With incredible wildlife reserves, this region of the world has some of the best safaris in East Africa. Having said that, if you’re looking for a mix of adventure and unwinding, then luxury safari lodges offer top-notch accommodation, great service, and authentic experience within eye-reaching distance of the wilderness. These are the best luxury safari lodges in East Africa worth the splurge.
1. Angama Mara – Kenya
Located at the rim of the Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara boasts dramatic views of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Its name, which means “suspended in mid-air,” is a nod to the lodge’s lofty perch, which offers stunning panoramas and front-row seats to the Great Migration.
Key Features:
- Open, glass-fronted suites with 180-degree views.
- Private game drives and hot air balloon safaris.
- Private dining and butler service.
The elegant design and exclusive experiences on offer at Angama Mara make it a first choice for discerning travelers.
2. Singita Sasakwa Lodge – Tanzania
Located in the Grumeti Reserves, the only private land that has been included in the Serengeti ecosystem, Singita Sasakwa Lodge marries Edwardian elegance with modern luxury. This is an intimate and private lodge perfect for those who want an exclusive experience.
Key Features:
- Grand suites with private infinity pools.
- Over-the-top dining including farm-to-table fare.
- Horseback safaris and community visit opportunities.
Singita Sasakwa has a strong emphasis on sustainability and conservation, meaning it is able to have a positive effect on the local environment.
3. Mahali Mzuri – Kenya
Mahali Mzuri (owned by Sir Richard Branson) is a luxury safari tented camp set in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the Maasai Mara. This lodge strikes a perfect balance of luxury and authentic safari experiences.
Key Features:
- Meaningful tented suites with 360-degree views.
- Sole access to a private conservancy teeming with wildlife.
- Visits to nearby Maasai villages.
Pairing a progressive design ethos with personalized services, Mahali Mzuri ensures a safari experience like no other.
4. andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – Tanzania
Referred to as the “Versailles of the Wild,” andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge presents a mix of African and European design. Perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the lodge is an unbeatable gateway to one of the planet’s most incredible wildlife landscapes.
Key Features:
- Palatial suites with chandeliers and Victorian-style decor.
- Outstanding views of the crater from all rooms.
- Special shaped game drives and crater floor picnics.
The dramatic architecture and prime location of this lodge make it a must-visit for luxury travelers.
5. Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge – Tanzania
Located at the foot of Mount Meru and surrounded by coffee farms, Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge is an oasis of calm. Though not situated in a game reserve, it’s a great base from which to start or end a Tanzanian safari.
Key Features:
- Plantation-style cottages with private verandas.
- Coffee tours and tastings (guides).
- Fine dining and a pampering spa.
The kerb appeal and polished service of this lodge make it a must-include on any East African itinerary.
6. Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp – Kenya
A family-owned lodge and the step back in time at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp celebrates the golden safari era. Nestled close to the Maasai Mara, this camp combines nostalgia with luxury.
Key Features:
- Tents in vintage style with antique furniture.
- Access to a private conservancy.
- Expert rangers with personal guidance.
Cottar’s investment in conservation and community development provides a meaningful context to your stay.
7. Serengeti Bushtops – Tanzania
Serengeti Bushtops is an ultra-luxury safari lodge in the middle of the Serengeti. Its central location offers some of the best views for the Great Migration and other wildlife spectacles.
Key Features:
- Large tents, with outdoor hot tubs.
- Outdoor dining beneath the African sky.
- Various night safaris, walking tours, etc, etc to meet the local fauna.
The attention to detail and personalized experiences at this lodge makes it a standout destination.
8. Gibb’s Farm – Tanzania
Set in the shadow of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Gibb’s Farm is a characterful lodge that walks the line between luxury and sustainability. This working farm offers a breath of fresh air beneath the artfully manicured gardens and coffee plantations.
Key Features:
- Fresh, organic, farm-to-table dining.
- Guided walks to waterfalls and cultural engagements with the local community
- Charming cabins with artisanal furniture and fireplace.
Gibb’s Farm is ideal for travelers looking for a retreat, as well as cultural immersion.
9. Sasaab Lodge – Kenya
Set on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu, Sasaab Lodge offers a different kind of safari in a less traversed part of Kenya. The lodge blends Moroccan-inspired style with spectacular views of the rocky landscape.
Key Features:
- Generous suites with plunge pools and outdoor showers.
- Camel safaris and Samburu cultural visits.
- Spa therapies and yoga classes.
- Sasaab’s remote location promises intimacy and serenity.
10. Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge – Tanzania
Located in the northern Serengeti, Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge is an ideal base for exploring the Great Migration and observing dramatic river crossings.
Key Features:
- Private plunge pools and deck in the suites.
- Sundowners overlooking the breathtaking Serengeti.
- Fine dining and great service.
This lodge’s seamless marriage of luxury and wilderness places it among safari enthusiasts’ top picks.
Why Luxury Safari Lodges
Luxury safari lodges add outstanding amenities and services to your African adventure. Here’s what makes them worth the splurge:
- Comfort: Large accommodations, gourmet dining and spa treatments, all in remote places in the wilderness.
- Customized Experiences: This includes private game drives, knowledgeable guides, and personalized itineraries for an unforgettable safari.
- Conservancy system: A lot of the lodges are located in private conservancies with exclusive wildlife experiences.
- Sustainability: Many luxury lodges fund conservation and community programs and allow you to travel sustainably.
Final Thoughts
There are so many luxury safari lodges in East Africa worth the splurge that combine adventure, comfort and exclusivity. Whether you’re awestruck by the Great Migration, sipping a sundowner overlooking the savannah or dining on world-class cuisine, these lodges offer an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, and prepare to be immersed in the beauty and wonder of East Africa — it’s all well worth the splurge.
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FAQs
1. What are the best luxury safari lodges in East Africa?
Top luxury lodges include Angama Mara (Kenya), Singita Sasakwa Lodge (Tanzania), Bisate Lodge (Rwanda), and Bwindi Lodge (Uganda), offering world-class service and breathtaking views.
2. How much does a luxury safari lodge stay cost in East Africa?
Prices range from $800 to $3,000 per night per person, depending on the location, exclusivity, and included amenities such as private game drives and fine dining.
3. What makes a safari lodge “luxury”?
Luxury lodges offer high-end accommodations, personalized service, gourmet dining, private game drives, spa treatments, and unique experiences like hot air balloon safaris.
4. Which luxury safari lodges have the best views in East Africa?
Lodges like Angama Mara (overlooking the Maasai Mara) and &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (with crater views) offer some of the most stunning panoramas.
5. What is the best time to visit a luxury safari lodge in East Africa?
The dry season (June–October) is ideal for game viewing, while the green season (November–May) offers fewer crowds and lower prices.
6. Do luxury safari lodges include private game drives?
Yes, many high-end lodges provide exclusive game drives with expert guides, ensuring a personalized and intimate safari experience.
7. Which luxury safari lodges offer the best wildlife encounters?
Lodges in Serengeti (Tanzania), Maasai Mara (Kenya), and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) offer prime locations for witnessing the Big Five, gorilla trekking, and the Great Migration.
8. What are the best luxury lodges for honeymooners in East Africa?
For romantic getaways, Ol Donyo Lodge (Kenya), Sayari Camp (Tanzania), and One&Only Nyungwe House (Rwanda) offer private suites, outdoor bathtubs, and candlelit dinners.
9. Are luxury safari lodges eco-friendly?
Yes, many luxury lodges prioritize sustainability by using solar power, reducing waste, supporting local communities, and promoting conservation efforts.
10. How far in advance should I book a luxury safari lodge in East Africa?
It’s best to book 6–12 months in advance, especially for peak safari season (July–October), as luxury lodges have limited availability.