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7 of the most exclusive lodges in Africa

Going on safari with your family or a group of friends is one of the most memorable experiences. Take a look at our 7 exclusive lodges in Africa that will upgrade your experience from memorable to unforgettable! Your stay is completely tailored around your needs, with your own private chef, guides and camp staff to look after you. This is particularly appealing when you have smaller children or if you are a group with specific interests. 1. Singita Castleton Singita Castleton is located in South Africa’s famous Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, which shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. The house is a delicate balance between the rustic charm of a country house and a top-quality safari lodge. It has stunning gardens overlooking a watering hole, with a swimming pool, gym, wine cellar and even your own tennis court. The house has six individual cottages and can accommodate up to 12 people with two private vehicles and guides. If you are looking for the ultimate family or friends getaway, Castleton should be high on your list. Singita Castleton 2. Mkombe’s House This is a private family home situated in the northern section of one of Africa’s most game-rich parks – the Serengeti. This area of the Serengeti is particularly unique as it plays host to the Great Migration from July to October each year, with a high chance of seeing a famous river crossing. The house has a fresh, modern feel, with four rooms sleeping up to four adults and six children. Children of any age are welcome and allowed on game drives. For walking safaris, there is an age minimum of 12 years. The house has both a plunge pool and a larger swimming pool with incredible views over the Serengeti’s open plains. Mkombe House 3. Luangwa Safari House Robin Pope’s Luangwa Safari House is perfectly positioned in the South Luangwa National Park, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley. The house is located on a lagoon that attracts huge herds of elephants and lots of other wildlife, right in front of the lodge. It is completely open fronted, making the most of the active lagoon. Each of the rooms is individually decorated, with its own en-suite bathroom and private veranda. Activities available at the house are game drives, walking, boating in the green season and village tours, all done with your private guide. Lunagwa Safari House 4. Chongwe River House This stunning safari house has been built around a wild wood frame, with the walls following the natural lines of the branches. The structure incorporates as many natural materials as possible, with all the furniture in the lounge area carved from a fallen winterthorn tree and pebbles from the river covering the ceiling. The main room is open fronted and looks out over the house’s swimming pool and the Chongwe River. Each of the four rooms is spacious and has its own balcony and open-air bathroom. The diversity of activities here is the real highlight, with game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, boating and fishing all a possibility, as is relaxing at the house and enjoying the fantastic views. chongwe-river-house 5. Zarafa Dhow Suites Located in the private Selinda Reserve, the two-bedroom Dhow Suite at Zarafa is the ultimate in privacy and luxury, allowing you full flexibility to explore the bush at your own pace. In our opinion, Zarafa is one of the best camps in Botswana and arguably in Africa. The two elegant bedrooms are connected by a lounge and dining area, leading out onto a swimming pool with elevated views over the Zibadianja Lagoon. Zarafa is reminiscent of what safari was like in the early 1900s, in terms of its sophistication and style. Zarafa 6. Morukuru Lodge Morukuru is located in the malaria-free Madikwe Private Game Reserve and offers three private houses. These are: Owner’s House, which sleeps four guests; River House, which sleeps six adults and four children; and lastly Farm House, which sleeps ten adults. All houses are incredibly family friendly and come with your own private guide, chef, hostess, and even a nanny if need be. There is a fantastic kids’ programme, which will keep the children entertained and also learning all about the wildlife. The houses are beautifully decorated and each has its own private plunge pool. If you are a larger family, you can combine Owner’s House and River House, as they are connected by a wooden walkway. morukuru_owner_39_s_house_bedroom 7. Singita Serengeti House As the name suggests, this private house is located in the famous Serengeti National Park. Specifically, it is in the western Grumeti Reserve, on the slopes of Sasakwa Hill. The house accommodates up to eight guests in two main house suites and two garden suites that are located on either side of the property. The house offers amazing views of a watering hole from the main area and from the swimming pool. As Singita is one of the best safari operators in Africa, you can expect top service and cuisine to rival some of the finest restaurants in the world – yes, even though you are in the bush! This area sees the Great Migration pass through from May to June, but the game viewing is very good all year round. singita serengeti house Julian Carter-Manning is a Co-founder and MD at Yellow Zebra Safaris. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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3 Comments

  1. I love the sound of MkombeÂ’s House as a walking safari base. Having seen film of The Great Migration on TV I would love to witness it with my own eyes! Can anyone tell me what to expect re climate between July and October?

  2. For me it would have to be Robin Pope’s South Lunagwa National Park attractive pad in Zambia. Many moons ago I stayed at the park and have been meaning to return ever since, even with the lions roaring!

  3. Some wonderful suggestions here… I notice this is a few years old now, though. Are there any new additions in the last five years that I should also be considering?

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