Africa’s best camps and lodges

To help you, I’ve reviewed about 400 safari camps in Africa and grouped them into Tier 1 (in orange) my favourite camps, followed Tier 2 which I also recommend, and then Tier 3 (without photos).

&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater (30 suites) OTT grandeur with OMG views; unlike anything else – fireplaces, antiques, red roses, opulence. It’s a big camp though and  you need to drive down into the crater though for game viewing, in a public reserve. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Member of &Beyond. Child friendly. $$$$$.
&Beyond Nxabega (9 tents-en-suite) Newly refurbished with chic lux tents on raised platforms. Remote setting on the water but with good land based activities too. Okavango concession south, Botswana. Member of &Beyond. Child friendly. $$$$$.
&Beyond Phinda Forest (16 suites) Suites built like glass boxes in the sand forest – this is a remarkable place, peaceful and tranquil in the dappled light. Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa. Member of &Beyond. Child friendly. $$$$. Read more.
&Beyond Phinda Rock (6 suites) Recently re-opened, big suites are dramatically perched on the cliff face with cosy earthy grey interiors, plunge pools and outdoor showers looking out over the valley. And Phinda’s diverse ecosystems to explore. A magnificent camp. Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa. Member of &Beyond. $$$$. Read more.
&Beyond Phinda Vlei (6 suites) An intimate lodge opening out onto savannah which is good for game viewing, spacious rooms with plunge pools from which the elephants drink regularly. Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa. Member of &Beyond. Child friendly. $$$$. Read more.
&Beyond Phinda Zuka (4 suites) An older, more traditional style game lodge, exclusive use central area and separate suites all looking onto a water hole which attracts game. Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa. Member of &Beyond. Private villa. Child friendly. $$$$. Read more.
&Beyond Sandibe (12 suites) &Beyond’s Botswana flagship – remarkable design inspired by pangolin scales is winning awards. Incredible wildlife bordering prime Chief’s Island. It’s a land camp though, no water activities. Okavango concession south, Botswana. Member of &Beyond. Child friendly. $$$$$.
&Beyond Serengeti under Canvas (9 tents-en-suite) Unexpected delight to feel immersed in the migration (it moves to follow the wildlife 5x each year) in tents with bucket showers – but with private butler, crystal and silverware. Guests adore it. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Member of &Beyond. Child friendly. $$$$$.
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert (10 suites) The serenity! Isolated, elegant camp in desert colours, lots of activities including stargazing. 45 minute drive to the gate to Sossusvlei. Large suites have a/c and fireplaces for the desert extremes. Namibrand Nature Reserve, Namibia. Member of &Beyond. Child friendly. $$$$$.
&Beyond Xudum Okavango Delta (9 suites) Suites with plunge pools and aircon, and a rooftop level under thatch for chilling out and admiring the view. More a water camp, similar to nearby Xaranna. Okavango concession south, Botswana. Member of &Beyond. Child friendly. $$$$$.