10 Best Big 5 Safari Lodges and Camps in Africa

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.