping in spacious tents furnished with antiques. The lodges that iBestTravel readers named the best in Africa this year deliver on all counts.

Annual Awards and Reader Input

Every year, iBestTravel surveys travelers to share their opinions on remarkable travel experiences worldwide, evaluating the top hotels, resorts, destinations, and more. In the hotels category, which includes safari lodges, readers rated properties based on rooms and facilities, location, service, food and drink, and overall value.

Top Safari Lodges in Africa

South African properties comprised about two-thirds of the list, with four lodges located in the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve area, which borders the iconic Kruger National Park. These lodges— andBeyond Kirkman’s Kamp, Lion Sands Game Reserve, Singita Sabi Sand, and Londolozi—each offer unique experiences but share several common elements: incredible access to wildlife, expert guides, and personalized service.

For instance, one reader remarked, “The reserve is magical; the accommodations and the exquisite staff are incredibly welcoming. The fact that the camp is eco-friendly is a huge plus.” Additionally, private-use camps, available for booking by individual groups only, represent a significant trend in African wildlife tourism, reflecting a growing demand for intimate experiences.

Signature Properties

The number one property on the list, Singita Grumeti in Tanzania, features five elegant yet low-key lodges situated in the Grumeti Game Reserve, close to the Serengeti National Park. Visitors appreciated the serene setting amidst a vast 350,000-acre reserve, enhanced by the exceptional service and culinary delights for which Singita is renowned.