There’s nothing quite like an African safari. The breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the thrill of spotting the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—make it an unforgettable experience. But when you pair adventure with luxury, safaris become something truly extraordinary. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the bush in a private villa, embarking on game drives in exclusive reserves, and ending the day with gourmet meals under the stars.
In this guide, we’ll showcase 8 exceptional luxury safari packages across Africa, offering unparalleled experiences, world-class accommodations, and expert guides. At the end, you’ll find a detailed FAQ section to help you plan your dream safari adventure.
1. Singita Serengeti Lodge – Tanzania
Why It’s Unforgettable
Located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, this exclusive lodge offers a front-row seat to the Great Migration and incredible year-round wildlife. Singita combines conservation efforts with luxury, creating an eco-conscious experience.
Package Highlights
- Luxurious suites with private plunge pools and uninterrupted views of the Serengeti plains.
- Twice-daily game drives with expert guides to witness lions, cheetahs, and massive herds of wildebeest.
- Bush dining experiences, including champagne breakfasts and candlelit dinners in the wilderness.
- Spa treatments and yoga sessions in the midst of the African bush.
Insider Tip
Book a Great Migration Safari from July to October to see the dramatic river crossings at the Grumeti River.
2. Royal Malewane – South Africa
Why It’s Unforgettable
Situated in the private Thornybush Game Reserve bordering Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane is one of the most exclusive lodges in Africa. Known for its exceptional service and highly qualified guides, it offers an intimate and personalized safari experience.
Package Highlights
- Private villas with luxury amenities, outdoor showers, and stunning views of the bush.
- Tailored game drives and walking safaris with master trackers to spot the Big Five.
- A fully equipped spa, featuring treatments that incorporate African botanicals.
- Gourmet meals paired with premium South African wines.
Insider Tip
The Africa House, a private villa accommodating up to 12 guests, is perfect for families or groups traveling together.
3. Mara Plains Camp – Kenya
Why It’s Unforgettable
Nestled in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara, Mara Plains Camp offers an exclusive safari experience with limited crowds and abundant wildlife. It’s also a prime spot for witnessing the Great Migration.
Package Highlights
- Luxury tented suites with antique furnishings, clawfoot tubs, and private decks overlooking the savannah.
- Game drives in custom-built open 4×4 vehicles for exceptional photography opportunities.
- Hot air balloon safaris over the Maasai Mara at sunrise.
- Cultural visits to Maasai villages to learn about their traditions and way of life.
Insider Tip
Visit between July and September for the Great Migration or February for the calving season when predators are most active.
4. Bisate Lodge – Rwanda
Why It’s Unforgettable
Located near Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge offers a luxurious base for one of Africa’s most extraordinary experiences—gorilla trekking. The lodge’s unique design blends luxury with sustainability, offering panoramic views of the dramatic Rwandan landscape.
Package Highlights
- Guided gorilla treks to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Luxury forest villas with fireplaces, soaking tubs, and private decks.
- Nature walks to explore the surrounding community and learn about reforestation efforts.
- Gourmet dining featuring locally sourced ingredients and Rwandan flavors.
Insider Tip
Book well in advance, as gorilla trekking permits are limited and in high demand.
5. Okavango Delta Safari – Botswana
Why It’s Unforgettable
The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique safari experience with its lush waterways, incredible wildlife, and secluded luxury lodges. This is one of the best places in Africa for birdwatching and spotting hippos and crocodiles.
Package Highlights
- Stay at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, featuring private plunge pools and open-air decks.
- Explore the Delta on traditional mokoro (canoe) safaris and guided walking safaris.
- Enjoy helicopter rides for breathtaking aerial views of the Delta’s labyrinthine waterways.
- Candlelit dinners in the wilderness, surrounded by the sounds of the bush.
Insider Tip
Visit during the dry season (May to October) for the best wildlife sightings as animals congregate around the shrinking waterholes.
6. Matetsi Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Why It’s Unforgettable
Located along the Zambezi River, just 40 kilometers from Victoria Falls, Matetsi offers a combination of safari luxury and proximity to one of the world’s most famous natural wonders.
Package Highlights
- River-facing luxury suites with plunge pools and private decks.
- Game drives and river cruises to see elephants, lions, and hippos.
- Private tours of Victoria Falls, followed by high tea at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel.
- Sunset boat rides along the Zambezi, with sundowners served on board.
Insider Tip
Combine your stay with a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls for a breathtaking perspective of this natural wonder.
7. Phinda Private Game Reserve – South Africa
Why It’s Unforgettable
Located in KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda Private Game Reserve boasts seven distinct ecosystems, offering one of the most diverse safari experiences in Africa. It’s also known for its excellent cheetah sightings.
Package Highlights
- Stay in Phinda Rock Lodge or Phinda Forest Lodge, each offering unique luxury accommodations, from glass-walled suites to secluded cliffside rooms.
- Game drives to see rare species like black rhinos and cheetahs.
- Ocean safaris where you can snorkel or dive along South Africa’s rich coastline.
- Conservation-focused experiences, such as rhino-tracking or assisting researchers.
Insider Tip
Book a Bush and Beach Package, combining a Phinda safari with a stay at a coastal resort in Sodwana Bay.
8. Tswalu Kalahari – South Africa
Why It’s Unforgettable
Located in South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu Kalahari offers an intimate, luxurious escape into the semi-arid wilderness of the Kalahari Desert. It’s perfect for travelers looking for unique wildlife, including meerkats, aardvarks, and pangolins.
Package Highlights
- Stay in The Motse or Tarkuni, ultra-luxurious accommodations with private decks and pools.
- Exclusive-use game vehicles for tailored game drives.
- Night safaris to spot nocturnal animals under the starlit Kalahari sky.
- Participate in conservation projects, such as tracking pangolins and studying black-maned Kalahari lions.
Insider Tip
Tswalu is malaria-free, making it ideal for families with young children.
FAQs About Luxury Safari Packages
1. What is the best time to go on a luxury safari in Africa?
The dry season (May to October) is the best time for safaris, as wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot animals. For gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the dry seasons of June-September and December-February are ideal.
2. How much do luxury safari packages cost?
Luxury safaris range from $500 to over $2,000 per person per night, depending on the location, lodge, and included activities. All-inclusive packages often cover meals, game drives, and transfers.
3. Are luxury safaris suitable for families?
Yes, many luxury lodges, such as Royal Malewane and Phinda, offer family-friendly options, including private villas, kid-friendly game drives, and babysitting services.
4. Do I need vaccinations for a safari in Africa?
Yes, vaccinations like yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A may be required depending on your destination. Consult a travel clinic well in advance.
5. Are luxury safaris eco-friendly?
Many luxury lodges prioritize sustainability, with eco-friendly practices like solar power, water recycling, and conservation programs to protect local wildlife and habitats.
6. Do luxury safari packages include flights?
International flights are usually not included, but many packages include regional flights to and from safari lodges.
7. What should I pack for a luxury safari?
Pack neutral-colored clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a good camera. Many lodges provide laundry services, so pack light.
8. Can I combine multiple safari destinations in one trip?
Yes, many luxury packages allow you to combine destinations, such as a Serengeti safari with gorilla trekking in Rwanda or a South Africa safari with a visit to Victoria Falls.
9. Are luxury safaris private?
Most luxury safaris offer a high level of privacy, with private villas, exclusive-use game vehicles, and small group tours tailored to your preferences.
10. What wildlife can I expect to see on a luxury safari?
You can expect to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), along with other wildlife like cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and unique species like gorillas or meerkats, depending on your location.