Eastern Africa is home to some of the most amazing wildlife and breathtaking landscapes in the world. There is no better way to experience these natural attractions than from dreamy safari camps which give visitors a one-of-a-kind view of the region.
andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
By Kristin of Adventures with Ensuite
Located at the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, this lodge is one the most luxurious safari camps you can visit, and with a price tag to match. The lodge is split into three separate lodges which makes each one smaller and seem more intimate. The “tree lodge” must be specifically booked.
Rates are all-inclusive and do not miss a drink on the terrace watching the sun go down over the crater. If you are lucky, a zebra or an antelope will walk through the gardens in front of you.
The summer months have the best game viewing, but this is also the busiest period. Early October provides a good trade off with lower rates and fewer people, but there are still plenty of animals. As your planning your next trip to Tanzania, look to book with Tanzania Safaris.
Kilima Camp
By Stéphanie from Bey Of Travel
The Kilima Safari Camp is located in the Masai Mara reserve in Narok, Kenya. To fully enjoy the variety of African wildlife in this huge grassy landscape, stay for at least four days or more to enjoy multiple safaris by car.
The luxury camping tents are about sixty square meters with a rain shower inside. The views from the tent are spectacular. In the morning, zebras are seeing grazing while guests enjoy breakfast in the still, cold jungle.
With a hot coffee on the go and a delicious picnic in the afternoon, visitors will surely be spoiled throughout their whole stay. Dinner is served back in the camp. Afterwards, enjoy the silence of the night around the campfire.
Linkwasha Lodge
Linkwasha lodge is found in Hwange National Park on the Ngamo Plains. This location lends itself to great summer and winter game viewing. The multi-level decks in the main area overlook the vast landscape of the plains for breathtaking views.
The property offers tented accommodations suited for guests of all ages. Lodge activities are diverse meaning there’s something for everyone. Popular excursions include day and night game drives, guided walks and bird spotting.
Spending time in the lodge’s hideout is another great activity. It is perfect for those looking for an unforgettable view of local wildlife and countless pictures to take home. The lodge also offers the unique opportunity to sleep-out in the star bed. Here, guests feel like they are the only people in the park.
Mara Bush Camp Kenya
By Pamela of The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Does glamping in the Maasai Mara sound like a dream come true? Then the Mara Bush Camp is the perfect dreamy safari camp in Eastern Africa for you. Nestled next to the Olare Orok river which attracts water buffalo and hippopotami. Nearby in the Mara, you can spot the Big 5 Safari animals. Mara Bush Camp is truly the ultimate destination for a Kenya safari.
With canvas walls and roof, you’ll feel like you’re camping. The solid floor, full mattresses, and patio furniture make a very comfortable stay. Even though there aren’t any restaurants in the bush, you do not have to worry about going hungry! The chef is very friendly and talented – making incredible dishes all day!
Mfuwe Lodge
Mfuwe Lodge is located just inside the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, only 40 minutes from Mfuwe International Airport. With views overlooking two lagoons, it is the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of hippos and thirsty animals relaxing in the shade.
You don’t even have to be looking outside to find some of the native wildlife. Elephants enjoying fallen fruit from the Wild Mango trees on property will walk right through the lobby reception area to greet guests. The lodge’s rooms also give visitors the opportunity to see wildlife from the comfort of their couch as they are located around the lagoons.
Mfuwe Lodge is known for its game-viewing drives where visitors can see giraffes, buffalo, antelopes, crocodiles and more. Walking safaris can be arranged upon request for guests 12 years and older. On property, The Bush Spa is a great way to relax after a long day of trekking the beautiful African wilderness.
Naibor Camp
By Nadine Murphy
Naibor Camp in Kenya’s famed Maasai Mara, perches atop the Talek River. The 5 star luxury camp is tucked away in the tree’s where winding paths lead between canvas tents like a king’s bedroom. Massive beds, bronze sinks, Persian rugs and sundowner decks that peek over the river’s edge into a water teeming with crocodiles and hippo’s.
In the main camp, 3 course meals and a limitless bar compel you stay on site. But this is the Mara, one of the best safari destinations in the world, and so we pack our cars before dawn and bush breakfast on bacon sandwiches.
In the evening, watch the sunset over the Serengeti as we sip gin and tonics and marvel the bounty of nature.
Naibor is a must do destination in East Africa any time of the year, but head to the Maasai in June – August to watch ribbons of wildebeest cross the Mara river in the annual great migration.
Offbeat Mara, Kenya
By Cecily Protsack of Groovy Mashed Potatoes
Offbeat Mara is a traditional safari camp located in the Mara North Conservancy, the largest conservancy in the Masai Mara. Mara North has an abundance of wildlife, however you won’t see crowds of tourists here trying to get the best shot. It’s open to member-only camps and has strict game viewing rules, making it feel at times like you have the whole park to yourself. With only seven luxury tents, Offbeat Mara is an exclusive and bespoke experience.
Each day you set off with your guide in a jeep and have the opportunity to see wildlife during the morning, daytime and evening. In the morning, have breakfast by the river beside a raft of hippos.
In the evening, enjoy a sundowner where you watch the sunset from the jeep and enjoy a cocktail over the African bush. Once back at the camp, enjoy a delicious dinner in the main tent where you can excitedly talk with others about the wildlife you saw that day. The best time to go is during the dry season from July-October when the wildlife is plentiful.
Richard’s Camp
Located on the open banks of the Njageteck River inside the Mara Nature Conservancy, Richard’s Camp offers a luxury tented experience. With only seven tents, the site is designed to provide exclusivity, privacy, and intimacy. The staff who are always eager to please are on hand to provide service.
In addition to high levels of comfort, expect good guiding in the Masai Mara. Guests can also enjoy free breakfast, bush picnics, and communal dinners in-between activities that include day and night game drives, bush walks, and sundowners. A sure highlight of a stay is a game drive at sunset that should not be missed.
Sanctuary Olonana
By Christina of Travel2next
Sanctuary Olonana is a classic safari camp on the Mara River, which is a famous African landmark in Kenya’s Masai Mara. The camp is a fantastic place to be close to the action during the Great Migration, when 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras and other wildlife cross the crocodile-infested Mara River. The busiest season at the camp is during the migration between late July and early October.
Besides daily game drives, other activities are cultural visits to a Masai village, sundowners, bush dining and scenic balloon flights. The boutique camp offers accommodation is in 14 glass-sided suites. The top of the range is the Geoffrey Kent Suite, which has two bedrooms with ensuites, a dining room and an infinity pool.
Sanctuary Olonana has a strong focus on conservation, with several community and conservation projects on the go, and is a few Kenyan safari camps with a Gold Eco rating by Ecotourism Kenya.
Saruni Samburu, Kenya
By Heather Cole of Conversant Traveller
Saruni Samburu is a luxury lodge with six eco-villas offering guests the ultimate safari experience in northern Kenya. The lodge is perched majestically on a ridge with spectacular views over the Kalama Conservancy.
There are early morning and late afternoon game drives in Samburu National Reserve, as well as nature walks and even night drives in Kalama. Large herds of elephants are a big draw in the park, as well as the Samburu Special Five, a collection of unusual animals endemic to the area. Bush breakfasts are an option for early risers, whilst back at the lodge lunch and dinner has a delicious Italian-African theme.
There are two infinity pools to relax in, as well as a bush spa. Wildlife watching is best between June and October and December and March, although it’s a great place to visit all year round.
Sweetwaters Serena Camp
By Jyoti of Story At Every Corner
Sweetwaters Serena camp is located north of Nairobi near the western entrance of Mount Kenya park. It’s the safari camp where you don’t have to go on Safari to see the African wildlife. The camp has a clever design. It is adjacent to a waterhole where wildlife naturally comes for a drink nearly every day.
The luxury Safari tents are arranged in a semi-circle within a sufficient distance around the pond. Thus visitors may view the wildlife directly from their tent or seats closer to the trench without an obstruction. Spend your time relaxing at the camp while watching the wildlife come all day and night from the safety and comfort of the lodge. For those reasons, it’s one of the top places to visit in Kenya.
Voi Safari Lodge
By Steph & Lewis of Book It Let’s Go!
Voi Safari Lodge is located in Tsavo East National Park in southern Kenya. The lodge is positioned high up on a hillside with impressive views from all of the rooms and the restaurant overlooking the African bush. They have a dedicated watering hole and an underground viewing area where you can get up close to the wildlife.
The restaurant serves buffet style meals with one choice of meat or vegetarian options and a salad bar. The lodge also has a private pool with far reaching views, which is perfect for cooling off after a safari.
Additional reporting by Kaitlin Tracy.
