There are a number of factors that make up the ultimate safari experience. Paramount is the park or reserve the safari is located in. It needs to provide safari goers with exceptional game viewing and almost guaranteed chances of seeing their flagship species in their natural environment during an average stay. Then the quality of the guide who is the translator of what is unfolding around you whilst on safari. The lodging or camp needs to then offer the utmost in comfort and style and the service has to be off the charts. Lastly these experiences need to qualify as a once in a lifetime safari experience. Safari Index has hand picked its ultimate safari experiences that embody all of the above and should be at the top of your bucket list.
Do your part and help vote for who you feel is most deserving of this mantle. Remember you only have one vote in each category so make it count. If you have visited one of these fine lodges your vote can count as a double vote if you enter the relevant coupon code - get this by getting in touch with the lodge you are voting for. Those who vote stand a chance at winning some awesome prizes including a trip for two to a luxury lodge in South Africa.
Vote for your selection below by clicking 'Vote Now' next to your pick. Remember one vote per category so make it count!
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Abu Camp, Okavango
Why we like it: Incredible interaction with elephant herd; Magnificent setting; Absolute luxury in the bush
At Abu Camp you are invited to immerse yourself in the majestic world of the African elephant and to become part of the herd during your stay. By the time you leave you will feel a special, emotional connection to the herd which is nothing less than humbling and rewarding, while gaining an understanding of elephant conservation, the premise on…
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Busanga Plains Camp, Kafue
Why we like it: Unique wilderness experience; Exceptional predator viewing; Remote and wild safari experience
Busanga Plains Camp is a seasonal (dry season) bush camp, located on the renowned Busanga Plains of Zambia’s Kafue National Park. The camp is set on a small palm tree island amidst the remote northern wetland plains. Getting to the camp is a safari adventure in itself, as guests travel through the wilderness of Kafue National Park, which is one…
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Chief’s Camp
Why we like it: Superb game-viewing; Excellent predator life; Beautiful views; Exclusive and luxurious
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp is located in Botswana, in the exclusive Mombo Concession in the Moremi Game Reserve on Chief’s Island; one of the many islands created by the seasonal floodwaters of the Okavango Delta. The Moremi is known as the “predator capital of Africa” due to the abundance of big cats. Elephant, hippo, buffalo and giraffe are frequently spotted. There…
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Chinzombo Camp, South Luangwa
Why we like it: Super-luxury safari experience; Superb facilities; Set in an exclusive river-front area
Chinzombo Camp is an ultra-luxury safari camp, situated in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. It is located on the Luangwa River, with stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape from the villas. The camp was designed by award-winning architects, and its natural design allows it to blend seamlessly into the surrounding wilderness. It consists of six majestic river-front…
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Governors’ Camp, Masai Mara
Why we like it: Superb location during Great Migration; Sweeping river and plains views; Big cats hotspot; Old Africa safari camp
Created in 1972, Governors’ Camp set new standards in luxury for a tented camp and today it’s still considered one of Africa’s best. Governors Camp was erected on a a prime spot of land in the heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, which, almost a century ago, was first exclusively reserved for Kenya’s colonial Governors. The luxury tented camp…
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Greystoke Lodge, Mahale
Why we like it: Breathtaking views and scenery; Superb chimpanzee trekking experience; Unique luxury safari holiday
Greystoke Mahale is a magical luxury safari camp perched on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains National Park. The adventure starts before guests even reach the camp- after transferring to Mahale, a large wooden dhow is used to carry guests over to the camp. The camp’s main area is made up of a thatch-roofed main lodge with…
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Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Why we like it: Famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha- one of the only places in the world to see them; Classic tented safari camp
Ishasha Wilderness Camp offers quality accommodation in the unspoilt, remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree climbing lions. It’s an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness. The camp is next to the Ntungwe River, nestled under shady trees. Each of the ten spacious canvas rooms is comfortably furnished and boasts a large…
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Kanga Camp, Mana Pools
Why we like it: Ultra luxurious accommodation in the wilderness; Isolated location; Exceptional dry season game viewing (June - October)
Kanga Camp is found in a remote region of the Mana Pools World Heritage Site in the Zambezi River Valley in Zimbabwe. The ultra-luxurious safari tents, each with en-suite bathroom facilities, allow for all the night sounds to be experienced. They also have amazing outdoor showers that overlook the waterhole. There is a family tent that has a private dining…
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Kirkman’s Kamp
Take a step back in time at the gracious and historic Kirkman’s Kamp. The original homestead of Harry Kirkman has been beautifully restored; the 18 charming suites overlook the bushveld and beautiful lawns surround the lodge and swimming pool, with spectacular views of the unspoiled landscape surrounding the Sand River. The moment you walk into the main guest area at…
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Mashatu Lodge
Why we like it: Remote and beautiful wilderness region; Home to several iconic species; Luxurious accommodation and facilities; Unique activities such as cycling and horseback safaris
Mashatu Lodge is located in the private Mashatu Game Reserve, in Botswana’s wild and beautiful Tuli region. Mashatu is known as the “Land of the Giants”- this incredible wilderness is home to several “giant” species: the magnificent Mashatu tree; the majestic elephant; the iconic lion; the giraffe, world’s tallest land mammal; the ostrich, world’s largest bird, the kori bustard, the…
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Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde
Why we like it: Stunning river views; Fantastic general game viewing; Variety of activities including rhino tracking
Mvuu Lodge is located in Liwonde National Park in Malawi, on the shores of a lagoon. The park is rich in wildlife, and is home to species such as elephant, buffalo, hippo and zebra. The birdlife in the park is also superb. The lodge consists of eight luxury tents, each featuring en-suite facilities and private viewing decks that provide stunning…
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Pel’s Post, Pafuri
Why we like it: Exclusive and luxurious; Eco-friendly; Region high in biodiversity; Private safari vehicles and guides
Pel's Post is a super luxury safari lodge located in the Pafuri region of the world-famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. This exclusive camp accommodates just 8 guests in four luxurious suites, each boasting stunning views of the Luvuvhu River. Each suite is elegantly designed, making maximum use of space, and features open-plan lounges and outdoor terraces. The bathrooms…
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Pom Pom Camp, Okavango
The Camp is located on Pom Pom Island in a private concession situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta and on the head waters of the Xudum river system. The area lies on the western boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve and offers superb Okavango scenery and a true Okavango wilderness experience. The main building is attractively designed and…
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Self-drive Safaris, Namibia
Why we like it: Endless horizons; Namib Desert; Skeleton Coast; Kalahari Desert; Amazing and unique wildlife; Epic photography
There is no better way to explore Namibia than by the ultimate road trip in your own vehicle at a leisurely pace over a 2-3 week period. With a well-developed gravel road network you can get about the country in either your own vehicle or by hiring a specifically fitted out 4x4 rental. There are some amazing lodges and fantastic…
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The Migration and Gorilla Trekking Tour
Why we like it: Two bucket-list safari experiences in one convenient and exhilarating safari tour
Combine the world-famous wildebeest migration (either calving or river crossings) with seeing mountain gorillas in the wild on the epic Migration and Gorilla Trekking Tour.With easy access to the region by plane, you get two incredible experiences that are on most people’s bucket lists in one easy safari. Travel to the vast open plains of the Serengeti- miles and miles…
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The Motse, Tswalu
Why we like it: Luxurious and exclusive; Personalised safari schedules; Superb game-viewing, including black-maned Kalahari lions
The Motse is a luxurious safari lodge, set at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains in Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve, South Africa. The Motse, which is Tswana for "village", consists of 9 legae (Tswana for "little house") or suites. Three legae have been designed with small families in mind. Each is built from desert sand, rich red clay, and traditional…
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