treehouse safari stay

Treehouses in Africa

Tinyeleti Treehouse: Lion Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

Treehouses belong to a main lodge who you would do all of your safari activities with. You would be escorted to your treehouse by the lodge ranger in time for sunset where drinks and a picnic dinner will be waiting for you. Some lodges supply yoga mats for you to use at your leisure and some even offer a masseuse to visit you in your bush bedroom. Or you can just relax, bask in the vast and clear African sky, and enjoy your solitude. We find treehouses to be very romantic and are perfect for a couple. However, many of them can accommodate up to four, making them a great experience for families as well.

Where can you stay in a treehouse on safari?

South Africa: Lion Sands operates two treehouses in the Sabi Sands (Chalkley and Kingston) and one in Kruger (Tinyeleti). Sebatla Treehouse in the Madikwe Game Reserve just opened in March and has been really well-received as has the Giraffe’s Nest at Motswari .

Kenya: Alex Walker has a treehouse in the Maasai Mara in Kenya and his properties never cease to amaze us. Guests staying at Serian Mara and Serian Ngare can build a night in the tree house in to their stay. While not technically a treehouse, the Loisaba Starbeds are an incredibly unique experience and you definitely have the feeling that you are floating among the trees and the stars.

Zambia: In South Luangwa National Park, Kaingo Camp has their Elephant Hide treehouse where can spend the day and the night with perfect views of a centuries-old elephant highway.

Kaingo Elephant Hide Sleepout, South Luangwa, Zamiba

Tanzania: Finally, we are really excited about Rubundo Island Camp’s brand new treehouse sleepout experience which will be available starting July 2014. The treehouse is currently being built on Rubondo island in the center of Lake Victoria and will have views of the lake through the trees. Guests can enjoy an alfresco shower or bath in the wilderness canopy and then spend the night in a luxurious double bed with just the sound of the rain forest to lull them to sleep.

We think a treehouse sleepout is a really memorable experience and we would love to help incorporate it into your next safari.

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&Beyond The Ngala Treehouse Experience

Experience the romance of africa under a blanket of stars.

• Indian Ocean Islands
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• Ngala Private Game Reserve

The Ngala Treehouse Experience

Experience the romance of Africa under a blanket of stars in the luxurious Ngala Treehouse, a remote, yet safe retreat in the middle of the reserve, far from Wi-Fi and artificial light. The treehouse features two sleep levels including a covered and weatherproof space with a king-size bed, hot running shower and flushing toilets. An elevated sleep-out platform allows you to slumber al fresco under a retractable screen. Enjoy sundowner drinks and snacks on the upper deck, a picnic and midnight treats. Completely off the grid, this treehouse promises luxury and comfort while offering the most exclusive wilderness experience.

What we love about it

A treehouse just for you.

Cocooned in natural bush surrounds, this 4-level treehouse features two sleep areas: level 3 is covered and weatherproof, with a king-size bed, and level 4, a sleep-out platform under a retractable awning. Toast the sunset. Enjoy a starlit picnic dinner. You’re assured of an intimate wilderness experience, completely off the grid, themed in luxury and exclusivity.

Pristine location

Set within the Ngala Private Game Reserve, 5 km from &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp: the reserve shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five and more species of large mammals than any other African game reserve. Ngala (meaning lion) lives up to its namesake, with the reserve supporting several large prides.

A wilderness experience

Surrounded by home comforts, a stocked bar and a selection of midnight and  breakfast snacks, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a lodge. However, your night at Ngala Treehouse is essentially an overnight wilderness experience that complements your stay either at &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp or Ngala Safari Lodge.

Private concession

Ngala Private Game Reserve has exclusive traversing rights on 14 700 hectares (36,000 acres) of private wilderness land. As a guest of &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp or Ngala Safari Lodge, you will enjoy the exclusivity of game drives within this concession area, the flexibility of day and night drives and the option of interpretive bush walks.

FROM ZAR 10,800 per night

Please note that the Ngala Treehouse Experience is only available when booking one or more nights at either &BEYOND   Ngala Safari Lodge or &BEYOND Ngala Tented Camp , in the event that guests need to return to their room due to bad weather. Therefore, the rate of the Treehouse, per night, will be added to the rate of the room.

• Ngala Treehouse is essentially an overnight wilderness experience and needs to be booked in conjunction with a cottage/tent at either Ngala Safari Lodge or Ngala Tented Camp in case of inclement weather.
• Includes a stocked bar, a starlit picnic dinner and a selection of midnight and breakfast snacks.
• The 4-level treehouse features two sleep areas - level 3 is covered and weatherproofed, with a king-size bed, and level 4, a sleep-out platform under a retractable awning. In the event of bad weather, all occupants will need to share the one king size bed on level 3.
• Maximum 2 adults + 2 children (10 - 16 yrs). Children are on a request basis and a 25% supplement per child per night will apply.
• No unaccompanied guests under 18 years old.

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6 Best African Safari Treehouses and Star Beds

Imagine retiring to a four-poster bed, falling asleep under the endless African sky to the sound of nature's chorus, that is what awaits you in a safari tree house or star bed. Sleeping in an African safari treehouse or star bed is an incomparable experience. A mix of luxury yet feeling at one with nature, adrenaline-filled yet intense calm. There are few experiences left that capture the romance of the untamed and untainted earth quite like a safari treehouse or star bed. It is a fabulous addition to your bucket list.

Different destinations and properties offer unique safari treehouse and star bed experiences. Some are on the roof of your room, where you can retire back inside if you want, while others are a short drive from camp, wonderfully isolated with only lamps for light. Some feature bathrooms, some plunge pools, and others a private dining area. You will never tire of a star bed experience as no two are the same. We've chosen our 6 best African safari treehouses and star bed experiences:

1. Chalkleys Safari Treehouse, South Africa

Lion Sands ' original treehouse, Chalkleys has roots in history, built where the camp's ancestor, Guy Aubrey Chalkley, once set camp in an ancient leadwood tree. Today, this safari treehouse offers luxury and indulgence minus the distractions of Wi-Fi. The soft lantern glow and sounds of the wild truly connect you to the heart of Africa.

2. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge Sleep Out, Tanzania

Set in the heart of a mahogany forest in the diverse Lake Manyara National Park, this lodge provides a breathtaking backdrop of groundwater forests, tranquil lakes, and the Great Rift Valley. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge offers you the chance to spend an evening under a blanket of a million stars, on an unforgettable sleepout adventure, beyond your average fly camping experience. You'll be surrounded by the park's rich wildlife, including large elephant and buffalo herds.

3. Star Bed Treehouse at Victoria Falls River Lodge, Zimbabwe

These magnificent, double-story Starbed Treehouses appear to be suspended above the iconic Zambezi River close to Victoria Falls on the private Kandahar Island. With a luxury suite below and an upper-story deck featuring a star bed, private plunge pool, and sitting area, the Star bed Treehouse at Victoria Falls River Lodge offers the best of both worlds with the freedom to choose between sleeping under the stars or in an air-conditioned interior suite. From your bath to your bed to your private plunge pool, every view is a tribute to the beauty of the Zambezi River.

4. Baines Camp, Botswana

Sanctuary Baines Camp features 6 luxurious suites that offer expansive views over the permanent water of the river and a lagoon teaming with hippos and other wildlife. Each room features a four-poster bed which, should you wish, can be wheeled out onto the private wooden deck for a night under the stars...

5. Loisaba Star Bed, Kenya

Loisaba's handcrafted four-poster wooden beds sit on raised wooden platforms jutting out from a thatched-roof accommodation and are rolled out each night for guests to enjoy the most memorable sleep under the endless African sky. Rustically designed to complement the surrounding environment, each star bed at Loisaba is individually built in harmony with the natural rocky features, incorporating a sitting area, and an open plan bathroom with a view. Our favorite part? Waking up to an African sunrise, cup of warmth in hand, and the promise of adventure.

6. Ngala Treehouse, South Africa

A luxurious treehouse located in the Ngala Private Game Reserve, Ngala Treehouse offers an immersive wilderness experience. It features 2 sleep levels including a covered and weatherproof space with a cosy king bed, hot running shower and bathroom with flushing toilet. Created with ultimate privacy in mind, the treehouse is cocooned in natural bush surroundings within the Ngala Private Game Reserve, 5 km from Ngala Tented Camp . Surrounded by home comforts, a stocked bar and a selection of midnight and breakfast snacks, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a lodge.

If a safari treehouse or star bed has made its way onto your africa bucket list , get in touch with our Travel Experts to start planning your night under the stars.

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• Tree house video

Treehouse safari Lion Sands

Lodge style A different perspective

A view with a room

Add something truly special and spectacular to your stay at any of the Lion Sands safari lodges. Lion Sands boasts three absolutely stunning tree houses offering you a complete fresh perspective on the South African bush. Sleeping under the stars in complete privacy whilst listening to the sounds of the bush is an unparalleled experience. A night in a tree house can be booked as an add on when staying at River, Ivory, Narina or Tinga Lodge. The tree house experience is an extremely popular option so we recommend booking as early as possible.

The Sabi Sands Treehouses are the ultimate bush bedrooms. You will be taken to your tree house at sunset to enjoy mouthwatering picnic dinner and spend the hours of sunset fully appreciating the vastness of the African bush as it transforms from day to night.

All Lion Sands tree houses are securely constructed above the ground, where animals will remain at a safe and comfortable distance. Your dedicated ranger will provide a full orientation when he drops you off before sunset, and will remain on call via the radio left behind until it is time to leave the following morning after sunrise and a good cup of coffee.

Chalkley tree house Lion Sands

Guy Aubrey Chalkley once set up camp in a majestic ancient leadwood tree to escape the wildlife roaming the bush below. This, of course, would be the ideal place to build the ultimate tree house bedroom, and so came to be The Chalkley Treehouse.

The Chalkley Treehouse is a secure and lavish platform under the African skies, the romantic treehouse has all the 5-star comforts, but affords an experience as wild as the animals that roam beneath it.

Kingston tree house - Sabi Sands

Make your way through rows of imposing white boulders and across a small drawbridge, and you will find the South African bush unfolding in front of you. Set amidst the pure and untouched wilderness, you will be surrounded by African bush and uninhibited wildlife at its very best. The Kingston treehouse is equipped with full bathroom and shower facilities, and Africology products to complete your sensory experience.

The Kingston treehouse in Sabi Sands is an experience for your Bucket List. But we must warn you …. once will never be enough.

Tinyeleti treehouse - Lion Sands

The Tinyeleti Treehouse in Sabi Sands, which translates to ‘Many Stars’, is an overnight wilderness experience that has no equal. Watch the sun set beyond the horizon as you sip on a cocktail or a glass of bubbly. You will be utterly riveted by the many animals that arrive at the river to quench their thirst. Tinyeleti is a tale you will tell over and again. That is, if you can find the words to describe it.

The 50 square metres deck can accommodate four guests, based on two adults and two children under the age of 15.

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Luxury treehouse safari

Travel Logistics

Price Guide

Life in the trees luxury treehouse safari.

This luxury treehouse safari in Southern Africa features four of our absolute favourite treehouses. We’re crazy about this thrilling safari. And we made sure you’ll see all the Southern African highlights in four countries. There’s something about luxury treehouses that make you feel like a kid again. Nibbling on a picnic high above the ground, flashing your torch at every little crackle, and falling asleep – or not – under a billion trillion stars. They’re humble in concept, but stark raving fabulous in reality. The greatest thing about luxury treehouses? You get to choose who’s allowed in. (So, make sure you pick someone special to share it with). 

The Okavango Delta, a romantic, billion-star hideaway for two in the Kruger, a leafy retreat on a private island in the middle of the Zambezi and even a converted 1920s grain silo high above Cape Town’s concrete jungle. Top that off with a sleep out on the roof of your suite on an island in the middle of the Zambezi River and we reckon, our Luxury Southern Africa treehouse safari is a pretty darn perfect way to see Southern Africa. 

• Luxury treehouses and stellar elevated views absolutely everywhere you go.
• Sipping sundowners at the Silo with 360 degree views of the city – and Table Mountain.
• Big five action underneath the big skies of the Kruger.
• Boating on the Zambezi at sunset, just minutes upstream from Victoria Falls.
• Experiencing the magic of game viewing in a mokoro in the Okavango Delta.
• Bragging rights to the very best of Southern Africa – and plotting your return.

Cool & Unusual

• Feeling like a kid again in some of the most extraordinary places on earth.

Break it down Itinerary overview

You’ll begin your journey in Cape Town with three nights in the iconic surrounds of The Silo. Designed to host the largest collection of contemporary art in Africa, The Silo, set in the trendy docklands of the V&A Waterfront, is an architectural wonder outdone only by its panoramic views of the city and of Table Mountain. Equally priceless is its proximity to just about everything. From here, you’ll browse the Waterfront’s shops and galleries, dine out in style and taste your way around the winelands.

Sufficiently wined and dined, you’re bound for Tinga Lodge. Set in the south-western fringes of the Kruger National Park, this is Big Five country. Here, you’ll spend three days fulfilling your Out of Africa dreams.

Head off from Tinga Lodge with an overnight bag for one star-studded night in the most romantic treehouse of them all, the lantern-lit Tinyeleti. With miles of African bush, more wildlife than you ever imagined possible and an endless canopy of stars all to yourselves, there’s a kind of magic here that will indelibly imprint on your memory and forever alter your soul.

Leaving South Africa behind, you’ll fly to Zimbabwe, bound for the treehouse suites at Victoria Falls River Lodge. Set on a private island in the middle of the Zambezi, you’ll spend three nights in the ultra-exclusive Star Bed suite, hidden from view among the trees. You get to decide whether you want to sleep indoors, or on the roof under the stars.

Tour its rainforests of Victoria Falls with a local guide, and generally fall in love with this natural wonder. When you’re not tearing off on a game-drive or spotting crocs and hippos on a boat cruise, your private plunge pool beckons.

Just over the border, your treetop safari begins its grand finale in Botswana. You’ll catch a plane headed for Sable Alley on the edge of the Okavango Delta. Here, you’ll spend your days tracking lions, leopards and wild dogs on the hunt for prey, and gliding along the elephant and hippo-lined waterways in a mokoro.

You’ll spend one of your last nights in Africa in one of just three breath-taking Skybeds. With rumbling elephants below you and a gazillion stars above, is there a more perfect way to say goodbye? Or, rather, “see you soon”.

Your stay Camps & lodges

Contemporary-camp-meets-Game of Thrones. That’s the impression you get as you set foot into The Silo’s tiny lobby through what feels like a hidden side entrance to a deliciously psychedelic speak-easy. Carved out of a decommissioned 1920s grain silo in Cape...

Tinga Lodge

We love a little romance. And super-comfy Tinga is brimming with it. Dine in the peace of your own deck or join the buzz of the day’s stories over a fire-side chardonnay – it’s totally up to you. And if...

Tinyeleti Treehouse

On a remote, stilted platform miles from anyone and anywhere waits an overnight safari experience you will never, ever forget. Here, under nothing but the light of the full moon, the bush goes about its business none the wiser to...

Victoria Falls Island Treehouses

Picture this: a private treehouse, on a private island, in the middle of a private stretch of Zambezi, your every whim attended to by your private butler (of course.) Sound perfect? It really is. Hidden from view among the trees,...

Sable Alley

Situated adjacent to the famous Moremi Game Reserve and teeming with big game, the 200,000 hectare Khwai Private Reserve is enormous. This is where you’ll find the charming, community-run Sable Alley. Home to huge herds of buffalo and elephant, plenty...

Skybeds Camp

Fancy yourself a true adventure-seeker? A thrilling night in one of only three star-studded Skybeds beckons. Here the action happens on a multi-storey wooden platform five meters up in the air above a busy waterhole with nothing more than a...

Itinerary gallery

Luxury Treehouse safari Dates & Rates

Pricing intended as a guideline. Subject to availability, airfare and rate of exchange fluctuations. E&OE

Bang for your buck What’s included

3 nights at the Silo including breakfast

3 nights at Tinga Lodge including all meals

3 nights at Victoria Falls Island Suites including all meals

3 nights at Sable Alley including all meals

All unique sleep out experiences

Excursion to the Skybeds including helicopter transfer, sundowners and hide visit

All internal flights from Cape Town and lodge and hotel transfers

All meals at safari lodges (this typically includes brunch, high tea and dinner)

Local wines and beers, soft drinks and bottled water on safari

All game drives and standard lodge activities

Experienced Safari Guides and Trackers on safari

Snacks and drinks during game drives

Conservation fees for game parks and reserves

Complimentary laundry service while on safari unless specified

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Best Treehouses in Africa

Nothing brings you closer to nature than an overnight stay in an African treehouse. So we thought we would list the best treehouses in Africa to help you plan an epic escape!

As travelers are becoming more eager for opportunities to connect with the earth and experience the world as nature intended, treehouses have gained in popularity, and we highly recommend booking at least one night in a treehouse or sky bed during your stay if this is an option at your selected safari lodge. It is a memorable experience to truly become one with the wild.

Keep in mind that many treehouses are booked in conjunction with your other overnight accommodations. Generally, that means packing a smaller bag for your stay in the treehouse, while leaving the rest of your belongings back at camp.

Chalkey Treehouse, South Africa

A five-star accommodation tucked away in Sabi Sands Game Reserve that was once a personal game-viewing tower, the Chalkley Treehouse is a luxurious and spacious choice. Constructed around a 500-year old Leadwood tree, Chalkey offers complete privacy, security, seclusion, and opportunities to experience the iconic Big Five , and is only 10 minutes away from Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Lion Sands River Lodge. While staying at a Lion Sands property, other highlights include morning and afternoon game drives, intimate wildlife encounters, and all desired comforts.

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Tanzania

Segera Retreat NAY PALAD Bird Nest, Kenya

Distinctly constructed from timber and thatch, the Nay Plad Bird Nest at Segera Retreat is exactly what it sounds like; a towering structure resembling a birds nest, offering guests a romantic and isolated overnight experience in the wild. The nest boasts impressive views of the Laikipia Plateau and Mount Kenya amongst unparalleled exclusivity and privacy. Other amenities include delicious culinary experiences, spa treatments, helicopter tours, and a Wine Tower.

Kingston Treehouse, South Africa

Envision a wooden walkway illuminated by lanterns, located amongst African bush and a prime vantage point for stargazing, and you’ve got the Kingston Treehouse. Crafted from wood and glass, overnight guests sleep in luxurious beds carefully set above the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Wildlife appearances vary based on the season guests visit, but the treehouse possesses incredible sights of the Sabi River, which often sees a fair amount of elephant activity. Other fun additions for guests staying in the treehouse include a picnic basket, drawbridge, and private dining experiences, which makes it a perfect location for a romantic getaway. Due to its immense popularity, booking in advance is recommended.

Abu Camp’s Star Bed, Botswana

Abu Camp’s Star Bed is not just an incredible sleep-out experience, but a thrilling wildlife encounter, as well! Abu Camp’s resident herd of wild elephants, nicknamed the Abu Herd, voluntarily return to the property every evening and spend the night just below the starbed! Visitor’s bedtime lullaby will be the snores of elephants and the melody of the African wilderness! This incredible animal interaction is paired with luxury amenities and all of your everyday comforts.

Ngala Treehouse, South Africa

This impressive treehouse features four levels: two for sleeping, an open rooftop, and living/common area. As indicated by its name, the treehouse is located in the Ngala Private Game Reserve, the first private reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park, which offers unobstructed views of the Big Five game viewing. Considered a true overnight wilderness experience, this treehouse is an oasis of peace and luxury and offers unparalleled exclusivity for game drives.

Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

Did you ever think it would be possible to sleep in a treehouse in the middle of a volcano? Well now you can. The Bisate Lodge in Rwanda is eco-conscious and located adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, giving guests direct access to guided hikes, nature walks, and special interactions with gorillas, golden monkeys, jackals, buffalo, and elephants. Bisate offers six forest villas made from various woven materials, with a cone-like shape that seamlessly blends into its rare and natural surroundings. Each villa hosts a bedroom, reception area, bathroom, central fireplace, and a private deck for all your viewing pleasure. Conservation efforts are also strong here, with a reforestation project underway.

Bucket List Items

Few experiences (if any) rival that of an overnight stay in one of the numerous treehouses offered throughout Africa, set away from light pollution, quietly gazing out at a star-filled sky (hopefully with a picnic). We invite you to indulge in relaxation, nature, wildlife, and the unique sense of magic and awe these carefully crafted structures provide.

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11 Best South Africa Treehouse Rentals 2024

Are you searching for the best treehouses in South Africa? Well, look no further, here are the top South Africa treehouse rentals that are guaranteed to take your treehouse in South Africa to the next higher level, literally!

From  quirky tree top cabins  to  romantic treehouses  and  family dens in the sky , you’re bound to find the perfect treehouse stay in South Africa!

Whilst in Africa, you might like to check out   these  related posts:

• Top Treehouse Hotels in Africa
• Amazing Treehouse Hotels in Kenya
• Best Tanzania Treehouse Hotels
• Top Madagascar Tree Houses
• Awesome Treehouses in Reunion

This article contains affiliate links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase via these links.

Quick Lowdown of the Best Treehouses in South Africa

Heading to South Africa and need an expert accommodation recommendation? 

These Top 5 Treehouses South Africa  makes choosing your dream treehouse stay a breeze. 

Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, a family break or a budget weekend, check out my shortlist below. 

Best Family South Africa Treehouse Hotel – Pezulu Tree House Lodge

Best garden route south africa treehouse rentals – tsala treetop lodge, most romantic south africa treehouses – leopard hills private game reserve, best south africa tree house for couples – teniqua treetops, best luxury treehouse hotels south africa – vindoux tree house guest farm & spa.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? 

Keep reading for more details, and check out more amazing treehouse cabins in South Africa.

Location : Plettenberg Bay near Knysna, Garden Route

Sleeps:  2 – 4

Hot Tub: No

Tsala Treetop Lodge

This unique Garden Route boutique resort  Tsala Treetop Lodge  gives you a bird’s eye view of South Africa’s indigenous forest canopy from a luxurious stilted hut.

Think Tarzan, but with wraparound decking, private infinity pools, free WIFI, a fireplace, 24 hour room service and flatscreen TVs.

Better still, all this back-to-nature wilderness is just 10km from the beaches, bars and boutiques of Plettenberg Bay.

Massages, reflexology, Shiatsu and beauty treatments are available on request.

Guests can enjoy a collection of books in the hotel lounge area, as well as a wine cellar and a restaurant with several deck areas for enjoying the view with a meal.

Amid the famous scenery of the Garden Route National Park , the lodge is just 13.7 miles from the town of Knysna.

Location : Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Kruger

Sleeps:  2

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

Leopard Hills is a luxury game lodge situated in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.

It is built on a hill overlooking a natural waterhole (frequented by elephants) and offers panoramic views of the African bushveld.

Each luxurious suite has floor to ceiling glass windows, a freestanding bath, indoor and outdoor shower , a private deck and a rock pool.

Breakfast is served on the main deck, lunch is served under big shady umbrellas and dinner could either be under the stars around a fire or fine silver service in the dining room.

Guests can enjoy daily activities at the safari lodge, such as game drives and wildlife walking trails in the reserve.

Free Wi-Fi and a gym is available on the property.

The Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is 65.2 miles away.

Location : Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Sleeps:  2 – 6

Hot Tub: Yes

Pezulu Treehouse Lodge

Located within a 50-minute drive of Kruger National Park , Pezulu Tree House Lodge is situated in Hoedspruit.

It offers a restaurant, room service, bar, garden, year-round outdoor pool and sun terrace, which is perfect for sunsets.

There are 10 treehouses , which include breakfast, WIFI and a shared lounge area.

The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre is 11.8 miles from Pezula Tree House Lodge, while Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre is 19.9 miles away.

The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate, 29.2 miles from the accommodation, and the treehouse offers a paid airport shuttle service.

Location : Knysna, Garden Route

Teniqua Treetops

Teniqua Treetops is a tented treetop resort set in the lush forest along the Garden Route between Knysna and Sedgefield.

These eco-friendly, hand-crafted tree houses offer a unique alternative for self-catering accommodation.

Along with a large terrace where you can enjoy the forest views, they include a fan and a full bathroom and microwave.

Teniqua Treetops is located high on the foothills of the Outeniqua mountain range.

Seven Passes Road is 1.2 miles away, offering a scenic drive.

Sedgefield beaches are just 20 minutes’ drive away and Knysna is 30 minutes’ drive.

Location : Tulbagh in Western Cape

Sleeps:  2 to 8

Vindoux Tree House Guest Farm & Spa

Nestled in the Tulbagh Valley, Vindoux Tree House Guest Farm & Spa is a working farm surrounded by mountains, vineyards and orchards.

The property has a game farm and a day spa.

Vindoux offers accommodation in unique tree houses and cosy cottages.

The tree houses feature a spa bath and mountain views and there is also a family unit with garden and outdoor pool.

The cottages are equipped with an open plan kitchen and barbecue facilities.

Guests can order meals from the on site kitchen and enjoy them in the privacy of their room.

Picnic baskets can also be arranged.

Vindoux’s Day spa offers a variety of massages and body treatments, using locally handcrafted body products.

There is a hot tub to relax in and a salt therapy room.

Guests have free access to the fitness room and there is large pool on the property for hot summer days.

The property is 3 miles from the historic centre of Tulbagh, 900 yards from Saronsberg Winery and 1 mile from Krone winery.

The farm is convenient for all the local wedding venues.

Best KwaZulu-Natal Treehouse Accommodation South Africa – Sycamore Avenue Treehouses & Cottages Accommodation

Location : KwaZulu-Natal

Sycamore Avenue Treehouses & Cottages Accommodation

Offering unique treehouse accommodation, Sycamore Avenue Treehouses & Cottages Accommodation is set in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands Meander, 7.5 miles away from Mooi River.

All treehouses and cottages feature a private patio, a fireplace and a spa bath for guest to enjoy.

Some of them have views of the Drakensberg mountains and a hammock.

Guests enjoy a breakfast and dinner meal at the on-site restaurant.

You can play pool and darts at the property, and the area is popular for hiking and golfing.

Best South Africa Tree Houses with Hot Tub – Fernhill Tented Treehouses

Location : Rheenendal, Western Cape

Sleeps:  4

Fernhill Tented Treehouses

There are 6 glamping treehouse tents , with their own wooden deck with tree views of the forest on the farm.

Each is furnished with a king-size bed, an en-suite bathroom, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, and its own braai area.

The treehouse glamping site is located on a farm near George overlooking the Outeniqua Mountains.

The treehouses include access to 4 double seater canoes that can be used free of charge.

Guest review : “A definite recommendation!!!

This is not just a stay, it’s an experience.

The treehouse, as well as milking the cows in the morning, cuddling the calves and the beautiful surroundings.

Don’t miss it!” – Sara, February 2022

Best Treehouse in South Africa for Big Groups – Big Tree House Lodge

Location : Knysna Garden Route

Sleeps:  8

Big Tree House Lodge

This treehouse is located 3.7 miles from Knysna Heads and only one minute walk from the beach.

The lodge features a garden and sun terrace.

Knysna Forest is 6.2 miles from Big Tree House Lodge, while Pledge Nature Reserve is 3.1 miles away.

The nearest airport is Plettenberg Bay Airport, 19.9 miles from the accommodation.

Best Family Treehouse South Africa – Ballots Bay Treehouse

Location : George

Ballots Bay Treehouse

Situated in George, a few steps from Ballots Bay Beach, 9 miles from George Golf Club and 11 miles from Outeniqua Pass, Ballots Bay Treehouse features accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.

Featuring a balcony and mountain views, the apartment includes 3 bedrooms, a living room, satellite flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen, and 2 bathrooms with a shower and a bath.

There is a terrace and a barbecue at this property and guests can go fishing nearby.

Lakes Area National Park is 20 miles from the apartment, while Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is 30 miles from the property.

Best Tree Houses South Africa for Couples – Treehouse River Lodge

Location : Elangeni

Treehouse River Lodge

Boasting an outdoor swimming pool , a garden as well as a terrace, Treehouse River Lodge is situated in Elangeni, within 23 miles of Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve and 23 miles of Durban Botanic Gardens.

There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and free toiletries.

A Full English/Irish breakfast is available each morning at the bed and breakfast.

Durban ICC is 24 miles from Treehouse River Lodge, while Moses Mabhida Stadium is 25 miles from the property.

The nearest airport is Pietermaritzburg Airport, 33 miles from the accommodation.

Most Dreamy Treehouse Hotel South Africa – Treehouse Cottage

Location : The Crags

Treehouse Cottage

Featuring a garden with a terrace, Treehouse Cottage is an apartment located in The Crags.

It features views of the mountain and indigenous forest.

The unit fitted with a kitchenette with a microwave and toaster.

Birds of Eden is 1 miles from Treehouse Cottage, while Elephant Sanctuary is 1 miles away.

You can engage in various activities, such as horse riding and hiking.

Interested in More Treehouse Cabins?

That’s my lowdown on the best tree house hotels in South Africa, if you’re looking for more treehouse rentals check out these related posts:

• Top Tree House Hotels in Africa
• Awesome Treehouses on Reunion Island
• Best Kenya Tree Houses
• Best Treehouses in Madagascar
• Ultimate Tips for Tree House Stays
• Epic World Treehouses to Rent
• Follow TopTreehouses on Pinterest

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6 Day Kruger Park Treehouse Safari

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• Lowest Price Guarantee

OR Tambo Airport / Any Hotel available on request

Highlights:

• Balule Game Reserve
• Motlala Game Reserve
• Treehouse accommodation
• Kruger National Park safari drives
• Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
• Tshukudu Game Reserve
• Panorama Route (subject to availabilty)

Description:

This wildly popular 6-day budget treehouse safari offers the perfect combination of glorious daily game drives and a bush walk in the Greater Kruger and two full days to thoroughly explore the iconic Kruger National Park. It’s geared for the adventurous traveller wanting a more authentic safari experience, staying in a one-of-a-kind treehouse in gorgeous bushveld surrounds.

The Greater Kruger is made up on a collection of unfenced private game reserves which lie adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Game roams freely between the two in what is the largest protected wilderness region in Africa. The safari tour ends with a scenic return trip travelling via the world-famous Panorama Route.

Accommodation

TREMISANA GAME LODGE

Treehouse accommodation in the Greater Kruger

15 thatched chalets, sleeping up to 40 guests

Tremisana Game Lodge is located in Balule Private Nature Reserve which is a protected wildlife area that falls within the Greater Kruger National Park in northern South Africa. Balule is 23 000 square kilometres of pristine bushveld that stretches along the length of the Olifants River. The reserve is unfenced and game roams freely between Balule and the Kruger National Park. Tremisana Game Lodge is less than an hour’s drive from the Kruger Park.

MARC’S TREEHOUSE LODGE

12 treehouse units, sleeping up to 24 adult guests

Marc’s Treehouse Lodge is located in the Motlala Game Reserve which is home to 3 of the Big 5 (rhino, buffalo and leopard) and an abundance of antelope. It offers a selection of budget-friendly accommodation ranging from unique treehouses to comfortable guest houses and permanent safari tents. The lodge is geared for the adventurous traveller wanting affordable accommodation and an authentic bushveld experience.

Motlala Game Reserve is a 3 000-hectare private reserve that falls within the Greater Kruger. It’s ideally located to the iconic Kruger National Park and the major attractions in the northern safari hub of South Africa. The private reserve is unfenced and game is free to roam between the private reserves of the Greater Kruger and the Kruger National Park.

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG – GREATER KRUGER (approx 440 kms)

Travel from Johannesburg in an air-conditioned tour vehicle to Tremisana Game Lodge, located in the Balule Game Reserve which falls within the Greater Kruger. Settle into your chalet and relax until it’s time to depart late afternoon for a 3-hour sunset game drive in the private reserve. Return to your lodge for an authentic African braai (barbeque) deep in the bushveld at Marula Tree Boma.

Overnight in a thatched chalet at Tremisana Game Lodge.

Includes: Dinner

DAY 2: GREATER KRUGER

Early morning wake-up for hot beverages and rusks before setting off to a remote corner of Balule Game Reserve for a 4-hour guided bush walk along the Olifants River with an armed safari guide. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a real bushveld experience while keeping a keen eye on the thick bush for the Big Five and an abundance of antelope, predators and indigenous birds.

Return to Tremisana Game Lodge for a late breakfast and refreshments; relax and freshen up before it’s time for mid-afternoon tea and the afternoon game drive.

Overnight in treehouse accommodation at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge.

Includes: Late breakfast & dinner

DAY 3: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Wake up early for hot beverages and rusks before setting off for a full-day safari tour of the Kruger National Park. We enter via Orpen Gate and spend the day exploring the upper-south and central region. Lunch break at a popular Kruger Park rest camp (for your own cost). Return to your lodge late afternoon. Spend another magical night at the lodge lapa enjoying an authentic African meal.

Includes: Breakfast & dinner

DAY 4: GREATER KRUGER

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and then join your guide for a tour of Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre located on the outskirts of Hoedspruit. The centre cares for injured and orphaned wild animals and birds of prey. The 2-hour excursion includes a photo opportunity with one of the ambassador cheetahs.

Return to your lodge mid-day and relax around the camp before it’s time to depart late afternoon for a 3-hour game drive in Tshukudu Game Reserve. Return to your lodge late evening and enjoy another magical evening at the lodge lapa.

Includes: Breakfast

DAY 5: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Day 6: greater kruger – johannesburg.

Wake up early and join an armed ranger for a 1-hour bush walk in the private game reserve. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing mid-morning for the return journey to Johannesburg, travelling via the famous Panorama Route. Arrive in Johannesburg late afternoon (approx 17h00).

• Collection and drop off at OR Tambo International Airport or any hotel in Johannesburg or Pretoria in a luxury air-conditioned Quantum
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary
• FGASA- and DEAT-registered professional field guide
• Kruger National Park and Motlala Game Reserve entrance fee and conservation levy
• Free Wi-Fi at all safari lodges
• Scheduled flights to/from OR Tambo international airport
• Other domestic flights
• Kruger national park conservation fees
• All purchases of a personal nature
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (cash bar only)
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Any other activity not specified in the itinerary
• Visa fees if required

Good to know:

Group tours

MoAfrika Tours and its service providers offer cost effective group tours and transfers ranging from 2 – 12 persons per vehicle, please do inform us if you would prefer a private tour (additional rates may apply).

Collection / Drop off

Collection from any Hotel or address in Johannesburg between 06:30am – 09:30am depending on collection location.

Drop-off at any hotel or address in Johannesburg from 17h00

Please note

If you plan to fly out of OR Tambo International Airport on the last day of the safari tour, we suggest reserving a domestic flight that departs no earlier than 19h30 and an international flight that departs no earlier than 21h00.

Enquire Now

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• +27 (0) 82 506 9641
• +27 (0) 72 783 9787
• [email protected]
• Address: 16 Karen Road, Illiondale, Johannesburg, South Africa

Popular Tours

Additional information, awards and recognition.

Copyright © MoAfrika Tours 2024

MoAfrika tours and the Kruger Safari Co. are destination management companies (DMC) and are not entities of the South African National Parks Board (SANparks).

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Book Now Tickets + Safaris

Explore 600 acres of Kentish Savannah

A truly incredible safari experience.

Visit Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve for an unforgettable safari experience set against hundreds of acres of stunning Kentish savannah. 

There's never been a better time to visit Port Lympne. Bring your family to meet our family!

Bank Holiday Roast

Enjoy a mouth-watering May bank holiday Roast at The Garden Room Restaurant. Our chefs have prepared a feast fit for a king, with succulent meats, crisp roast potatoes, and locally sourced vegetables.

Book Day Tickets

Book a visit to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and come face-to-face with hundreds of rare and endangered animals in the Kent countryside

Spring Safari Staycations

Join us on our stunning Kentish savannah this spring and enjoy a magical getaway with award-winning accommodation, exotic wildlife, good food and spectacular views, right on your doorstep!

Sunday Roast at The Garden Room

One of the finest English traditions, a leisurely Sunday roast can be enjoyed in the Garden Room.

Bear Lodge Restaurant

Informal family dining overlooking the spectacled bear habitat, with a spectacular view across the reserve and to the Kent coastline.

How Your Visit Helps

Dinosaur forest, eat and drink.

Don't forget to book your seats aboard a safari truck and see how many magnificent animals you can spot on your way!

We’re home to over 900 animals across 75 species, including Kent's only spectacled bears as well as giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, gorillas, monkeys and more! Find out more about our incredible animals here .

Your ticket will help to fund not only the care of the animals here at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve but will also support our overseas projects. Thanks to the generosity of visitors like you, we - in conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation (charity number 326567) - have released more than 75 gorillas back to the wild and our released gorillas have had over 35 wild births! In Indonesia, we have released 41 Javan gibbons, 14 Javan grizzled langurs and 125 Javan ebony langurs. The Indonesian primates have over 35 wild births. We have also transferred 8 black rhino from our Kent parks to Africa, who have produced 25 offspring between them. Find out more about our conservation work around the world.

Steel your nerves and discover the forest that time forgot as you explore the UK’s largest outdoor dinosaur exhibition, Dinosaur Forest , featuring all your favourite beasts.

We serve home cooked food made with fresh, locally sourced produce at our restaurants and cafes . You'll find family favourites at Basecamp Cafe, Italian inspired dishes at Babydoll's Wood Fired Pizza or dine in style at The Garden Room Restaurant & Bar.

Relax, unwind, and recharge with an overnight stay in one of our unique accommodations .

The BIG day out

Annual pass.

Go wild and enjoy the best value days out to two of Kent's most popular animal parks with our new Annual Pass.  Visit Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve as many times as you like in a year! 

Your next adventure awaits

Enjoy unforgettable short breaks with friends, family and loved ones. Stay as long as you like and even pick a different accommodation for each night! Choose additional experiences or just soak up the peace and quiet, recharge and reconnect.

Stay in our multi award-winning accommodation

There are so many amazing ways to stay at Port Lympne. Our award winning short breaks range from glamping to a luxurious 4* hotel , or a unique Treehouse stay . Set in this unique coastal location, with amazing views, surrounded by wildlife, it’s a short break you’ll never forget.

What’s more, all profits from the parks and short breaks go back into the conservation work of our partner charity, The Aspinall Foundation. So you can enjoy your stay, knowing that you are directly helping our conservation work.

Luxury Stays

Immerse yourself in the lives of the lion pride at Lion Lodge and explore the rest of the Reserve on your private golf buggy.

Tiger Lodge

Wake up in a tiger’s world, then head out in your own personal golf buggy to meet the rest of the animals in the 600 acre reserve.

Be part of the pack and watch our wolves from your private viewing window. Then discover over 700 animals as you explore the reserve on your golf buggy.

Rhino Lodge

Make friends with your wild neighbours and explore the reserve in your own personal golf buggy.

Enjoy stunning views from your award winning self-catering treehouse suite and explore the 600 acre reserve on your own personal golf buggy.

Mansion Hotel

Get away from it all with a stay at our 4* boutique hotel.

Giraffe Cottage

A classic country retreat with a guided safari and a private chef!

The Treetop Bubble

Immerse yourself in a luxury romantic retreat amongst the treetops, with 180 degree panoramic views. Includes your own personal golf buggy.

Forest Hideaway

Exclusive hidden forest dens, for the ultimate romantic retreat. Includes a golf buggy to explore the reserve at your leisure.

Hog Deer Creek

Stay in the wilds of Kent in your cosy shepherd’s hut. Explore the 600 acre reserve on your own private golf buggy.

Glamping Stays

Unforgettable glamping getaway overlooking the spectacled bear habitat. Camp out under the stars and immerse yourself in an exciting safari experience.

Giraffe Lodge

Camp out under the stars and immerse yourself in an exciting safari experience - right here in Kent!

Put the fun back into camping without the need to pitch a tent at Pinewood, where you can sleep within roaring distance of lions!

Pinewood - Shepherds Hut

Camp in style and comfort at Pinewood's Shepherd's Hut and fall asleep to the sound of the roaring lions!

There's so much more to Port Lympne...

We’re not just an award-winning wild day out and we’re not just a charity with conservation at our heart. We take good care of our animals and good care of our guests, too! There’s nowhere in the world quite like Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve.

• Book activities including animal encounters, keeper days and safari park tours
• Have a party or host your next conference or event 
• Book your next getaway
• Get married at our award-winning wedding venue
• Eat and drink

What's on

Experiences

Explore: dinosaur forest.

Steel your nerves as you journey through Dinosaur Forest !  Marvel at the tremendous T-Rex, stare at the Stegosaurus, feel the terror of the Pterodactyl, and delight at the sheer size of the diplodocus! Come face to face with prehistoric life-sized creatures in the UK’s largest dinosaur forest!

We’re not a zoo

• Port Lympne Reserve is a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered animals and wherever possible we aim to send animals born here to protected areas of their natural habitat where they can live free – just as they should be.
• We always make sure that the animals come first, from enclosure design to diet, no expense is spared. We grow our own herbs and vegetables and source our meat from trustworthy suppliers.
• We design our enclosures with the animals in mind, so there’s lots of natural foliage and furniture to provide shelter and camouflage.
• We never lock our animals into viewing areas, so, just like in the wild, it may take some time to spot certain animals.
• We do our best to provide a fantastic visitor experience, whilst not forgetting the primary reason we’re here – to ensure the survival of endangered animals.

TRIPADVISOR Wonderful Day Out An excellent place to visit - see the animals close up and enjoy excellent food at Baby Dolls restaurant. Friendly helpful staff everywhere around the huge park. The Safari ride is a must do. A great day out at a great price. Ken S. Written August 26, 2021

TRIPADVISOR Super Safari The reserve is large and offers a lovely day out. I highly recommend booking the safari as this was the best part of our visit. Amy Rogers. Written August 6, 2021

TRIPADVISOR An unbelievable experience We were all amazed at just how good this place is. We stayed in the hotel for two nights so got two full days in the park. Everything is so well organised and the safari drives are brilliant. You get to see so many animals close up. We have been to a South African safari and we saw more animals here than we did there. We were very luck with the weather which added to the experience. You have to give this place a try, you will love it and the kids will too. Gary F. Written October 6, 2020

How to get here

Port Lympne Reserve, Lympne (Nr Hythe), Kent, United Kingdom, CT21 4PD

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House Beautiful

These Stunning Treehouse Hotels Let You Totally Relax

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 27, 2024

When you really want to get away from it all, a stay at one of the best treehouse hotels is what need. Whether it be a colossal redwood in Muir Woods or a birch in your own backyard, trees have an amazing ability to help us feel grounded. Aside from supplying us with oxygen, research shows that tree gazing (aka forest bathing) reduces stress and improves our overall mood. So, when planning your next vacation, why not get in touch with nature at a treetop hotel?

Private by design, treehouse hotel rooms typically are single villas or casitas that can accommodate a couple or a small group. Many treehouse resorts are adults-only or have age restrictions due to their design. (The decks can be 35 or more feet up in the tree canopy, which is amazing for panoramic views but not so great for keeping small children safe.) Often equipped with the best amenities and features, like freestanding bathtubs, fireplaces or woodburning stoves, expansive terraces with hot tubs or soaking tubs, and butler or concierge service, treehouse hotel rooms take your comfort seriously. But the most luxurious thing about them is the total immersion in nature. You'll wake up with a view of trees, and go to bed to the sounds of nature. In between, you have nothing more to do than relax and get to know your new neighbors, whether they be toucans and sloths or giraffes and antelope.

There's nothing quite like being surrounded by branching canopies and towering timber, and these nine spectacular treehouse hotels around the world prove it. From secluded mountaintop retreats to nests perched in pines, these properties are almost too breathtaking to be real. Take a tour and update your bucket list accordingly.

1) Chewton Glen, England

The main wing of this stately country house hotel may look like Downton Abbey, but its luxury treehouse suites feel like an entirely different world. You'll forget you're a stone's throw from the sea in this beautiful stretch of historic New Forest National Park. The treehouses, which can host up to four adults, have gorgeous bathrooms with a freestanding bathtub, marble floors, and panoramic (and private) views. Private terraces, outdoor hot tubs, and woodburning stoves are other amenities to soak up. All come with a daily breakfast hamper and a concierge to ensure your stay in the forest is divinely comfortable. Should you want to venture out (and honestly there's no reason to), the main hotel has an award-winning spa.

2) Nayara Gardens, Costa Rica

If you've always wanted to wake up in a rainforest, this is the place to do it in style. Nayara Gardens is set amid the Arenal Volcano Rainforest and Hot Springs, the latter of which feeds the luxury eco-resort's pools (including the private ones) with its mineral waters. Curl up in a hammock on your casita's terrace and take in the sights and sounds of the jungle canopy, from brightly colored bougainvillea and heliconia flowers to toucans and hummingbirds. Lest we forget, it's also a sloth preserve, so if you love their sweet faces you'll want to keep a lookout. Add fresh, healthy food and a swim-up bar—you're never going to want to leave.

3) andBeyond Ngala Treehouse, South Africa

If you're going on a safari, why not go big? Book a stay at Ngala Safari Lodge or Ngala Tented Camp in andBeyond's private Ngala Game Reserve (part of Kruger National Park), and add on a night at its Treehouse, seen here. The three-level structure has a weatherproof bedroom with 360-degree views in the center and a one-of-a-kind roof deck for wine at sunset or a starlit dinner. It may look a bit rustic, but inside is pure luxury, with a king-size bed, stocked bar, and snacks ideal for a honeymoon or bucket-list occasion. Did we mention Ngala means lion? Yes, you'll see them.

4) Lovango, U.S. Virgin Islands

A quick boat ride from St. John and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is one private island where you don't need to bring your passport. Designed by Michael Kramer, Lovango Resort & Beach Club consists of luxury treehouses for two adults and up to three kids, glamping tents for up to four adults, and a villa that can accommodate nine. All have sweeping views of Caneel Bay and heavenly sea breezes from their private decks.

5) Loire Valley Lodges, France

Art and nature mix in this private forest oasis. Each of the 18 uniquely named and appointed lodges is inspired and decorated by a contemporary artist. The Nude lodge was done by painter Gilles Ballini, while the Essential lodge was crafted by Tara, an international singer-songwriter. Each of Loire Valley Lodges 'luxury treetop lodges offers a different design experience in a pocket of France you might have never ventured to explore.

6) The Green O, Montana

A luxury all-inclusive woodland sanctuary 40 minutes outside Missoula, Montana, The Green O offers uninterrupted pine views from its floor-to-ceiling Tree Haus windows. A spiral staircase connects two floors, including a comfortable lounge room with an eco-kitchen and fireplace. Upstairs is a homey yet palatial bedroom and bathroom with a plunge tub and heavenly sheets from The Citizenry. When the snow starts to decorate the pines, you’ve got the best seat in the house.

7) Amilla, Maldives

Swim among the coconut trees in what may be the Maldives’ highest treetop pool villa. A 30-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, Amilla Maldives has dreamy one- or two-bedroom treehouse options. You can sip Sri Lankan tea from your balcony while the birds chirp in the surrounding trees. After a dip in the glass-walled pool, head down to a beach area that's reserved especially for the resort’s tree-dwellers.

8) Treehotel, Sweden

The aptly named Treehotel is an hour drive from Luleå Airport in Swedish Lapland. But it's worth every minute: These aren’t your typical wooden treehouses. Here, you stay in a mirrored cube that reflects the pines, a bird's nest where you enter through a hatch in the floor (shown here), or a giant UFO floating amongst the trees. Book from September to March for a chance to see the Northern Lights from your treetop abode.

9) Matangi Island, Fiji

Paradise awaits you on this private island in Fiji. Matangi Island has three split-level treehouses with views of the turquoise water and white sands below. The bamboo-thatched interiors with an outdoor lava rock shower and private deck make it the perfect escape for couples. You'll need to take an international flight, domestic flight, car ride, and boat to reach the volcanic island, but as soon as your feet hit the water, it'll be worth it.

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3 Day Kruger Safari - Lodge & Treehouse Tour

Tour length — 3 days, summary of this lodge safari.

• Max. Group Size 10 Travellers
• Starts & ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
• Accommodation Lodge / Safari Lodge / Treehouse
• Transport Microbus / Open 4x4 Game Viewing Vehicle
• Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
•   See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

This 3 Day Kruger Safari - Lodge & Treehouse Tour, is one of our most popular budget African safaris. It provides a unique and affordable introduction to South African wildlife safaris over just three days. 

Begin with a sunset-to-night game drive in a private reserve of Greater Kruger, stopping for a bush barbecue before searching for nocturnal wildlife. Spend day two exploring the world-famous Kruger National Park in an open safari vehicle, with an experienced guide. On day three, embark on an early morning bush walk with an armed ranger to learn about this wild ecosystem.

Stay at a budget-friendly game lodge in Greater Kruger on the first night and an enchanting Treehouse Camp, near Kruger Park, on the second night. Accommodation is in an air-conditioned chalet with an en-suite bathroom at the game lodge and in a charming treehouse at the Treehouse Camp along the Klaserie River. End with a scenic journey back to Johannesburg via the celebrated Panorama Route.

This 3 Day Kruger Treehouse & Lodge Safari is an unforgettable African wildlife experience, not to be missed.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Park - South Africa

On the first morning of this 3-Day Kruger Safari, you are collected from your accommodation in Johannesburg or the OR Tambo International Airport. Leaving the mega-city, we head towards Kruger National Park in northeastern South Africa.

Our first overnight stay is at a game lodge inside a private reserve that forms part of the Big 5 Balule Nature Reserve in Greater Kruger.

After settling in at the game lodge we embark on our first game viewing adventure, setting off into the Big 5 Balule Reserve in an open safari vehicle. A professional guide helps you to scan the bush for the Big 5 of Africa (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant). As the sun sinks below the horizon your guide takes you to a bush boma out in the private reserve. Here a delicious dinner is prepared for you on the open campfire out in the wilderness. After dinner in the wild African bush, your game drive continues in the dark. A powerful spotlight is used to spot nocturnal creatures and with luck, we may see lion, hyena, jackal, or perhaps the elusive leopard en route.

The night game drive ends back at the game lodge where your air-conditioned chalet awaits.

• Meals: Bush Boma Dinner
• Safari activities: Night Game Drive in Big 5 Balule

Day 2: Kruger Safari - South Africa

The day starts early with a hearty breakfast before we hop into our open-sided game viewing vehicles and head to Kruger National Park. Entering Kruger via the Orpen Gate the wildlife adventure begins!

Enjoy a full-day Kruger Safari in our elevated safari vehicle that is ideal for game spotting and photo opportunities. Your game drive concentrates on the Orpen and Satara area of Kruger Park. The Satara region boasts one of the largest concentrations of lions in Africa and is an excellent game viewing area. The bush is open and there are large plains that support vast herds of giraffe, zebra, and other antelope, which draw hungry predators.

At the end of an exciting day on safari, we exit Kruger Park and drive to the Treehouse Camp nearby. Upon arrival at the charming treehouse camp along the Klaserie River, it is time to relax and enjoy dinner around the campfire. Sit back and watch the stars, listening to the sounds of nature as you relive the wildlife adventure of your full day in Kruger Park. Then, retire to your unique treehouse tucked away in the unspoiled bush.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Safari activities: Full-day Kruger Safari

About Kruger National Park

The world-renowned Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s best safari destinations and the premier game reserve in South Africa. Covering nearly 2 million hectares of untamed African bush the variety of habitats in Kruger Park are home to an unrivaled diversity of plants and animals.

Kruger is South Africa’s top safari travel destination offering superb game viewing, including massive populations of Africa’s iconic Big Five - elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and buffalo. This vast wilderness area is inhabited by a staggering 147 mammal species and 517 bird species, as well as a variety of other wild animals and 336 tree species. South Africa's flagship national park, Kruger Park is considered a world leader in advanced environmental policies and wildlife management practices.

Day 3: Greater Kruger to Johannesburg - South Africa

The last day of our Kruger Safari gets off to an early start, as we head into the African bush on foot (weather permitting). Spend about an hour walking in the reserve with your trained guide. Find out more about the important role the smaller animals, birds, insects, and plants play in the ecosystem as you explore on foot. This short walk provides a closer look at the details of the bush - from termite mounds to animal tracks and scat, rather than big game sightings, although guests cannot be sure of what they will come across in the bushveld.

Back at the treehouse camp, we have breakfast and prepare to leave. Then we drive via the Drakensberg Escarpment back to Johannesburg. Our route takes us on the scenic Panorama Route which includes sections of the Blyde River Canyon, one of which is the Three Rondawels viewpoint.

We arrive back in Johannesburg at about 17h00 where you will be dropped off at your accommodation of choice or at OR Tambo International Airport bringing this fantastic 3 Day Kruger Treehouse & Lodge Safari to an end.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Safari activities: Guided bushwalk & Panorama Route drive

About the Treehouse Camp

The Treehouse Camp offers a refreshing alternative to the standard safari accommodation out there, as you stay in rustic cabins in an unspoiled bush setting. Accommodation is in unique thatched treehouses either tucked away in the trees along the pristine perennial Klaserie River or overlooking the camp’s floodlit waterhole visited by buffalo and other wildlife.

Two of the treehouses are up in the trees and amongst the branches, with separate bathrooms on the ground below. Ten of the cabins are at ground level, nestled in the gallery forest on stilts, and have en suite bathrooms. Each Treehouse is different, featuring its own little viewing deck. The units are fitted with beds and soap, towels, mosquito nets, fans, and bedding are provided, ensuring a comfortable stay at this excellent value-for-money Treehouse Camp. The wooden cabins offer the back-to-nature experience of camping with added character and novelty. Part of the charm of the treehouses is that they are basic and airy, so during the chilly winter months (from about April to October) blankets and hot water bottles are available to keep you snug and warm.

These elevated treehouses are built out of wood, reed, and thatch reducing the environmental impact on the dense bush surroundings. You get to listen to the sounds of wild animals at night from the safety of your treehouse, a truly African bush experience! The secure treehouses blend into the bush, getting you up close to unspoiled nature and its wild animals.

About the Game Lodge Accommodation

The game lodge this Kruger Safari stays at is situated in a Big 5 game reserve that forms part of Balule Private Reserve of Greater Kruger Park. This affordable game lodge is close to Kruger National Park proper, offering easy access to the national park at great rates.

It is a backpacker-style game lodge, with basic amenities and simple rooms. On this Kruger Safari, accommodation is in one of the 18 thatched chalets with en-suite bathrooms (shower, toilet, and basin) and air-conditioning. There are tea and coffee stations in the chalets. The chalet windows are fitted with mosquito mesh and the beds feature mosquito nets.

This budget lodge is set in a lush garden with a swimming pool and an open-air boma. At the nearby waterhole, a variety of animals and birds can be spotted. Electric fencing also ensures the safety of guests but does not keep out the vervet monkeys that are regular visitors, along with birds.

Kruger Safari Fuel Subsidy

Please note that as a result of sustained fuel price increases a fuel subsidy has been added to this Kruger Safari. Hopefully, this will be a temporary measure to be discontinued should fuel prices drop. This small fuel subsidy ensures that the excellent quality of this Kruger Safari is maintained. To see the cost of the fuel subsidy, please view the full tour pricing .

Pre and Post Tour Lodge Rates:

Please note that we offer a convenient pre and post tour lodge accommodation for before and after this Kruger Safari, which can be added to your tour booking upon request. The 4-star lodge accommodation is located 10-15 minutes from the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. For information on rates follow the link .

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

While children from 6 years of age are accepted on this safari, there is a minimum age restriction of 16 years on the bush walk activities.

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This Kruger Park Safari departs daily on Request.

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• Mon, 29 Apr - Wed, 01 May 2024
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Our TrustPilot Reviews for Kruger National Park

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Wayanad Treehouse is a 50 acre jungle resort surrounded by forest on all sides and we have daily wildlife sightings right from the Treehouse itself. The Treehouses are set 20 feet up, so you are completely safe, has a large bedroom, fully functional modern bathroom, open balcony and closed balcony. We offer complete safety and privacy to our guests and the wildlife sightings from the treehouse is exceptional. The treehouses are surrounded by large trees and grasslands, it also faces a waterhole where animals come to drink. We arrange a host of activities for you such as all-day jungle treks, shorter jungle jungle awareness treks, bird watching walks and customized wildlife safari drives in Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary, Wayanad, Nagarahole national park and Kabini. We also arrange drives in the night inside our estate and there is every chance of spotting wildlife during these treks and drives. If you are looking to stay inside the jungle in complete safety and privacy, you will love the Treehouse experience!

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Escape the hectic hustle and bustle of life and come take refuge at Texas Unplugged! Relax and recharge with us as we help you unplug, unwind, and reconnect with everything that matters most. Enjoy an unforgettable getaway with us!

Hearing birds chirping in a green, luscious forest, there is something so remarkable and beautiful about being immersed in nature. It’s easy to be swept away by today’s technology and fast-paced living, but no matter where you are, nature always has a way of bringing peace to the mind and grounding a person. I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles, there is no WIFI in the forest but l promise you will find a better connection.

By unplugging, everyone gets a chance to reconnect and experience the great outdoors with one another. The beauty of an adventure in the Country is that you never know what unexpected moments will transform your vacation from a great plan to a great experience. Getting out there and being amongst the trees, luxury treehouse and wildlife can cure what ails you and create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you are looking to unplug everything and reconnect with your loved ones, consider a night around a campfire. There is nothing like the warmth of the fire and stars overhead to help us reflect on the things that are most important in life. A campfire at the end of a long day is a chance to relax, tell stories, remember moments of the past, and have some great conversations. Consider roasting hot dogs over the fire or ending the night with classic s’mores.

Meet Exotic Animals

Our treehouse is perfect way to experience a world away in your own backyard! Our treehouse is nestled in beautiful, exotic safari where you can get up close and personal with friendly animals. From kangaroos to gazelles, you’ll be able to view and interact with some of the most beautiful creatures in the world. We offer a unique experience that you’ll never forget!

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All products and services featured are independently selected by forbes vetted contributors and editors. when you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. learn more, julia eskins , contributor, forbes vetted.

C osta Rica has become a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, with its pristine beaches, wildlife-rich jungles and nature-loving pura vida atmosphere. While the Central American nation’s glowing reputation as an ecotourism and adventure hub has led to a spate of award-winning resorts , the best Airbnbs in Costa Rica cater to families, couples and groups looking for a more intimate experience away from the crowds.

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Best Treehouse Airbnb In Costa Rica: Modern Tree-House With Beautiful Mountain Views

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Modern Tree-House With Beautiful Mountain Views

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Who Will Love It: Solitude seekers; nature lovers; honeymooners

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What Not To Miss: The wine fridge with an excellent selection of organic vino

Location: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

If you’re craving a treetop escape with all the comforts of a regular home, look no further than this elevated abode conveniently located between the beaches of Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo. This modern treehouse offers a panoramic deck equipped with a hammock, grill and plunge pool that’s ideal for cooling off in the heat or stargazing at night. Unlike many other treehouses in Costa Rica, this one features a few modern touches like air conditioning and a small but well-equipped kitchen for cooking some meals in-house. The loft-style bedroom with a king-size bed and leafy views is ideal for couples, but the living room also features two sofa beds for those traveling with kids. While the bustling beach town of Tamarindo is just a 20-minute drive away, you’ll find several quieter beaches in the immediate area, including Playa Piratas and Playa Zapotilla, as well as supermarkets, restaurants and shops (a car is recommended for getting around easily). The open-air setup means you’ll be waking up to the sound of the birds and howler monkeys—which is all the more reason to pour a coffee and catch the sunrise on the deck.

The star attraction is the massive outdoor space, where groups can swim in the pool and relax on sun beds or in a pillowed lounge area.

Villa Melody

Accommodations: 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms

Who Will Love It: Groups of friends or families looking for a spacious beachside villa

All-Star Amenities: Pool; outdoor shower; deep-soaking standalone bathtubs; daily housekeeping and laundry; concierge service

What Not To Miss: The bioluminescence boat tour to Isla Tortuga

Location: Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Located in the heart of the laid-back beach town of Santa Teresa, Villa Melody is perfect for groups of couples who want to travel together but still enjoy some privacy. Each of the four bedrooms comes with its own bathroom, air conditioning, ultra-comfortable king-size bed and window with jungle views. The common area is inviting, with its soaring post-and-beam-style ceilings, spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen and a large dining table. The star attraction, however, is the villa’s massive outdoor space, where groups can swim in the pool and relax on sun beds or in a pillowed lounge area. In addition to housekeeping, the villa includes a concierge that can assist with helping guests arrange transportation down to the Nicoya Peninsula (which is easily accessible via a 30-minute flight from Liberia) and nearby activities, ranging from surf lessons to ATV tours to snorkeling excursions. The Airbnb is steps away from Santa Teresa’s beaches, surf shops, yoga studios and restaurants, making it easy to pop out for drinks, dinner or adventures.

Interiors are clean, bright and spacious, with high ceilings, warm wood accents and modern appliances.

Accommodations: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms

Who Will Love It: Luxury travelers looking for a plush penthouse with resort amenities

All-Star Amenities: Panoramic terraces; gas barbecue, infinity pools, fitness center; daily housekeeping

What Not To Miss: Sunset cocktails at the beach club

Location: Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

If your dream vacation includes relaxing by infinity pools, sipping craft cocktails on pristine beaches or teeing off at an Arnold Palmer golf course, you’ll be in paradise at Villa Mila. This sleek penthouse condo is located in Peninsula Papagayo’s exclusive residential community near the Four Seasons Resort, allowing guests to access the members-only Prieta Beach Club as well as uncrowded white-sand beaches like Playa Nacascolo. Dine at the peninsula's top restaurants, work on your serve at the tennis center or splurge on a resort pass to the Four Seasons or Andaz to enjoy access to even more beaches and pools. The condo itself feels like an extension of the area’s five-star resorts—the interiors are clean, bright and spacious, with high ceilings, warm wood accents and modern appliances. Each of the three bedrooms has its own ensuite bathroom and terrace, making it easy to soak in those Pacific Ocean and jungle views. Two golf carts are available to rent for the duration of your stay, which is recommended for zipping around the peninsula like a true resident.

This well-appointed yurt comes with one of the dreamiest views in Costa Rica—and an outdoor tub for two.

Oceanfront Luxury Yurt

Who Will Love It: Couples looking for an off-the-beaten-path hideaway

All-Star Amenities: Outdoor bathtub with panoramic views; outdoor shower; plush robes

What Not To Miss: The “secret trail” that leads to a practically private beach

Location: Dominical, Costa Rica

Perched on the cliffs of Costa Ballena, this well-appointed yurt comes with one of the dreamiest views in Costa Rica—and an outdoor tub for two. The property is just off the main Central Pacific Coast highway between Dominical and Uvita, making it a perfect fit for nature lovers keen to visit nearby highlights like Manuel Antonio National Park and the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Even the most intrepid explorers will want to take a day or two to soak up the charms on site, including a path that leads to a semi-private beach and waterfall. Curl up on the tree swing while watching howler monkeys play in the trees, shower while listening to tropical birds, or take a bath (or two) while admiring the endless Pacific views. Inside, the yurt feels like a cozy cocoon and is equipped with a full kitchen that’s ideal for cooking a romantic meal. The king-size bed is positioned to offer a view of Uvita’s whale tail sandbar, making slow mornings in bed even more satisfying.

The home is sparkling clean, spacious and full of indoor and outdoor spaces to relax and socialize, including a pool and garden.

Plumeria Guest House

Who Will Love It: Families seeking a comfortable respite with easy access to a private beach

All-Star Amenities: Pool; washer and dryer; cribs; access to a beach club with a restaurant, bar, gym, pool, spa and playground

What Not To Miss: An in-house dinner prepared by a private local chef

Location: Santa Cruz, Costa Rica

With its lush gardens, pool and direct access to a picturesque beach, this family-friendly Airbnb near Tamarindo is ideal for a serene getaway. The property is located within the gated community of Hacienda Pinilla, just steps from a white-sand beach fringed by native trees. The home is sparkling clean, spacious and full of indoor and outdoor spaces to relax and socialize, including a pool and garden that’s regularly frequented by monkeys and macaws. When you need a change of scenery, head to Lola’s, a beachfront restaurant where you can grab lunch, watch surfers and catch epic sunsets. For more resort amenities, there’s a beach club with another pool, playground, restaurant, bar, gym and spa just a 10-minute walk away. The host lives next door and is available if you need any local recommendations, surfboards or help arranging excursions. One of the best add-ons is booking a private chef to come by the property to cook the catch of the day (or other local specialties) to enjoy on your private outdoor deck.

The curved structure features stone-tiled flooring, circular window nooks and an enchanting external staircase.

Casa Corazon Del Mar

Who Will Love It: Free-spirited explorers looking for a whimsical, nature-immersive retreat

All-Star Amenities: Private pool; spa-like bathroom

What Not To Miss: The family of sloths that hang out in the trees surrounding the property

Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

While often overlooked, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is a paradise for nature lovers. The beaches are postcard-perfect: think powdery white sand and crystal-clear water framed by swaying palm trees. And when you need a break from the sand, there are countless wildlife-rich national parks to explore. For a truly memorable stay between the jungle and sea, head to Casa Corazon del Mar, an adobe-style bungalow in the laid-back town of Puerto Viejo. The curved structure is a work of art, with stone-tiled flooring, circular window nooks and an enchanting external staircase that leads to an observation deck. The open-air style of the space means you’ll be surrounded by jungle residents, including frogs, fireflies, sloths, monkeys and toucans—making this spot a fit for those looking to be one with nature. It’s a five-minute walk to the beach and a 30-minute walk into the heart of town (cabs and bike rentals are also available), where you’ll find an array of restaurants, bars and shops.

This renovated beach house offers access to a private beach, a pool surrounded by lounge areas and spacious bedrooms.

Casa Luna Del Mar

Accommodations: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Who Will Love It: Families seeking a private oceanfront oasis away from the crowds

All-Star Amenities: Pool; outdoor shower; books, toys, boogie boards, and other family-friendly amenities

What Not To Miss: Fishing off the beach or arranging a fishing charter with a local guide

Location: Playa Zancudo, Costa Rica, Costa Rica

This renovated 1970s traditional beach house offers all the trappings of the perfect coastal escape: direct access to a pristine and almost private beach, a pool surrounded by lounge areas and hammocks, and modern, spacious bedrooms for one or two families to share. But what makes it truly special is its location. Situated in Playa Zancudo, a quiet village near the Golfo Dulce, the area is famed for its nine-mile black sand beach and abundant wildlife. The backyard and surrounding area are frequented by sloths, scarlet macaws, capuchins, iguanas and hummingbirds. Families will especially enjoy the beach’s soft sandy bottom and calm waters that are perfect for swimming and boogie boarding. And while you’ll ideally spend most of your time outside, the casa has been completely modernized with air conditioning, a Smart TV with Netflix, a Bluetooth sound system with Alexa, Spotify and Amazon Music, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi. The best way to reach this strand of paradise is to fly from SJO to Golfito and then take a 35-minute boat taxi to the house. Once you’re here, you’ll be rewarded with near-empty beaches, national parks and waterfalls best explored by hiking or on horseback.

The panoramic balconies offer outstanding views of the Osa Peninsula, and binoculars are provided for birdwatching.

The Fusion Home

Who Will Love It: Intrepid nature lovers seeking an off-grid treehouse sanctuary

All-Star Amenities: Balconies with panoramic rainforest views; rainwater plunge pool; organic gardens and fruit trees; binoculars and bird guidebook

What Not To Miss: Watching the sunset from the upper "SkyLounge" balcony

Location: Piedras Blancas de Osa, Costa Rica

Getting to The Fusion home is an adventure in itself. A drive down a bumpy road in a four-wheel drive vehicle, a river crossing and an uphill hike through the jungle make you feel like you’ve truly arrived somewhere special. Nestled in the Finca Bellavista Community in Costa Rica’s rugged Southern Zone, this treetop home is a great base for travelers who want to go off-grid and spend their days hiking through national parks, swimming in the river and spotting rare wildlife. The treehouse’s eco-friendly, rustic style isn’t for everyone—there’s no air conditioning and the remote location is hike-in, hike-out. But for those who appreciate back-to-nature experiences, it’s a real gem. The property has two bedrooms with queen-sized memory foam mattresses and modern conveniences like a fully equipped kitchen. The panoramic balconies offer outstanding views of the Osa Peninsula and Piedras Blancas National Park, and binoculars are provided for birdwatching. Nearby, the Finca Bellavista Community Base Camp offers complimentary yoga classes, a dining hall with farm-to-table meals and a “rancho” with a nightly happy hour, where you can meet other guests. You can also book excursions here, from zip-lining and e-biking adventures to guided tours of Corcovado National Park.

The large windows in the kitchen offer ample viewing opportunities as you sip your coffee.

Who Will Love It: Surfers seeking an affordable and tranquil stay

All-Star Amenities: Balcony with a jungle view; boardgames

What Not To Miss: The view of the howler monkeys and hummingbirds from the kitchen window

Location: Nosara, Costa Rica

It’s always refreshing to find a smartly designed and affordable Airbnb in Costa Rica—especially in the buzzy beach town of Nosara. Casa Mar is situated just a five-minute drive from everything this pocket of paradise has to offer, from the world-famous surf break at Playa Guiones to the yoga studios and fantastic restaurants in and around town. Ideal for couples and young families, this Airbnb is a cozy and peaceful base to enjoy between adventures (speedy internet and air conditioning included). The real magic happens in the morning, when the surrounding trees are filled with families of howler monkeys, coatis and other wildlife. The large windows in the kitchen offer ample viewing opportunities as you sip your coffee, and a charming balcony allows you to bask in the greenery between surf sessions. Nosara is easily accessible via a three-hour drive or 30-minute flight from Liberia. Once you get here, it’s a good idea to rent an ATV, as not all of the roads are pedestrian-friendly and you’ll likely want to explore other nearby beaches and waterfalls.

After your adventures in the humidity, you’ll appreciate the air conditioning, outdoor shower and pool.

Gatehouse Cabin At Southern Drake Lodge

Who Will Love It: Wildlife enthusiasts looking for a luxury lodge experience

All-Star Amenities: Fresh water swimming pool; communal fire pit and pool bar; housekeeping and laundry service

What Not To Miss: Hiking the Drake Bay Trail from the lodge to San Josecito Beach

Location: Drake Bay, Costa Rica

Heralded as one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, the Osa Peninsula is a dream destination for most wildlife enthusiasts. For those looking to blend jungle explorations with a touch of luxury, there’s no better place to stay than Southern Darke Lodge. Located in Drake Bay—accessible from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) via a one-hour flight, drive or thrilling riverboat ride—the property is off the beaten path while still being relatively accessible. The Gatehouse Cabin is set apart from the lodge’s main building, allowing guests to enjoy tranquility and privacy while still being able to access the property’s six lush acres and amenities. The cabin has a kitchen, but breakfast is also served on the lodge’s covered “ranch” platform. By day, tour nearby highlights like Corcovado National Park or take a boat trip to snorkel sites around Cano Island. After your adventures in the humidity, you’ll appreciate the air conditioning, outdoor shower and pool. Grab a cocktail by the fire pit if you’re feeling social or chill out in the hammock on your front porch while keeping an eye out for the furry and feathered friends that frequent the property.

About Julia Eskins, Your Costa Rica Airbnb Guide

I have been writing and editing travel and lifestyle content for over a decade, with a focus on luxury hotels, innovative sustainability initiatives, and immersive cultural and wellness experiences. Along the way, I have explored over 50 countries, lived in five (Canada, Portugal, Finland, Germany and Mexico), and stayed at hundreds of hotels and resorts, including several in Costa Rica. No matter where I go, I'll always track down the best cup of coffee, sunset viewpoint, and local vegetarian restaurants. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my travel guides, reviews, and feature stories have also appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Vogue, Bloomberg Pursuits, Lonely Planet, Time, The Globe and Mail, Afar, Elle Canada, BBC Travel, Architectural Digest and more.

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The Best Hotels and Resorts in Koh Samui, Thailand

By Hannah Summers

From safari-style tents to private island villas and life-altering wellness retreats to splash parks and ball pits, the small Andaman island of Koh Samui in Thailand has it all when it comes to hotels. The island’s first five-star hotel opened here back in the mid-1980s, followed by a slow trickle of new openings to what exists today: Thailand’s most luxurious island, but also somewhere with hotels for virtually every type of traveler. And where there’s a beach, there’s now a palace to sleep—and drink and eat—right next to it.

Many of Samui’s most luxe places sit in the northeast corner, some with their own bays—some even on their own islands. And although it’s one of Thailand’s livelier destinations—with its bars, markets, massage parlors, and impressive restaurant scene, you will still find serene stays. It’s also the starting point for hops over to the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao—but with Koh Samui hotels this good, you may not see the need to leave.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Arrow

It’s the island’s priciest place to stay (just shy of $1,250 a night in the low season, and double that in high), but it is also the very best. A stay at Four Seasons Samui is like stepping into the White Lotus life—part of the reason why season three of the hit HBO series was reportedly filmed here. It’s easy to see why it was chosen—it’s serene and seriously photogenic, with 78 residences and villas cut into a steep jungly hillside (and former coconut plantation). Architect and interior designer Bill Bensley can take full credit for the stylish and luxe feel, from the jazzy artwork to the very cool Coco Rum pool bar, where striped sofas line a palm-dotted pool with sea views beyond.

Koh Thai, the open-air restaurant, has food as good as the views (handily, you don’t have to stay to eat here). It’s the same spot for breakfast, where an incredible French pastry chef prepares the most delicious matcha madeleines, vanilla brioche, and chocolate financiers—every morning is a surprise. There’s a spa, naturally, with treatments using Thai herbal products, a breezy outdoor yoga pavilion, and a small kid’s club in a treehouse. Snorkel offshore, laze on a lounger the size of a super-king bed on the beach, or sip spirits in the rum vault (one of the many drinking spots) before a lantern-lit meal on the beach.

Six Senses Samui Arrow

One of the most sustainable stays on Samui is on a sloping jungle-clad headland on the island’s northeastern tip. The bamboo walls and high thatched roofs of 66 multi-level villas (most with private pools) give the feeling of staying in a luxe treehouse.

The vibe is chic, yet fun: natural wood tones are combined with pops of color from the neon-green and sherbet-yellow cushions and loungers, and staff stroll around in millennial pink and dusty rose linen two pieces. The first is quiet (one of the island’s best and biggest infinity pools), the other buzzier and next to the beach, on a cove shared with neighboring hotels—one of the only clues that you’re on a popular island rather than a remote hideaway. Mornings start with a shot of ‘rocket fuel’ (cider vinegar and citrus) at breakfast, and there’s an excellent menu of mocktails, free ice cream, and several scenic restaurant options, where fragrant curries are served up next to sunset views (although the best views at sunset are from the spa). Little and large guests love the on-site farm, where they can pet and feed a herd of well-preened goats.

Anantara Lawana

Couples and families mingle happily together at Anantara Lawana, a resort-style hotel located close to the nightlife of Chaweng on Samui’s east coast. Sociable types should go for one of the standard bedrooms, located in the soft gray two-story Thai-style houses. For sunshine? You’ll need to head to the buzzy pool or beach, a great spot for a paddle at low tide or a proper swim at high tide, when colorful long-tail boats bob on the water just along the shore.

Those seeking quiet may prefer the private pool villas—with their tiled floors and traditional dark wooden furniture, including four poster beds, they feel very grown up. The spa is another sanctuary in the hotel, where discreet therapists deliver back-crunching bamboo massages and Ayurvedic Shirodhara therapy. Crab Shack is your sand-between-the-toes sunset cocktail spot, while Tree Tops, built in a treehouse-style wooden structure wrapped around a century-old tree, is the hotel’s romantic dining option (book early to catch the sunset here). The kids club is a hive of activity, with wooden tractors and play kitchens.

Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui

There are plenty of lovely beaches on Samui, but Tongsai Bay? This curve of golden sand, with its gently tumbling turquoise waves, feels impossible to beat—and, unless you’re willing to paddle in by kayak, it’s only accessible to Garrya guests. The hotel that opened here back in the mid-80s was the first five-star resort on the island and has been welcoming loyal guests, some of them as many as 20 times, since.

A recent rebrand to a Garrya resort has kept some of the much-loved elements of the hotel, like outdoor bathtubs, and refreshed others: high-ceilinged rooms are simple yet luxurious, with calming beige and burnt orange palette and varnished wooden floors. There’s a spa, breezy outdoor massage cabanas set inches from the waves, and three restaurants, including beachside dining at Fish Tales (don’t miss the vegan chocolate ice cream), and Evo, where much of the food is made with produce taken from the hotel’s garden. Then there are decisions to make—the half-moon adults-only pool, the curvy beach-level pool, or a spot on the beach itself.

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Ritz Carlton Koh Samui

This sprawling hotel, built across 58 hilly acres on a former coconut plantation, works hard to impress—and delivers. Kids will be overjoyed at the island’s best kids club: a huge light-filled space of ball pits, slides, and toys, with an outdoor crazy golf course and playground. For adults there’s the Spa Village, which is indeed a village—with eight standalone treatment rooms (try the pre-spa Songkran Spa Ritual) and a large barely-used adult-only pool dotted with cabanas.

The View serves up some of the island’s highest sea views alongside creative tasting menus, while Baan Talta is modeled on a Thai street food market, but there are several more options should you dine here each night. A Muay Thai boxing ring, basketball, and tennis courts are great if you get restless, while a beautiful beach of cream-colored sand and a large curvy pool if you long to just laze. There are 175 bedrooms, suites, and villas, but oceanfront pool villas have the real wow factor: outdoor decks and infinity pools, you can gaze over the edge and see nothing but turquoise water and hear nothing but the waves meeting the rocks below.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa Arrow

To call Kamalaya a hotel wouldn’t be doing it justice: yes, there are hotel rooms and villas dotted across this bougainvillea-draped hillside on the island’s quieter south coast, but at the heart of this sanctuary is a focus on wellness, both physical and mental. Most guests here book in on dedicated programs, whether it’s detoxes and cleanses or programs such as Embracing Change, in which you’ll spend time with Life Enhancement Mentors, unravelling past trauma with talk therapy and meditation. Treatments—many of them Ayurvedic—are all tailored to your specific issues, with acupuncture and heavenly massages. The site is built around a 300-year-old mediation cave, which you can still use today, plus there’s walking meditation, yoga, and a peaceful stretch of sand for late-afternoon siestas. Solo travelers here may like the communal dining, where everyone from opera singers to burnt out CEOs gather to knock back green juices at breakfast and feast on sugar-free curries in the evening, but you’d also feel entirely comfortable dining solo, reading a book over meals, or simply gazing out at the water.

One of Samui’s best—and most luxurious—places to bed down isn’t actually on Samui, but even better: a private island around 100 yards offshore (you’ll be whisked there and back in a small speedboat or glorified tractor depending on the tide levels). Here, you’ll find 24 villas, from Ocean Cottages to two-bed family villas, all with private pools where you can snooze to the sound of birdsong and gently lapping waves.

All other spaces are pure bliss, too: like the breakfast terrace views and the peaceful, sun-soaked adjoining room, not just because of its pretty canary yellow cushions and bamboo-style chairs, but for its spread of pastries, baked in house; or Hue restaurant, where you can gaze out past the pin-stripe loungers, pool, and palms to the shimmering sea beyond. Long Dtai, overseen by Michelin-recognized chef David Thompson, is worth a visit even if you can’t stay here: not just for the panoramic views over the turquoise Andaman, which are arguably some of the best restaurant views on the island, but for the menu: the Southern egg curry being a highlight. Despite being one of the Samui’s most expensive stays, it’s also one of the most relaxed: where retired business owners wander the same winding paths around the small island as young honeymooners .

Twenty-three contemporary villas, cut into a meticulously landscaped flower-filled slope on the north-east of the island, every one staggeringly luxurious and big on views: strictly speaking Samujana isn’t a hotel, but it operates very much like one, with added privacy and space, making it particularly popular with large groups of family and friends.

Unlike a lot of villa stays, you won’t need to lift a finger: breakfast is provided in the villa every morning, rooms are made up and turned down, and there are team members on hand to rustle up meals. It’s hard to choose the best: perhaps it’s villa 12, with its own boxing gym, basketball court, games room, and cinema room, or maybe the ludicrously photogenic villa 30, with 360-degree views and the country's best infinity pool—a serious accolade when the competition is fierce. Others, with their sun-flooded, open-plan, open-air communal areas, large pools, and calm-inducing minimalist styling are so lovely that you could happily lose a week or two here, never venturing out at all.

Kimpton Kitalay

Choeng Mon beach, with its fire shows, jet skis, and beach bars, sets the tone for Kimpton Kitalay , a buzzy hotel in Samui’s north. It’s built in the style of a fisherman’s village, with six low-rise blocks of rooms wrapped in dark wood. You can bed down in two-bed villas, but entry level rooms are large and stylish, with Victorian-style tiles, curvy freestanding bathtubs, and jazzy blue rugs.

The main pool is a sociable spot, as is the splash park and kids club, but there’s always a quieter place to escape to—especially if you opt for a swim up suite on the ‘quiet’ side, or book time in the spa. There are four restaurants and bars, and if you tire of Thai food, Fish House serves excellent steak and huge sides, plus fresh-off-the-boat fish. You may spot one or two dogs strolling the grounds: the hotel works with a local rescue dog charity, and dogs that are up for adoption visit every fortnight to meet guests.

Silavadee Resort

Young honeymooning couples and equally loved-up retirees happily mingle at Silavadee, a boutique resort built across a hillside on a quiet peninsula on the east coast of Samui. Although the entry-level rooms are pretty, with their outdoor hot tubs and airy interiors, if you’re staying here it should be an Ocean Front Pool Villa. Our pick? Number three: With its separate living room, freestanding bathtub, huge bedroom, and even bigger pool, you could happily spend your entire stay in the privacy of your villa, floating in your pool or gazing out at miles and miles of empty sea. There’s a simple spa where efficient therapists expertly deliver tension-relieving Thai massages, and the two open-air dining spots are both romantic and well-priced (the wine pairings, in particular, are generous and a steal). Lively Lamai beach is a short scooter ride away, or if that’s too taxing, you’ll find some of the best snorkeling on the island right off the hotel’s quiet curve of beach—handily, for guests, it’s a small cove that’s near impossible for anyone else on the island to access.

Travelers gather for days to months to work from their laptops, live well, and eat well at Kapuhala, a boutique hotel that has the relaxed vibe of an Airbnb . Food is central to a stay here—a small but perfect menu of Sicilian plant-based recipes (Kapuhala’s second outpost is on the Italian island), features delicious spaghetti soy ragu and light arancini, all topped with pipettes of extra virgin olive oil, with the olives plucked and pressed at their Sicily property. Breakfast, meanwhile, is a feast of fruit and freshly baked muffins and strong Italian coffee.

You can venture high up the hill in Chaweng Noi on a moped for a meal, but then you’d miss what makes this place so special: easing into your day in the open air restaurant space, with its swaying rattan lamps and hessian bean bags, getting to know the friendly team and feeling inspired by the island’s remote working views across the infinity pool and over the sea below. Choose from four simple light-filled ‘ tiny houses ’ or one of five large safari-style tents, where the sides fold up so the breeze can flow in while you gaze out.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

Get the most of your stay in Moscow

TOP-11 Moscow Parks to Visit

I have chosen the best 11 Moscow parks to visit and spend a beautiful time for you. Do not miss and choose one that you like the most – cycling, festivals, flowers, panoramic views and many other things are waiting for you!

Gorky Park (The Central Park of Culture and Leisure) – The main one of the Moscow Parks

In my opinion this park could be called the main park of the city. Why? Because of its huge territory, the central location and the amount of people visiting the park daily.  It was founded in 1928 and in 2011 it was totally reconstructed. Now it pleases visitors with modern objects and soft green lawns.

• Oktybrskaya or Park Kultuty metro station, Krimsky Val, 9

The Gorky park is a the right choice for everyone! The youth will like a free WiFi, bicycles, skateboards and other rentals; the couples will enjoy spending time near the river, watching a sunset; parents will appreciate colorful playgrounds and a room for mother and child. Everyone can find something for themselves: from yoga classes  to watching movies in a cozy summer cinema, from dance classes to volleyball playground. Gorky Park is also the venue for all kinds of exhibitions, festivals, events for children and adults. During the winter there is one of the biggest skating rinks in the park.

Museon Art Park – A Second Gorky they say

“Museon” is located on the opposite side of Krimsky Val street. And right now some people believe that Gorky and Museon together is a one space sharing the same beauty.

• Oktybrskaya or Park Kultuty metro station, Krimsky Val, 2

The Park of Arts was named this way because there is the largest composition of open-air sculptures in Russia. In its territory there are already more than 1000 unique exhibits: from monuments of the socialist realism era to various kinds of contemporary art. But this is not all the attractions of the park. In recent years, “Museon” has become an important cultural site of the city. The park regularly hold many different concerts, festivals, educational projects in the field of art and design. There is a Central House of the Artist, a comfortable summer cinema and other attractions on territory. Be sure to stroll pedestrian Crimean embankment, which looks like a modern park.

Neskuchny Garden – True Russian Nature is Here

Neskuchny garden is located on the right bank of the Moscow River. Today it is also seen as a part of the Gorky Park. This landscape park is one of the oldest in the city and is protected by the state. Its name was received from the Neskuchnoye Estate of  Prince Trubetskoi which is still located in the park.

• Leninsky Prospekt metro station, Leninsky Prospect, 30

This park is famous mostly for its location close to the Gorky park. It is a quite place with true nature, lots of trees and squirrels and also ancient architecture. As in every park, there are sports and playgrounds, cafes and even a football field.

Zaryadye Park – 5 Steps Away From The Red Square

The area of this brand new park was opened only in September 2017 and located in the very heart of Moscow – right near the Red Square.

• Open from 10AM to 10PM
• Teatralnaya, Okhotnyi ryad, Ploschad Revolutsii

The park has 4 zones, each of them represent different parts of Russian landscapes. Above the river there is a floating bridge from where you get to see one of the best panoramic views on Moscow. Other attractions of the park are 5D cinema where you can take a flight above Moscow, few cafes and restaurants, pretty lakes with fishes and old preserved churches. In addition there is still being built a  philharmonic hall, covered with a huge dome and an Ice cage where the temperature will always stay below zero degrees.

When you are on the Red Square do not miss it!

All-Russia Exhibition Center (VDNKh) – The Soviet Style Moscow Park

Park VDNKh – one of the most famous parks in Moscow. This park is one of the sights of the city as it hasn’t changed much since the Soviet era.

• VDNKh metro station, Prospect Mira, 119

The symbol of VDNKh is a fountain with 16 women symbolizing the friendship of the nations of the USSR. Around this fountain there are all the pavilions representing 16 republics. Now inside the pavilions you find various shops, cafes and exhibitions. If you go deep inside the park you will find a rocket Vostok and and an aircraft. What is funny the inside of the aircraft there is actually a photo exhibition. Near the northern entrance you there is a famous sculpture “Worker and Kolkhoz Woman”. It is extremely famous among Russians as all the movies by Mosfilm corporation used to start with the picture of this statue. But if you go further inside the park you will reach a very calm area. A lake is there, forest and birds singing. Since the park occupies a large area I suggest you to rent a bicycle.

Sokolniki Park – A Place For A Hunt Or For Leisure?

The park got its name because of the royal falconry, which took place there in the past when there was a dense forest. (Sokol means a falcon.) In 2011 it was significantly transformed: updated lawns, landscaped ponds and picnic areas, restored summer cinema and theater, a large rose garden, sports grounds, bicycle paths and other things.

• Sokolniki metro station, Sokolnichesky Val, 1, p. 1

From the main entrance along the alley you can walk to the Sokolniki circle, where 8 alleys form 9 sectors, in each of them you will find trees of the same breed.  The park is famous for its rosary, as well as flower decoration. On the territory of the park there are concert halls, a library, amusement zone, dances zone and many many other attractions. In winter the park has a skating rink (a free of charge one) and ski runs. During the warm season you can rent a bicycle.

Tsaritsino Park – A Different World Inside Moscow

Here you can walk for hours, admiring the most beautiful nature and magnificent architecture.

• Open from 6AM to 12AM
• Tsaritsyno metro station, Dolsky, 1

The most amazing part of the park is the lake with a light and musical fountain. Every evening the fountain starts the show. Lights and music combined make you feel like you are not in Moscow but in a fairy tale. The park is also well equipped for sports lovers and healthy lifestyle. There are volleyball and basketball courts, a tennis court, sports facilities for acrobatics, bodybuilding equipment.

What I personally like about this park is the atmosphere. This place is actually far from the city center but I love going there anyway. Whenever I go there I feel like I left Moscow with all its hectic lifestyle. It is the place where I relax, enjoy myself or a company of my friends and feel kind of different. By the way totally suggested for a date!

Kolomenskoye Park – Combination Of Reserve and Architecture

The Kolomenskoye park is actually a Museum-Reserve. It is a former residence of Russian tsars and one of the most scenic places in Moscow.

• May to September – open from 8AM to 12AM, October to April – from 8AM to 9PM
• Kolomenskoye metro station, Andropov Ave, 39

 Alike with Tsaritsino park Kolomenskoye park has its own special atmosphere with all the architecture, trees, ponds and even a river bank. The park regularly hosts various folk festivals and different fairs. In summer time you can play with kites or rent a bicycle and ride around the huge area of the park.

I love the view that you get on the city from one of the hills near the river. I love the apple trees alleys and the beautiful churches. It is also a bit far from the city center but yet worth going there. One of my best friends even celebrated her wedding there.

Aptekarsky Garden or Botanical garden of the Moscow State University – The Best Botanical Garden in The World

Aptekar in Russian language means a pharmacist so basically it is a pharmacist’s garden. It was founded in 1706 by Peter The Great for growing medicinal plants for the royal family. But later they moved it from under the walls of the Kremlin to the current location.

• Open from 10AM to 8PM
• Prospect Mira metro station, Prospekt Mira, 26

In the botanical garden there are no attractions and noisy crowds of tourists. The area of the garden is not as big as any other park in Moscow. And the entrance is not free. But this exactly what makes this park one of the most comfortable in the city. In the Aptekarsky garden they grow thousands of different plants, flowers and trees. Some of the trees are more than 300 years old. They held different festivals there: flowers festivals, sand and ice sculptures expositions.

For me it is one of the most beautiful parks not only in Moscow but in the world. I have never seen so many different flowers and plants anywhere else. And trust me I am a real park lover. And what is more the staff really takes care about every single tree or plant there, some of the trees have names and stories. I love it there and I think the price is really worth what you get.

Victory Park – A Park That Makes Us Remember The War

The park is located on the Poklonnaya Hill and it has one of the world’s largest memorial complexes dedicated to the World War II. The park was opened for the 50th anniversary of the Victory on May 9, 1995. It is also one of the main venues in the city for holding a variety of mass events.

• Park Pobedy metro station, Brothers Fonchenko, 7

On the main avenue of the park there are with 1418 fountains – exactly as long as the war lasted. Fountains make five water terraces, symbolizing five years of military operations. And in the center of the park there is the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. If you are interested in the history of the war do not miss it. The Poklonnaya Hill is a part of the park and from the hill you get one of the best views on the city of Moscow. And I could say this is the best place for watching the fireworks during the mass celebrations. But be aware it gets too crowded then. As in most of the other big parks you can rent a bicycle or rollers there.

Izmailovsky Park – A Mix of a Big Forest and Attractions

Izmaylovsky Park occupies a huge green territory, making up a large part of the Izmailovo district. The park consists of two parts: Izmaylovsky Park of Culture and Rest and the forest park of Izmailovo. First part is full of attractions and restaurants while the second one is like a real forest with pine trees, birch groves, beautiful clearings and ponds.

• Izmaylovskaya, Shosse Entuziastov or Partizanskaya metro stations, Izmaylovsky Park

It is easy to spend there a whole day. A large landscaped area and a lot of various entertainments for children and adults will help you not to get bored. An observation wheel, a boat station, children’s playgrounds, a dance floor, sports grounds, a skate park – all this is only a small part of the possible leisure activities. In the park there are bike paths and a rental services.

I don’t go there often to be honest. But the park is very very close whenever to a souvenir market on Partizanskaya metro station. And whenever the weather is nice and I have enough of free time I stroll through the alleys of the park and enjoy the nature. So if you are going to the souvenir market too and you have enough free time then do go to the park too.

5 thoughts on “TOP-11 Moscow Parks to Visit”

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Yes, sure 🙂 This is my top list 🙂

Yes, sure. These are my favorites!

I like this blog very much. Please keep sharing it in future too.

Thanks for sharing.

Thank you! 🙂

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Home » Europe » Moscow

20 BEST Hostels in Moscow (2024 • Insider Guide!)

Far and away Russia’s largest city, the capital city of Moscow is a backpacker’s dream. By European standards it’s affordable, and by city standards it still feels super exotic.

But there are a ton of hostels in Moscow. Over 110 to be specific, and knowing which hostel to pick can be quite a task. Which is the exact reason we put together this list of the best hostels in Moscow.

We’ve organized this list of the best hostels in Moscow by different travel needs. So whether you wanna party or chill, hook up or wind down, with the help of this guide, you’ll be able to book the hostel that gets you where you wanna be!

Let’s take a look at the 20 best hostels in Moscow…

The 20 Best Youth Hostels in Moscow

What to pack for your moscow hostel, why you should travel to moscow, faq about hostels in moscow, more epic hostels in russia.

Moscow Style | Overall Best Youth Hostel in Moscow

The overall best hostel in Moscow is Moscow Style and you’re about to find out why. Not only does Moscow Style offer guests all the basics like free bed linen and free WiFi but have a late check-out, free breakfast and a guest kitchen too. Team this with kick-ass customer service, super comfy dorm rooms and the fact that it’s located in the heart of the city, you’ll easily see why Moscow Style is the best hostel in Moscow in 2021. To top it off, must-visit landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square are just a five-minute walk away.

Comrade Hostel

Comrade Hostel is the joint best hostel in Moscow in 2021. Comrade Hostel is a highly recommended hostel in Moscow so if you wanna stay here you’ve gotta book your bed ASAP, especially if you and your travel buddies wanna stay in the same dorm room. Comrade Hostel is in Moscow’s old town known locally as Kitai-Gorod. The Comrade staff are always on hand to give you directions and useful tips on how to make the most of your every moment in Moscow.

Vagabond Hostel | Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Moscow

The best hostel for solo travellers in Moscow is the super popular Vagabond Hostel. For solo travellers early seeking a crew to explore the Russian capital city with your first port of call should be Vagabonds. Attracting a varied and interesting crowd Vagabond Hostel is the perfect Moscow backpackers hostel for solo travellers to hang out in. The free breakfast provides a cracking start to the day and you have the use of the guest kitchen too. Why not have a cook-off with your hostel mates?

Godzillas is a top hostel in Moscow and has been for years. For solo travellers keen to connect, Godzillas is a great start; tour operators often use Godzillas as their meeting hostel so there are always plenty wide-eyed and bushy-tailed travellers just like you around the place! The Godzillas team are super welcoming and always happy to help in any way that they can. If you’re a solo traveller keen to meet a wide of a range of people as possible, Godzillas is the place for you.

Chekhov House | Best Cheap Hostel in Moscow #1

The best cheap hostel in Moscow is Chekhov House, by far. Although at first glance the pink hues around Chekhov House may have you thinking it’s a women-only hostel, it is a place for everyone. The free breakfast, free WiFi and free luggage storage go a long way in making Chekhov House a great, cheap, youth hostel in Moscow. The Chekhov House team are keen to please and are always happy to help with directions. As a rookie in Russia, you may struggle to read local signage as they use a totally different alphabet!

Good News Hostel | Best Cheap Hostel in Moscow #2

The good news is that Good News Hostel is the best budget hostel in Moscow! Too cheesy?! Anyway, you’ll love Good News Hostel for its bright and spacious dorm rooms and wonderful communal areas. The outdoor deck is the ideal spot to hang out in on a sunny Russian summers day although if you’re heading to Moscow in the winter you need to bring your thermals. Super close to the Komsomolskaya metro station, you can easily connect to all of Moscow’s tourist hotspots from Good News Hostel.

Jazz House | Best Cheap Hostel in Moscow #3

Light and bright, Jazz House is a simple but ample budget youth hostel in Moscow. You’ll find very little to complain about here. The staff keep Jazz House in great shape and you’ll feel instantly at ease, once you’ve dumped your hefty backpack that is. The Kremlin is 3.5km away but the walk is a great way to experience real Moscow. If that feels like too much hop on the metro at Serpukhovskaya and you’ll be there in minutes. Once you’ve got your head around it the Moscow metro is pretty easy really.

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Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

FriendHouse | Best Hostel for Couples in Moscow

The best hostels for couples in Moscow is FriendHouse. Simple? Yes. Ideal? Yes! With so much to see and do in Moscow , most travellers are looking for a cheap and cheerful place to crash and FriendHouse is perfect. They have reasonably priced private double rooms especially for couples like you. If you and your lover like meeting fellow backpackers all you need to do is head to FriendHouse’s monochrome yet cosy lounge of an evening and get introducing yourselves.

Star Wars Hostel

No, bear with me on this one! Believe it or not, another Star Wars Hostel is the best hostel in Moscow for couples who like a fancier style of accommodation. By name alone you’ll be thinking that it’s Star Wars through and through but, to its credit, Star Wars Hostel has only a subtle homage to the sci-fi series. The private rooms for a couple are cosy, even romantic and cottage like in their decor! Everyone who stays at Star Wars Hostel raves about it. Go on, give it a go!

Fasol Hostel & Bar | Best Party Hostel in Moscow

Fasol Hostel & Bar is, you’ve guessed it, the best party hostel in Moscow. This laid-back, charming and budget-friendly youth hostel is the perfect place to get your party on. To be fair, they don’t party crazy hard here as Moscow is hardly famed for its party scene but if you’re keen on a few beers, or a vodka or two, after a day of exploring Moscow Fasol is the place to stay. Overall, Fasol is a highly recommended hostel in Moscow, so whether you’re a party animal or not you’ll surely be drawn in by the on-point hostel vibes.

Safari Hostel

If Safari Hostel had its own bar it would easily be the best party hostel in Moscow, alas it’s nearly the best hostel in Moscow for a party. To be fair, Safari Hostel is a laugh a minute and all who stay here are game for a drink or two. Good job you can BYOB! The huge guest kitchen and dining room is the perfect place to get the beers following before you hit the town. The Safari team will be more than happy to recommend which pubs you hit up and when!

Hostel Derevo | Best Hostels for Digital Nomads in Moscow

Hostel Derevo is the best hostel for digital nomads in Moscow for sure! Not only do they have free and unlimited super-fast WiFi but modern spaces to work in. Derevo is the coolest hostel in Moscow for digital nomads and there is something to be said for feeling more productive when working in an inspiring environment. Derevo is, in fact, a co-working hostel, the whole place has been designed for digital nomads like you. Snap up your spot ASAP, they’re about to get even more popular in the rise of the digital nomads in 2021.

Netizen Hostel

Netizen is an ideal Moscow backpackers hostel for digital nomads, their bar and cafe is a great place to work from. The Netizen team have created an open and welcoming vibe here but there is a calmness and quietness about the place too. Netizen is a super clean hostel and the room service team work around the clock to keep the hostel in immaculate order. As a highly recommended hostel in Moscow Netizen is great for digital nomads looking for a home from home and an office all rolled into one.

Grant’s Hostel | Best Hostel with a Private Room in Moscow

Grant’s Hostel is a top hostel in Moscow if you’re departing by flight as they offer a free airport transfer. So no need to stress about finding a Moscow hostel near the airport. You don’t wanna focus on leaving before you’ve arrived though! You have Grant’s Hostels super spacious dorm rooms and cosy cafe to look forward to; as well as the team’s wonderful hospitality. Grant’s Hostel is a great shout for couples, they have four private double rooms just waiting to be snapped up! Get booking!

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It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

More of the Best Youth Hostels in Moscow

Sputnik hostel.

Sputnik is the coolest youth hostel in Moscow but also one of the only boutique options available in the city. If you’re more of a flashpacker than a shoestring slumming-it kinda traveller you’ll feel right at home in the modern yet rustic dorms of Sputnik. If you have an eye for design you’ll love Sputniks minimalist style. Flashpackers you’ll be pleased to hear Sputnik’s is on the same street as Prada and all the posh restaurants. Main Moscow attractions like the Kremlin are just a 10-minute walk away.

3 Penguins Hostel

3 Penguins is a super cute Moscow backpackers hostel with reasonably priced dorm rooms and a homely feel. 3 Penguins have been impressing their guests time and time again and as such has become a highly recommended hostel in Moscow. There’s a kind of grandeur about the private rooms at the 3 Penguins that couples will surely kind romantic if a bit OTT. The staff are super helpful and will always give you a hand when they can.

Captial Hostel

Captial Hostel is a clean and homely Moscow backpackers youth hostel, located in the heart of the city. A far cry from a party hostel, Captial is ideal for travellers who like to stick to business when they’re on the road; for those who like to get a quiet and calm night’s sleep ready to hit up all the city sights in the morning. Captial Hostel has private dorm rooms and is therefore ideal for groups of mates who are travelling together and need a bit of space away from random dorm mates. It’s ok, we all feel like it sometimes!

Blagovest Hostel

Blagovest is a top hostel in Moscow, especially if you’re travelling with your crew. They have both open and private dorms available. The private dorms can sleep up to five people and is a great way of pooling the costs of travel. Blagovest Hostel comes highly recommended by all who visit, in part due to their great location but mostly because of their lovely staff. It should also be mentioned that Blagovest has dead comfy orthopaedic mattresses on all their beds. You’ll sleep like a baby!

Kremlin Lights

If you’re having a quick turnaround in Moscow and need to hit up all the sights and landmarks super quickly and easily you need to book a bed at Kremlin Lights. They’re located just 190m from the Kremlin, no other Moscow backpackers hostel is closer. Kremlin Lights is a bright and welcoming hostel that is super clean and as we’ve established, perfectly located. By being in the heart of Moscow the surrounding food outlets can be a little pricey so be sure to cook for yourself in the Kremlin Lights kitchen to save some money.

Jedi Hostel

Sci-Fi haters don’t dismiss Jedi Hostel on the name alone. Although there’s a subtle theme Jedi Hostel is a cracking youth hostel in Moscow, regardless of your feelings towards the films! Jedi Hostel is a funky and bright hostel located in the heart of Moscow. From here you can easily access all the tourist hotspots, great bars and some cool restaurants too. Each dorm bed is in capsule style for a little added privacy. Jedi is a super friendly hostel and you’ll defiantly find yourself tempted to extend your stay!

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out our definitive  Hostel Packing list  for our top packing tips!

Moscow is an unforgettable experience, so be sure to book a hostel that sets yourself up for success. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to pick a hostel that best suits your travel-style, your your time in Russia can be nothing short of awesome.

And, just in case you can’t pick from one of the best hostels in Moscow – go with Moscow Style. It’s location, price and stellar reviews means you’ll have a great time and can worry about one less thing on your Russia trip.

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Moscow.

What are the best hostels in Moscow, Russia?

Here you go! Our top 3 of the best hostels in Moscow: Moscow Style Vagabond Hostel Chekhov House

What’s the best party hostel in Moscow?

Fasol Hostel & Bar is the perfect place to get your party on. They don’t go wild there, but it’s a sick laid-back hostel with a nice bar to chug a few drinks.

What’s the cheapest hostel in Moscow?

If you’re looking to save some money down in Moscow, book your stay at one of these hostels: Chekhov House Good News Hostel Jazz House

Where can I book a hostel for Moscow?

Most of our favorite hostels are found through Hostelworld. If you’re looking for an epic place to stay in Moscow, start your search there!

What are the best hostels in Moscow for couples?

FriendHouse is an ideal reasonably-priced hostel for couples in Moscow. It has a monochrome yet cosy lounge of an evening.

What are the best hostels in Moscow near the airport?

If you’re departing by flight, there is no need to stress about finding a Moscow hostel near the airport. Grant’s Hostel, our best hostel with private rooms in Moscow, offers a free airport transfer.

Travel Safety Tips for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Moscow.

Planning an epic trip all across Russia?

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

For more cool hostel guides around Russia, check out:

• Best hostels in Saint Petersburg
• Best hostels in Kiev
• Best hostels in Warsaw
• Best hostels in Tbilisi
• Best hostels in Oslo

Over to you

By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Moscow has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!

If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!

• Check out the best places to stay in Moscow before you arrive.
• Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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