Kiwi Curated
8 Safari Hotels Across Africa
by Joy PecknoldIf there’s anyone out there that doesn’t dream of going on a safari, we’ve yet to meet them. Getting a glimpse of a 12-foot, 6,000-pound elephant in real life is one of the few things that can bring out the astonished child buried within the most seen-it-all cynic. It’s time to make it happen. Herein, a spectacular selection of safari experiences in eight different African countries.
8 Safari Hotels Across Africa
South Africa: Thanda Private Game Reserve
Dedicated to Zulu culture, conservation, and helping guests get a gander at Africa’s Big Five, Thanda provides one of the most authentic safari experiences going. There are three types of accommodation to choose from—the lodge, Villa iZula (a plush, palatial celeb-worthy homestead) and the tented camp. The nine suites in their signature lodge include roaring fires, outdoor showers and private plunge pools.
8 Safari Hotels Across Africa
Botswana: Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Chobe National Park bills itself as the elephant capital of the world, but there’s a good chance that’s not all you’ll see with lions, leopards, cheetahs and zebras in the mix too. Suites sit right beside a marsh so wildlife viewing is as simple as deciding to sit on the deck, but they’ll also take you out to see the herds or ancient San rock paintings nearby.
8 Safari Hotels Across Africa
Tanzania: Singita Grumeti Reserves, Sabora Tented Camp
You’ll feel like one of the early English adventurers (just a whole lot more comfortable—there’s a 24-hour gym, Wi-Fi and telephones), at Singita’s Tanzanian tented camp. Land Rover safaris drive you deeper into the reserve, which borders the Serengeti National Park, to see species including Patas monkey, sable antelope and an assortment of big felines.
8 Safari Hotels Across Africa
Kenya: Olarro
Perched in the Loita hills looking down on the lush conservation lands, this family-friendly property is away from it all. There are seven cottages and one private house, for those who seek complete privacy. Lounging at the swimming pool and taking treatments at the spa are wonderful ways to spend time, but so are balloon rides and evening game drives.
8 Safari Hotels Across Africa
Zambia: Royal Zambezi Lodge
Right on the Zambezi River, this lodge offers fishing and river safaris on top of the typical terra firma variety. Humans aren’t the only ones drawn to this place—don’t be surprised if an elephant strolls by the water’s edge whilst you enjoy a dip in the plunge pool on your private deck.
8 Safari Hotels Across Africa
Namibia: Wolwedans Dunes Lodge
In the Namibian desert, Wolwedans offers unencumbered views of dunes by day and clear, starry skies by night—aided by fine wines from their wine cellar. Their walking safari is a magical experience; two nights long, up to eight guests are guided along trails once trodden by the bushman (San), taking in the terrain’s flora and fauna. Their one to two hour-long sundowner drives are less of a commitment but equally stunning.
8 Safari Hotels Across Africa
Rwanda: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Rwanda doesn’t have the Big Five, but it does have the largest known Silverback in the world, and the best way to see these gorillas in their natural habitat is with a stay at Sabyinyo. In the foothills of the Virunga mountain range, they’ll take you on a hike into the National Volcano Park to get a closer look, and when you return the butler will clean your boots.
8 Safari Hotels Across Africa
Zimbabwe: Singita Pamushana Lodge
Tucked in the trees with stunning view of the south-eastern Zimbabwe’s Malilangwe Dam, Singita’s Pamushana Lodge bursts with both vivid color and natural textures, capturing Africa’s diverse palette. There’s a game-viewing deck right onsite, or head out on one of the twice-daily game drives. The library, wine cellar, swimming pool and Jacuzzi all await your return.