Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best luxury safari lodges in Botswana
A safari in Botswana will see you journey to one of the world’s most astounding wildlife destinations. The Southern African nation is a land of breathtaking contrasts, from the sandy plains of the Kalahari Desert in the south to the lush oasis of the Okavango Delta in the north. Celebrated as one of the most exclusive and wilderness-rich year-round African safari destinations, Botswana boasts endless areas of protected natural terrains, epic landscapes and diverse wildlife, seemingly tailormade for the most discerning traveler. Unrivaled for its wilderness and privacy, the country is also home to some of Africa’s most luxurious safari camps. Here’s my selection of the 10 best luxury safari lodges in Botswana.
There is more information (with reviews & YouTube videos) below the slideshow. What is your favorite luxury safari lodge in Botswana? Leave a comment.
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10. BELMOND SAVUTE ELEPHANT LODGE
Through Botswana’s Chobe National Park flows a mysterious channel—a ghost river that appears intermittently, regardless of rainfall, and whose water can change direction. On its banks, here in the elephant capital of the world, lies Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge. The heart of the most biologically diverse game reserve in Botswana, the Savute is where the BBC and National Geographic have captured some of their best wildlife documentary footage and where guests can watch the live wildlife show every day and night. At Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge guests can go out on safari every morning and afternoon, but one of the most memorable experiences comes from simply sitting on the private deck of their tented room as a parade of elephants walks by, mere metres away. The 12 tented rooms are shaded by traditional thatched roofs and built on raised wooden platforms for better viewing over the Savute.
9. WILDERNESS KING’S POOL CAMP
King’s Pool’s lies next to Chobe National Park and is at the crux of the important wildlife corridor straddling Angola, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana. Such corridors are essential to promote viable, self-sustaining wildlife populations and reduce human-wildlife conflict. Refurbished in 2019, King’s Pool nestles under ebony and jackalberry trees and overlooks the Linyanti River and an oxbow lagoon, the ‘King’s Pool’ – honouring Swedish King Carl Gustav XVI, who reportedly honeymooned nearby in the seventies. Totally solar-powered, richly hued in copper and teal, the camp offers eight elegant thatch and canvas suites, each boasting a spacious bedroom and lounge leading to a veranda embracing views of the picturesque lagoon and surrounds. The sumptuous common areas are stylishly set on expansive raised decks close to the water’s edge, perfect for watching all the wildlife dramas unfold.
8. SANCTUARY CHIEF’S CAMP
Personalised service, a remarkable setting, and the expertise of passionate guides are the hallmarks of Sanctuary Chief’s Camp. This intimate, exclusive haven offers a blend of adrenaline-fueled adventure, breathtaking wilderness, and unparalleled refinement, swathed in the elegance synonymous with our brand. Contemporary design and stylish interiors, rich in references to the camp’s royal heritage, meet soul-stirring views, ensuring that the thrill of a wildlife sighting is never far away. Accommodations, meanwhile, comprise sophisticated private pavilions, decked out in soothing natural hues and materials. Each of the 10 suites features a private terrace with a plunge pool, while the exclusive Geoffrey Kent Suite boasts two bedrooms, comfortably accommodating up to six guests. Elsewhere, expect an award-winning dining experience featuring elevated cuisine and premium wines, plus a swimming pool, gym, and spa.
7. XIGERA SAFARI LODGE
Named for the Pied Kingfisher that makes its home amid the watery channels of Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve, Xigera Safari Lodge is the result of nearly 70 years of passion, care, and attention to detail. This pioneering camp is the dream and vision of the Tollman family, the pinnacle of a life’s work creating extraordinary hospitality. Here you’ll find just 12 beautiful suites and an exceptional Baobab Treehouse in the wild landscape. Meticulously created and crafted, in every sense the décor of the suites pays homage to both the human and natural heritage of this remarkable corner of Africa. The ever-changing menus at Xigera have been created by some of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s most talented chefs. Every experience at Xigera Safari Lodge can be tailored to guests’ wishes, for a truly unique and memorable safari experience – and an entirely new imagining of the African bush.
6. BELMOND EAGLE ISLAND LOGDE
Located on a private island surrounded by the Okavango Delta’s epic landscapes, Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is considered one of the ultimate luxury safari lodges in Botswana. Here, guests can silently glide past hippos in canoe-like mekoros, take in the vastness of the Delta and see elephants, giraffes and zebras from above in a helicopter, go on a horse riding or motorboat safari, visit local villagers, or simply relax in the beauty of the lodge. Belmond’s flagship safari lodge reopened in November 2015 after a ten month rebuild thattook both the lodge’s design and environmental credentials to a new level. Each of the 12 new spacious and light-filled deluxe tented rooms has its own plunge pool and deck, positioned in such a way that when guests retire to their rooms they are afforded total privacy and can see no signs of human life – only Botswana’s unique animals and birds.
5. WILDERNESS VUMBURA PLAINS
Captivating Vumbura Plains lies in the far north of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest inland delta on earth. Perched on raised decks in the midst of the melapo – the annually inundated grasslands – the camp almost floats over water, radiant blue and pure enough to drink. Nestled under tree canopies and airily open to nature, Vumbura Plains is an artful, contemporary balance of wood, glass, and canvas, reflecting the colors of the spectacular floodplains, studded with ilala palms and small islands. Its 14 spacious suites – spread over two camp sites connected by an elevated walkway – include indoor and outdoor showers, an en-suite bathroom, private plunge pool, and outdoor ‘sala’ from where you can view the never-ending wildlife parade. Leopard cubs coming to drink at the camp’s water pools, for instance; hippos ‘mowing’ the grasses nearby; a baby elephant being taught how to use his trunk.
4. WILDERNESS DUMATAU
Nestled deep within the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, on the northernmost fringe of Botswana, lies DumaTau. The reserve’s diverse, pristine 95 000 acres offers truly exclusive excursions and close-up wildlife encounters. Newly rebuilt DumaTau takes full advantage of its 45 km (28 mi) of river frontage to create an unparalleled safari experience. Eight tented suites with private plunge pools sit on wooden walkways mere steps from the wildlife corridors, so animals often wander peacefully through camp. Interiors of hand-crafted mosaic tile, acacia wood, and local textiles reflect the heart of the Linyanti. The camp’s spa, the Osprey Retreat, soothes your soul. As do all the elephants, whose moving herds compose one of Africa’s most elemental rhythms. Similar in style to DumaTau, Little DumaTau is an intimate haven of sophisticated elegance, with just four supremely spacious guest suites.
- Hotel website: DumaTau
- Review: coming soon
3. &BEYOND SANDIBE
In the heart of Okavango Delta, on the edge of a waterway in a diverse, wildlife-rich, private concession, lies &Beyond Sandibe. The organic design of this luxury Botswana safari lodge melts into the surrounding forest canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig trees. The main pavilion is an intriguing curl and sweep of shingled wood, resembling a giant scaled pangolin at rest. Stairs open onto the high ceilings of the copper-toned and glassless guest area overlooking the Delta. Interior finishes throughout showcase the craftsmanship of Botswana’s artisans, and feature intricate basketware, sculpted wooden tables and unique feature pieces. While the main guest area is set within the forest, the twelve guest suites peep out from beneath its canopy. Raised above the papyrus-lined banks like golden weaver nests, each is a cocoon of privacy, with breathtaking views, a private plunge pool and cosy fireplace.
2. WILDERNESS JAO CAMP
Wilderness Jao Camp is a knockout, one of Botswana’s most luxurious safari lodges. The ultra-luxe property lies in the 60 000-hectare Jao Reserve in the heart of the Okavango, under a tree canopy on its own remote island, with renowned Moremi Game Reserve bordering on the east. Revamped in 2019, multiple-award winner Jao is a sculptural marvel of natural and recycled materials, of steel, wood, and glass, of towering, spacious interiors embracing the light, the bush. Jao comprises a main area elevated into the tree canopy, two exclusive villas, and five suites, all with private plunge pools, lounge and dining areas, and en-suite bathrooms, including indoor and outdoor showers. With views of the magnificent floodplains from almost everywhere and offering spectacular land- and water-based game viewing, Jao’s a place of wonder and supreme serenity.
- Hotel website: Jao Camp
- Review: coming soon (watch my YouTube video below)
1. WILDERNESS MOMBO CAMP
Mombo Camp, situated in the northern point of wildlife-filled Chief’s Island in the Okavango Delta, is set under large, shady trees overlooking a floodplain generally filled with life. Rebuilt in 2018, Mombo maintains the traditions and history of the legendary original camp and is known as Botswana’s best luxury safari lodge. The camp’s eight spacious and ultra-luxurious ensuite tents are raised from the ground, with a long veranda, a sala and indoor & outdoor showers. Mombo Camp’s main living, bar and dining areas are under thatch, while the boma adds traditional flavor to a delicious dinner under the stars. There are two plunge pools in which to soak and a gym to work off the excellent food. Little Mombo, situated on Chief’s Island, is a more intimate camp to its sister and has its own dining and lounge area and a sparkling pool.
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