Watch a few movies and you’ll have yourself believing that Safari’s are nothing but sweat-filled hours in the sun and dust while watching for a few large animals after spending the night in a humid camp, but Hollywood has done nothing to portray the true beauty that can be experienced when participating in a real safari. If you love incredible sunsets, rare and exotic wildlife, and romantic evenings with the one you love, Africa has more to offer than you might at first expect. Below are our seven favorite Safari lodges in Africa. Each provides incredible accommodations designed to help you begin and end your excursions in luxury and style.
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
Located in Lonehill, South Africa, the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is located in the center of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve on the edge of Kruger National Park. The reserve is home to two lodges: The Rock Lodge and the Safari Lodge. The Rock Lodge is located at the top of a rocky hill, giving you a spectacular view of the entire reserve as you relax in between safari’s, game trips, or spa time.
The Safari Lodge lies on the banks of the Mabrak river, which is now dry. Guests may participate in walking safaris or participate in active discussions regarding the wildlife seen in the area. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see some of the local animals pass by your tree-house lodge on the way to the closest watering hole. All safaris here are guided by experienced rangers.
Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve
The Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve is located in the Cedeberg Mountains of Kagga Kamma, South Africa. Visitors to the reserve will find plenty to occupy their time, including guided tours, bike safaris, early morning or evening game drives. You’re almost guaranteed at least one sighting of the black wildebeest, zebra, gemsbok, springbok, ostrich, and more.
Spend the evening in the mini-observatory where the staff will help you to identify the planets you’re watching. The site used to be the home of the Bushmen, so be sure to take a tour of the local paintings and cultural icons. At the end of the day you will relax in your private suite, modeled to blend in with the surroundings and look like a cave!
Makweti Safari Lodge
The Makweti Safari Lodge in Northern Province, South Africa guarantees privacy, romance, and excitement rolled into one. Your tree-house style suite is secluded from your neighbors by a row of plant-life, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your fireplace and deck in comfort and style. Suites also include both indoor and outdoor showers, Victorian bathtubs, and beautiful furnishings. Your reservation will include all of your meals and refreshments, two guided safari activities of your choice, and travel to and from the main gate of the Welgevonden Game Reserve.
Giraffe Manor
The Giraffe Manor calls 120 acres of land in Nairobi, Kenya home. The manor is famous because of a herd of giraffes that calls the acreage home. Giraffe Manor was originally built in 1932. The Rothschild Giraffe was moved to the manor in 1974 after losing its habitat in western Kenya. At the time, the species was considered endangered but they were cared for by the then current owners Jock Leslie Melville and his wife Betty.
Betty returned to the US in 1984, after the death of her husband. Before she left, she opened Giraffe Manor to visitors. There are only six rooms within the manor, but each is more luxurious than the next and can easily be adjusted to accommodate families. Your rates include your room, meals, entrance to the Giraffe Centre, and a vehicle with guide.
Ngong House
Ngong House, situated in Nairobi, Kenya, provides amazing luxury tree house accommodations, each raised at least 15 feet from the ground. The lodge includes five beautifully designed tree houses, a private cottage, a log cabin perfect for a vacationing family, or a main house suite that is easily accessible to those with special needs. The friendly staff at Ngong House will arrange for your safari excursions, though you will be expected to pay entrance fees to the game reserves or Giraffe Centre separately. Amazing attractions include the Karen Blixen House, The Elephant and Rhino Orphanage, and Snake Park, amongst many others.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
The lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe lies directly on the border of Zimbabwe National Park. This lodge is unique in that in addition to walking or driving tours, guests are invited to enjoy less traditional activities such as rafting or canoeing. The lodge is located near a watering hole, so you won’t have to go far at all to see buffalo, elephants, and kudu as they will likely find their way to you. Every room in the lodge has a private balcony, perfect for enjoying the amazing sunset over the park.
Phinda Forest Lodge
The Phinda Forest Lodge is situated on the coast of Matutaland in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. Visitors may choose to participate in safaris or game drives in addition to snorkeling or diving excursions! The walls of the lodge bedrooms are made of floor-to-ceiling glass, allowing inhabitants to remain completely immersed in the forest and wildlife. Wouldn’t it be amazing to wake up to see a white rhino or cheetah outside your window?
While these aren’t the only lodges available in Africa, they are certainly some of the most luxurious and accommodating. Relax and take the time to appreciate the awesome power of the land and its inhabitants!
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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