Enhance your reading experience—immerse yourself in the adventure with our audio version. Click play and let the sounds of Africa captivate you!
What kind of traveller are you? Are you the sort who loves to rough it in the wilderness, with nothing but a tent separating you from the animals, or are you the kind who prefers a whole lot more comfort when on holiday? Luxury African Safaris perhaps?
Although the usual safari experience is by many standards something quite high-end (tours in a certain price bracket are always comfortable and include guided game drives), luxury African safaris are no ordinary getaways.
Luxury African safaris are all about the intimate wildlife experiences and the five-star service, and every moment is both exceptionally exciting and deeply serene.
On such a trip your room might be a glass-walled suite with endless views of the wild, and your dining room could be under an ancient baobab tree, lit by lanterns. It’s all about the exclusivity and the fact that you are mostly getting to enjoy the experience without the usual tourist crowds.
If luxury African safaris are the sort of holidays you’ve always wanted, this comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need to know in order to have the best possible luxury holiday.
Where Are the Best Luxury Safari Destinations in Africa?
Africa is home to the sorts of experiences that are impossible to replicate anywhere else but this alone doesn’t make every safari destination one capable of meeting the criteria to be called “luxurious”.
While Africa’s iconic landscapes and wildlife make it the ultimate destination for travellers who’d like an adventure and who would like to form a connection with nature, it takes some research to make sure that the destination you choose is also home to some luxury options.
Luxury African safaris take the traditional safari experience to a level you’ve probably never imagined possible, by adding privacy, exclusivity, and world-class service into the mix.
Intimate game drives with top-tier guides, exquisite lodges that are built to disappear into the natural surroundings, and various amenities like gourmet dining, spa treatments, and even private plunge pools overlooking the wilderness, are all the hallmarks of a luxury African holiday.
Both public and private reserves are home to these sorts of experiences, and this is just a handful of the best luxury safari destinations in Africa that you can book a trip to.
The Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa
- What Makes It Luxurious – Private lodges with infinity pools, personal butlers, and fine dining under the stars. Plus, you’ll have fewer tourists around.
- What to Expect – Big Five sightings, guided bush walks, and sundowners in the bush.
- Where to Stay – Singita Lebombo Lodge, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, Londolozi Tree Camp.
- Best Time to Visit – May to September (dry season) for peak wildlife sightings.
The world-famous Kruger National Park is hands down one of South Africa’s top safari destinations. It is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and an astonishing array of other wildlife as well as hundreds of species of birdlife, all of which can be seen throughout the park.
Within the Kruger’s greater boundaries are private game reserves like Sabi Sand and Timbavati, where you’ll find some of the most luxurious safari lodges in the world. These private concessions allow for off-road game drives, night safaris, and the most exclusive and intimate wildlife encounters.
The Masai Mara, Kenya
- What Makes It Luxurious – Private viewing decks, Maasai-guided cultural experiences, and hot-air balloon safaris followed by champagne breakfasts.
- What to Expect – Big Cat sightings, the Great Migration, and intimate bush dinners under the stars.
- Where to Stay – Angama Mara, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, Mahali Mzuri.
- Best Time to Visit – July to October during the Great Migration.
Kenya’s Masai Mara is probably best known for its open plains where wildlife such as wildebeest and zebra can be seen in abundance during the annual Great Migration when they cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures.
Luxury African safaris here are all about exclusivity, so guests can look forward to staying in tented camps perched on escarpments or near the river, where you’ll have front-row seats to some of nature’s most spectacular events.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
- What Makes It Luxurious – Remote private lodges, intimate game drives, and the option to explore the delta by mokoro or on foot.
- What to Expect – Elephants wading through the waters, herds of antelope, and some of the most exclusive camps in Africa.
- Where to Stay – &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Abu Camp, Mombo Camp.
- Best Time to Visit – June–August (flood season) for water-based activities and wildlife abundance.
The Okavango Delta, in Botswana, is one of the most unique safari destinations in all of Africa.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a water-filled paradise where wildlife lives in a network of lagoons, channels, and islands. Luxury safaris here are exclusive, with eco-lodges and unique water-based experiences like mokoro (canoe) rides and houseboat safaris, being the norm.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- What Makes It Luxurious – High-end lodges with infinity pools, private viewing decks, and the chance to have a hot-air balloon safari.
- What to Expect – The Great Migration, Big Five encounters, and stunning sunsets over the plains.
- Where to Stay – Singita Serengeti House, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp.
- Best Time to Visit – June – October for the dry season or January to March for the calving season.
The Serengeti is synonymous with iconic African landscapes such as endless golden plains dotted with acacia trees and big wildlife populations. Along with Kenya, it’s also one of the best places to see the Great Migration in action while guests can also enjoy year-round sightings of predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
Victoria Falls and Zambezi River, Zimbabwe/Zambia
- What Makes It Luxurious – Riverfront lodges, private safaris in nearby reserves, and activities like helicopter tours over the falls.
- What to Expect – Boat safaris, cultural excursions, and luxurious riverside accommodation.
- Where to Stay – Royal Livingstone Hotel, Thorntree River Lodge, Matetsi Victoria Falls.
- Best Time to Visit – May to September for optimal viewing of the falls and game drives.
The Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is not only a destination for awe-inspiring views but also for safari lovers. When you combine the game drives with activities like sunset cruises on the Zambezi River or exploring the falls themselves, your holiday becomes the ultimate safari adventure. And many luxury lodges offer serene settings close to the action.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- What Makes It Luxurious -Exclusive lodges, complete with sweeping views, perched right on the crater rim and private guided tours of the crater floor.
- What to Expect – Incredible game density, Big Five sightings, and romantic lodges with opulent interiors.
- Where to Stay – Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
- Best Time to Visit – June to October for the dry season.
The Ngorongoro Crater is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
This ancient volcanic caldera is home to a dense population of wildlife, which includes lions, rhinos, elephants, and so many more. The out-of-this-world views from the rim make it one of the most picturesque safari destinations in all of Africa.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
- What Makes It Luxurious – Remote lodges with panoramic views, gourmet dining under the stars, and night game drives.
- What to Expect – Herds of elephants, lions, and rhinos gathering at waterholes.
- Where to Stay – Onguma The Fort, Mushara Outpost.
- Best Time to Visit – June to October for dry season wildlife sightings.
Etosha is one of Africa’s most unique safari destinations, as it is set in a semi-arid landscape and is home to shimmering salt pans that attract all sorts of wildlife all throughout the year.
The luxury lodges here take full advantage of the stunning scenery. Guests can look forward to intimate game drives and incredible stargazing opportunities.
Best Luxury African Safari Tours
Luxury African safaris are the best way to experience the continent’s incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes in absolute style.
Each tour can give you a unique perspective on the continent, by allowing you to explore iconic destinations in a way that’s both comfortable and extraordinary.
And these are the luxury African safaris you can book with ATC:
Cape Town, Safari & Victoria Falls
Duration: 11 days
Why It’s Amazing: This tour includes some of the very best sights and sounds that Cape Town has to offer, the possibility of spotting the Big Five in the Kruger National Park, and a trip to the Victoria Falls, a natural landmark that has made Zimbabwe famous.
Highlights
- Sightseeing in Cape Town, including trips to Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, and Cape Peninsula.
- Close-up encounters with penguins at Boulders Beach.
- Game drives in the Kruger National Park, staying at a luxurious lodge.
- Guided tours of Victoria Falls and optional sunset cruises on the Zambezi River.
This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Africa who want to see a little bit of everything: city, safari, and natural wonders.
In-Style Country Combination Tour
Duration: 14 days
Why It’s Amazing: This ultimate African luxury tour includes multiple iconic safari destinations in Southern Africa, giving you the wildlife experiences, scenery and just absolute opulence at every turn.
Highlights
- Game drives in Sabi Sand and Chobe National Park, two of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
- A river cruise on the Zambezi Queen, where you’ll enjoy wildlife sightings from the water.
- Time spent enjoying Cape Town’s Winelands aboard the iconic Blue Train.
- Guided visits to Victoria Falls with the best photo opportunities.
This tour was made for travellers looking to experience a variety of fascinating destinations all in one trip, all while indulging in utter luxury.
Luxury Garden Route & Safari
Duration: 10 days
Why It’s Amazing: This tour takes you all along South Africa’s famous Garden Route, where you’ll get to enjoy the coastal beauty and also have an exclusive safari experience. During this tour, you’ll explore picturesque towns, natural African forests, and quiet sandy beaches before heading to the Eastern Cape for a luxury safari.
Highlights
- Four nights at the stunning Tsala Treetop Lodge, a secluded paradise nestled high above the forest canopy.
- Stops along the Garden Route, including Plettenberg Bay and Knysna.
- A three-day safari at Gorah Elephant Camp, renowned for its luxurious tents.
- Exclusive bush dinners and personalised game drives.
This tour is ideal for both couples and families who want a bit of adventure and a whole lot of relaxation.
Botswana Photographic Safari
Duration: 7 days
Why It’s Amazing: Made just for photography enthusiasts, this safari is designed to help you capture the best of Botswana’s wildlife and landscapes. With expert guidance, luxurious accommodation, and access to top-notch camera equipment, you’ll create memories (and photos) to last a lifetime.
Highlights
- Exploring the Chobe River on a luxurious houseboat, where you can photograph elephants, hippos, and birds up close.
- Game drives in Chobe National Park, known for its large elephant population.
- Professional photography tips and tricks from an expert guide throughout the trip.
- Stays at award-winning properties like Pangolin Chobe Hotel and a deluxe houseboat.
Whales & White Lions
Duration: 6 days
Why It’s Amazing: This tour includes time spent in South Africa’s Hermanus region, with an exciting trip to the wildlife-rich Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. This combo tour is one for the books and it will introduce you to the very best of South Africa’s beautiful south-west.
Highlights
- Whale watching in Hermanus, a town known as one of the best spots in the world for viewing southern right whales.
- Wine tastings in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a picturesque wine region.
- Game drives and guided wilderness walks at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, where you’ll see white lions and other iconic wildlife.
- Luxurious accommodations, including Birkenhead House and Dwyka Tented Lodge, both known for their exceptional service.
Couples, honeymooners, or nature lovers who want to spend some time at the coast and also have a luxury African safari, will enjoy this once in a lifetime tour.
When Is the Best Time to Go on a Luxury African Safari?
There is never a wrong time to go on a luxury African safari, but there certainly is a best time to have this particular kind of holiday.
To make the most of your luxury safari, it’s essential to understand how the seasons influence wildlife behaviour, weather, and scenery.
Dry Season (June–October)
The dry season is considered the prime time for game viewing. With little to no rainfall, vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot wildlife as animals gather around waterholes and rivers. During this period, you’re also more likely to see dramatic predator-prey interactions.
Green Season (November–May)
The green season, also known as the rainy or “emerald” season, turns the African bush into an overgrown green paradise. You can expect fewer crowds, lower prices, and a chance to see the bush in full bloom. This is also the calving season, where baby animals take their first steps, so prepare for some adorable wildlife sightings. Birdwatchers will also love this season, as migratory birds arrive in droves!
How Much Is a Luxury African Safari?
Luxury African safaris can cater to a wide range of budgets, with costs varying based on the destination, the time of year you wish to travel, and the level of exclusivity you’re looking for.
While safaris are considered a premium travel experience, you’ll find options to suit different price points:
Entry-Level Luxury ($400–$600 per night)
This category includes smaller boutique lodges or camps that go for that high-end experience. You’ll enjoy comfortable accommodation, excellent service, and great food. These safaris often feature group game drives and communal dining, making them a great choice for travellers who want affordable luxury.
These kinds of holidays can be found in the Kruger National Park, Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park, or Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.
Mid-Range Luxury ($700–$1,000 per night)
In this range, you can expect more personalised service, better accommodation, and access to private reserves. Game drives are often smaller or private, and you’ll enjoy luxurious amenities such as plunge pools, spa services, and curated dining experiences.
These kinds of holidays can be found in Masai Mara, Okavango Delta, or Serengeti National Park.
Ultra-Luxury ($1,500+ per night)
For travellers who want the ultimate safari experience, ultra-luxury lodges and private reserves provide the best exclusivity and indulgence. From private butlers and custom game drives to helicopter transfers and designer suites, these safaris go above and beyond. If you book such a tour, expect the best guides, world-class chefs, and gorgeous rooms.
These kinds of holidays can be found in Singita Lodges in South Africa, Abu Camp in Botswana, or Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania.
*
The Luxury African Safari is one holiday that is guaranteed to go beyond your wildest expectations and become one of the best and most memorable getaways you ever have.
Want to experience Africa in the lap of luxury?
