The term luxury safaris has begun to change – it’s no longer just about the products in the bathroom or the size of the suite, but is also about the location and atmosphere of a camp, here are our top five luxury safari camps who offer luxury safaris, but don’t require you to remortgage the house to cover the costs:
Meru is a thriving area of stunning wilderness which is home to the ‘Big Five’ as well as a number of other species including the giraffe, gerenuk, lesser and oryx. With 13 rivers flowing through the park it is no wonder that bird life is huge in this area. This luxury safari camp consists of only 7 tents, each with a large iron bed, en-suite bathroom, traditional hot bucket and toilet. New for 2014 is a family tent. Activities include game driving, bush breakfasts and sundowner, evening walks with trained armed guards, fishing and visits to the Boran community. The wonderful infinity swimming pool will be just right after a long day in the Kenyan heat.
Offbeat Meru Camp – Kenya
Offbeat Meru Camp – Kenya
Rates – Start from $375 per person per night (teen and child discounts apply)
Machaba – Okavango Delta, Botswana
Machaba is situated in the luxurious wilderness area of Khwai, on the Eastern tongue of the Okavango Delta, Machaba acquired its name from the local Setswana name for the Sycamore Fig Tree; the tree of life. This luxury safari camp has a superb swimming pool with loungers, a library, tented main area and perfect picturesque view over the Moremi and Khwai River; fantastic for photography. The Machaba Camp was lately nominated for “Botswana’s Leading Tented Safari Camp” in the 2013 World Travel Awards.
The camp is built in the classic 1950’s style, with luxury safari tents, en-suite bathrooms and living areas, not forgetting the romantic outdoor showers. All the tents are situated on the ground and the pathways to the tents meander between the large riverine trees.
Machaba Camp – Botswana
Machaba Camp – Botswana
Rates – High Season:
| Per Person Sharing | $765 pppns |
| SGL Suppl | $ 460 pn |
| Children 6 – 12 years | $ 383 pn |
Sand Rivers Selous – Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Sand Rivers is situated in the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve which is one of the largest protected wildlife areas in Africa. Sand Rivers offers stylish, luxurious safari accommodation on the banks of the Rufiji River. Sand Rivers Selous is recommended for wildlife, honeymoon, fishing and adventure. There are eight stone and thatched cottages – five Riverside rooms, with en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water, flush loos and powerful showers and three Hillside Suites. The Suites have all the above, but also a large living space and a small plunge pool. There is also Kiba Point which is taken on an exclusive basis and has only four open-fronted rooms set back from the river in the forest line, each with a plunge pool – perfect for a group travelling together.
Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Savannah Camp Serengeti – Tanzania
The luxury Serengeti Savannah Camps are remote and secluded camps scattered around Serengeti National Park; one of the best known wildlife sanctuary’s in the world. It has more than 2 million wildebeest, half a million Thomson’s gazelle and a quarter of a million zebra. Savannah Camps move with the Migration, so you know you’ll always be in the thick of it. The camps are located with picturesque views over Lake Ndutu.
Offbeat Mara Camp – Masai Mara, Kenya
Offbeat Mara Camp consists of 6 tents and due to its primary location on the Olare Orok guests can often watch wildlife from the comfort of their verandah. The camp is positioned close to the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara North Conservancy is exceedingly rich in wildlife, including 4 of the “Big 5”, lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. With no vehicles in sight, guest regularly see lions wondering around the valley. The tents are furnished with handmade cedar beds, 24 hour solar lighting and the finest linen. The camp offers trips to the wildebeest crossing points on the Mara River, Maasai village visits, the rhino Sanctuary, Koiyaki Gilding School, scenic flights and hot air balloon safaris.
Rose Hipwood is Managing Director of The Luxury Safari Company.
