+1 347-708-1755
A luxury Big 5 safari is the ultimate bucket list experience. Imagine incredible African landscapes, jaw-dropping wildlife encounters, and memories to last a lifetime. For many travellers, spotting the Big 5 is a highlight of their first African safari, but choosing where to stay is just as important as choosing where to go. Your lodge or camp is your private sanctuary after a day on safari, and it sets the tone for your entire journey. Each Big 5 safari camp and lodge in Africa has a unique feel and shows you a different angle of the wilderness.
Whether you dream of a luxury tented camp under the stars or a lavish lodge complete with a private plunge pool and personalised service, our Travel Experts have put together their top 10 favourite luxury lodges and tented camps in Africa for exceptional Big 5 safari sighting opportunities.
1. Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge
📍Sabi Sands, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Situated in the prestigious Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Chitwa Chitwa has an ideal location overlooking a lake. This ideal setting offers endless ‘deck-chair’ safari moments, where you can see wildlife from the comfort of your private deck (and plunge pool) including hippo, elephant, warthog, eland and more!
Why we love it:
- Highly personalised experience with only 6 suites
- Waterhole view from your private deck
- Large private plunge pools
Insider tip: "I’d recommend to have lunch in the privacy of your suite. Chitwa’s suites are stunning, and going straight from a dip in your private plunge pool to sitting on a lounger having lunch on the comfort of your private deck is utter bliss (even better when followed with an al-fresco catnap.)" - Caroline Hegney, Marketing Manager.
2. Duba Explorers Camp
📍Okavango Delta, Botswana
The honeymoon choice of Mahlatini co-founder Greg Fox, Duba Explorers Camp if ultra-private with only 5 tents. These luxury safari tents are raised on wooden platforms and offer charming verandas from which to view game. Known for terrific guiding, guests are invited on immersive night-drives and walking safaris, alongside traditional game-drives.
Why we love it:
- Pioneering conservation efforts
- One of the Delta’s most remote camps
- Classic safari décor
Insider tip: "Take full advantage of the Wild Studio Photography programme which offers photographic tuition for all abilities taught by a professional photographer. You won’t regret it when you have your own photography to print and display at home!” Sarah Fox, Product Advisor.
3. Anderson's at Ongava
📍Ongava Private Reserve, Etosha, Namibia
Set on the southern boundary of the game rich Etosha National Park in the private Ongava Reserve, Andersson's at Ongava accommodates a maximum of 18 guests at one time across their 7 contemporary-designed luxury guest units and 1 family unit. One of our favourite designed decks in Africa, they provide each private suite with a 180-degree panoramic view.
Why we love it:
- Family orientated
- Water-level photographic hide
- Convenient access to Etosha National Park
Insider tip: "For those with a passion for conservation, don’t miss out on the chance to join local conservationists on a rhino tracking outing.”
4. Linkwasha Camp
📍Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Here adventure awaits with game drives, evening safaris, and walking tours to intimately explore Hwange's diverse wildlife, including the Big 5! Located in the south-eastern corner of Hwange National Park, Linkwasha Camp features 9 stylish, ensuite tents plus a family tent, all with contemporary safari chic interiors.
Why we love it:
- The most exclusive camp in the Hwange National Park.
- Overlooks a pan that is a magnet for wildlife.
- Up to 40,000 elephants roam the park. That's a lot of trunks!
Insider tip: "Linkwasha Camp has the most amazing sunken luxury hide with a day bed. Witnessing elephants come to the waterhole every day whilst we sipped on champagne in our luxury hiding hole below them was a memory I will never forget." Claire Picknell, Travel Expert Team Leader.
5. The Highlands Ngorongoro
📍Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
As one of the most recognised architectural designs in Tanzania, the Highlands Ngorongoro is an unforgettable Big 5 safari experience. Low-impact and high-style, the camp is carefully positioned for maximum privacy, high on the slopes of the Olmoti Crater with sweeping views all the way to the Serengeti.
Why we love it:
- Highest property in the area
- Incredible dome-shaped suites
- Straight access to the crater floor without having to wait at the gate
Insider tip: "If visiting in the right season, be sure to take a half-day trip to the soda lake where a flamboyance of pink flamingos congregate!” Natasha Morris, Travel Expert.
6. Royal Malewane Waterside
📍 Greater Kruger, South Africa
A legend of the Greater Kruger, Royal Malewane properties offer unrivalled luxury safari experiences. A sister of other iconic South Africa properties including The Silo and La Residence, all the suites are elegant and individually decorated with Liz Biden’s signature maximalist style. The even feature private plunge pools on expansive decks with views over the bush (and sometimes visiting elephants).
Why we love it:
- Personalised menus and a kosher kitchen
- Double spa treatment room for couples massages
- Incredible interior design
Insider tip: "Premium beverages, including Champagne, are included in Royal Malewana rates. I recommend to take full advantage of this added luxury with a mimosa in the morning post-game drive!”
7. Sanctuary Chief's Camp
📍Chief's Island, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Nestled on Chief’s island in the exclusive Mombo concession in the Okavango Delta and offering what is widely considered to be some of the best game viewing in Africa (including the Big 5). Sanctuary Chief's Camp is home to 10 enormous bush pavilions boasting four poster beds, indoor and outdoor showers, a spacious seating area and private game viewing deck. Guests are spoilt for space!
Why we love it:
- Some if the largest suites in the Delta
- Land and water based safaris
- Scenic helicopter flights
Insider tip: "Their spa uses one of my all-time brands, Africology, and an indulgent facial with the backdrop sounds of the Delta is one of my favourite things to do in the world.” Vanessa Dean, Head of Product & Experience.
8. Somalisa Acacia
📍Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
This intimate camp is perfect if you're travelling with a small group or your family and want your own private safari adventure in Zimbabwe. Situated in a private concession in Hwange National Park, Somalisa Acacia's luxurious tents are built on wooden platforms, provide a mix of classic safari with all the modern comforts you could ask for.
Why we love it:
- Right in the heart of Hwange National Park, on its very own private spot.
- Perfect for families with little ones or small groups looking for their own adventure.
- The camp has its own elephant drinking pool for some up-close encounters.
Insider tip: "Pair your safari with Victoria Falls where you can stay at Somalisa Acacia's sister property Thorntree River Lodge and enjoy multi-stay benefits.”
9. Phinda Mountain Lodge
📍KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Exciting game viewing offers guests the chance to spot the Big 5 as well as marine species like dolphins and turtles and 415 bird species. Phinda Mountain Lodge which is poised majestically on a mountain crest boasting dramatic views of the Lebombo Mountains. The lodge offers 25 split-level suites with ensuite bathroom, private sitting area and spacious veranda complete with private plunge pool and outdoor shower.
Why we love it:
- Children’s bushcraft activities
- Local Zulu inspired décor
- Off-road Big 5 game viewing
Insider tip: "A wellness haven. Be sure to stretch out on your yoga mat on your private deck and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your surrounds.”
10. Xigera Safari Lodge
📍Okavango Delta, Botswana
Set on one of the key waterways of the Okavango Delta, a true wetland paradise, you can expect to see much more than the Big 5. Each of Xigera’s rooms is raised on wooden platforms and walkways and offers superb views of the river. Take in the sights and sounds from the outdoor daybed on your private deck or by the main swimming pool.
Highlights of Xigera:
- Celebration of African art
- Elimination of single-use plastic
- Six-decades of dedication to luxury service
Insider tip: "Ask for a fascinating back-of-house tour of the state-of-the-art Energy Centre comprising of a Tesla solar photovoltaic diesel hybrid system with lithium ion battery storage.” Ceire Gibney, Client Journey Team Leader.
Big 5 Safari FAQs
When is the best time to see the Big 5 in Africa?
The dry season (May–October) when vegetation thins and wildlife gathers at water sources.
Which country is best for Big 5 safaris?
South Africa is considered the most reliable and accessible, especially private reserves like Sabi Sands and Greater Kruger.
What is included in a luxury safari lodge stay?
Typically, accommodation, meals, selected drinks, twice-daily guided game drives, and transfers—with many including laundry and premium beverages.
Are luxury Big 5 safaris family-friendly?
Yes! Lodges like Somalisa Acacia and Phinda Mountain Lodge offer family suites, child-focused activities, and flexible schedules.
Ready to Plan Your Big 5 Safari?
Mahlatini's Travel Experts will design a fully personalised luxury big 5 safari featuring one (or several) of these incredible accommodations tailored to you. Enquire now to start planning your luxury Big 5 safari in Africa.
