Africa’s luxury safari scene has moved well beyond canvas tents – today’s top camps and lodges rival five-star city hotels, set in some of the world’s most remote landscapes.
What defines an ultra-luxury camp
Private plunge pools, personal butlers, wine cellars carved into rock, and guided game drives in custom vehicles with a dedicated tracker and guide – all set within private conservancies away from crowded public reserves.
Where to look
- Northern Serengeti & Maasai Mara conservancies – exclusive-use camps close to Great Migration river crossings.
- Okavango Delta, Botswana – water-based luxury camps reached by light aircraft, some accessible only by boat.
- Sabi Sands, South Africa – bordering Kruger, known for exceptional leopard sightings and top-tier lodges.
- Zanzibar & the Seychelles – for a beach-and-bush combination trip after the safari leg.
Getting there in style
Many of these camps are reached by light aircraft transfer from a regional hub, connecting seamlessly into a bush-plane transfer for the final leg.
Planning tips
Book 6–12 months ahead for peak season (July–October); these camps run few rooms by design, and the best ones sell out early. See our Africa travel guide for broader planning advice, and confirm your insurance includes emergency evacuation cover, standard practice for remote luxury camps.
FAQ
Is a private guide included? Most ultra-luxury camps include a dedicated guide and vehicle as standard, not a shared group drive.
Can I combine multiple camps in one trip? Yes – many travelers combine 2–3 camps across different ecosystems, connected by light aircraft, for a varied luxury safari itinerary.
Related
- Best Time for an East Africa Safari — a month-by-month guide
- Africa Travel Guide — plan the rest of your trip
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