safari view luxury camp serengeti

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Safari View Luxury Camp

About Safari View Luxury Camp

Safari view camp is a tranquil camp overlooking the plains and Stony outcrop of the Serengeti .

Nestled among the massive rocks (Kopjes),set in the foothill of the lomoti kopjes in the central Serengeti,10 suite tents,wooden platform,private bathroom and comfy reception to provide a peaceful retreat from long day activity helps to soak up the haunting beauty of the stark terrains and endless plains that characterises the dramatic landscape .

The unfolding vent windows along the oversized bed in each suite granting panoramic views of its exquisite natural setting. The camp’s mindful design offers an authentic, eco-conscious base from which to explore this significant wildernes

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Amenities at safari view luxury camp.

Each suite has an elegant and contemporary design, with comfortable, modern interiors enhanced by authentic African touches. The public areas are dominated by magnificent kopjes, and guests can enjoy the broad views of the grasslands from the bar, sitting and dining areas.

• Single, twin, double, Triple tent with an extra bed possibility
• Shower and toilet in each tent with 24hours hot water
• Charging station for phones and cameras in each tent
• Wi-Fi all around the camp
• Restaurant and fully stocked bar
• Camp fire area

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Serengeti National Park

All serengeti lodges & camps.

A myriad of accommodation options is available in Serengeti National Park. From adventurous mobile tented camps following the Great Migration to family-oriented lodge style accommodations and anything in between, you can be sure to find the perfect spot just for you.

Make use of the filters below to search for accommodation options within your budget. Specific rates are displayed on each individual lodge description page. You can also search by location or search by season (Great Migration).

• Price $$$$$

Namiri Plains

lodge location Central Serengeti

A home away from home on the plains. This lodge is all about luxury, cheetah conservation and wildlife. Namiri Plains is a remote camp, yet close to all the action. Spacious tented suites offer spectacular and uninterrupted views across Serengeti National Park.

from US$ 629 per person per night

Four Seasons

Indulge yourself with great game drives, soothing spa treatments, a cocktail bar with the best possible views, a gourmet food experience as well as many excursions options and more. Get ready for an immersive safari experience at the Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge.

from US$ 902 per person per night

Best of the Serengeti, extraordinary, setting breathtaking – these phrases are just a selection of the reviews written about Dunia Camp in Serengeti National Park. Explore this accommodation yourself and discover why everybody wants to return.

from US$ 494 per person per night

Singita Mara River Tented Camp

lodge location Serengeti Mara

From one of just six (!) luxury tents at Singita Mara River Camp, you will find yourself overlooking the illustrious Mara River, and perhaps some of its resident wildlife. In the distance grazing zebras, right behind you your beautiful, luxurious tented suite.

from US$ 2,045 per person per night

Olakira  Migration  Camp

lodge location Migration Area

With just nine airy and luxurious safari tents, which moves completely twice a year to follow the Serengeti Great Migration, this warm camp radiates a family atmosphere. Simply because the owners put their people – guests and staff - first.

from US$ 920 per person per night

Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp

Are you seeking a classic, diverse safari experience? Lemala Ewanjan is located in the bustling Seronera area attracting abundant wildlife – big game, elegant antelopes, majestic birds; discover it all at this warm-hearted camp. Private plunge pools included.

from US$ 429 per person per night

&Beyond Klein's Camp

lodge location Lobo & Loliondo

Enchanting, relaxing, and quiet: &Beyond Klein's Camp is an unaffected paradise, located in a remote corner of the Serengeti. Discover this area by safari vehicle (also by night) or on foot – and be sure you take time to meet the local Maasai residents.

from US$ 1,050 per person per night

Singita Sasakwa Lodge

lodge location Grumeti Game Reserve

With only ten private cottages, the lodge style is grand and spacious with a feeling of historical opulence. The main areas are double volume opening out onto breath-taking decks offering vistas over the endless plains of Serengeti National Park.

from US$ 2,360 per person per night

One Nature Nyaruswiga

Where all the splendors of the Serengeti come together – lush land, wildlife and opulent accommodation - is an exclusive lodge. A warm place for families, couples and groups, and perfect for everlasting memories: welcome to One Nature Nyaruswiga.

from US$ 1,654 per person per night

Lemala Kuria Hills Tented Lodge

A stunning and remote location, close to the famous Mara River: this lodge is the perfect Serengeti safari destination. Abundant wildlife, glass fronted tented suites including private plunge pool, and timeless hospitality – welcome to Kuria Hills Lodge.

Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp

Nomad Serengeti Camp takes you back to the early days of going on safari when it was all about the safari experience and not necessarily the luxury trappings of a camp. This intimate, tented retreat is mobile and moves several times per year to follow the Migration.

from US$ 745 per person per night

&Beyond Grumeti River Lodge

lodge location Western Corridor

Sleeping under canvas is a genuinely calming experience: the sounds of nature trickle right into your ear. And upon opening your canvas to stunning views, you will immediately slip into a relaxed pace of life at this camp in this remote corner of the Serengeti.

from US$ 1,250 per person per night

Taasa Lodge

lodge location Northern Serengeti & Lobo

Luxurious "camping" with incredible wildlife sightings: feel the pulse of the mystic northern Serengeti & Lobo area at this camp far away from the crowd. Enjoy dinners around the open-air boma while wildlife wanders past – there are oh-so- many reasons to stay at Taasa Lodge in Serengeti.

from US$ 819 per person per night

Mwiba Lodge

lodge location Southeastern plains & Ndutu

Can a remote, pristine wilderness area go hand in hand with ultra-luxurious designer tented suites? At Mwiba Lodge in southern Serengeti it can, and does it with style. Discover the area by vehicle, on foot, or from the air and immerse yourself in this luxurious, wildlife experience.

from US$ 1,939 per person per night

Roving Bushtops

lodge location Serengeti Migration Area

Roving Bushtops takes “camping” to a whole new level, with immaculate -mobile- accommodations that will tempt you to join those who return here year after year. This glamorous luxury camp moves between locations twice a year and allows to see the Great Migration up close.

from US$ 2,174 per person per night

Entara Olmara Camp

Spend the night under the stars on your very own platform overlooking the Serengeti. The waterhole (the only permanent water source around), visited by elephants, along with lion, leopard, eland, zebra, and more, making for some pretty magnificent game viewing.

from US$ 659 per person per night

Kusini Safari Camp

lodge location Southern Serengeti

If your idea of a safari getaway is to get away from it all, including fellow travelers, then Sanctuary Kusini is the ideal place. A small camp, with dedicated staff, and seclusion from the bustle of other areas, you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet of this home away from home.

from US$ 945 per person per night

Sabora Tented Camp

Are you looking a sense of safari adventure where the modern world feels thousands of miles away in a ‘vintage’ setting? Set off to beautiful Singita Sabora Tented Camp in Grumeti Game Reserve and create safari memories that will last a lifetime.

&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas

lodge location Migration area

&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas is a mobile tented camp that moves between locations several times a year: this is done so that you will be able to experience the Great Migration up close and personal. Just 9 luxury safari tents make up this camp 'under canvas'.

from US$ 1,005 per person per night

Serengeti Bushtops Camp

Incredible views, resting under tented canvas, full day explorations – just a few perks of a stay at Serengeti Bushtops Camp. Looking for a homely and pure safari destination? Bushtops Camp is your perfect Serengeti National Park safari destination.

from US$ 1,029 per person per night

Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge

If you are seeking a perfect Serengeti family safari: don’t look any further. At Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge the staff will do everything possible to give the whole family -including your youngest- a heart-warming and unforgettable impression of Africa.

from US$ 370 per person per night

Siringit Serengeti Camp

Disconnect from our high-tech, fast paced world, and reconnect with a deeply rooted sense of tranquillity. Come to Siringit Serengeti Camp for a basic, but genuine Serengeti ambiance. This is pure safari elegance – for a reasonable price.

from US$ 547 per person per night

Singita Faru Faru Lodge

Jaw-dropping design, pure luxury, modern decorated suites, gourmet food; Singita Faru Faru Lodge is where you come for de-stressing and around-the-clock pampering, plus the best wildlife viewing in Tanzania's spectacular Grumeti Game Reserve.

Nomad Lamai Serengeti

Nomad Lamai isn’t a place for those looking for opulence and extravagance; it is a piece of big-game Serengeti, where encounters with wildlife are authentic, intimate and always wild. The Serengeti Mara area is a meeting point for more animals than you can think of.

from US$ 817 per person per night

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10 Best-value Luxury Serengeti Safari Lodges & Camps

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Serengeti National Park is arguably Africa’s most spectacular safari destination. This immense Tanzanian wilderness is home to all the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) and is famous for offering quality lion, leopard and cheetah sightings. It also forms the central stage for an iconic great migration comprising a mind-boggling total of roughly two million wildebeest and zebra.

Safari lodges are scattered far and wide around the Serengeti and below we introduce 10 of the most luxurious. Whichever lodge you choose, wildlife should be plentiful throughout the year. If you want to see masses of wildebeest, however, be aware that the migrating herds settle into certain parts of the ecosystem, and move between others, following a predictable annual cycle – so do your homework before you make a booking!

The accommodations below are not ranked in a specific quality order.

2,918 Serengeti Safaris

1. Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

This 66-room lodge is typical of the Serena Group, an East African chain known for combining the comforts of a luxury lodge with African decor and a bush atmosphere. Set on a ridge lined with acacia woodland, Serengeti Serena accommodates guests in a cluster of double-story thatch-and-slate units designed to resemble a traditional Maasai village. The brightly decorated rooms all come with a king-size bed and a fan, while amenities include a wonderful infinity pool and a restaurant that’s particularly strong on Indian cuisine. Serengeti Serena lies about 40 minutes’ drive from the game drive circuit focused on the Seronera River – an excellent place to look for leopards and lions lying up in the trees.

101 Serengeti Serena Safaris

2. Meliá Serengeti Lodge

Overlooking the Mbalageti River Valley, Meliá Serengeti Lodge blends African and colonial styles. The lodge is surrounded by nature but doesn’t compromise on the services of a luxury hotel. Experience the thrill of wildlife action that you’ve seen in nature documentaries. See lions, hear hyenas call and smell the dust as wildebeest gallop across the plains. Explore on foot with your Maasai guide for a closer connection to nature. Enjoy a bush picnic while nature thrums around you. Drink in the view of the valley from your terrace and relax at the pool or in the spa. Against a riotous canvas of the rising sun, take to the skies for a hot-air balloon ride over the plains.

44 Meliá Serengeti Safaris

3. Four Seasons Safari Lodge

Four Seasons Safari Lodge is one of the largest and most sophisticated lodges in the Serengeti. True, it lacks the down-to-earth wilderness feel associated with the region’s many tented camps. But this makes it an ideal choice for nervous first-time safari-goers or families with children who can’t be deprived of modern luxuries and distractions (there’s air conditioning and TVs in all rooms). Other amenities include a choice of three restaurants, a gym and spa, and an infinity pool overlooking a waterhole that regularly attracts thirsty elephants. Four Seasons is a good base for game drives, bush walks and – for a different perspective gliding above the wildlife – sunrise hot-air balloon adventures.

53 Four Seasons Safaris

4. Acacia Seronera Luxury Camp

Makoma Hills is home to Acacia Seronera Luxury Camp, which has a panoramic view of the throngs of wildlife across the Serengeti plains. This exclusive camp is a marriage of excitement, serenity and luxury. Explore in a safari vehicle to find the Big Five, big cats and the herds of the great migration. Relax on your deck at camp and listen to the call of the wild, enjoy a romantic bush picnic or take a bath with a view. Do a Maasai cultural tour to learn about their traditions, song and dance.

34 Acacia Seronera Safaris

5. Nyota Luxury Camp

If you fancy sleeping under canvas, but cushioned in the sort of luxury you’d expect at a swanky city hotel, you’re unlikely to go far wrong with Nyota Luxury Camp. This tented camp is a genuinely exclusive, too, comprising just 10 spacious stilted units with canvas sides and roofs, polished timber floors and organic furnishings made of bamboo, cane and wood. The riverside makes Nyota a great place just to chill out and enjoy the view from your comfortable private terrace. But it also has a wonderful location for game drives on the reliably rewarding big cat territory along the Seronera River.

17 Nyota Luxury Camp Safaris

6. Serengeti Safari Camp

In the Serengeti, it isn’t just the wildebeest and zebra that undertake an annual migration. There are also several mobile camps that migrate around the ecosystem, setting up at different sites over the course of the year to enjoy prime wildebeest viewing throughout. As might be expected, most of these mobile camps are on the basic side. But not so Serengeti Safari Camp, which is operated by Nomad, a homegrown Tanzanian company that caretakes many of the country’s finest luxury lodges. The six open-plan Meru tents at this restless camp are beautifully decorated, the food is superb, and the high standard of guiding is matched only by the attentiveness of the friendly staff.

16 Serengeti Safari Camp Safaris

7. Serengeti Sametu Camp

It might sound like a contradiction, but this luxurious tented camp simultaneously ranks among the most central and the most off-the-beaten track of Serengeti accommodations. On the one hand, Sametu is no more than 25km/16mi from Seronera, the site of a game drive circuit renowned both for its excellent big cat sightings and for its high tourist densities. On the other, the plains immediately around Sametu see relatively little tourist traffic whilst also offering a good chance of seeing all three big cats (lion, leopard and cheetah) over the course of a couple of game drives. Other attractive features of this camp include an infinity swimming pool overlooking the Ngare Nanyuki River and its proximity to the rocky hills known as Sametu and Barafu Koppies.

12 Serengeti Sametu Camp Safaris

8. Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp

Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp is ideally placed among Serengeti safari lodges for access to the annual migration and the Big Five. It has wide views overlooking Moru Kopjes, Lake Magadi and the vast plains, and the decor and style recalls the classic mobile camps of the 1930s. Enjoy a fruitful day of wildlife viewing. Have a bush picnic at a private site on a hill that has a jaw-dropping view of the plains below. Enjoy cocktails on the sunset deck, dine by lamplight under the stars, or float in a hot-air balloon for a bird’s-eye view of the Serengeti.

Serengeti Pioneer Camp Safaris

9. Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge

Northern Serengeti feels more wild and remote than the rest of the park, comprising a landscape of grassy hills that roll down towards the pretty Mara River. One of the region’s most compelling landmarks is the Kuria Hills, whose boulder-strewn slopes offer wonderful views in all directions. In the heart of this memorable setting, Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge offers a truly luxurious escape in 15 glass-fronted suites that each come with an indoor and outdoor shower, a freestanding bathtub and a private plunge pool. The surrounding area comes into its own over July and October when the wildebeest migration settles in to make frequent crossings back and forth over the Mara River. Kuria Hills also offers great wildlife viewing at other times of the year when other travelers tend to be few and far between.

Lemala Kuria Hills Safaris

10. Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp

Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp is one of the most long-serving and reliably excellent lodges anywhere in the Serengeti. Founded in the 1990s, and now part of the classy Elewana group, it boasts a magnificent location on a cliff overlooking a secluded stretch of the Grumeti River. The luxurious accommodations are 20 elevated wood-and-canvas chalets decorated in classic Edwardian safari style, and amenities include a swimming pool, jacuzzi and cocktail bar. A great feature of this lodge is that it lies just 30 minutes’ drive from the scenic game-drive circuit focused on the Lobo Hills, an area known for its large lion prides and plentiful buffalo and elephant. Lobo is one of the most underrated parts of the Serengeti, and tourist volumes tend to be very low except when the migration passes through. Guided bush walks are available closer to camp.

Serengeti Migration Camp Safaris

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Serengeti National Park

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4-Day Mid-Range Lodge Tarangire Serengeti & Ngorongoro

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$2,393 pp (USD)

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Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

King Mufasa Expeditions

5.0 /5  –  11 Reviews

Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Lodge

Professional Safaris

5.0 /5  –  58 Reviews

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (End)

Kilimanjaro Adventure Safari Club

5.0 /5  –  162 Reviews

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Top 10 Serengeti Safari Camps

The Serengeti is one of the most famous places in Africa for a luxury safari, and this is no surprise – the area it covers is vast and with everything from rivers, rolling plains, forests and hills one can never get bored of returning there. The Serengeti boasts abundant wildlife and a fantastic culture, with the Tanzanian Masai being prevalent in the Eastern Serengeti. Luxury safaris here can be a combination of small luxury tented camps, and larger lodges. You can always find the right property for you, as there are so many, and contrary to other parts of Africa you can still get off the beaten track and into areas where you will not see another soul. Serengeti safaris will often take in the famous Wildebeest Migration, which happens there all year, they continue on their mad annual circuit which briefly passes into the Masai Mara between July and October (although this can still be seen from the Northern Serengeti). Even when the migration is not in certain areas of the Serengeti one can still have some of the best game viewing in Africa, which is what continues to make this one of Africa’s top luxury safari spots. Here are our top ten luxury Serengeti safari camps and lodges – in no particular order:

1            Mwiba River Lodge – Southern Serengeti

Mwiba is incredibly special as it’s located in it’s own vast 51,000 acre conservancy, Maswa, which borders the Southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This eight suited luxury Serengeti safari lodge is exceptionally spoiling with vast suites, every luxury one can imagine and this vast area to explore – you will not see another soul but will enjoy the freedom of a luxury safari with no people. One can walk, take night drives and spend time out in the bush having delicious bush meals, sundowners and other treats. This area comes alive from January to March when the migration hits it, but is fantastic all year.2            Kusini – Southern Serengeti

This luxury lodge offering in the Southern Serengeti is part tented camp and part lodge with white canvas tents built onto raised decking – again this lodge is all about getting out of the car and is a wonderful stop over on your way North from the Crater. The lodge leaves you wanting for nothing and a Serengeti safari here is a memorable one with time spent enjoying huge vistas, open plains and peaceful sundowners.

3            Dunia Camp – Central Serengeti

In our opinion this is the only place to stay in the central Serengeti, which can be a little busy with other vehicles. This small and intimate luxury tented camp is heaven, with lions roaring almost every night and fantastic game viewing. The guides at Dunia are experienced enough to be able to get you away from the crowds and into areas where there are fewer people. The camp represents everything that is good about a Serengeti safari.

4            Nduara Loliondo – Eastern Serengeti

Nduara is the place in Africa to have an authentic cultural experience – here you can enjoy one of the most remote areas of the Serengeti while walking and learning from the local Masai, who are charismatic and very friendly. This area is so pristine, and if you are travelling with your family it can be a good break from the standard Serengeti game drives – here you will shoot bows and arrows and envelope yourself in the Masai way of life, all while staying in this quirky and unique luxury Serengeti safari camp.

5            Namiri Plains – Eastern Serengeti

This six tent luxury safari camp is located in one of the most exciting areas to hit Africa in years – their vast private conservancy was previously closed off to the public for twenty years, as it was being used for big cat research by the Frankfurt Zoological society – as such the big cat viewing here really is second to none and apart from the odd scientist you will not see another soul on your game drives. A Serengeti safari here will ruin you for all future big cat viewing, so good are the opportunities here.

6            Lamai Nomad – Northern Serengeti

This area is generally favoured between July and October when the migration is in the area – but it can be busy at that time and the game viewing is just as good from November to March too. Lamai is all white washed walls and romantic flowing mosquito nets, every room has views all the way to Kenya and the lodge manages to perfectly combine luxury with a feeling of relaxation and tranquillity. The lodge also boasts some of the best guides in all of Africa.

7            Serengeti Safari Camp – North / South / Western Serengeti

This is the best luxury mobile camp in the Serengeti, it moves to follow the migration so you can rest assured you are always in the thick of it. It’s luxury mobile tents are quirky and unique and you will always be treated to the best food, guides and location for game viewing. The atmosphere is of one big family and many people use this camp for their Serengeti safari year after year. It is a dreamy luxury safari camp with all the romance a luxury tented camp should have.

8            Alex Walker’s Serian – North / Southern Serengeti

This mobile option is also exceptional – often in the most dramatic and remote locations they really do get the best of the game viewing. Alex Walker is a famous guide, and as such the guides at his camps are amazing (he has camps in Kenya too) – due to the remote locations of this luxury Serengeti safari camp one can do everything from walking to fly camping, which adds an excellent extra dimension to your Serengeti safari.

9            Singita Mara River – Northern Serengeti

Singita Mara River tented camp bears the Singita name proudly and is quite a unique property, it is exceptionally modern and exceptionally luxurious. The Singita properties are famous for taking luxury safaris to a whole new level and this is certainly what they have done in the Serengeti. Singita Mara is eco friendly as well as having every luxury one could possibly hope for. It’s location on the Mara river is unbelievable for game viewing all year round.

10            Singita Explore – Western Serengeti

Finally another mobile camp in the Western Serengeti – this is one of the finest mobile camps in the world and can combine with riding or walking safaris which are a highlight. Singita also have four other extremely luxurious properties in this area but for the sheer romance of Singita Serengeti Explore we feel this one is worth a serious mention.

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Serengeti National Park

Sub regions inside

Broader region.

The pristine Serengeti National Park nestles in the centre of northern Tanzania . Encompassing vast plains of savannah, rolling hills, and a network of rivers; the Serengeti offers sanctuary to an abundance of wildlife, affording incredible safari opportunities all year round. The Serengeti is renowned for the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth - the annual migration when over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with a number of zebra and gazelle, move in a circular pattern between Tanzania and Kenya in search of new pastures brought to life by the rain. Crossing the Grumeti River is part of their journey and is a nail-biting spectacle as herds of distressed wildebeest and zebra attempt to cross the crocodile-infested waters. The Serengeti is a great place to visit during the calving season when gorgeous newborn babies can be seen, as well as a large number of big cats.

The Serengeti offers a selection of luxury lodges and mobile tented camps, making for an unforgettable safari experience.  

As the home of Africa's richest resident population of wildlife, the Serengeti National Park offers exceptional game viewing opportunities throughout the year. The time you decide to go will largely depend on what you wish to see. The majority of visitors are eager to witness the incredible spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration but planning for this can be challenging as the timing of the migration can vary from one year to the next and the migration takes a full year to complete a single cycle. This means that the migration can be seen throughout the year but because the wildebeest travel across vast expanses of land, certain events in the cycle can only be seen in specific areas of the park during specific time periods. The mass wildebeest calving period, for example, occurs between January and March in the southernmost reaches of the park, while the dramatic river crossings occur between July and August in the west.

The best time for general wildlife watching is considered to be during the months of June and July . During this time the animals are easy to find as they tend to congregate around the water sources and the vegetation is typically less dense than usual. The weather is also ideal at this time as there is usually little to no rainfall. Visitors should note that, while days are usually relatively warm during this time period, morning and evenings can get chilly, so remember to pack some warm clothing for your early morning game drives.

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Nature is Home

10 Best luxury lodges & camps in Serengeti

Each of these lodges and camps offers a unique glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the Serengeti, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience for every guest. Whether witnessing the Great Migration, encountering majestic predators, or simply soaking in the serenity of the African wilderness, these accommodations provide the perfect blend of luxury and adventure.

Singita Sasakwa Lodge.

situated in Tanzania’s Grumeti Reserve, is an epitome of luxury and conservation harmoniously intertwined. This elegant lodge offers guests a retreat into the heart of the African wilderness, with expansive views of the Serengeti plains. The lodge’s colonial-style architecture, coupled with its lavish amenities, creates an ambiance of refined indulgence amidst the untamed beauty of the savannah.

check lodge

Sayari camp..

located in the northern Serengeti, offers an exclusive safari experience with its secluded location and intimate setting. Nestled among the iconic rock formations of the region, Sayari Camp provides guests with front-row seats to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and other wildlife traverse the plains in search of greener pastures.

Ubuntu Migration Camp.

is a mobile tented camp that follows the seasonal movements of the Great Migration in the Serengeti. This camp offers guests the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the wildebeest migration up close, while also providing luxurious accommodations and personalized service in the midst of the wilderness.

Lemala Nanyukie.

Perched on the edge of a permanent marsh in the heart of the Serengeti, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. This intimate camp provides guests with a sense of seclusion and tranquility, allowing them to connect with nature while enjoying the comforts of spacious tents and attentive hospitality.

Singita Faru Faru Lodge.

located in the Grumeti Reserve, offers a contemporary take on the classic safari experience. With its sleek design, modern amenities, and breathtaking views of the Grumeti River, this lodge provides guests with a luxurious retreat in the midst of one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.

Lamai Camp.

Situated in the northern Serengeti, offers guests a front-row seat to the drama of the Great Migration. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Mara River, this camp provides stunning panoramic views and unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing, including river crossings and predator-prey interactions.

Serengeti Bush tops Luxury Tented Camp.

Redefines the concept of luxury camping with its lavish accommodations and personalized service. Located in the heart of the Serengeti, this exclusive camp offers guests the opportunity to experience the beauty of the African wilderness without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Sanctuary Kichakani Camp.

A mobile tented camp that moves seasonally to follow the Great Migration in the Serengeti. This eco-friendly camp offers guests a truly immersive safari experience, with expert guides leading game drives and nature walks to explore the diverse wildlife and landscapes of the region.

Namiri Plains.

Located in the eastern Serengeti, is renowned for its high density of big cats, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards. This intimate camp offers guests the chance to witness thrilling predator sightings while enjoying the tranquility of the African bush.

Mwiba Lodge.

Nestled in a private concession adjacent to the southern Serengeti, offers guests a secluded and luxurious safari experience. With its stunning views, gourmet cuisine, and personalized service, this lodge provides the perfect base for exploring the wonders of the Serengeti ecosystem.

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10 Best Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges in the Serengeti

• Posted on Monday 9th March, 2020
• Category: Accommodation
• Author: Pippa

The Serengeti . It offers some of the world’s most incredible wildlife experiences and some of Africa’s most exceptional luxury lodges. If you’re trying to decide which accommodation will meet all of your needs while creating the best safari in Africa , here are 10 of our top lodge and camp recommendations in the Serengeti.

1. Four Seasons Safari Lodge

With its resort-like feel and exceptional amenities, the Four Seasons Safari Lodge is ideal for first timers wanting a taste of the Serengeti safari experience. It boasts sweeping views of the vast savannah and a waterhole that’s frequented by elephants, zebras and gazelles, not to mention an on-site fitness centre and spa where you can be pampered during your stay. Add to that gourmet cuisine and a vast choice of daily activities, it’s understandable why the Four Seasons Safari Lodge is one of our top picks for a luxury safari in Tanzania . You can opt for one of their beautifully designed rooms and suites or splurge with an exclusive villa complete with your own private pool and butler.

Deep within Africa's finest game reserve, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti welcomes you to a sanctuary of Four Seasons comfort. Get up close and intimate with lions, leopards and elephants yet always feel safe and pampered. ..

2. Singita Sasakwa Lodge

If you’re after old-world elegance, this deluxe lodge features elegant hallways and inviting sitting rooms inspired by the colonial-era homes of East Africa . It perches on a rocky promontory above the rolling Serengeti plains , offering superb views of the ever-changing light, clouds and wildlife movements of this unforgettable landscape. You can opt for one of their European-styled cottages with a private plunge pool or splurge at the Hillside Suite with its rim-flow pool and sweeping wooden decks. The lodge also features a fitness centre so you never have to miss a workout and the option for pampering treatments at their on-site spa.

Singita Sasakwa Lodge is located in the Grumeti Reserves in northern Tanzania, and forms part of the Serengeti Mara ecosystem...

3. Mwiba Lodge

Nestled amidst massive boulders in the Southern Serengeti , the Mwiba Lodge is an ultra-luxurious accommodation overlooking the Arugusinyai River. Its eight suites have been designed to perfectly blend in with the natural beauty of its rocky gorge, which is studded with acacia trees and freshwater springs that attract elusive leopards. It’s particularly exceptional during the calving season of the Great Wildebeest Migration between January and May when the fertile plains provide the perfect setting for animals to rear their young. Aside from daily game drives, safari walks and kid-friendly bush excursions, Mwiba offers in-room spa treatments and superb dining experiences.

Ultra-luxurious Mwiba Lodge is nestled discreetly among gigantic boulders overlooking a rocky gorge of the Arugusinyai River in a private 126 000 acre reserve the southern Serengeti. ..

4. &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp

Situated in the remote Western Corridor of the Serengeti surrounded by tall evergreen trees, this secluded lodge overlooks a tributary of the famous Grumeti River. It’s the perfect setting for a private safari in Tanzania if you want to experience what is one of the most famous moments of the Serengeti migration , as immense herds attempt to make the precarious Grumeti Viver crossing. It’s one of the only areas in Tanzania where you can see black and white colobus monkeys, with an on-site hippo pool meaning these animals are also frequent visitors. Their rustic yet sophisticated safari tents are eclectically decorated and boast open-air showers while outdoor ovens and traditional fires provide a touch of romance for dinners under the stars.

&Beyond Grumeti River Lodge Serengeti is set in the remote Western Serengeti and offers one of the best wildlife experiences in this incredibly picturesque area, which enjoy far fewer tourist numbers than many other areas in the park...

5. Singita Faru Faru Lodge

Overlooking the Grumeti River in the very heart of the Serengeti , the Singita Faru Faru Lodge boasts a private watering hole that can be viewed directly from the swimming pool and is surrounded by endless grasslands that provide a setting for the Serengeti migration . It features just nine suites that are traditionally designed and with Danish-inspired interiors, giving the lodge a feeling of intimacy and exclusivity for guests lucky enough to stay here. With panoramic glass windows, you can watch all the wildlife action from the privacy of your Serengeti lodge suite, or take advantage of the fitness centre and pampering spa at the end of a long day out gaming driving and visiting cultural villages.

Singita Faru Faru Lodge is set in Grumeti in northern Tanzania, forming part of the Serengeti Mara ecosystem. ..

6. Serengeti Bushtops

Consisting of just 13 luxurious tents in what is a magical setting, the Serengeti Bushtops has established a reputation as offering a “wild luxury” experience. It features an infinity pool overlooking the never-ending plains and unforgettable sunsets, as well as private hot tubs and 24-hour butler services. It’s just a short drive from the legendary Mara River where the wildebeest herds attempt to cross the crocodile-infested waters on their annual migration, creating what is one of the world’s most exceptional wildlife encounters. When you’re not out gaming driving on the acacia-dotted plains, you can recount the day’s adventures with fine cuisine and an exceptional wine selection in the camp’s beautifully designed restaurant.

Boasting a majestic setting with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Serengeti National Park, Serengeti Bushtops is one of the northern region’s most celebrated camps...

7. One Nature Nyaruswigwa Tented Camp

Situated in the heart of the Central Serengeti , this ultra-luxurious camp combines upscale service with a genuine commitment to sustainability. It boasts breathtaking views across the sweeping plains framed by the Nyaruswigwa Hills, with this natural valley seeing more than one million animals travelling through on the annual migration . With just 12 ensuite tents and a two-bedroom family tent, One Nature provides exclusivity and exceptional nature-based travel experiences. Spend your days exploring the Serengeti (and Ngorongoro Crater ) from above and below, then relax in the heated plunge pool and jacuzzi or view the night sky through the high-powered telescope on the camp’s Astral Observation Deck.

Immerse yourself in unparalleled luxury at One Nature Nyaruswiga, Serengeti's premier safari camp. Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration while indulging in sophisticated comfort...

8. Lamai Serengeti

Nestled between the rocky outcrops of Kogakuria Kopje, the Lamai Serengeti lies on the doorstep of the Great Wildebeest Migration’s route through the Northern Serengeti . Each of the eight rooms has been intricately designed with a combination of canvas and plaster to complement the natural formations of the kopje and to take advantage of the panoramic views that are on offer. Head out on daily game drives to witness the healthy concentrations of lions and leopards in the area or embark on guided bush walks from a completely different perspective, then refresh in the inviting swimming pool on the camp’s natural rock deck.

When you've spent a few days chasing the migration, get yourself to Lamai, slow down a little and we'll show you another side to the Serengeti. ..

9. Sayari Tented Camp

The award-winning Sayari Tented Camp is situated in the remote Northern Serengeti and with easy access to the migration’s Mara River crossing. Each of the 15 luxurious tented suites is inspired by the stark natural beauty of the region, which is framed by natural rock formations and dominated by the flat-topped volcanic peak of Turner Hill. It’s renowned for its extraordinary wildlife sightings and sublime comfort, with a sophisticated library, rim-flow swimming pool and on-site spa among its facilities. Take advantage of the exclusive game-viewing opportunities by day, then soak up the sweeping views from the privacy of your bathtub.

Situated in the remote Northern Serengeti, the Sayari Tented Camp is an award-winning accommodation that offers some of Tanzania's finest game viewing. ..

10. Singita Sabora Tented Camp

Inspired by a 1920s explorer’s camp, the Singita Sabora Tented Camp will transport you to the golden age of Tanzania safari travel. It consists of just nine luxury tents, an expansive viewing deck and an elegant dining room that offers the ultimate in opulence while being surrounded by rugged savannah plains. Imagine Persian rugs, Zanzibari chests and antique furnishings coupled with a sparkling swimming pool, indulgent spa and on-site fitness centre. Decorated with Maasai blankets and traditional beadwork, the tents lead directly onto the plains, which are scattered with day beds where you can take advantage of the incredible game-viewing experiences.

Singita Sabora Tented Camp is situated in an untouched wilderness area of Grumeti Reserves, spanning over 350,000 acres in northern Tanzania...

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9 Incredibly Luxurious Tented Camps and Lodges in Serengeti

• Updated on January 15, 2024
• One Comment

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Whether you are planning a Serengeti Safari or just dreaming about the possibilities, your experience would not be complete until you have stayed in an amazing luxury tented camp or lodge. 

Even if for one night, spending some time right in the middle of the action is a top priority for most people and should not be missed! 

However, there are some important factors that you should consider when staying at safari campsites.

Before we get onto those, here are some of the most incredible luxury camps and lodges in the Serengeti for an unforgettable safari experience.

Where is the Serengeti?

The Serengeti is located in the most northern part of Tanzania, on the border with Kenya. You can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and then head to Arusha where most safari tours will begin. 

The Serengeti drive from Arusha takes around 8 hours with no stops and is a great way to experience a safari for your first time. An overnight stay in Ngorongoro en route is a must.

 Alternatively, you can fly direct from Arusha which takes 1 hour.

What makes Serengeti the best safari destination?

When people dream of doing an African safari, they are most likely thinking about the Tanzanian kind. The Serengeti offers some of the best game viewing experiences along with a front-row seat to the best nature show on earth – the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Coupled with some of the top safari accommodation in Africa, the Serengeti is a bucket list destination for many. 

READ: How to Plan an Affordable Luxury Safari to Serengeti

Let’s take a look at some of the best places to stay whilst visiting the Serengeti.

Serengeti Luxury Camps and Lodges

There’s nothing quite like staying in a luxury tented camp or lodge in the center of the Serengeti with the opportunity to hear the scuffle of hyenas and the incredible roar of lions right outside your room! Here are some of the best camps and lodges in the Serengeti for the ultimate safari experience.

1. andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas

‘The closer the better’ is the goal of this migratory camp, as it moves 5 times a year to follow the great migration, bringing you even closer to the action.

Even though this is a ‘mobile’ camp, there is no expense spared on the luxuries that await.

If al fresco dining is your thing, andBeyond will be difficult to beat with its incredible feast beneath a canvas of stars.

AT A GLANCE:

• From $740 per night
• Camp tents: 9
• Stargazing experience 
• Free use of Swarovski binoculars
• Personal butler service
• Charging station

2. Singita Sabora Tented Camp

If you fancy a 1920s-style safari experience, then this is made for you!

Luxury camping at its finest, it offers you everything you could possibly need whilst in the vast plains of the Serengeti, including a swimming pool, meditation deck, and fitness room.

• Prices from $1510 per night
• Fitness room
• Boutique and Gallery
• Swimming Pool

3. Sayari Camp

This award-winning camp is located near the Mara River with easy access to the Great Migration during peak season.

You can treasure your experiences while eating gourmet food, relaxing on your veranda, or taking a dip in their pool overlooking the plains.

They even offer unique flavor beers as they have launched a micro-brewery!

• Prices from $680 per night
• Camp tents: 15
• Microbrewery 

4. Dunia Camp

This is the only camp run entirely by women in Africa! 

A firm favorite among repeat guests, Dunia is in the perfect location for watching the herds without moving a muscle! 

If you want to enjoy more time in camp than out on the dusty roads, then this is the ideal place for it.

• Prices from $415 per night
• Camp tents: 7
• Charging facilities in all rooms (USB friendly)
• Run entirely by women
• Great location
• Lounge area with TV

5. Namiri Plains, Asilia Africa

Namiri Plains has undergone a major refurbishment in 2019 and is more beautiful than ever.

With a sleek modern feel and luxurious decor, this camp is a photographer’s dream. An outdoor bath overlooking the plains is something not to be missed!

• Prices from $480 per night
• Camp tents: 10
• Backup generator available 24/7
• Lounge with TV

6. One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti

One Nature Nyaruswiga offers an ultra-luxurious experience for safari guests.

With wooden walls and tented canvas, this hybrid camp offers luxury like no other in the Serengeti.

Take a dip in the hot tub after a long game drive before topping it off with a private massage by a skilled therapist.

• Prices from $1140 per night
• Walk-in closet
• Wood-burning stove
• Badminton/tennis court

7. Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

These gorgeous lodges resemble nipa huts commonly found in the Philippines. Offering fantastic views of the nearby Grumeti River, the customer service here is second to none.

Providing great value for money, this lodge has everything you need for a couple of days in the Serengeti.

• Price: starts at $320 per night
• Backup generator

8. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

This lodge is what we consider the epitome of luxury.

It’s the thoughtful details, such as the TV in your room that will notify you of any wildlife right outside !

The highlight of the lodge is definitely its infinity pool directly across a watering hole where local elephants stop off to have a drink.

• Prices from $1290 per night
• Fitness Room

READ: The Most Affordable Luxury Resort in the Maldives

9. Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge

Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge offers 15 glass-fronted tented suites, each coming with its own plunge pool. Perfect for honeymooners and total romantics!

The suite is elevated with amazing views and privacy is almost guaranteed with enough distance between suites.

AT A GLANCE: 

• Prices from $465 per night
• Private Plunge Pool
• Lounge area
• Amazing views

READ: This Lodge Has THE BEST Views Of The Ngorongoro Crater!

Things You Should Know About Staying in Tented Camps

If it will be your first time traveling to Serengeti, staying in safari camps, or perhaps both, there are some things you should know.

Luxury tented camps are generally located in the best areas, with private facilities, and use canvas material for their setup. This entwines you with nature without compromising too much on necessities and comfort, but you will need to make some sacrifices as expected.

With this in mind, you should consider:

Creepy Crawlies

One thing we didn’t really think too much about were the insects in the Serengeti. On our first night, we arrived quite late at camp and headed straight for dinner. Whilst sat at the table a rather large ‘cricket’ began running across the room at full speed. This was followed by another three within the space of 20 minutes.

Curiosity getting the better of us, we asked our guide what it was, to which his response elicited a rather horrifying reaction. “Tarantulas.” These things moved so fast and with the low lighting it was difficult to make them out, but they were everywhere.

The first night was a very sleepless one as we were convinced they would be in our tents too. We needn’t have worried as the rooms are completely sealed and we didn’t find a single one. Phew!

Oh, and beware of the annoying and rather bitey tsetse flies, they pack a punch! The best way to deal with them is to make sure you’re not wearing black or dark blue colors, have long sleeves/trousers, and spray a natural-based repellent OVER your clothes as they are capable of biting through.

READ: 11 Top Tips on How to do Affordable Luxury Travel

Limited Hot Running Water

If you like a nice warm soak then you’ll have to make sure you choose one of the very few camps that can offer running hot water, or potentially go without washing your long locks for a few days! Our tent had hot water ‘on-demand,’ which in basic terms meant asking for the staff to fill the bucket with hot water at a particular time for a shower.

Most camps will fill a large bucket for two people, you can ask for one each but you may feel a little high maintenance if you ask for any more than this!

The best campsites are without perimeter fencing which may leave you to question your safety, however, the staff are very experienced and will give you a full briefing as soon as you arrive. They will escort you to your tent after dark hours, which is normally when most hunting takes place.

Wildlife incidents and accidents are extremely rare. Although animals may closely graze, they move on quickly. Just be sure to follow the rules and guidelines given.

READ: Safari Anxiety: 19 Things People Worry About

Sleep Interference

Whilst staying in your tent, you will hear the slightest crunch of grass, whistling of the wind, and animal sounds during the night. If you’re a light sleeper or tend to get anxious then this is something to think about.

From our experience, the moment we were woken up at 4 am by the roar of a lion right outside our room, it made the first sleepless night well worth it! If you can’t compromise on sleep then perhaps consider wearing earplugs – you won’t hear a thing but at least you can still enjoy the environment to a certain extent.

In years to come you won’t remember the sleepless nights, but you will cherish the immersive memories forever

And remember to secure your belongings to avoid animals (particularly baboons) from stealing them!

IMPORTANT: Plastic bags are now banned in Tanzania. However, you can still use silicone bags or packing cubes to keep your personal items dry and organized.

Having recently been to Tanzania we have created this handy list of essentials for your safari packing list.

Serengeti Luxury Tented Camps and Lodges

Where you choose to stay during your trip is crucial to achieving that ultimate safari experience you have been dreaming of. If you’ve never tried anything like it before then this is arguably the greatest way to tick it off your bucket list.

Hopefully, this has answered your questions and helped inspire you to consider some of the most luxurious camps and lodges in the Serengeti.

Further Reads:

• 13 Bucket List Hotels in the World
• The Ultimate Safari Packing List
• How to Plan an African Safari

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1 thought on “9 Incredibly Luxurious Tented Camps and Lodges in Serengeti”

Wow awesome photos, I can imagine the experiences. Sleeping in the middle of nature in these elegant and cute camp sounds fantastic..

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Luxury Safari lodges and tented Camps in Serengeti

Luxury Safari Lodges and tented Camps in Serengeti | Top 10 Luxury hotels in Serengeti | Luxury Safari in Serengeti | Top 10 Luxury Serengeti Safaris

Serengeti National Park in  Tanzania  is a spectacular safari destination famous for the Big Five and big cat sightings. It’s also one of the best places to view the annual great migration that sees millions of wildebeest and zebra cross the endless plains in columns of dust. Watch predator–prey interactions, including crocodile that lie in wait at river crossings. Although you can see animals year-round, the best time for a migration safari is June/July to October, when most of the river crossings happen. With a wealth of wildlife acting as a drawcard, there are many accommodations in the area.

Why Visit Serengeti National Park

“There’s more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done.” When musicians Elton John and Tim Rice wrote the opening tune to Disney’s “The Lion King,” they were describing the “Circle of Life.” But this lyric serves as a fitting description for world-renowned Serengeti National Park. This magnificent game park sprawls across 5,700 square miles of northern Tanzania in East Africa. 

Within the boundaries of the Serengeti, you’ll hear thousands of animals: Hyenas cackle as elephants trample well-worn safari roads and hippos splash in watering holes. And at any given time, more than 2,000 lions are poised to pounce on unsuspecting prey, preparing to chase their unlucky target through the seemingly endless waves of golden grass. 

The scenery rustles with the swift steps of loping giraffes, and tree branches shake with every monkey’s movement. But the most magical site you’ll behold is The Great Migration, during which White’s paradise is drowned by a sea of animals as more than one million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles traverse the Serengeti in search of greener pastures.

Serengeti National Park

Best things to do in Serengeti:

The main attraction here is the wildlife. Serengeti National Park houses the highest concentration of large mammals in the world, so you’re bound to spot giraffes, elephants, hippos and, of course, lions. You’ll also come across more than 500 species of birds, including ostriches and flamingos. 

But while seeing one or two animals at a time may be exciting, nothing beats seeing them in a pack. The Great Migration is the Serengeti’s main draw: This voyage of more than one million wildebeest, zebras and other hoofed animals is one of the world’s largest wildlife spectacles. When you tire of gazing at grazers, head to Moru Kopjes to mingle with rhinos or to the Retina Hippo Pool to watch these massive mammals splash about.

The primary reason to visit Serengeti National Park is to witness The Great Migration. Considered one of the world’s largest animal migrations, The Great Migration involves more than one million wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and a variety of other animals traversing the Serengeti annually in search of food and breeding grounds. 

What to eat in Serengeti?

Restaurants are few and far between in Serengeti National Park, but if you want to enjoy a sit-down meal, you’re in luck – several of the park’s lodges feature one or more on-site restaurants. Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, for example, has an eatery that specializes in buffet-style meals with traditional safari and Tanzanian fare, such as locally sourced coffee and tea,  nyama choma  (grilled meats) and  ugali  (a maize dish that has a porridge-like consistency). And at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, three dining venues are available, including an outdoor terrace with pizza and African-inspired tapas and an indoor buffet with various African and international dishes. Boma Grill, the property’s third restaurant, seats guests around an open-air fire pit as they savor African dishes and watch the Masai perform a traditional dance. Many Serengeti lodges will also offer bush dining experiences, where diners can enjoy a private meal in the wild.

However, most travelers opt to go on safari (most of which cover all meals in tour rates) or purchase food at one of the park’s convenience stores to prepare at a campsite. Safari tour operators that provide meals at a lodge or boxed to enjoy picnic-style include Trip Insight Tanzania . Keep in mind that some companies charge an additional fee for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. For budget-conscious travelers, the park sells drinks, snacks and raw meat for grilling at convenience stores in the Seronera River Valley and Naabi Hill.

Best time to Visit Serengeti National Park:

The best times to visit Serengeti National Park are from January to February or from June through September, although you should plan your trip around the movement of The Great Migration.

For example, winter is the best time to see the herd in Southern Serengeti, while the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti are the best places to spend the summer and autumn months. Most safari operators will have a good idea of where the animals are headed and when, and most will adjust their itineraries based on the herd’s movement.

Temperatures remain relatively constant with daytime highs resting in the 80s. You’ll find cooler weather in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area due to its higher elevation. April and May see the most rainfall, and many lodges and camps close for this slower season.

Getting Around Serengeti National Park

The best way to get around Serengeti National Park is by safari. Safari guides know how to best navigate the park’s dirt roads and how to find the most fascinating wildlife. Many safari packages also cover transportation to and from the airstrips, food and lodging. If you prefer to travel on your own, you can rent a car (and even hire a driver) at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is located about 190 miles east of the park’s main entrance, Naabi Hill Gate. Additionally, all five regions of the Serengeti – Northern Serengeti, the Western Corridor, Eastern Serengeti, Central Serengeti and Southern Serengeti – are accessible by air through several regional carriers and nine internal airstrips.

10 Best Serengeti Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps

1. Acacia Seronera Luxury Camp

Makoma Hills is home to Acacia Seronera Luxury Camp, which has a panoramic view of the throngs of wildlife across the Serengeti plains. This exclusive camp is a marriage of excitement, serenity and luxury. Explore on a safari vehicle to find the Big Five, big cats and the herds of the great migration. Relax on your deck at camp and listen to the call of the wild, enjoy a romantic bush picnic or take a bath with a view. Do a Maasai culture tour to learn about their traditions, song and dance. Drift over the herds and landscapes at dawn in a hot-air balloon.

2. Ang'ata Serengeti Camp

Ang’ata Serengeti Camp is one of the top Serengeti safari camps. Ang’ata is the Maasai word for wilderness, appropriate for a camp with a natural setting and view of plains and wildlife. It lies at the hub of the park. The camp offers game drives in all directions, including to Moru Kopjes, Maasai Kopjes with their rock art, N’gong Rocks, and the Grumeti River and western corridor. Expect to see big cats and the Big Five year-round, with the thrill of massive herds crossing the plains during the annual migration.

3. Four Seasons Safari Lodge

Four Seasons Safari Lodge is one of the most sophisticated of the Serengeti safari lodges. It lies in one of the best areas to see the Big Five, plains wildlife and predator–prey action during the migration. Elevated platforms give superb views of the surrounding landscape. Sit on your balcony to watch elephant and other animals come to drink at the waterhole below.Return to camp to relax in the spa or at the infinity pool. Go hot-air ballooning to watch the sunrise over the plains and get a different perspective of the wildlife.

4. andBeyond Grumeti Camp

On the banks of a river in remote western Serengeti lies andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp. The river, a tributary of the Grumeti River, lures a wealth of animals to drink. You may spot rafts of hippo in the river pools in front of your tent. The camp is rustic but elegant, with a rim-flow pool and open-fronted communal areas with views of the river. Go on a game drive to enjoy the Serengeti magic with its huge lion prides, big cat sightings and elephant year-round. For the adventure of a lifetime soar in a hot-air balloon above the wildebeest and zebra hordes.

5. Kiota Camp

Kiota Camp stretches out on Banagi Hill with a bird’s-eye view of the Seronera River Valley. Surrounded by woodland and grassland, it’s a quiet place to relax before and after your game drives to see the amazing density of wildlife. Take a moment to admire Serengeti’s swathes of plains, umbrella trees and giant rock outcrops. Relax on your shaded porch with a pair of binoculars to watch passing animals or have a picnic lunch on the plains. Enjoy a hot bucket shower before dinner and sit around the campfire to listen to the calls of the night.

6. Lamai Serengeti

On a jumble of giant rocks at Kogakuria Kopje stands Lamai Serengeti, commanding views of the herds crossing the plains below. This area bustles with topi, buffalo, giraffe and wildebeest year-round and you’re almost sure to see lion. The camp is near the Mara River where you can see thousands of wildebeest and zebra hurl themselves into a river swarming with crocodile during the great migration. After an action-packed game drive, relax and watch passing animals from your private veranda or the open-fronted communal lounge.

7. Mapito Tented Camp

Mapito Tented Camp is one of the Serengeti safari camps that lies just outside the park boundaries. The luxury tents evoke the ambience of a colonial hunters’ camp. See lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe and antelope on your game drives. The camp is on the route of the annual migration so expect to see big herds between June and August. Go on a night drive to see predators hunting, and nocturnal species such as bush baby and serval. Enjoy a guided walk to learn about plants, birds and insects.

8. Mbugani Seronera Camp

Imagine being close to the thrilling sights and sounds of the Serengeti, but with the comforts of home. That’s what you get at Mbugani Seronera Camp. Each large tent has its own sitting area or you can mingle with other guests in the lounge tent. The camp overlooks a natural water source where you may see lion, leopard or buffalo. Enjoy action-packed game drives to appreciate how the Serengeti teems with wildlife. Watch the sunset and relax in the circle of safari chairs around the campfire to enjoy stories/

9. Melia Serengeti Lodge

Overlooking the Mbalageti River valley, Melia Serengeti Lodge blends African and colonial style. The lodge is surrounded by nature but doesn’t compromise on the services of a luxury hotel. Experience the thrill of wildlife action that you’ve seen on nature documentaries. See lion, hear hyena call and smell the dust as wildebeest gallop across the plains. Explore on foot with your Maasai guide for a closer connection to nature. Enjoy a bush picnic while nature thrums around you. Drink in the view of the valley from your terrace and relax at the pool.

10. Serengeti Pioneer Camp

Serengeti Pioneer Camp is ideally placed among Serengeti safari lodges for access to the annual migration and the Big Five. With wide views overlooking Moru Kopjes, Lake Magadi and the vast plains, it’s reminiscent of the classic mobile camps of the 1930s. Enjoy a fruitful day of wildlife viewing. Have a bush picnic at a private site on a hill that has a jaw-dropping view of the plains below. Enjoy cocktails on the sunset deck, dine by lamplight under the stars, or float in a hot-air balloon for a bird’s-eye view of the Serengeti.

What is the best way to visit Serengeti?

Choosing a reliable tour operator is the number one factor for a successful safari experience. However, if you are going on a private safari to public campsites, make sure to get all the necessary permits beforehand.

We recommend spending as many days in the Serengeti as possible. While there are many different accommodation options, the extra cost of staying for longer will be well worth it.

Additionally, make sure to come during the dry season to spot more animals, and be mindful of your travel dates.

Looking for help planning an affordable safari in Tanzania? Then  contact us  today.

When it comes to a lifetime experience in the Serengeti National park, Easy travel can make it happen for you. We can help craft your itinerary or make a customizable trip for you!

How to reach Serengeti National Park?

Most safaris to the Serengeti start from the town of Arusha. The best option to get there is to fly into  Kilimanjaro International Airport  (JRO) which is situated about 46km/29mi from Arusha. It is also possible to fly into  Julius Nyerere International Airport  (DAR), just outside of Dar es Salaam, and fly on to  Arusha Airport  (ARK) or  Kilimanjaro International Airport  (JRO).

There are regular flights from Arusha to several airstrips inside the park.

It’s also possible to drive; the trip is about 325km/202mi and will take about eight hours. It is a bumpy ride but it’s scenic and you’ll see some wildlife on the way.

As the trip takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation area, a popular option is to fly one way, and drive the other way taking in an overnight stop to visit the Ngorongoro Crater. Coming from the crater, the distance to the Seronera area in the Serengeti is about 140km/90mi, and the driving time is about three hours.

Serengeti national park distance from Arusha is around 419.2 Km if passing through B144 Tanzania. The drive takes 6 to 7 hours drive depending on the traffic flow on the highway, the driving is much controlled by the traffic police with more speed limits especially in certain points.

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6 Best Luxury Safari Lodges to Visit in Serengeti

You don’t know about the thrill of an African safari without a stay at the best luxury safari lodges in Serengeti. This globally iconic park is home to many luxury safari lodges, each offering a unique and exclusive experience.

Serengeti safari is popular for a variety of reasons. The main attraction is the opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, which is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world. The migration involves over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.

In addition to the migration, the Serengeti is also home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, and many other species. The park’s vast grasslands, savannahs, and woodlands provide a diverse range of habitats for these animals to thrive in.

The park is also known for its scenic beauty, with breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, vast grasslands, and an abundance of wildlife that make it a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the Serengeti is one of the oldest and popular national parks in Africa, with a rich cultural history and a reputation for providing visitors with an authentic and unforgettable safari experience.

With such a rich history, the best luxury safari lodges in Serengeti crown your overall experience while here. Some of the best lodges you will find here include the following.

Table of Contents

Singita Grumeti Reserves

Singita Grumeti Reserves. Photo/Micato Safaris

This exclusive property offers luxurious accommodations in the heart of the Serengeti, with private plunge pools, indoor and outdoor showers, and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. Photo/Four Seasons

The award-winning Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is set in the heart of the park. It offers guests a unique and luxurious safari experience, with private decks, infinity pools and an open-air spa.

Serengeti Migration Camp

Serengeti Migration Camp. Photo/AfricanMeccaSafaris

This luxury tented camp is located in the heart of the Serengeti, with a secluded location on the Mara River, offering guests the chance to witness the great wildebeest migration and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp

Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp. Photo/TripAdvisor

Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp is an exclusive tented camp. It is a secluded and authentic safari experience, with luxurious accommodations, private plunge pools, and an open-air spa, all set amidst the stunning scenery of the Serengeti.

Serengeti Safari Camp

Serengeti Safari Camp. Photo/Wetu

The Serengeti Safari Camp is a luxury tented camp that offers a true wilderness experience, with spacious accommodations, private decks, and an infinity pool.

Serengeti Under Canvas

Serengeti Under Canvas. Photo/TripAdvisor

This luxury tented camp offers a unique safari experience with luxury tents, outdoor showers, and private decks with scenic views.

What Is The Best Part Of Serengeti?

The best part of the Serengeti is subjective as it depends on the individual’s preferences and interests. However with focus on the best luxury safari lodges in Serengeti, the following parts of the vast park give you the following.

The Seronera Valley

This central region of the park is known for its high concentration of wildlife year-round and is considered one of the best areas for game viewing.

The Western Corridor

It is known for its spectacular scenery and is one of the best areas to see the Great Wildebeest Migration during the months of May to July.

The Northern Serengeti

This area is known for its large concentration of big cats and is a great place to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The Mara River is also located in this area, which is a popular spot to see the wildebeest crossing during the migration.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located on the eastern boundary of the Serengeti and is known for its large population of elephants and its breathtaking caldera. It’s the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera.

The Southern Serengeti

This area is known for its vast grasslands and large herds of zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles. It’s also a great place to see predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Ultimately, the best part of the Serengeti will depend on what you want to see and experience. Each area of the park offers unique opportunities to see different wildlife and enjoy different activities.

Can You Stay In The Serengeti?

The best luxury safari lodges in Serengeti exist for a reason – it means you can stay in the Serengeti. There are a variety of accommodation options available, including luxury lodges, tented camps, and budget-friendly options.

Luxury lodges and tented camps offer a high level of comfort and often have amenities such as private decks, infinity pools, and spa facilities. These accommodations are located in prime areas of the park and offer excellent game viewing opportunities.

Budget-friendly options such as public campsites and budget-friendly lodges and tented camps are also available. These accommodations offer more basic facilities and may not be located in prime game viewing areas but still offer a chance to stay inside the national park.

Clearly, the best luxury safari lodges in Serengeti are always in wait for you to check in. So, if you are making travel plans for the year, consider Serengeti and experience the other side of luxury in the wilderness.

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Welcome to Golden Safari Camps

Golden safari camps is located in the heart of the serengeti, where adventure and luxury meet at our exclusive safari campsite. our campsite offers an unparalleled camping experience accommodation in one of the world’s most iconic destinations, the serengeti national park. nestled amongst tower.

Solar Powered

Types of Tents

From Seronera Airstrip

African Enemities

Nature View

ACCOMMODATIONS

Semi Luxury Tent

Our Classic Tents offer spacious accommodation with a private en-suite bathroom, complete with a

Extended Family Tent

For the ultimate indulgence, our Extended Family Tents offer the perfect accommodation for famil

Book with Us?

Our tents are designed to provide the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Serengeti without sacrificing luxury or style.

“I left so early on my last day on April 10th that I didn’t get to say how much I enjoyed my stay with you again this month. Your rooms are great, and your friendly help and attention to detail were much appreciated! With hopes that you have an enjoyable spring and summer, and I’m very much looking forward to staying with you again

The Camp is superbly situated for getting to Seronera Aistrip, close to wildlifes, and has many animals nearby. I fully intend to make further visits.

Great location - very close to the nature, Bed was comfortable and breakfast was nice.

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Welcome to Signature Serengeti Luxury Tented Safari Camp

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Signature Serengeti Luxury Tented Safari Camp

 Signature Serengeti, by Into Wild Africa is a New Luxury Tented Safari Camp, deep in the heart of the Serengeti.  The magical location of Signature Serengeti has all luxury tents facing due-west for unforgettable sunsets.  Communal spaces include large dining and lounge tents, both raised on wooden platforms for optimal animal sighting and views of the landscape, with large viewing decks and wheelchair access. 

LUXURY SAFARI TENTS

 Our extra large luxury safari tents, on wooden platforms, are all custom made from the finest canvas and brand new for the 2023 season.  We cater for every traveller with our luxury honeymoon tents, luxury safari tents and luxury Safari Lodge style 2 bedroom family tents. Within, you will find luxurious King size beds (king single for the second bedroom of the family tents if children are travelling), premium linen, a comfortable lounge area for relaxing and a study area if emails are piling up.  Each luxury tent has its own ensuite with endless hot water in your personal glass shower, flush toilet in a separate area, double sinks, and of course, luxury amenities for your comfort.  Family tents have an ensuite for each bedroom for your convenience.  Outside is a covered verandah and seating area that is perfect for game viewing, relaxing and sunsets, after your day on safari in the Serengeti National Park.   

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 Our guests safety and comfort is paramount to us and every luxury tent, dining and lounge areas are equipped with wheelchair access, two-way radios for 24 hour service, universal power outlets and unlimited internet access. 

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Explore Serengeti Bushtops

Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Game Viewing

The main attraction

We never forget that you are at Serengeti Bushtops for the wildlife, so our goal is to ensure you enjoy a succession of unique, thrilling safari experiences. Our specially converted, open 4×4 vehicles make the most of every Serengeti drama during morning, evening and full day game drives. Our excellent guides will help you pick out the action, but also the perfect secluded spot for breaks and picnics.

Accommodation

A perfect haven of comfort

Under Serengeti Bushtops canvas lies the finest in seductive luxury and fifteen of the largest, most impressive tented en suites imaginable. None of the tents are overlooked, but all look over the Serengeti. Each faces the sunset and is open on two sides, giving you an extraordinary panoramic view of nature’s living masterpiece.

Welcome back!

At the end of an exhilarating day’s game viewing, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect conclusion than choosing from multiple delights on the menu, before being escorted to your table. With a campfire glowing outside, this is life in the Bush at its most sophisticated and harmonious: the perfect place to end your perfect day, watching the hot sun sink over the vast Serengeti.

"Setting the standard…"

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Simba’s Rock

We call it Simba’s Rock because Simba means lion and our favoured sundowner location is theirs too.

Balloon Safari

Vistas as far as the eye can see. Herds and individual animals dotting the landscape.

Klipspringer Dinner

It’s hard to imagine a more magical place than Klipspringer, named after the antelope which gather among its rocky outcrops.

Full Day Game Drive

A full day spent out on safari is the best way to see the range of what the magnificent Serengeti national park has to offer.

Let the landscape seep into your soul, watching the deepening blues of the sky become streaked by a palette of reds and golds.

Bisalalah School Visit

Tours are informative, memorable and often inspirational, as our guests meet Tanzania’s next generation.

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Home » Blog » Tanzania luxury Safari Tours » 10 Best Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges in the Serengeti

10 Best Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges in the Serengeti

Serengeti is home to millions of wildlife in Africa. It is the only place on Earth with more animals than any other part of the world. Serengeti National Park is well known for its great migration, which occurs yearly between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara game reserves. Because of that, Serengeti has been the top priority. For many people who are visiting Africa for wildlife safaris. In this article, we will give you details about luxury accommodation in Serengeti, whether you’re looking for high-end services. We have you covered for lodges, hotels, or luxury-tented camps. We invite you to read and explore our best luxurious places to stay in Tanzania’s Serengeti.

Here is the list of the 10 Best Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges in the Serengeti

1. singita sasakwa lodge.

The award-winning Singita Sasakwa Lodge epitomizes old-world luxury and grace, resembling an Edwardian manor. Regal indulgence is evident in every lodge corner, from the vintage collectables dotted around the rooms to the Persian carpets laid out on polished parquet floors. The atmosphere might be that of a bygone era. Still, Sasakwa ensures not one creature’s comfort of the modern age is missing, whether that’s something as simple as a hairdryer in each room or the large infinity pool overlooking the sprawling Serengeti plains.

Highlights:

• Set in Singita’s private Grumeti Reserve
• Panoramic views of the Serengeti from camp
• Tennis court
• Amazing stargazing opportunities
• Visit one of Singita’s anti-poaching observation posts
• Award-winning luxury lodge

Family getaways and safari-lovers.

2. Mwiba Lodge

Hidden high upon massive stone boulders ensconced by ancient coral and acacia trees, Mwiba Lodge exudes the grandeur and awe-inspiring affluence of a fabled lost city. This opulent lodge seamlessly blends top-tier contemporary design with traditional African elements, elevating your safari experience to a level fit for royalty. Guest satisfaction is at the top of the priority list, with the assurance of a private safari vehicle and guide per booking.

• Excellent views of the Serengeti
• Privacy and exclusivity
• Private safari vehicle and guide per booking
• Authentic cultural experiences with the local tribes

A romantic getaway or family vacation.

3. Namiri Plains

At Namiri Plains, an authentic African safari meets an extravagant intercontinental getaway. Constructed on wooden decks and set under canvas in the Eastern Serengeti wilderness, this luxury tented camp offers top-tier modern comforts and designs. Couple this with impeccable personalized service; you’ll forget you’re in the middle of Tanzanian bushland, not a five-star hotel.

• Guaranteed big cat sightings, particularly cheetah
• Optional hot-air balloon safaris
• Award-winning private camp
• Authentic African safari experience
• Set on the Great Migration route (November to June)

Honeymooners.

4. Sanctuary Kichakani Camp

View the most pivotal moments of the Great Migration in the lap of luxury at Kichakani Camp. The resplendent mobile camp prides itself on providing prime viewing spots for Nature’s best show. Watch as wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, and predators descend the seasonal path, all from the comfort of a 19th-century-inspired setting.

• Prime location for viewing the annual Great Migration
• Under-canvas provides an authentic safari feel

The safari-lover.

5. Bushtops Luxury Tented Camp

Calling all newlyweds, your perfect honeymoon getaway awaits at Bushtops! The secluded locale, the soothing sounds of Nature, and the magical backdrop of the Serengeti landscape make for a uniquely romantic ambience. Stargazing from the deck of your tent, sipping bubbly while soaking in the private hot tub, or sharing a couple’s massage after a game drive – Bushtops opulent setting and five-start service will make you even happier to be betrothed.

• Private jacuzzi in each tent
• Private butler on hand 24/7
• Well known for its wine selection

6. Lamai Camp

Peaking out from a ridge atop the Kogakuria Kopje, Lamai Camp stands tall among giant boulders. The camp’s heightened position gives it rolling views of the Serengeti plains and plenty of opportunity to see the wildlife below. The comfort of living spaces has an authentic safari atmosphere; think wood, thatch, and whitewashed stone walls. The living quarters make the most of the beautiful location, with glassless floor-to-ceiling windows opening up the space to Nature. Here, African design and décor take centre stage, with all furnishings designed and handmade by local artisans.

• Prime position to witness the Wildebeest Migration (July to October)
• Year-round Big 5 viewing
• The secluded location guarantees privacy

Family holidays and romantic getaways.

7. Singita Faru Faru Camp

Set on a hill overlooking the glistening Grumeti River, you can’t help but leave Faru Faru Camp feeling refreshed and renewed. A perfect mix of stone and canvas, every inch of Faru Faru gives guests a sense of the peace only Nature can provide. The camp provides guests with various leisure activities, including archery, hot-air ballooning, and mountain biking, allowing you to immerse yourself in this unique safari experience.

• Located in the private Grumeti Game Reserve
• Hot-air balloon safaris
• Overlooks the wildlife-frequented Grumeti River

Family holidays.

8. Lemala Nanyukie

Constructed on raised wooden decks and under canvas rooftops, Nanyukie offers raw and untouched wilderness alongside contemporary comforts. ‘Roughing it’ takes on a new meaning at Nanyukie. While you might be in a remote location surrounded by undomesticated wildlife and untamed bushland, you still have a comfy king-sized bed and private plunge pool – the best way to enjoy an African safari!

• Year-round game viewing
• Candlelit dinners in multiple locations
• Hot-air balloon rides
• On the seasonal Wildebeest Migration route (April to June and November to January)

Families with older children or romantic getaways.

9. One Nature Nyaruswiga

Designed to emulate the timeless elegance of the safari tents of yesteryear, One Nature’s Nyaruswiga luxury camp provides a stay that can only be described as 1800s-chic. Emperor-sized four-poster beds adorned with goose-down pillows and 400-goose-down Egyptian cotton, a hammered copper freestanding tub, and a wood-burning stove create a safari time capsule. Coupled with breathtaking views of the surrounding Nyaruswiga hills, One Nature makes for a perfect African escape.

• Near the wildlife-frequented Seronera River
• Incredible views of the Nyaruswiga hills
• Visits to the Ngorongoro Crater
• Private photographic safari

  Best for…

  The safari-lover.

10. Sayari Camp

An award-winning luxury under-canvas camp that seamlessly blends African elements with modern-day comforts, Sayari Tented Camp guarantees a stay that would rival any five-star hotel. Why should you vacation here instead of staying at The Ritz? You won’t see a group of baby elephants frolicking in the water as their mother stops for a drink from a hotel window. Set within a remote part of the Northern Serengeti , Sayari Tented Camp offers a private and exclusive experience you will never forget.

• Private and exclusive
• Award-winning luxury camp
• Walking safaris with expert guides
• Prime location for watching the Wildebeest Migration

A family getaway.

FAQs about Lodges in Serengeti National Park

How big is the serengeti, when is the annual wildebeest migration, where is the serengeti, when is the best time to visit the serengeti.

The best time to visit the Serengeti is in winter, the dry period of the mid-year.

Which airports are in the Serengeti?

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 46km or 30 miles from the main town of Arusha, is the most often used as the gateway city to a safari in the area.

When is the average summer temperature in Serengeti?

The average high is 28 degrees, and the average low is 15 degrees.

10 Best Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges in the Serengeti

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12 once-in-a-lifetime african safari vacations.

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Top African Safari Vacations

Courtesy of Expert Africa

Safari vacations in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of experiences to suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries visited by tours in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations (particularly yellow fever) in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country for more information.

&Beyond: Kings of the Jungle Tour

Courtesy of &Beyond

Length: 10 days Starting price: $14,265

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's diverse offerings across numerous African destinations. For a classic safari, consider the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle tour, where travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like Ngorongo Crater and the Maasai Mara savannah with its elephants and cheetahs. Arguably, the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park .

After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms. Prices start at $14,265 per person, but are higher around the peak season of June to October.

Wild Rwanda Safaris: Bwindi Gorilla Safari

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris

Length: Three days Starting price: $1,450 for two people with lowest-cost lodging

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for gorillas) and adjacent Batwa Pygmy communities. Wild Rwanda Safaris offers a choice of midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodations, allowing you to keep costs down if necessary.

The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, as well as English-speaking guides are covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend a lot longer on the road to the park. Contact the safari company for pricing information.

Nomad Tanzania: Southern Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Length: Eight days Starting price: $6,055

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species.

You'll get around the parks with the company's custom-built vehicles, ideal for catching a glimpse of that spectacular wildlife. What's more, the package rates include lodging at the company's campsites; select meals; and the short, scenic flights to and from Dar es Salaam as well as to the parks. Prices are only available upon contacting the company; they vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris: The Micato Grand Safari

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Length: 15 days Starting price: $29,500

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This extraordinarily thorough itinerary from Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to bustling Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks. You'll be treated to wildlife-viewing excursions that just might check every animal off your bucket list, from lions and cheetahs to rhinos, hippos and more. During your trip, you'll get to see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground.

The package costs at least $29,500 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes activities like a sunrise hot air balloon ride and a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe. Lodging at upscale properties like the Serengeti's Four Seasons Safari Lodge and glamorous safari camps with en suite bathrooms is also included. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris: Essence of Tanzania

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

Length: Nine days Starting price: Contact company for pricing details.

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Ethiopia, but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the "big five" animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet.

This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha, Tanzania, and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives spotting animals like ostriches, zebras and impalas in Tarangire National Park, plus accommodations like luxurious tents and farmhouse lodges. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife. If you time your safari right, you may also be able to see the famed wildebeest migration, when more than a million animals move between the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti plains.

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Lion World Travel: The Best of Cape Town & Botswana

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

Length: 10 days Starting price: $4,899

As the trip name implies, the 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package from longtime safari operator Lion World Travel combines a few days of sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa – where you'll visit the iconic Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula – with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta, home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more; you'll have the option of a helicopter flight to spot wildlife from above for an extra fee. Then, you'll visit Chobe National Park, which is believed to have the world's largest African elephant population.

Prices start at $4,899 per person based on double occupancy. Rates cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays in a four-star hotel in Cape Town as well as luxury tents in Botswana. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (from Cape Town to Botswana and from Botswana to Johannesburg ).

Discover Africa: Botswana – Chobe, Okavango & Makgadikgadi

Matthys Van Aswegen | Courtesy of Discover Africa

Length: Nine days Starting price: $4,800

For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day trip through the country's sprawling game reserves and national parks is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for spotting elephants – before moving on to the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals like leopards, rhinos, hippos and more. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife such as zebras and buffalo on the savannah as well as the ethereal white salt pans from a former lake.

You'll stay in upscale lodges and camps within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person and varies by time of year), but international flights to get to Botswana are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris: 8 Day Battlefields, Bush & Beach Safari

Onne Vegter | Courtesy of Wild Wings Safaris

Length: Eight days Starting price: About $4,160 for self-drive option

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some local history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush & Beach Safari. With an itinerary focused on the east of South Africa, you'll start off visiting some of the country's historic sites from the Boer wars, including locations where local Zulu warriors defeated the British, before moving on to Phinda Private Game Reserve. This park doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the "big five" without too many crowds.

The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. Kayaking and walks through coastal forests are other activities on offer here. As far as safaris go, this one is a somewhat more affordable option, starting at about $4,160 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris: 4-Day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park

Getty Images

Length: Four days Starting price: $1,015

This tour company kicks off many of its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from three to nine days, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, consider the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park safari. It will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park in Botswana and Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more, while also visiting rural villages. This safari includes a wildlife spotting boat cruise on the Chobe River as well.

The price starts at $1,015 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and well-rated lodging in Victoria Falls. Travelers will need to pay for their own travel to Victoria Falls. Dinners aren't included, although you'll be staying in the town of Victoria Falls, with access to restaurants.

Compass Odyssey: 8-Day Namibia Wildlife Safari

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Length: Eight days Starting price: Contact company for pricing details.

Explore the savannah and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. Travelers will also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife like giraffes, zebras and elephants at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive with a knowledgeable ranger as well.

The company provides prices on request. The tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights or the optional "Cheetah Walk." Compass Odyssey allows the tour to be customized on request.

Expert Africa: Big Cat Fly-in Safari

Length: Nine days Starting price: $5,010

Expert Africa offers safaris and other tours in a host of African countries. For a relatively classic tour, consider the Big Cat Fly-in Safari. It offers two different looks at Kenya's stellar wildlife. Firstly, you'll fly north for four nights at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a sanctuary that channels all its profits into protecting the wildlife in its roughly 100-square-mile reserve. You'll stay in classic tented rooms and enjoy three-course dinners, with the option of going on horse- or camelback safaris for an extra fee.

Despite the tour name, you're most likely to see elephants, giraffes, zebras and rhinos here. In fact, you're more likely to see big cats at the tour's second stop, when you fly south to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The tour company reports a high success rate for travelers spotting lions (and a decent chance of spotting leopards or cheetahs too). Here, you'll spend four days in upscale tents and have the option of soaring over the plains in a hot air balloon. The tour starts at $5,010 for eight nights, with all transport within Kenya included – although Expert Africa customizes most of its tours, so you can likely adjust your safari to your preferences.

Volcanoes Safari: 7 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari

Courtesy of Volcanoes Safaris

Length: Seven days Starting price: $8,430

If you're looking to spot some great apes, Volcanoes Safari focuses exclusively on primate tours within Rwanda and Uganda – and with partnerships with the Jane Goodall Institute and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, they're responsible too. One of its signature tours, this seven-day itinerary kicks off in Uganda, taking travelers to the famed Kyambura Gorge to spot chimpanzee communities, as well as on a trek through the Bwindi Forest to look for gorillas.

But it's not all about monkeys: The tour also includes chances to see lions on the Ugandan plains and to meet locals engaging in cooperative work raising bees and roasting coffee. Along the way, guests stay in stylish lodges with views of Uganda's mountains and forests. The tour starts at $8,430 per person based on double occupancy in the low season, with all meals included.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Although COVID-19 vaccination requirements no longer exist, it's not uncommon for countries to require you to be vaccinated against illnesses such as yellow fever before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

For many destinations, there are a number of other vaccinations that aren't mandatory but are still recommended, such as for cholera or rabies. Consult with a doctor and ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor about potentially bringing anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of July 2024:

Botswana: If you have recently visited or transited through a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa as well as Central and South America. Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days per year without a visa.

Kenya: Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places where yellow fever is endemic to be vaccinated against it. The CDC recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an eVisa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no less than two weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less per year.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50 for a single entry or $70 for multiple entries, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission, including transits of 12 hours or longer in such countries. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country. The vaccine should be administered 10 days or more before arrival

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 or a multiple-entry, one-year visa for $100. Be sure to print a copy of the approval (called a "grant notice") to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a single-entry visa on arrival in most cases, although the Tanzanian government still recommends the advance online application. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure. The processing time is around seven days, but the Ugandan government recommends applying 30 days before you travel; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. A single-entry visa costs $50. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk, including long transits (12 hours or more) through such countries. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens visiting Zambia. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks require a vaccine against this illness. This includes long transit stopovers of 12 hours or more.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

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Travel + Leisure Readers’ 20 Favorite Safari Lodges and Safari Outfitters in Africa of 2024

Readers voted for their favorite African lodges and safari outfitters in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2024.

How Voting Works

What readers loved about africa safari lodges, safari lodges winner, safari lodges full list, what readers loved about africa safari outfitters, safari outfitters winner, safari outfitters full list.

Travel + Leisure readers’ votes this year proved that people are essential to the best safari experience, in regards to both lodges and outfitters. From warm, welcoming on-the-ground staff to a reliable and knowledgeable travel specialist pulling all the trip details together, readers highlighted how a great team can make all the difference — in addition to epic wildlife sightings and transportive accommodations.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Rooms/facilities

Tour operators and safari outfitters were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Staff/guides
• Itineraries/destinations
• Accommodations

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

Courtesy of MORE Family Collection

South Africa was the most popular country this year, with three lodges in the top ten. Coming in at No. 1, Monwana Game Lodge is a solid all-rounder, overlooking a waterhole in a wildlife-rich safari reserve, supported by a compassionate team.

Asilia Namiri Plains (No. 2) in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park garnered plenty of praise for its team, too. “The staff were kind and made this a trip of a lifetime,” wrote one reader. The tents were also a highlight: “The rooms were huge, comfortable, and gorgeous, and the outdoor tub overlooking the Serengeti was unbeatable.”

But it wasn’t only lodges in famous Big Five destinations that T+L readers loved. Uganda’s Mount Gahinga Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris (No. 4) with direct access to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Kyambura Gorge, Volcanoes Safaris (No. 6) — where chimpanzee trekking is the big draw — reveals the popularity of primate safaris.

Monwana Game Lodge: Thornybush Nature Reserve, South Africa

In Thornybush Nature Reserve — part of South Africa’s Greater Kruger area, one of the best regions in Africa for Big Five sightings — Monwana Game Lodge is located by a waterhole frequented by elephants, lions, and other key wildlife. The lodge was the top choice for T+L readers this year, with one reporting “an amazing experience throughout, from staff to game viewing.” With just six suites, and a private residence for up to five guests, Monwana is ideal for honeymooners or families with kids over age 10. As well as twice-daily game drives, guests can go on bush walks, take a massage at the spa, or head out after dark for stargazing.

1. Monwana Game Lodge : Thornybush Nature Reserve, South Africa

Reader Score: 98.90

2. Asilia Namiri Plains : Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Reader Score: 98.73

3. Finch Hattons : Tsavo West National Park, Kenya

Reader Score: 98.67

4. Mount Gahinga Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris : Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Reader Score: 98.37

5. Mfuwe Lodge, The Bushcamp Company : South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Reader Score: 98.26

6. Kyambura Gorge, Volcanoes Safaris : Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Reader Score: 98.00

7. Lion Sands Game Reserve : Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Reader Score: 97.89

8. Singita Grumeti : Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Reader Score: 97.87

9. Thornybush Game Lodge : Thornybush Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Reader Score: 97.83

10. Angama Mara : Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Reader Score: 97.47

T+L readers valued expert teams with enthusiasm and reliability in their favorite safari outfitters this year.

2024’s No. 1 winner — Alluring Africa — scored perfect marks, making it readers’ top choice for the second year in a row.  Vegas-based Dazzle Africa (No. 2) is also no stranger to high scores from T+L readers, one of whom said they’d discovered the Zambia specialist through our 2021 World’s Best Awards — after an initial call with a “helpful and committed” trip planner, they “didn’t need to look any further.”

South Africa-based Go2Africa (No. 9) earned praise for going above and beyond — for example, one reader reported their coordinator “got us into Kenya’s Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage after they had sold out.” The word “dream” came up repeatedly as guests described their Go2Africa vacation — “We can't wait to plan another dream trip to Africa!” one concluded.

Alluring Africa

Sunit Sanghrajka/Courtesy of Alluring Africa

Last year’s winner retained the top spot for 2024, with a perfect score of 100 — up from 99.21 in 2023. Alluring Africa is a Florida-based agency, specializing in travel to Africa and the Middle East. The type of experiences they book for their clients include tracking desert rhinos in Namibia, watching wildebeests’ dramatic Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya, and meeting mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. A strong database of repeat customers suggests the team really knows how to deliver a trip of a lifetime.

1. Alluring Africa

Reader Score: 100.00

2. Dazzle Africa

Reader Score: 98.82

3. Asilia Africa

Reader Score: 98.66

4. Micato Safaris

Reader Score: 98.56

5. Piper & Heath Travel

Reader Score: 98.31

6. Extraordinary Journeys

Reader Score: 97.91

7. Rothschild Safaris

Reader Score: 97.60

8. Thomson Safaris

Reader Score: 97.38

9. Go2Africa

Reader Score: 96.22

10. Deeper Africa

Reader Score: 94.91

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More From Forbes

These sustainable safari lodges are among the world’s best luxury camps.

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The new Sitatunga Private Island Camp is just as it sounds, a top-tier luxury boutique safari camp ... [+] on a private island in Botswana's Okavango Delta.

If you could take a truly great, once-in-a-lifetime type vacation that was also greener and more sustainable without making any sacrifices in terms of quality, why wouldn’t you? In the case of African wildlife safaris, you don’t just skip sacrifices, you get what just may be the very best product available. Period. Even better is that this dream trip comes in a range of price points, from ultra-luxe to more affordable.

Sustainability has become a hot trend in travel, with numerous surveys confirming its importance in travel planning among consumers. For instance, the most recent annual edition of the large (31,000 travelers in 34 countries) global survey by travel website Booking.com shows that 83% of travelers see sustainable travel as “important,” with 75% planning to travel more sustainably in the next year. The prestigious American Express Trendex Consumer Trends report 2024 edition found that 54% of respondents listed “Booking accommodations that prioritize sustainability” as a top travel priority.

Well, if you want to book sustainability focused accommodations, you can’t do much better than the safari camps of Great Plains Conservation .

You never know who is going to join you for lunch at one of the Great Plains Camps, like this ... [+] elepahnt stopping by Zarafa Camp's main deck.

One of the biggest problems with the green travel trend is information and misinformation. Jus as resorts add a yoga class and claim to be wellness vacations, hotels and resorts often “greenwash” their practices and claim sustainability through long established hospitality industry practices such as offering you the chance not to have them wash your sheets and towels or putting larger reusable shampoo dispensers in. With dozens of competing “certifying” bodies, some of them self-serving or selling endorsements, and no Forbes 4 and 5-Star equivalent seal of approval for sustainability, it can be very hard for consumers to separate the truly green from the hangers on. You have to look at every property in a deeper dive and drill down on the details, and I’ve done that in this case. Great Plains Conservation is the real deal.

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It's also one of the very best, period, proving that you don’t have to make sacrifices to do good. I’ve traveled many times on safaris to Africa, visiting eight different countries and almost all of the best-known luxury safari lodge brands. There are a lot of exceptional high-end safari camps and lodges, but even in this elite field Great Plains stand out.

Not exactly roughing it-this is one of just four suites at Zarafa Camp.

If you have the National Geographic Channel , or like me, grew up with their documentaries on network television, you probably already know the force behind Great Plains, Derek and Beverly Joubert. He is a legendary nature filmmaker, perhaps the greatest ever, and she is an acclaimed wildlife photographer. They have co-produced more than 40 films for National Geographic, where they are both explorers-in-residence, including one of the most popular wildlife films ever released, Eternal Enemies: Lions and Hyenas, which has been watched by an estimated one billion viewers around the world. It won an Emmy and was filmed at the Great Plains property in Botswana (many of the films were made at their camps). They have also won eight other Emmys (and 23 nominations), a Peabody, a Presidential Order of Merit, and the World Ecology Award. They’ve authored more than a dozen books, and in partnership with National Geographic, founded the Big Cats Initiative and Rhinos Without Borders.

But the biggie is Great Plains Conservation , which they co-founded in 2006. The group works with local governments and communities to protect the environment and its wildlife through low-density, environmentally responsible tourism. As explained below, they take “low density” extremely seriously. Revenue from the 18 camps, suites and lodges in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe has helped protect more than 1 million acres of wild lands in Africa.

Soaking tubs, champagne and views are all part of the day to day experience on these safaris. This ... [+] is Duba Plains Camp.

The Great Plains model has been to find areas that are under threat and stress, secure landscapes large enough to protect its wildlife populations, and go through the required processes to change the status of the land to protected areas that still offer economic benefits. They have successfully transformed former agricultural or hunting land to wildlife conservation, with an emphasis on photographic tourism. Camps are small and built ultra- sustainability, designed so that they can be removed and leave virtually no trace. No new wood is cut, they build foundations out of reclaimed railroad ties, buildings are almost exclusively recycled hardwoods and canvas, they have state of the art solar farms, green water purification systems, waste treatment systems, even a biogas process that converts vegetable waste into cooking gas. In their newer projects they have managed to almost completely eliminate the use of plastics across the board.

But true sustainability is not just about power and recycling. What Great Plains Conservation does so well is to protect and enhance the environment it lives in, and their initiatives have greatly improved the populations and security of wildlife, especially threatened species such as rhinos and African wild dogs. This in turn benefits their customers—I’ve been on dozens of game drives but never had the kind of over-the-top African wild dog sighting I had this spring in Botswana, and that’s because they helped that species survive. Because of insane poaching, it has become hard to see rhinos at all in many of their traditional African habitats, but in the Okavango Delta of Botswana, the private concessions of Great Plains are some of the most protected habitats on earth. Sustainability is also about the locals, and the Great Plains Foundation is their U.S. based 501c3 charitable arm that backs land protection, conservation programs and community programs including childhood education and rural solar power projects in Africa.

But the real highlight is wildlife, and these camps have some of the best viewing anywhere. There is ... [+] likley no better chance to see rare African Wild Dogs than in the private Selinda Reserve.

Frankly, if you go on any luxury safari to Africa you are going to have a very good time, you cannot miss, and I think it’s the epitome of the “Bucket List” vacation, the definition of (at least) once in a lifetime. But it’s even better if in addition to having a very good experience, you feel very good about it, and that’s what Great Plains adds to the mix. These lodges are feel good places, if not feel great places.

I was first introduced to Great Plains a decade ago by Dennis Pinto, Managing Director of Micato Safaris and a good friend (and conservation collaborator) of the Jouberts. New York, Nairobi and Cape Town-based Micato is the gold standard in the safari world, the best tour operator specializing in the field, and I don’t say that lightly, because there are a lot of good ones. Micato is not just the best safari company I have worked with; they are the best tour operator in any form of travel that I have seen in more than 30 years covering the industry.

Everyoe who goes on safari wants to see leopard, and it's hard, but at Great Plains it happens ... [+] pretty regularly.

They are the only 10-time winner of Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Award—in any sector. Winning #1 World’s Best Safari Outfitter ten times is simply unprecedented, but having traveled with them several times, I totally understand why. They turn every customer into a VIP who can completely stop thinking and start enjoying while on vacation, and have insider access to individuals and experiences no one else can match. They’ve also won just about every other big award there is, including the sustainably focused World Savers Award from Conde Nast Traveler—five times—the World Tours Award presented by the New York Times , Best Outfitters on Earth from National Geographic Traveler and 50 Tours of a Lifetime from National Geographic Adventure . Micato Safaris is a luxury experience for sure, but I have told every friend who has ever asked me for safari advice the same thing: “If you can afford to do a luxury safari, you cannot afford to not use Micato.”

When it comes to these trips, the devil is in the details, and no one has those details—and VIP insider access—wired better. If you don’t want the best room and the best guide at your camp when you arrive, if you prefer not to use the diplomatic line to get out of the airport, and if you are comfortable sitting on a dirt runway in the middle of the bush waiting for your propellor plane with no back up plan if it doesn’t show, than you don’t need this kind of help. But most people who go on safari do, even if they are booking these amazing Great Plains Lodges, because lodge companies do one thing very well, operate lodges, but there are a lot of other moving parts, like the arrival and departure stays stay in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg or Cape Town, pre and post safari extensions such as Victoria Fallas, Zanzibar or gorilla trekking, and the actual process of getting to the safari lodges and their off the grid airstrips. If you use a good travel agent or advisor (and you should) they can take care of this for you—but chances are good that they are just calling Micato (and maybe marking it up).

Botswana's stunning Okavango Delta is one of the very best safari destinations on earth.

So, when Dennis Pinto told me “You need to go check out what Great Plains is doing in Botswana,” I took it seriously, especially since Micato sells all the other top brands (Singita, One & Only, Wilderness, etc.). I was so impressed by their flagship camp, Zarafa, that I named my dog after it. I cannot even imagine a higher level of endorsement than that. My Zarafa is eight now, and an everyday reminder of how awesome a trip can be. At that time, it was the best safari camp I’d been to, including a lot of heavy hitters. I just went back in May, and it is even better after renovations and improvements. In recent years there have been a lot of ultra-luxury safari lodges opening that wow with creature comforts, and some are even “fancier,” but few offer the same combination of quality and doing good. Plus, the guides are amazing, everyone wants to work for the Jouberts, and the private acreages are so vast that the wildlife viewing experiences, which at the end of the day is the reason why we go, are off the charts. There is a reason why National Geographic makes its movies and does photo shoots at these places—the animals.

In-room dining, Zarafa Camp-style. All the Great Plains Reserve camps are Relais & Chateaux members, ... [+] with a serious dedication to culinary experiences.

Zarafa Camp is part of Great Plains’ Reserve collection, its highest luxury tier, and all the Reserve-level properties are Relais & Chateaux members—the only ones in their respective countries. Relais & Chateaux is the oldest and most respected consortium of smaller independent properties with a luxury and culinary focus, and fine food is a requirement. This is something Great Plains delivers in spades across all its camps, which are all-inclusive with food, wine, spirits, amazing guides, first rate vehicles, and all activities except spa treatments and helicopter flights. The most unusual inclusion is the use of a very high-end camera and zoom lens setup for every room. This reflects the Joubert’s history as photographers, and just the giant lens on my camera would have cost me over $2,000—and I’d have to lug the heavy equipment around. Photos are a big part of doing an African safari, but I’d guesstimate that less than 1 in 20 visitors brings gear of this quality. At each camp they give you the loaner camera, help you use it, and then download all your photos to a thumb drive to take. I’ve been to a lot of safari lodges, and this is definitely not business as usual.

I also visited the latest property in the collection, the new and very unique Sitatunga Private Island, named for the rarest of all antelope species, which I saw here, from my tent deck, and nowhere else in all the countless times I have been on African game drives. There are many full-time rangers across Africa who have never seen a Sitatunga. The camp is on its own island in the middle of the Okavango Delta and just opened last July, and I was there this spring. It is the company’s only water-based Reserve-level camp, and all the activities (except heli-flight seeing) are by boat. Besides exploring the eco-system in boats, Sitatunga offers the rare opportunity to visit uninhabited islands and do ranger led game walks on foot among the full spectrum of African wildlife, but in a setting where they have not been habituated to human tourists, a really authentic—and potentially scary—experience. Sitatunga is not the place to go for a one-stop first-time safari, it should be tacked on to more conventional wildlife experiences with game viewing drives, but if you have been on safari before it is something totally new and different, and it can be coupled with the Selinda properties (see below) using a boat transfer.

The Selinda Camp is in the heart of the Okavango Delta, and you won't forget it.

Another thing the Great Plains lodges have in common is that they are small and very intimate but set on huge private reserves. Zarafa has just four suites, each of which holds one couple and spans about 1,100 square feet inside, plus extensive decks, infinity plunge pools and outdoor showers, as well as showers and copper soaking tubs inside. Each is also equipped with very high-end binoculars and all the creature comforts, including a fully stocked bar and mini-bar, all on the house. Many of the camps, including Zarafa, have actual gyms, despite holding no more than a dozen guests, and others, such as Sitatunga, add exercise bikes, yoga gear and weight equipment to each suite.

In addition, there is the Dhow Suite, so private and inclusive they market it as its own camp. The Dhow Suite is two-bedrooms and 2,600 square feet and set up as a self-contained safari lodge for up to four, with its own chef, butler, ranger, vehicle and wine cellar, so guests staying here do not have to use the common areas or interact with anyone else if they do not want to. But even if you include this unit, all of Zarafa camp never has more than 12 guests. There are now similar self-contained two-bedroom private chef suites at several of the Great Plains Reserve properties, including Selinda Camp and Duba Plains Camp in Botswana, Mara Nyika and Mara Plains in Kenya, and Tembo Pains in Zimbabwe.

"Sundowners," or sunset cocktails, are also taken seriously, and these camps are all-inclusive and ... [+] don't skimp.

The way Great Plains protected reserves are typically structured is that they are very large, with a handful of camps at different price points or dramatically different settings in different parts of each reserve. So, there are two luxury headliners in the 320,000-acre Selinda Reserve, Zarafa and its Dhow Suite, along with even smaller Selinda Camp, a luxury three-suite camp on par with Zarafa, and its private Selinda Suite. This camp sits on the Selinda Spillway, the main source of water feeding the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta and the main appeal of Botswana safaris. This unique and fascinating eco-system breathes life into much of Southern Africa and is the reason why Botswana typically has the very best game viewing in Africa. The Selinda Camp is in a very watery area, and while it has world-class conventional game drives, the Land Cruisers often ford rivers, and they have boating options as well. While Zarafa and Selinda are in the same huge reserve, they have such dramatically different settings that simply splitting your stay between them—within driving distance so no bush plane flight is needed for the transfer—is like going to two very different places, just easier.

Then there is the Selinda Explorers Camp, the opposite of the Dhow and Selinda Suites, the most affordable option here. But while it is less opulent and less pricey, it is no bigger, with just three regular tents and one 2-bedroom family tent. The “tents” are still very comfortable and have full bathrooms and showers, and instead of plunge pools there is a main common swimming pool at the camp. You are hardly roughing it, with exceptional food, beverages, and the full array of activities included, game drives, night drives, daytime guided bush walks, fishing, children’s activities and so on. All-inclusive rates begin at $1,105 per person nightly, which for this level of safari is a great value. Zarafa Camp begins at $1,935, though all the properties offer stay 3-nights and get one night free or stay 6-nights and get two free specials almost all the time, plus additional value-added packages and deals in shoulder and off-seasons, even throwing in things like helicopter transfers.

Bush lunches are one way safari lodges try to outdo each other, but at Sitatunga Private Island, you ... [+] do it by traditional watercraft.

Finally, there is the six-tent Okavango Explorers Camp, at the same level, so that even at the lower price point you can combine two distinct experiences within the same reserve. Zarafa and Selinda Camps are both over-the-top Relais & Chateaux Reserve-level camps, while the Explorer Camps are more “normal luxury.”

If you were counting, there are a total of 19 accommodations holding a maximum of 44 people, including the luxury suites, across four camps in an otherwise totally private 320,000-acre reserve—or nearly 7,300-acres per person. When you see a leopard or African Wild Dogs (very rare but this is one of the best places to see them), you might well be the only party at the viewing, unlike Africa’s mini-van jammed National Parks.

Selinda is one reserve, but in similar fashion, the Duba Plains reserve, also in Botswana, has the Reserve level 5-suite Duba Plains Camp, the one-party Duba Plains Suite, and the 5-tent Duba Explorers Camp, all within an 82,000-acre private reserve. It’s even lower density in Zimbabwe, where just the 10-person Reserve-level Relais & Chateaux Tembo Plains Camp and its sibling luxury suite occupy the private 290,000-acre Sapi Reserve, which is also a very important land restoration project and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When the Jouberts describe their ethos as low-volume, low-impact tourism they are not kidding, with less than one visitor for every 20,000-acres of wilderness.

Yes, you will see a LOT of lions.

In Kenya, the private 70,000-acre Mara North Conservancy borders the public Maasai Mara National Reserve, essentially a National Park, so guests of the Great Plains property here, the Mara Expedition Camp (an Explorer-level property), can explore both the private acreage and the enormous public region. The all-new Mara Toto Tree Camp just opened here this month (July 2024), housing just eight guests in treehouse-style accommodations elevated in the tree canopy. The Relais & Chateaux Reserve-level Mara Nyika Camp is on a similar private reserve bordering the Maasai Mara, the 50,000-acre Naboisho Conservancy. Mara Plains Camp is another Reserve-level luxury property on its own 33,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, also abutting Maasai Mara. This property adds one of the self-contained ultra-luxury suites.

Ol Donyo is Great Plains “biggest” camp, a Relais & Chateaux Reserve-level luxury spot with eight suites and one “regular” two-bedroom suite, sleeping 20. It is the only lodging within a 274,000-acre private reserve between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks and adds unique activities such as horseback rides and mountain biking.

Duba Plains Camp has an experiential kitchen where chefs make Michelin Star-style 7-course tatsing ... [+] menus in front of you.

They also have Mpala Jena Camp, a single party staffed home at Victoria Falls, the most desirable of the many post-safari extensions, and truly one of the wonders of the world. Stays can be easily coupled with safaris at the Zimbabwe camp.

The variety of camps and settings is amazing, but there is a continuity, a feeling you get at every Great Plains Camp, and when you leave one and arrive at another for the first time, you feel like a regular. The hardest decision most people make going on safari is whether to go to East Africa or Southern Africa, though if you have the time, you can do both. I can’t help you choose, it’s a close call, which is why you need to use an expert safari tour company, but in either region, you cannot go wrong with these camps.

The living area of a Reserve Camp suite.

To give you more detail, the following is from the Great Plains Conservation Mission Statement: “Our model takes stressed and threatened environments, surrounds them with compassionate protection and intelligent, sustainable management, and funds them with sensitive, low-volume, low-impact, tourism.

Communities are an intrinsic part of this model and benefit directly from it. The final piece of the puzzle is you – our clients and guests – who pay to visit the camps we create, and through doing so, become our valued partners and agents of positive change.

Most eco-tourism companies are primarily involved in the business of travel, occasionally getting involved in conservation initiatives to help sustain their tourism operations. But Great Plains is first and foremost a conservation organization that uses eco-tourism as a tool to sustain conservation programs.

We even coined a new name for what we do—'Conservation Tourism.’ We define it as the use of quality led tourism experiences that are environmentally sound, with the benefits going specifically into making the conservation of an area viable and sustainable.”

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Top 6 luxury tented camps to visit in South Africa

S outh Africa has been voted as the best country in the world to visit, so there are plenty of beautiful places to see and explore around the country. With so much ground to cover, you might be tempted to find a spot, pitch a tent and let loose.

However, let’s admit it, camping is not for everyone. If you’re not so keen on the idea of pitching a tent, starting a fire and foregoing some comforts, there are always options like glamping or luxury tented camps.

Glamorous camping and luxury tented camps come with essentials such as a bed, warm shower and toilet so you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort while you’re exploring the outdoors.

Whether it’s a weekend farm stay or safari expedition, luxury tented camps are perfect for any season and come with the full immersive experience of being outdoors and connecting with wildlife with the security of having a snuggly in a bed at the end of the day.

If you’re looking for an outdoor experience with a touch of luxury and comfort, here are six luxury tented camps worth visiting.

Sasi Bush Lodge – KwaZulu-Natal

Sasi Bush Lodge is an all-inclusive luxury safari tented camp nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains and overlooking the mighty Tugela Waterfalls.

The lodge on Kilburn Game Farm has three luxury tented camps, Ukusa, Jujube and Sundown, perfect for those looking for an experience the history and culture of the Northern Drakensberg.

The owners of the land aimed to revive the ecosystem by re-wilding the lands by removing the alien vegetation that crept in over the years and reintroducing the wildlife that once roamed there.

As a result, the camp provides visitors with experiences such as ancient rock art viewing, bird watching, game drives, hiking, massages and guided walks.

The Ukusa tented unit is perfect for couples and boasts panoramic views of the Drakensberg Mountains and the World’s Highest Tugela Waterfalls and the Unesco World Heritage Site of Royal Natal National Park.

It comes with an open-air bath tub, shower with a view, heated blankets and built-in fire place.

A stay at the tented unit starts from R3 200 a person per night.

Tented River Camp Belvidere Estate – KZN Midlands

The Tented River Camp in Karkloof Howick Falls is perfect for families or couples who crave peace and quiet and to unwind in nature. Visitors can explore indigenous forests, cascading waterfalls and the impressive Mount Gilboa, Karkloof Valley, Howick Falls and Midlands Meander.

The comfortable 2-bedroom unit offers a spacious living area and a self-catering kitchen with luxury finishings suited for a comfortable getaway.

Each bedroom features a king-size bed and a bunk bed, making the unit perfect for a unique country getaway for two families.

There are two bathrooms, one of which features a relaxing bath tub with sweeping mountain views. There’s also a sauna to sweat out all those everyday stresses.

Highlights include the unique tented feel, direct river frontage, pizza oven, hot tub, fire pit with outdoor seating area, luxurious day beds on the patio, the bathtub with a view and a soothing sauna.

Ndhula Luxury Tented Lodge – Mpumalanga

For those wanting a safari experience, Ndhula Luxury Tented lodge is the perfect place to rest your head after a safari expedition.

The tents are in the Mpumalanga Lowveld region near Kruger National Park and the Panoramic Route. Ndhula Lodge boasts incredible views of the mountains, the bushveld and the surrounding valleys.

It has 26 luxury tents in a wildlife estate in White River and guests can enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets, as well as a wonderful array of “plains” game species, including giraffes that the lodge is named after, that graze close by giving this place a “Serengeti-type” ambience.

The luxury tented units are built on large and raised 50 squrae metre wooden decks, boasting stunning views over the bushveld and the valleys.

The safari-style tents are air-conditioned, feature twin-sized bedding, a full ensuite bathroom with shower for the ultimate glamping experience.

A stay at the lodge starts from R3 210 per person a night.

Kuganha Tented Camp and Spa – Western Cape

The luxurious Kuganha Tented Camp and Spa is situated 2.5 hours drive from Cape Town at the Inverdoorn Safari Lodge and Game Reserve, and is perfect for a serene weekend getaway.

According to the lodge, its beautifully appointed tents are sensitively arranged among the thick wooded Acacia Karoo trees, with an inviting pool overlooking the Karoo veld with golden mountains on the horizon.

Guests can access personalised itineraries offering the freedom to use their time at Kuganha to unwind as they make use of the private pool, the exclusive spa bungalow and go on traditional safaris that whisk guests onto the 10 000-hectare wildlife conservancy to view the main attraction: Africa’s exquisite wildlife.

The tent has comforts such as shower, patio and plunge pool. A stay at the tent starts from R5 648 a night per person.

Woodbury Tented Camp – Amakhala Game Reserve: Eastern Cape

Woodbury Tented Camp is is a 3-star tented camp at Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

This intimate, family-run camp is tucked into a forested hillside overlooking the ancient floodplain of the Bushman’s River, providing an authentic and personalised African safari experience.

Woodbury Tented Camp consists of 10 comfortable en-suite tents on raised bases, each with its own private deck.

Each tent has king-size or twin beds at your request, along with hot water, electricity and all the amenities required to make your stay comfortable.

Camp life is centred on the thatch and canvas dining and lounge area, with its expansive deck overlooking the Woodbury plains and waterhole.

A wide variety of wildlife such as zebra, giraffe, buffalo and elephant are often seen from this vantage point, while the haunting call of the African Fish Eagle echoes across the valley.

A stay at the tented camp starts from R2 340 a night per person.

The Dome Thunzi Bush Lodge – Eastern Cape

For something different and out of the box, visit the The Dome at Thunzi Bush Lodge. It’s nestled within the lush Maitland Forest and offers a luxury once-in-a-lifetime stargazing experience.

At the lodge, a meandering boardwalk will lead you onto a spacious deck where you will discover Thunzi’s romantic dome with distinct finishes.

Thunzi forest lodge and hot tubs has the first-ever dome, consisting of three pods – all designed for stargazing. The pods include a bedroom, a self-catering kitchen and a bathroom.

You can also relax in the wood-fired hot tub while taking in the views of the wetlands and surroundings or have a luxury African bush braai while watching the sunset.

Thunzi forest chalets and hot tubs are located in the tranquil sanctuary of coastal forest and African bush and offer country-style self-catering accommodation 30km from the centre of Port-Elizabeth at the start of the Garden Route.

A stay at The Dome starts from R3 199 for two guests per night sharing.