The Best Safari Camps and Lodges in Africa

An African safari is an experience that lingers in your soul long after you’ve returned home. Picture the golden hues of the savanna at dusk, the rhythmic chirps of birds filling the air, and the quiet thrill of watching wildlife roam their indigenous environment. As you sip your favorite sundowner, the weight of the world loosens its grip, and time slows to nature’s pulse.

Making your luxury African safari trip even more memorable will be the properties you choose to stay at, and our team of travel experts have handpicked their best choices for the most memorable safari camps and lodges. Every bespoke Mahlatini journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether it’s a bucket list trip, marking a milestone, or a soul-stirring retreat, let this handpicked selection inspire your next escape.

1. DumaTau Camp in Linyanti, Botswana

An Amazing Place to Stay to See Elephants

DumaTau Camp's location offers some of the greatest habitat diversity and game viewing in northern Botswana, whilst its extensive lagoon frontage provides uninterrupted views over the wildlife-rich Osprey Lagoon. Intimate and exclusive, the camp has only 8 spacious tented suites and their views are totally unimpeded from the comfort of your private deck and plunge pool.

What makes it memorable?

• High concentrations of elephant and watching family groups interact
• Iconic floating fire pit deck from which to enjoy classic African safari sundowners

Perfect for:

• Families
• Couples
• Anniversaries
• Friends and groups

2. Desert Rhino Camp in Damaraland, Namibia

The Best Place to Stay to Spot Desert Rhinos

With an elegant new look and feel following their extensive 2024 rebuild, Desert Rhino Camp continues to honour the natural desert surrounds and celebrate their conservation success stories. The newly built camp elevates guest experiences, while retaining everything they did well, with a stylish and contemporary feel.

What makes it memorable?

• A refuge for critically endangered black rhino and conservation experiences
• Undisturbed desert views from your private suite and shared guest areas

Perfect for:

• Families
• Couples
• Friends travelling together

3. Bisate Lodge in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

A Luxurious, Eco-Friendly Lodge

A sustainable and luxurious rainforest-based lodge, Bisate Lodge is an iconic property for those dreaming of embarking on a gorilla trek. The thrills go beyond your trek to witness the mountain gorilla in the surrounding Volcanoes National Park as you will fall in love with your outrageously chic forest villa. With naturally warm hospitality, you will feel utterly at home in this spectacular property.

What makes it memorable?

• Nest-style suites and design inspired by rich indigenous culture
• Embarking on an iconic gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park

Perfect for:

• Couples
• Honeymooners
• Friends travelling together
• Adventure seekers

4. Chikwenya in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

An Intimate and Highly Exclusive Camp

Set within a private concession in the Mana Pools area, Chikwenya is a quietly luxurious tented camp. Intimate and highly exclusive, there are only 7 tented suites on the property, each surrounded by shady indigenous trees. You will enjoy breathtaking ‘armchair’ safaris from the comfort of your private decking as the unobtrusive setting of the camp means wildlife frequently pass through including elephant, eland and birds.

What makes it memorable?

• Famous sightings of elephants standing on their hind legs to feed from trees
• Private pools in the family suites

Perfect for:

• Families
• Couples
• Honeymooners
• Friends travelling together
• Adventure seekers

5. Shumba Camp in Kafue, Zambia

An Exclusive Base for Safaris to See Flying Lions

Opening for only 5 months each year, Shumba Camp makes the most of their seasonal and highly exclusive safari setting. When it comes to wildlife, this area boasts more antelope species than anywhere else in Africa along with a rich predator population of leopard, hyena, cheetah and lion. Back at camp (which is built on its own island) you can enjoy 360° views from your private decking that surrounds the raised, tented suites.

What makes it memorable?

• Set on its own private island in Busanga Plains
• Witness ‘flying lions’ as they leap over drying channels

Perfect for:

• Families
• Couples
• Honeymooners
• Friends travelling together

Start Planning Your Dream Safari Holiday

This is as close to safari perfection as you can get. From private reserves, top-class safari lodges, and eco-sensitive camps that blend into the landscape, to indulgent dining, awe-inspiring horizons and some iconic wildlife encounters, we prioritize giving our clients experiences that are untouched by commercial tourism. Get in touch with your private Indo-African travel expert to plan a truly authentic, exclusive African safari holiday.