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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Julie Delahaye

Incredible safari lodges that need to go on your bucket list immediately

Safari holidays in Africa are on most people's bucket lists.

After all, they come with spectacular scenery, exotic wildlife and beautiful lodges where you can unwind after a day's adventure.

There are some pretty amazing safari lodges to be found across Africa boasting handy locations on the reserves themselves, cosy accommodation and some pretty incredible views.

The best part is that nowadays you can find lodges to suit a wide array of budgets whether you're after the basics or want a luxury experience.

It can make for a pretty incredible family holiday too - considering new research from Booking.com revealed that 26 per cent of UK parents think the benefit of family travel is about experiencing new things together, it ticks all of the boxes.

To help in your search, we've teamed up with Booking.com to find 10 incredible safari lodges in Africa that need to be on your bucket list.

We've included some that are budget-friendly as well as some special places for those looking to splurge.

Check out the top 10 safari lodges below...

1. Pafuri Camp, South Africa

Pafuri Camp (Courtesy of Booking.com)

This luxury safari camp is located on the banks of the Luvuvhu River in the northern part of the world-famous Kruger National Park.

The tents (with ensuites) come with private furnished verandahs from which you can take in river views - and even spot some of the wildlife that resides around the area.

The camp has heaps of glamorous features including an on-site restaurant with al fresco dining, a swimming pool and even an afternoon high tea.

 

How much? Prices from £412 per night on Booking.com. Click here to book.

2. Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, Kenya

Jambo Mara Safari Lodge (Courtesy of Booking.com)

 

Located in the Masai Mara National Reserve, this budget-friendly spot has spacious rooms with private bathrooms, terraces and big comfortable beds.

On-site you'll also find the likes of a barbecue, table tennis tables, billiards and darts facilities, and a bar serving up heaps of fresh drinks and cocktails.

The room rates won't include safari prices but you can organise these yourself - or ask the staff for recommendations!

How much? Prices from £80 per night on Booking.com. Click here to book.

3. Motswari Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Motswari Private Game Reserve (Courtesy of Booking.com)

This family-owned luxury lodge sits in within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, so there are plenty of trained guides on hand to take you on bush trails and on evening outings in the wilderness.

Lodges offer spectacular unrivalled savannah views and include extra luxury touches from a lounge to bathrooms with huge tubs.

The site itself includes an outdoor pool and library, and the camp organises two game drives per day (included in your room fare).

 

How much? Prices from £536 per night on Booking.com. Click here to book.

4. Thamalakane River Lodge, Botswana

Thamalakane River Lodge (Thamalakane River Lodge/Courtesy of Booking.com)

This cosy riverside lodge is a short drive away from the Moremi Game Reserve where you can find plenty of safari excursions, while other activities nearby include horse riding, boat rides and canoeing.

The Thamalakane River Lodge itself has spacious rooms with some pretty breathtaking river views, an on-site restaurant and an outdoor pool next to the picturesque garden.

How much? Prices from £167 per night on Booking.com. Click here to book.

5. Imbali Safari Lodge, South Africa

Imbali Safari Lodge (Courtesy of Booking.com)

 

Tucked away in a private concession within Kruger National Park, this camp offers luxury lodges with air-conditioned rooms, big beds, and large decks with plunge pools.

As well as the suites you'll find an on-site restaurant (the lodge offers all-inclusive rates only) serving up a gourmet menu, and there's also an outdoor pool and massage treatments.

Oh, and two daily safaris with guides in an open safari vehicle are also included in your room rate!

How much? Prices from £397 per night on Booking.com. Click here to book.

6. River View Lodge, Botswana

River View Lodge (Courtesy of Booking.com)

 

Located on the banks of Chobe River, this picturesque hotel offers cosy chalet accommodation with river views, as well as on-site facilities from manicured gardens to an outdoor pool, as well as a restaurant serving up local fare. 

The chalets each come with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities and a private veranda from which you can enjoy the landscape views.

Staff can help you arrange a variety of activities including game drives, boat cruises and even day trips to Victoria Falls.

How much? Prices from £106 per night on Booking.com. Click here to book.

7. Ongava Lodge, Namibia

Ongava Lodge (Olwen Evans/Courtesy of Booking.com)

 

Located right by the Etosha National Park, this luxurious resort offers swanky rock-and-thatch chalets for guests with cosy beds, plush furniture and beautiful views of the camp's waterhole so you can keep an eye out for wildlife.

Each of the suites at Ongava Lodge is equipped with air-conditioning, ensuite bathrooms and balconies.

The resort also offers a main dining area with views of the starry night skies, as well as a main lounge and an outdoor swimming pool.

How much? Prices from £673 per night on Booking.com. Click here to book.

8. The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, Zambia

The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa (Courtesy of Booking.com)

Located on the banks of the Zambezi River and just a 10-minute drive from Victoria Falls this luxurious property is ideal if you want to do a spot of sightseeing as well as game drives.

Rooms are pretty swish with four-poster beds and ensuite bathrooms, or you can opt for suites which also boast hot tubs and lounge areas.

The hotel also has its own spa and wellness centre and a private river-cruise boat.

 

How much? Prices from £139 per night on Booking.com. Click here to book.

9. Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, South Africa

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge (Courtesy of Booking.com)

 

This is very much a 'one for the dream holiday list' type of spot, but we couldn't resist including thanks to its seriously luxurious offerings.

Located within the Kruger National Park, the five-star lodge offers glamorous suites which boast comfortable beds, swish bathrooms with all the amenities you need - and a private deck with direct views of the landscape and occasional wildlife (fancy a cup of tea while watching elephants in the morning?).

But it's not just the super swanky suites that wowed us.

The lodges include daily open 4x4 safaris with experienced guides who take you on everything from birding safaris and guided bush walks.

How much? Prices from £713 per night on Booking.com. Click here to book.

10. Keekorok Lodge, Kenya

Keekorok Lodge (Courtesy of Booking.com)

 

Located within the Masai Mara Game Reserve, this hotel offers spacious suites with traditional decor and private decks from which to take in the views.

You can also keep an eye out for wildlife from the outdoor pool and sundeck. Or you can of course enjoy a safari of the Keekorok Nature Reserve.

Feeling peckish? Tuck into local dishes whipped up at the Hippo Bar which overlooks the lake, or experience a bush dinner on the Elephant Deck.

How much? Prices from £151 per night on Booking.com. Click here to book.

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