Discover Africa’s finest luxury lodges

Tailored for the discerning traveller

For discerning travellers seeking both the adventure of the wild and the comfort of refined luxury, the finest African lodges offer an experience that transcends the ordinary. From the vast savannahs teeming with wildlife to the serene beaches of remote islands, these African lodges provide a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular natural wonders on Earth, all while enveloping guests in opulence.

Imagine waking up in a beautifully appointed suite, with the sounds of the African bush as your morning soundtrack. Each African lodge offers a unique way to experience the continent—whether it’s floating gently down the river, nestled in the heart of the bush, or perched on the shores of crystal-clear lakes.

Join us on a journey through our favourite of Africa’s finest luxury lodges, each chosen for its distinctive charm and commitment to offering guests an extraordinary stay. These African lodges promise an unforgettable experience that blends adventure with the utmost comfort.

Zambia: Time & Tide Properties in South Luangwa

All nestled along the banks of the Luangwa River, Time & Tide’s three properties in South Luangwa offer unmatched access to one of Africa’s most pristine wildlife areas.

Location and Setting:

South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, known for its incredible biodiversity and concentration of animals along the Luangwa River. Time & Tide’s Chinzombo, Mchenja and Kakuli lodges are strategically located within the park, offering unrivalled access to its varied ecosystems, from riverine forests to open savannahs.

Unique Features and Luxury Amenities:

Luxurious Bush Camps and Lodges: Time & Tide offers a range of accommodations, from intimate bush camps to more spacious lodges. Each property is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, featuring open-plan designs that bring the outdoors in. 

Personalised Service: Every guest’s experience is tailored to their preferences, from private game drives to bespoke dining experiences. Time & Tide offers a level of luxury that enhances the safari experience.

Dining Experiences: The culinary offerings at Time & Tide are exceptional, and guests can enjoy dining under the stars, riverside picnics, and even bush breakfasts in the heart of the wilderness.

Wildlife and Adventure:

Walking Safaris: South Luangwa is famous for its walking safaris, and Time & Tide offers some of the best. Led by experienced guides, these walks allow guests to explore the park on foot, gaining a deeper understanding of the environment and its inhabitants. Walking safaris provide a unique and intimate perspective on the bush, where even the smallest details come to life.

Game Drives: Guests enjoy expertly guided game drives, both during the day and at night. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and over 400 species of birds. 

Seasonal Activities: Depending on the time of year, Time & Tide also offers seasonal activities such as river safaris during the rainy season, when the Luangwa River is in full flow, and birdwatching excursions that highlight the park’s incredible avian diversity.

Mozambique: &Beyond Benguerra Island

&Beyond Benguerra Island is an African lodge that perfectly blends barefoot luxury with the vibrant culture of Mozambique. 

Location and Setting:

Benguerra Island is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, a protected marine reserve known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The lodge is nestled among swaying palm trees and lush vegetation, with direct access to the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters that define this island paradise.

Unique Features and Luxury Amenities:

Luxury Beachfront Villas: This collection of spacious and elegantly designed beachfront villas each offer a private sanctuary with direct access to the beach. The villas are decorated with a blend of local Mozambican style and contemporary luxury.

Personalised Butler Service: Each villa comes with a dedicated butler, ensuring that every aspect of the guest’s stay is attended to with care and precision. 

Dining with a View: The lodge offers a variety of dining experiences, from fresh seafood feasts on the beach to intimate dinners under the stars. The cuisine is inspired by the flavours of Mozambique, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and seafood straight from the ocean.

Wildlife and Adventure:

Marine Safaris: Benguerra Island is surrounded by some of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. Marine safaris include snorkelling and scuba diving excursions to explore the vibrant coral reefs and encounter a variety of marine life, from dolphins and sea turtles to the rare dugong.

Island Hopping: Guests can explore the Bazaruto Archipelago on island-hopping excursions, discovering hidden coves, sandbanks, and untouched beaches.

Deep-Sea Fishing: The lodge provides all the necessary equipment and experienced guides to ensure a successful and thrilling fishing expedition with opportunities to catch marlin, sailfish, and other game fish. 

Cultural Experiences: The lodge offers cultural tours to local villages, where guests can learn about the traditional ways of life on the island, including visits to schools, markets, and community projects.

Zimbabwe: Somalisa Camp

Somalisa Camp, a premier African lodge in Hwange National Park, provides an intimate and luxurious safari experience. With its elegant tented suites and eco-friendly practices, Somalisa offers guests an unmatched connection to Zimbabwe’s wild beauty.

Location and Setting:

Somalisa is situated near an ancient seasonal floodplain, which attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, and an array of bird species, often seen at the camp’s waterholes. The camp’s setting offers a sense of seclusion and exclusivity, with uninterrupted views of the golden savanna and the distant blue hills.

Unique Features and Luxury Amenities:

Elegant Tented Suites: Somalisa Camp features beautifully appointed tented suites that combine the romance of a traditional safari with modern comforts. 

Sustainable Luxury: The camp is committed to sustainability, with eco-friendly initiatives such as solar power and a water recycling system. 

Personalised Service: With a focus on personalised service, Somalisa Camp offers tailored safari experiences and the camp’s staff are dedicated to making every stay unforgettable.

Wildlife and Adventure:

Game Drives: Somalisa Camp offers exceptional game drives, led by knowledgeable guides who have an intimate understanding of Hwange’s ecosystems and wildlife, and the drives often include close encounters with Hwange’s famous elephant herds.

Walking Safaris: These guided walks offer an opportunity to explore the bush on foot, learning about the smaller details of the environment, from tracking animals to identifying plants and insects.

Cultural Experiences: Somalisa Camp also offers cultural excursions to nearby communities, where guests can learn about the traditions and lifestyles of the local people. These experiences provide a deeper connection to the region and its inhabitants, enriching the overall experience.

Malawi: Kaya Mawa

Kaya Mawa, an award-winning African lodge on Likoma Island, provides a serene and luxurious retreat on the shores of Lake Malawi. With its charming cottages and villas, this lodge offers a perfect blend of tranquillity, elegance, and local culture.

Location and Setting:

Kaya Mawa is located on Likoma Island, one of the two inhabited islands in Lake Malawi, also known as the "Lake of Stars" for its shimmering waters. The lodge is set against a backdrop of ancient baobab trees and rocky outcrops, with stunning views of the lake’s crystal-clear waters.

Unique Features and Luxury Amenities:

Charming Cottages and Villas: Kaya Mawa offers a range of accommodations, from cozy stone cottages to spacious private villas, each uniquely designed to blend with the island’s natural surroundings. 

Sustainable Luxury: The lodge is committed to sustainable tourism, with a strong focus on supporting the local community. Many of the materials used in the lodge’s construction were sourced locally, and the staff is primarily drawn from the surrounding villages, adding to the authentic and welcoming atmosphere.

Private Dining Experiences: Guests at Kaya Mawa can enjoy a variety of dining options, from picnics on secluded beaches to candlelit dinners on their private terraces. The cuisine is a fusion of local and international flavours, with fresh fish from the lake and ingredients sourced from the lodge’s organic garden.

Wildlife and Adventure:

Water Sports and Activities: Lake Malawi is renowned for its freshwater activities, and Kaya Mawa offers guests the opportunity to explore the lake through snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing. The lake is home to hundreds of species of colourful cichlid fish, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers.

Cultural Excursions: Kaya Mawa provides guided tours to the local villages on Likoma Island, where guests can learn about the island’s history, culture, and traditions. 

Island Hopping: Guests can explore the surrounding islands and hidden coves by boat, discovering secluded beaches and enjoying picnics in pristine, untouched locations.

Relaxation and Wellness: For those seeking relaxation, Kaya Mawa offers yoga sessions, massages, and wellness treatments surrounded by the soothing sounds of the lake.

Tanzania: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is a standout among African lodges - its prime location and world-class amenities make it an ideal base for exploring one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

Location and Setting:

The lodge is located in the Central Serengeti, with its rich ecosystems and year-round game activity. The Serengeti is home to the Great Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, as well as the Big Five and countless other species.

Perched on elevated platforms, the lodge offers panoramic views of the savanna and a nearby watering hole that attracts elephants, zebras, and other wildlife.

Unique Features and Luxury Amenities:

Luxurious Accommodations: The lodge features a variety of accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and private villas. Each room is designed with a blend of contemporary style and traditional African elements.

Infinity Pool Overlooking the Savannah: Guests can relax in the infinity pool, which overlooks the vast Serengeti landscape, while watching wildlife at the nearby watering hole.

Wildlife and Adventure:

Game Drives: Whether it’s witnessing the dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration or tracking lions on the hunt, the game drives provide unforgettable safari experiences.

Walking Safaris: For those looking to explore the Serengeti on foot, the lodge offers guided walking safaris that allow guests to connect with the environment in a more intimate way. 

Hot Air Balloon Safaris: One of the most breathtaking ways to experience the Serengeti is from above, and the lodge can arrange hot air balloon safaris at sunrise. 

Cultural Experiences: The lodge also offers cultural excursions to nearby Maasai villages, where guests can learn about the Maasai people’s way of life, traditions, and customs.

Pemba Island: Fundu Lagoon

Fundu Lagoon is a hidden gem among African lodges, offering a blend of barefoot luxury and rustic charm on the remote Pemba Island, to the northeast of Zanzibar Island. This lodge provides an intimate retreat with unparalleled access to some of the Indian Ocean’s most pristine marine environments.

Location and Setting:

Pemba Island, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, is known for its lush, green hills, pristine coral reefs, and traditional Swahili culture. Fundu Lagoon is situated on the island’s southwest coast, nestled between the forest and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The lodge’s remote location is accessible only by boat, adding to its sense of seclusion and exclusivity.

Unique Features and Luxury Amenities:

Beachfront Bungalows and Suites: Fundu Lagoon features a range of accommodations, each designed using natural materials and traditional Zanzibari decor, offering a rustic yet luxurious feel. 

Dining Experiences: The lodge offers a variety of dining options, from casual beachside meals to elegant dinners in the main restaurant. The cuisine focuses on fresh, locally sourced seafood and produce, with a mix of Swahili flavours and international dishes. Guests can also enjoy private dining experiences, such as picnics on secluded beaches or romantic dinners under the stars.

Wildlife and Adventure:

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Pemba Island is renowned for its rich marine life and pristine coral reefs. Fundu Lagoon offers some of the best diving and snorkelling experiences in the region, with its on-site PADI dive center providing guided excursions to nearby dive sites. The waters around Pemba are teeming with marine life, including colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, turtles, and occasionally dolphins and whale sharks.

Kayaking and Sailing: Guests can explore the coastline by kayak or traditional dhow sailing boat, discovering hidden coves, mangroves, and deserted beaches. These activities provide a peaceful way to experience the beauty of the island’s marine environment.

Kenya: The River Camp

The River Camp is a premier African lodge situated along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Kenya’s Laikipia region. This elegant camp combines luxury with the rugged beauty of the African bush, providing a serene and immersive safari experience.

Location and Setting:

The River Camp is set in the heart of the Laikipia Plateau, a region known for its dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and strong conservation efforts. 

The camp’s surroundings are characterised by rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and vast open plains, offering guests a true sense of the African wilderness. 

Unique Features and Luxury Amenities:

Elegant Riverside Tents: The River Camp features a collection of luxurious tents, each designed to maintain a connection to the natural environment. Guests enjoy evenings by their own fire pit, where they can relax under the stars and listen to the sounds of the African night.

Open-Air Dining and Lounge Areas: Meals are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences, from bush breakfasts to candlelit dinners by the river.

Wildlife and Adventure:

Game Drives and Night Safaris: The River Camp offers expertly guided game drives that explore the diverse landscapes of the Laikipia Plateau. The region is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five, as well as rarer species such as Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes. Night safaris are also available, offering the chance to see nocturnal animals such as leopards and aardvarks.

Horseback Safaris: One of the unique offerings at The River Camp is horseback safaris. Riding through the wilderness offers a different perspective and the opportunity to get closer to wildlife without the noise of a vehicle.

Cultural Visits: The Laikipia region is home to several indigenous communities, including the Maasai and Samburu. The River Camp offers cultural visits to nearby villages, where guests can learn about the traditions, customs, and way of life of the local people.

Uganda: Wild Waters Lodge

Wild Waters Lodge is located on a private island in the Nile River. The lodge’s dramatic setting makes it both thrilling and unique.

Location and Setting:

Wild Waters Lodge is situated on Kalagala Island, one of the many small islands scattered along a stretch of the Nile River between Lake Victoria and the start of the river’s descent into the wild rapids of the Upper Nile. The lodge’s location provides a stunning and dramatic setting, with the constant sound of rushing water creating a serene and invigorating atmosphere.

The island is enveloped in dense rainforest, offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of the region. From the lodge’s elevated wooden walkways, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the river and the surrounding jungle, as well as close encounters with the wildlife that inhabits the island.

Unique Features and Luxury Amenities:

Private and Spacious Suites: Wild Waters Lodge features ten luxurious suites built on raised wooden platforms and accessed via elevated walkways that wind through the forest. 

Riverside Infinity Pool: One of the lodge’s standout features is its riverside infinity pool, which is carved out of natural rock and overlooks the Nile’s powerful rapids. 

Dining Over the Nile: The lodge’s restaurant and bar are perched above the river, offering guests the chance to dine with spectacular views of the Nile’s rapids. The cuisine is a fusion of local Ugandan flavours and international dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Private dining experiences can also be arranged on the guest’s balcony or at a secluded spot on the island.

Wildlife and Adventure:

White-Water Rafting and Kayaking: Wild Waters Lodge is ideally situated for those seeking adventure on the Nile. The lodge partners with local outfitters to offer white-water rafting and kayaking excursions on the river’s rapids. These activities provide an exhilarating way to experience the power of the Nile and are suitable for both beginners and experienced adventurers.

Nature Walks and Bird Watching: The island’s lush rainforest is home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife. Guests can explore the island on guided nature walks, where they can learn about the local flora and fauna, spot rare birds, and discover the island’s hidden gems.

South Africa: Tanda Tula

Tanda Tula, an exceptional African lodge located in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, is renowned for its luxurious tented suites and personalised service, ensuring that every guest’s stay is tailored to their preferences.

Location and Setting:

The lodge’s location in the Timbavati Reserve ensures exclusive access to some of the most pristine and game-rich areas in South Africa.

The camp itself is nestled under a canopy of trees, overlooking a riverbed where elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife frequently pass by. This setting offers guests a sense of seclusion and connection with nature that is both profound and peaceful.

Unique Features and Luxury Amenities:

Luxury Tented Suites: Tanda Tula is known for its beautifully appointed tented suites, which offer the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury.

Personalised Service: The lodge prides itself on offering highly personalised service, with a dedicated team that ensures every guest’s stay is tailored to their preferences. This includes private game drives, bush walks, and curated dining experiences.

Wildlife and Adventure:

Big Five Safaris: Tanda Tula offers exceptional Big Five safaris, led by experienced guides and trackers who are deeply knowledgeable about the region’s wildlife and ecosystems. 

Walking Safaris: For those seeking a deeper connection with the wilderness, guided walking safaris provide an intimate perspective on the environment, allowing guests to learn about the smaller details of the bush often missed on game drives.

Photographic Safaris: The lodge also offers specialised photographic safaris that focus on capturing the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Timbavati.

Namibia: Onguma Camp Kala

Onguma Camp Kala is a true desert oasis among African lodges, set within the Onguma Private Nature Reserve near Etosha National Park. The exclusive tented villas and the lodge’s prime location offer guests a luxurious retreat in Namibia’s breathtaking landscape.

Location and Setting:

Onguma Camp Kala is located in the vast Onguma Reserve, which spans over 34,000 hectares of protected land and is home to more than 30 different animal species, including lions, rhinos, and giraffes.

The camp’s location near the Etosha National Park allows guests easy access to one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations, while also offering the privacy and seclusion of a private reserve.

Unique Features and Luxury Amenities:

Exclusive Tented Villas: Onguma Camp Kala features just four exquisitely designed tented villas, ensuring an intimate and exclusive experience. Each villa has a private deck that offers views of the surrounding plains and waterholes.

Main Lodge: The central lodge at Onguma Camp Kala is a masterpiece of design. The open-plan layout allows guests to feel connected to the environment at all times.

Wildlife and Adventure:

Guided Game Drives: Onguma Camp Kala offers expertly guided game drives within the Onguma Reserve and Etosha National Park.

Walking Safaris: These walks are led by experienced guides who share their knowledge of the flora, fauna, and geology of the region, offering a deeper understanding of this desert ecosystem.

Sundowners and Stargazing: Evenings at Onguma Camp Kala are a time for relaxation and reflection as guests enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the plains, followed by stargazing under Namibia’s famously clear night skies.

Botswana: Zambezi Queen Collection Chobe Princess

The Chobe Princess is a floating African lodge providing an intimate and personalised safari experience, with spectacular views and water-based wildlife adventures.

Location and Setting:

The Chobe Princess cruises the Chobe River, which forms the natural boundary between Botswana and Namibia. This location is one of the most biologically diverse regions in Africa, known for its large herds of elephants, hippos, and a variety of bird species.

The river's calm waters provide a serene backdrop for the houseboat, offering guests panoramic views of the lush floodplains, the dramatic sunsets, and the abundant wildlife that gathers along the riverbanks.

Unique Features and Luxury Amenities:

Luxurious Houseboat Cabins: The Chobe Princess features several elegantly appointed cabins, each with large windows providing a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.

Intimate Experience: Unlike larger cruise ships, the Chobe Princess is a smaller, more intimate vessel, with a limited number of cabins.

Onboard Amenities: The houseboat is equipped with a spacious lounge, dining area, and sun deck with a plunge pool, perfect for cooling off while watching the wildlife along the riverbank.

Wildlife and Adventure:

Water-Based Safaris: One of the highlights of staying on the Chobe Princess is the opportunity to embark on water-based safaris. These excursions are conducted on smaller tender boats, allowing guests to get up close to the wildlife, including elephants and crocodiles.

Fishing Expeditions: The Chobe River is renowned for its catch-and-release fishing opportunities, particularly for the elusive tiger fish. 

Bird Watching: The houseboat provides a perfect base for birdwatching, with ample opportunities to spot rare and exotic birds.

Cultural Excursions: Guests can also visit local Namibian villages along the river, offering a glimpse into the lives of the communities that call this region home.

Africa offers travellers the unqiue opportunity of experiencing the raw beauty of the wild married with the refined elegance of luxurious accommodation. The African lodges we've explored in this guide are more than just places to stay—they are gateways to the soul of Africa, each offering a unique blend of comfort, adventure, and deep connection to the natural world. From celebrating milestone moments against the backdrop of the Serengeti to finding serene sanctuary on the shores of Lake Malawi, these lodges cater to the discerning traveller who seeks not just to witness Africa's wonders, but to experience them in the most immersive and luxurious way possible.

Each African lodge tells its own story. Whether it’s the ancient tales whispered by the winds at Fundu Lagoon in Pemba, the secluded tranquillity of Kaya Mawa on Likoma Island, or the thrilling wildlife encounters at Tanda Tula in South Africa, these destinations ensure your journey is as memorable as the destination. Every detail is crafted with care, making sure your African adventure is nothing short of extraordinary. Your choice of these beautiful destinations can be expertly sewn together in a personalised, bespoke itinerary to ensure our clients enjoy a soul-enriched journey of discovery.

For those looking to explore even more exclusive and luxurious options, don’t miss our comprehensive guide to luxury resorts in Africa, where we delve deeper into the finest accommodations the continent has to offer.

If you’re dreaming of an African escape that combines the thrill of the wild with the comfort of luxury, these lodges offer the perfect retreat. Their commitment to exceptional service, environmental stewardship, and authentic experiences ensures that your stay will be unforgettable.