Best Hotels & Lodges

Springing up from a rocky ridge overlooking the lush Ewaso Narok River Valley and Laikipia Plateau, Siruai was built to frame the view and the wildlife that inhabits it. Its name alone alludes to this, translating to mean 'eland' in the Maa language and gazing out from your tent, you'll likely see these shy, regal animals around camp. Activities-wise, there is plenty of choice when it comes to exploring the surrounds, whether it's hiking up escarpments, canoeing down crystal-clear rivers, or spotting elephant, reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra on a game drive. Whichever it is, there'll be something worth toasting when you arrive back at camp.

Nestling among the trees and surrounded by waving papyrus grass, Baines' Lodge is properly remote. It lies in the private Stanley Concession, an unspoiled wilderness of 1300-plus square kilometres containing only two camps. Baines' Lodge has been beautifully crafted from wood and canvas topped with local thatch for cooling and to camouflage the buildings, all of which have been constructed on raised wooden platforms above the Boro River, one of the main channels draining the Okavango Delta. Beds with wheels mean that you can spend the night gazing at stars and sleeping under the moon.

In a hidden corner of the wildlife-rich Seronera region, this brand new camp channels the golden age of African exploration with a thoroughly modern conscience. Strategically positioned to offer both prime game viewing and blissful seclusion, the tents are spaced far enough apart that you might fancy yourself the only souls for miles - until a passing elephant reminds you otherwise. This is the Serengeti as it was meant to be experienced: raw, beautiful, and with just the right touch of understated elegance. In a landscape where wildlife thrives year-round, you'll find yourself transported to the legendary early 20th-century safaris, complete with all the comfort but none of the colonial pomp.

Offbeat are experts at finding the wildest of places and setting up camp, allowing their guests to see Africa's four-legged residents up-close. The latest addition to their stellar collection, Ndoto is tucked away in the Mara North Conservancy where humans are a rarity and it's not odd to see leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo and giraffe from your own veranda. Offbeat knows this land is precious and makes its footprint as light as possible; it's tents are entirely solar-powered and sit on platforms built from local river rock. There are just four tents so a personalised, interactive experience is guaranteed.

A traditional bushcamp with a compelling history in the South Luangwa, Nsolo is beautifully rustic with a firm focus on walking safaris. Raised on stilts, the grass chalets are set on a sweeping bend of the dry Luwi River and offer magnificent 180-degree views of the surrounding landscape. A myriad of thirsty wildlife visits the waterhole in front of camp and game viewing is nothing short of exceptional, whether you are exploring the plains on foot or watching with a G&T from the veranda.

If you’re looking for a great base to explore the wonder that is Etosha National Park, then look no further. This lodge is situated on a ridge with sweeping views of Namibia’s bushveld, only ten kilometres from the Park's central entrance, Anderson Gate. This family-friendly lodge ticks all the boxes for a safari rest camp. It has value for money, it’s modern, the food is good, there’s excellent service, the rooms are clean, there’s great facilities and it’s very easy on the eye.

Moon’s Camp does simplicity extremely well. Tucked away from other safari-goers, the camp sits in 50,000 acres of private land in the Lolldaiga Hills. Home is one of the Meru-style canvas tents, from which sprawling views reach from the waterhole all the way to snow-capped Mount Kenya. Your hosts are Ed and Moon, the cheerful owners and safari-aficionados who created the camp to evoke passion, adventure, and a long-lasting love for Kenya. They're always on hand to make your trip memorable, sharing stories from their lives in the bush and their favourite things to do. And when you've made your choice, embark with word-class guides to spot Laikipia's remarkable wildlife.

Surrounded by 77,000 acres of pristine woodland and vast wilderness expanse, Duba Plains Camp makes the most of Botswana's lush and biodiverse wide open spaces. The camp forms part of a private concession, tucked away on a palm-dotted island beneath giant Ebony trees and overlooking expansive flood plains. Here, prides of lion and herds of buffalo make their way across the more remote northern stretches of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Only accessible by air and having recently undergone a sumptuous refurbishment, Duba Plains is the epitome of classic safari style in an area rich with wildlife for exclusive viewing.

When Singita's founder, Luke Bailes, started out, he might not have known that his own grandfather's family home will eventually be converted into a spectacular lodge. But because this beautiful, lived-in farmhouse now hosts paying guests, a small number of travellers get to experience this private game reserve as a 'member of the family'. The 45 000 acres are explored exclusively by Singita, and private game drives create the feeling of truly living here, and not just visiting. Visits to the community makes this a safari lodge entirely integrated with its surroundings.

Le Duc De Praslin is a lush retreat with koi ponds, award-winning gardens, luxurious residences and gourmet cuisine. Situated adjacent to Cote d’Or beach, a palm-fringed paradise with immaculate white-sands, guest can return from their daily excursions to the nearby highlights such as Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve and enjoy a tranquil yet refined experience at this Seychelloin hotel.