Top 10 luxury safari lodges and camps

Experience the Wild in Absolute Style

Luxury Safaris, Redefined

A safari need not mean sleeping under the stars. Across Botswana and beyond, award-winning lodges elevate the experience with exceptional comfort and unforgettable style. Explore our curated list of the finest retreats — from private plunge pools to atmospheric wine cellars — for a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

1. Vumbura Plains, Okavango Delta

Vumbura Plains is one of Botswana’s most exclusive safari retreats, with just 14 suites across two intimate camps. Raised lounges and expansive decks overlook the floodplains, perfect for stargazing or unwinding by the fire. Each spacious suite features glass-fronted views, indoor and outdoor showers, and a private deck with plunge pool — a luxurious spot to cool off while watching wildlife pass by.

2. Kings Pool, Linyanti

This historic safari camp sits at the heart of one of Africa’s highest elephant densities, offering an elegant base from which to explore the wilderness. Its nine luxurious tents feature spacious bedrooms, double ensuites, and private verandas with plunge pools. Raised decks house the lounge, bar, and dining areas, while a main pool and open-air kgotla provide unforgettable settings for evenings under the stars.

3. Jao Camp, Okavango Delta

Jao is set in a remote wetland paradise where riverine forests merge with vast floodplains, and is frequently visited by a variety of wildlife. The sparkling waters and swaying reeds provide the ultimate Delta water experience, but for those wanting to remain on land there is a spa with a range of massage therapies available. The luxurious camp also has two plunge pools, a wine cellar, gym, and nine beautiful ensuite tents, all shaded by a canopy of trees.

4. Khwai River Lodge, Moremi

Khwai River Lodge overlooks vibrant floodplains and is a wildlife haven. 15 air-conditioned thatch and tented rooms sit on raised platforms with private decks complete with a hammock for enjoying the panoramic views. There is a luxury private suite for a more romantic, secluded experience, and the lodge has a 20m swimming pool, a library, a telescope and spa facilities available.

5. Savuti Camp, Savute

This intimate camp has seven large walk-in tents with ensuite facilities, a thatched lodge housing the dining and lounge areas, and a small pool. The expansive raised viewing area faces a waterhole, which draws a variety of wildlife day and night, including a large number of elephants.

The camp is situated in the private Linyati Concession, so guests benefit from exclusive access to abundant game and geological marvels.

6. Leroo La Tau, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Leroo La Tau translates to ‘lion’s paw’, but as well as abundant lion, zebra and wildebeest, there is everything from cheetah to porcupine to be seen. The lodge offers guided day and night game drives, and features a panoramic river vista from a game-viewing hide built into the bank of the river. There are 12 luxurious thatched and glass-fronted suites, a refreshing swimming pool and boat activities available.

7. Chitabe Camp, Okavango Delta

The camp is elevated above the surrounding waterways, woodland, and open grassland, allowing for spectacular views over the floodplains. Raised walkways link the ensuite rooms and lounge and dining area. The eight spacious walk-in tents are uniquely decorated, with an indoor and outdoor shower.

8. Chobe Savanna Lodge, Chobe National Park

Overlooking the vast floodplains of Chobe National Park’s Puku Flats, the lodge offers a secluded safari experience. Being on the northern bank of the Chobe River, the classic African Savanna environment is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo, as well as much other wildlife. Each thatched chalet is air-conditioned, with a private deck and ensuite.

9. Xigera Camp, Okavango Delta

Xigera Camp lies on one of the most beautiful parts of the Delta, on aptly named Paradise Island. The wetland paradise is perfect for birdwatchers and those wanting a true tranquil experience, with crystal clear water channels and lush vegetation surrounding the area. Ten luxury tents overlook a year-round waterhole.

10. Xugana Island Lodge, Okavango Delta

This reed and thatch lodge located in the Delta features eight raised ensuite chalets. Each face over the lagoon, with private decking. A canopy of trees gently shade the main lounge and dining area, and there is a swimming pool and open area for dining al fresco.