The Most Beautiful Safari Lodges

A maze of twisting water channels, papyrus-fringed banks and floating islands teeming with wildlife—known as the river that never finds the sea, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, known as the river that never finds the sea, is the jewel of the Kalahari. And in the heart of the Delta, guests will find Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge. Melting into the surrounding forest canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig trees, eight thatched cottages reside in leafy clearings right on the edge of the waterways. The unassuming outer appearance of these lodgings goes unnoticed, even by animals at times who occasionally wander by, but inside are oases of tranquility. While guests have a chance to set their sights on the Big Five by vehicle or foot, there’s also the option to take to the air with a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta’s mosaic of plains and lagoons.

The beauty and boundlessness of Zannier Hotels Sonop, set within the remote and unspoiled setting of untouched Namibian desert, channels the opulence of an old-world safari. Constructed on top of granite boulders, the hideaway’s 10 spacious tents are carefully selected with everything one may need for an authentic safari escape—binoculars, maps, travelers’ tales, telescopes, antique desks and handmade stationery. The lodge captures the restorative essence of the desert landscape with a spectacular open-air infinity pool, spa, fitness center and daily yoga to truly integrate guests’ well-being with the natural world. When desert adventure calls, guided excursions include horseback riding, private dining atop sand dunes and hot air balloons or private sunset safaris where one may just spot oryx, jackals or leopards. The magic continues after dark with a nightly gala-style dinner, open-air cinema and stargazing.

Giving guests a front-row seat to South Africa’s expansive Kruger National Park is Singita Lebombo Lodge. Sculptural and bold, the light-filled lodge suspended above the N’Wanetsi River blends ever so beautifully into the untamed terrain of Singita’s private 33,000-acre concession. Thirteen completely glass-walled suites with “eagle’s nest” views draw from contemporary safari living while communal areas of the lodge offer elegant and meditative spaces immersed in a dramatic landscape of giant euphorbia trees. On game drives, guests are encouraged to step down from the vehicle and become actively involved in tracking animals. Once back at the lodge, there’s a multi-level retreat that boasts a library, wine studio and a 25-meter lap pool to be enjoyed.

Where endangered black rhinos are protected, giant tusked elephants wander the forests, male lions stalk the grasslands and flamingos crowd the soda lakes, guests will find Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Surrounded by miles of pristine African wilderness at the eastern edge of the Serengeti in northern Tanzania, the lodge is the ideal base to explore the three-million-year-old caldera and the surrounding conservation area. Divided into three camps, 30 suites with banana leaf ceilings, grand chandeliers and grass roofs are perched on the edge of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, providing spectacular views of the area that plays home to the great migration of wildebeest and zebra. From guided walking safaris around the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater to visiting a Maasai cultural village, this elegant baroque châteaux transports you into one of the most famous African landscapes.

The only permanent camp in the Serengeti’s remote south, Sanctuary Kusini offers front-row seats for when the great migration passes through at full throttle. While the main lodge is set around a cluster of rocky outcrops, 12 open-plan tents are positioned carefully to give spectacular views of the surrounding plains. Each tent has its own butler, and features a small library and elevated viewing deck. While most come to Africa looking for wildlife, one of the most spectacular sights is the night sky. Offering some of the best stargazing in the world, sit around the lodge’s campfire for a cosmic safari and allow the camp manager to reveal the universe right before your eyes.

Guests travel from far and wide to Rwanda to hike into the Parc National des Volcans in search of the majestic mountain gorilla and the enchanting golden monkey. To see these animals in their natural habitat is surely one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences possible, and you can make it a dream come true at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. A spectacular forest retreat situated on the foothills of the Virungas mountain range, this lodge features individual cottages with decks and fireplaces, plus two patio areas that afford wonderful and dramatic views of the surrounding countryside.

Ulusaba means “place of little fear.” That’s because the koppie (hill) where Ulusaba Private Game Reserve’s Rock Lodge sits provided the ancient Shangaan warriors with the perfect lookout point—meaning guests are treated to unforgettable views of world-renowned Sabi Sands. The Richard Branson-owned lodge is two lodges: one on top of a small mountain with panoramic views and a second in the heart of the 13,500-hectare  bush close to all the action. Staffed by locals, these lodges feature South African décor, plunge pools and great views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby watering hole.

Sprawled out along the banks of the Saparingo River, where riverine forest meets the sweeping plains in the seasonal path of the great migration, andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Camp dazzles with a contemporary safari feel. Maasai-inspired interiors are complemented by organic gardens, a massage tent and a rim-flow swimming pool literally on the edge of the Mara offering one of the world’s most extraordinary views. For added glamour to your luxury safari, guests are also treated to morning bush cappuccinos, evening sundowners on game drives and a complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars.

With lions roaring in the distance and hippos playing in the river, the luxurious thatched suites of Royal Zambezi Lodge furnish a perfect base from which to explore wild and beautiful Zambezi National Park. Here, binoculars aren’t needed—elephants wander along the river’s edge as you watch from a plunge pool on your private deck. You can also get up close and personal with crocodiles and hippos on a river canoe trip. But if relaxation is more your style, retreat to your airy tent for an afternoon nap or get pampered at the bush spa.

Perched high on a sandstone ridge overlooking the shimmering stretch of the Malilangwe Dam, Singita Pamushana Lodge’s eight elegant suites draw inspiration from the rich tribal history of ancient Zimbabwe and its natural surroundings. Guests have exclusive access to 130,000 acres of untouched wilderness and can immerse themselves in nature on bush walks, sundowner boat cruises, excursions to rock art sites and twice-daily game drives to catch a glimpse of a rare black rhino. Plus, having your own private plunge pool amid lush gardens and hills is the perfect way to end any thrilling safari adventure.