Every year Travel + Leisure conducts a survey to ask its readers about their travel experiences throughout the world. Some 1650,000 people are said to partake in this survey, providing a wonderful way for travelers to share their experiences – giving deserving candidates “bragging rights” for a year!
As you well know, there are so many luxury safari lodges on this inspiring continent. And although Co-founders, Kyle and Leah Green, put in a huge effort to personally see each one – it is just not always possible. So we are always super excited to see which partner luxury safari lodge makes the list! And of course it raises wonderful debates among Ubuntu Travelers – especially if you have been to one or two of them…
We invite you to have a look! For those who have traveled with us, see whether your lodge is there? And of course – those of you looking for a little safari inspiration – we invite you to explore and just some of the luxury safari lodges you can visit in Africa with Ubuntu Travel. Discover ‘Travel + Leisure Readers’ 10 favorite safari lodges in Africa’ for 2023.
Just quickly: here’s the full list
The survey focuses on four main categories: scenery; food; customer service and most importantly, wildlife experience. Readers are asked to rate each lodge and provide comments to help rank the top safari lodges in Africa
1 ) The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge | South Luangwa National Park | Zambia
2) Volcanoes Safaris Virunga Lodge | Burera District | Rwanda
3) Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp | Serengeti National Park | Tanzania
4) Royal Malewane | Greater Kruger | South Africa
5) Volcanoes Safaris Mount Gahinga | Mgahinga Gorilla National Park | Uganda
6) andBeyond Bateleur Camp | Masai Mara National Reserve | Kenya
7) Thornybush Game Lodge | Greater Kruger | South Africa
8) Gibb’s Farm | Karatu | Tanzania
9) andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge | Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Tanzania
10) Angama Mara | Masai Mara National Reserve | Kenya
Travel + Leisure Readers’ Top 10 Safari Lodges in Africa 2023
1 ) The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge
South Luangwa Park | Zambia
A spectacular retreat flanked by two lagoons in the South Luangwa National Park. One of Zambia’s most treasured safari retreats, The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge should be on every safari lover’s list when visiting the South Luangwa National Park. The camp overlooks two lagoons, which attract a plethora of wildlife. The park itself is renowned for its incredible sightings, which you can experience on expertly guided game drives and walking safaris. Read more…
Best for: Couples Escapes, adventurous families and private groups
Why we love it!
- Elephants walking through reception (late October to mid December)
- Exceptional area for walking safaris
- Incredible predator viewing, including consistent wild dog sightings
2) Volcanoes Safaris Virunga Lodge
Burera District | Rwanda | Reader Score: 98.48
Overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes, Musanze Valley, Lake Bulera and Lake Ruhondo, Virunga Lodge is a jewel in the crown of Rwanda’s gorilla lodges. Self-described as Rwandese Afro-chic, expect eclectic yet homely interiors and enchanting hospitality that will make you feel warm and comforted for the duration of your stay. Read more…
Best for: Couples Escapes, Private Groups or multi-generational families. Please note that the minimum age for children to participate on a gorilla trek is 15 and 12 for the golden monkey trek.
Why we love it!
- Their position with views of the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes
- Complimentary spa treatments and massages after your gorilla trek
- The intriguing Dian Fossey Map Room – an inspiring story of gorilla conservation
3) Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp
Serengeti National Park | Tanzania | Reader Score: 98.40
A magical safari camp, situated on the north of the wildlife-rich Serengeti National Park. Embodying the true spirit of a safari camping experience, Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp is a hidden gem within the astounding expanse of the Serengeti National Park. One of our top choices, the camp sits along the banks of the Grumeti River, which attracts wildlife from all directions. This region is famous for its large resident lion prides as well as plains game. Read more…
Best for: Honeymooners and Couple Escapes
Why we love it!
- Positioned next to the famous Grumeti River
- Panoramic views of the Serengeti from your private deck
- Seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration experience (Nov to Dec)
4) Royal Malewane
Greater Kruger | South Africa | Reader Score: 98.13
A magnificent safari haven that boast three unique lodges on its property within the Greater Kruger National Park. Eclectic, luxurious and not-to-be-missed, Royal Malewane has something for every traveler. Here, you will be spoilt for choice. The property offers three safari lodges, which include Malewane, Farmstead, and Waterside. We found each to be exceptional and offer something different depending on your preferences. Read more…
Best for: Honeymooners, Couples Escapes and families. Each of the three lodges at Royal Malewane offer family-friendly suites.
Why we love it!
- Big Five safaris in the Greater Kruger National Park
- Ethical off roading practices
- Personalized dining with the finest South African wines
5) Volcanoes Safaris Mount Gahinga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park | Uganda | Reader Score: 97.87
Inspired by the traditional design and building techniques of the Bufimbira people, African Portfolio’s Mount Gahinga Lodge truly pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Uganda. We were really immersed in an atmosphere of authenticity here, and loved the hand-built bandas (rooms) that boasted luxurious furnishings and a lovely ensuite bathroom. Each banda offers incredible views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Read more…
Best for: Couples Escapes, Private Groups or multi-generational families. Please note that the minimum age for children to participate on a gorilla trek is 15 and 12 for the golden monkey trek.
Why we love it!
- Your gorilla trek starts at the lodge with direct access to the Mgahinga National Park.
- Complimentary spa treatments and massages after your gorilla trek.
- Visit the Gahinga Batwa Village – the oldest inhabitants of the Central Africa rain forest.
6) andBeyond Bateleur Camp
Masai Mara National Reserve | Kenya | Reader Score: 97.75
A magical safari haven, situated on a private concession that borders the western Masai Mara. Elegant, classic and oh-so luxurious, andBeyond’s Bateleur Camp is set at the foot of the Oloololo escarpment and shares a private concession that borders the western Masai Mara. This exclusive camp is rated high on the top of our Kenya “must-visit” list. Read more…
Best for: Honeymooners and Couple Escapes
Why we love it!
- Its private concession within the Masai Mara
- Private viewing decks of the Masai Mara
- Access to guided walking and hot air balloon safaris
Searching for a safari honeymoon worth toasting? Check out our Suggested Itinerary – Honeymoon in East Africa
7) Thornybush Game Lodge
Greater Kruger | South Africa | Reader Score: 97.60
Tucked away, within the wildlife-rich Thornybush Nature Reserve, is the award-winning Thornybush Game Lodge. One of our top picks for a South African safari, Thornybush is a must-experience when game viewing in the Greater Kruger National Park. We fell in love with the lodge’s classic safari charm. The suites have been decorated in calming earthy tones and luxurious furnishings. Read more…
Best for: Couples Escapes, multi-generational families and private groups. Kamara House, an exclusive-use safari villa, is perfect for small groups.
Why we love it!
- Its fresh new look and classic safari charm
- A cat lover? This is area is known for its big cat sightings
- On safari exclusive photoshoots – perfect to capture those memories
8) Gibb’s Farm
Karatu | Tanzania | Reader Score: 96.57
Nestled on the outer-slopes of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, Gibb’s Farm is an enchanting retreat, and one of our “must-experience” properties in Tanzania. The original farmhouse at Gibb’s was built in 1929, when the property (then a coffee plantation) was owned by a German duke. It was only in 1948, when the farm passed hands to the Gibb family that its true transformation began. Gibb’s Farm has been hailed as the oldest guest house in Tanzania and its dedication to personalised, unfussy, and authentic service has stood the test of time. Read more…
Best for: Couples Escapes, private groups and families. Gibb’s offers two farmhouses that are perfect for family travel.
Why we love it!
- Incredible Great Rift Valley views from the lodge
- Safaris at Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
- Its a wellness sanctuary with a sense of purpose
Discover ‘Six Reasons to Visit the Ngorongoro Crater’ in our Ubuntu Travel Blog.
9) andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Reader Score: 96.00
Described as the “game lodge on top of the world”, it is hard not to fall in love with the breathtaking surroundings of andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Yes, its name is a mouthful but you will forget its complexity once you stay at this iconic safari destination. Here, Victorian furnishings and charming, somewhat quirky, African touches create a sumptuous atmosphere that is as elegant and unique as the Crater itself. The lodge has three camps, each with its own sitting and dining areas. Read more…
Best for: Honeymooners and Couple Escapes
Why we love it!
- Ngorongoro Crater views from the lodge
- Rose petal baths and champagne
- Game Drives and lion conservation with KopeLion
Searching for a safari honeymoon worth toasting? Check out our Suggested Itinerary – Honeymoon in East Africa
10) Angama Mara
Masai Mara National Reserve | Kenya | Reader Score: 95.24
Perched high on the rim of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, with seemingly endless views of one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness destinations, the Masai Mara, is the enchanting Angama Mara. Here, expect nothing less than attentive, unobtrusive service, warm hospitality and exceptional interiors.. Read more…
Best for: Honeymooners, Couples Escape and families. Each camp has a family suite with interconnected rooms.
Why we love it!
- Soaring panoramic views of the Masai Mara
- In the path of the Great Migration (July to October)
- A dedicated photography editing and printing studio
Suggested Itinerary – The Masai Mara and Serengeti
Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime?
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