There’s something electric about a great lodge: the thrill of a game drive at first light, the rustle of the bush, the comfort of beautifully crafted rooms that blend into the wild, meals shared around the fire with local hosts, nights glittering with stars, and those rare, quiet moments that make you feel part of the landscape itself.
To capture that feeling, we turned to the people who know these places best: our African Travel Experts. These seasoned nomads travel from lodge to lodge, experiencing each one in full, drawing on deep local insight to curate stays that perfectly match every traveller to the place that feels just right.
So, we asked them which lodge they’d recommend without a moment’s hesitation, and why. Their answers offer a glimpse into what travellers are truly seeking right now: connection, authenticity, and a sense of belonging in the wild
Charlotte Smith
Nyasi Tented Camp (Tanzania)
“Romantic. Remote. Idyllic”
Lodge Overview:
Set in the northern Serengeti, Nyasi Tented Camp offers a front-row seat to one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles: the Great Migration. The elevated tented suites overlook vast plains, blending comfort with an authentic sense of being out in the wild. It’s the perfect balance of luxury and wilderness.
Why It’s Special (Charlotte’s Take):
For Charlotte, Nyasi Tented Camp stands out for its genuine warmth and the people who make it unforgettable. She describes the team as “incredibly warm, welcoming, and engaging,” and it’s clear that this heartfelt hospitality is what defines the experience.
Unmissable Moment:
Charlotte’s top tip? “Watch large herds of wildebeest on their migratory path from your tent.” There’s nothing quite like seeing thousands of animals right on your doorstep.
Ideal For:
Charlotte recommends Nyasi Tented Camp to couples and honeymooners looking for romance in the wild, and to adventure seekers who crave front-row seats to Africa’s greatest show, the Great Migration.
RockFig Safari Lodge (South Africa)
“Luxurious. Intimate. Wild”
Lodge Overview:
Located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, RockFig Safari Lodge delivers the quintessential small-camp safari experience: elegant, intimate, and seamlessly in tune with its surroundings. With only six suites and a relaxed, contemporary style, the lodge feels private yet deeply connected to the bush. Its location in the Timbavati means guests get to enjoy incredible Big 5 sightings, often without another vehicle in sight.
Why It’s Special (Nadine’s Take):
Nadine loves RockFig for its “luxury in the bush” experience. It offers refined comfort without compromising the raw, authentic safari atmosphere. Every detail, from elegant interiors to plush bedding, is designed for relaxation, while the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the wilderness remain ever-present, creating a perfect balance.
Unmissable Moment:
Nadine highlights the small group game drives as a defining feature: “They only allow four guests per vehicle, which is really amazing.” This ensures unhurried sightings and a genuine connection with guides and nature. She recalls recent clients who, during their stay, witnessed everything from leopards and lions to elephants, rhinos, and even a pack of wild dogs – proof that RockFig truly lives up to its game-rich reputation.
Ideal For:
Nadine recommends RockFig Safari Lodge for couples and honeymooners looking for an intimate, high-end safari with a personal touch. Families will also find it welcoming and well-suited to shared adventure.
Victoria Falls River Lodge (Zimbabwe)
“Dedicated. Distinctive. Delightful”
Lodge Overview:
Set on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream from the iconic Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls River Lodge is one of the few properties located inside Zambezi National Park. It is the perfect base for exploring the falls while enjoying the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Expect spacious suites, incredible views, and the constant, soothing presence of the river.
Why It’s Special (Antoinette’s Take):
For Antoinette, this lodge stands out for its “friendly service from beginning to end, starting with reservations and ending with a stay at the lodge”. The staff’s warmth and professionalism make every guest feel personally cared for, while the attention to detail ensures that everything runs smoothly. For Antoinette, it’s that rare lodge that delivers both polish and personality in equal measure.
Unmissable Moment:
Antoinette’s must-do? A private picnic on Kandahar Island. Surrounded by the Zambezi’s gentle current, guests can enjoy a beautifully set picnic amid nature, often with elephants grazing nearby and the distant rumble of the Falls in the background.
Ideal For:
Couples, families, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re looking for romance on the river, a family escape with easy access to activities, or the perfect add-on to a safari, this lodge delivers an unforgettable stay in one of Africa’s most spectacular settings.
Reteti House (Kenya)
“Immersive. Sustainable. Soulful”
Lodge Overview:
Located in northern Kenya’s wild Samburu region, Reteti House combines contemporary comfort with a strong conservation purpose. The lodge is situated within a landscape of rugged hills and red-earth valleys, offering uninterrupted views and a close connection to the surrounding community. It’s a place where every stay directly supports local communities and wildlife.
Why It’s Special (Sherilyn’s Take):
A stay at Reteti doesn’t just create unforgettable memories; it directly supports the surrounding community and their pioneering elephant sanctuary, ensuring that both people and wildlife thrive together. For Sherilyn, it’s the kind of place that reminds travellers why Africa touches the heart so deeply.
Unmissable Moment:
Reteti House shares its name (and its heart) with the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Africa’s first community-owned and run elephant orphanage. A visit here is a must, but Sherilyn also urges guests not to miss the Singing Wells of Samburu. This ancient tradition sees local herders drawing water from deep, hand-dug wells while singing rhythmic chants to call their livestock by name, guiding them to drink. It is a privilege few travellers ever get to experience.
Ideal For:
Sherilyn recommends Reteti House for families seeking a fun and immersive safari with purpose. With no age limits and children under five staying free, it’s a rare lodge that welcomes every generation.
MalaMala Rattray’s Camp (South Africa)
“Exclusive. Luxurious. Game-Rich”
Lodge Overview:
Set along the banks of the Sand River within one of South Africa’s most celebrated private reserves, MalaMala Rattray’s Camp combines timeless safari style with modern comfort. Each suite opens onto sweeping river views, where elephants, lions and leopards often wander by. The lodge is known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional game viewing, offering guests front-row seats to Africa’s wildlife from the comfort of their own terrace.
Why It’s Special (Elizabeth’s Take):
Elizabeth describes the lodge as a perfect balance of “humble opulence, exclusivity, and unrivalled game viewing”. Guests enjoy a private vehicle shared with no more than four people, allowing for a more intimate safari experience. From the impeccable service to the outstanding cuisine, Elizabeth says, “everything is just perfect.” It’s a lodge where luxury never feels excessive – just effortlessly right.
Unmissable Moment:
Elizabeth’s favourite thing to do here? Simply sit back and watch the wildlife. “I could happily spend hours just sitting on the terrace or in the private plunge pool watching the animals walk by,” she says. At Rattray’s, even downtime feels like a safari.
Ideal For:
Elizabeth recommends MalaMala Rattray’s Camp for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking exclusive comfort in the bush. With children under 16 welcome only on exclusive bookings, it’s ideal for travellers who value privacy, exceptional service, and some of the best game viewing in Africa (sometimes without even leaving your room).
Daunara Safari Camp (Botswana)
“Vibrant. Inspiring. Unforgettable”
Lodge Overview:
Nestled in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Daunara Safari Camp offers a fresh take on safari life. It’s one of the Delta’s newest camps and brings a modern, family-friendly approach to the wilderness. Guests can choose how active or relaxed their days are, from early game drives to slow afternoons by the water.
Why It’s Special (Kayla’s Take):
Daunara stands out for its unique concept: one that combines safari adventure with wellness and wellbeing. The camp features an integrated fitness and recovery programme, complete with gym, yoga, and spa facilities. Guests can move between game drives, mokoro excursions, workouts, and relaxation at their own pace, with no set schedules. “You might feel like you’re at home,” says Kayla. It’s this sense of freedom, paired with such a wide mix of experiences from land, water, culture, and wellness, that makes Daunara truly unique in the Delta.
Unmissable Moment:
A highlight for Kayla is the Elephant Orphanage activity, an experience that connects guests with Botswana’s conservation story in a deeply personal way. Watching these gentle giants up close is both moving and unforgettable.
Ideal For:
Kayla recommends Daunara Safari Camp for couples, families, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re after high energy, peaceful restoration, or both, Daunara lets you design your own rhythm in one of Africa’s most beautiful settings.
Robyn-Lea Meyer
Nyamatusi Camp (Zimbabwe)
“Remote. Expertly guided. Panoramic”
Lodge Overview:
Located within Mana Pools National Park on the banks of the Zambezi River, Nyamatusi Camp offers one of Zimbabwe’s most exclusive and scenic safari experiences. The camp’s location on the edge of the floodplain provides sweeping views and close encounters with elephants, hippos, and other wildlife that frequent the river. Elegant, tented suites with private decks and plunge pools bring a sense of refined comfort to this wild, remote corner of Africa.
Why It’s Special (Robyn-Lea’s Take):
For Robyn-Lea, Nyamatusi stands out for one defining reason: the guiding. “The guiding at Nyamatusi is exceptional,” she says. Combine that with the surrounding raw wilderness, elegant, tented suites, private decks, plunge pools, and uninterrupted river views, and you’re looking at something extraordinary.
Unmissable Moment:
Robyn-Lea’s top recommendation is to join a guided walking or canoe safari along the Zambezi floodplain. It’s one of the most thrilling and intimate ways to experience Mana Pools, a true immersion in nature where every sense comes alive.
Ideal For:
Seasoned safari-goers and couples looking for something truly off the beaten path. If you value expert guiding, deep connection to nature, and a touch of luxury in one of Africa’s wildest landscapes, then Nyamatusi is for you.
Ishara Mara (Kenya)
“An Unparalleled Escape.”
Lodge Overview:
Located in Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara, Ishara Mara blends cutting-edge luxury with a deep respect for the wilderness. The lodge overlooks the Talek River and offers striking views across the plains – a prime setting for the annual Great Migration and year-round wildlife action.
Why It’s Special (Rhynhardt’s Take):
For Rhynhardt, Ishara Mara is remarkable for its forward-thinking approach to safari. Guests are provided with professional Canon cameras and lenses to use during their stay and are guided on how to capture the perfect shot. It’s an experience designed to inspire creativity as much as connection to nature.
Unmissable Moment:
Rhynhardt’s must-try experience is the Starbed Sleepout, an unforgettable night under a sky thick with stars, surrounded by the sounds of the Mara. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, romance, and serenity.
Ideal For:
Whether travelling as a honeymoon couple, family, or multi-generational group, Ishara Mara offers space and flexibility that caters beautifully to every kind of traveller.
Masiya’s Camp (South Africa)
“Playful. Chic. Wild”
Lodge Overview:
Situated in the Thornybush Game Reserve, Masiya’s Camp is where safari meets style. With its blush-pink tents, bold interiors, and a refreshing sense of fun, the camp brings a new energy to the bush. It’s a boutique-style escape that still delivers serious game viewing – lions, leopards, elephants, and all the wild characters that make this corner of the Greater Kruger so unforgettable.
Why It’s Special (Monique’s Take):
For Monique, Masiya’s Camp is “safari with a serious dose of personality.” It’s as chic as it is soulful, perfect for travellers who want their safari to feel vibrant, social, and beautifully designed. The atmosphere is relaxed but polished, with a team that makes you feel instantly at home. It’s a place where design and wilderness don’t compete; they dance together.
Unmissable Moment:
Monique insists you don’t miss a sunset cocktail by the pool. With the sky turning pink to match the tents and golden light spilling across the bush, it’s pure African magic. And if you’re lucky, a herd of elephants might wander by just in time for sundowners.
Ideal For:
Monique recommends Masiya’s Camp for style-savvy couples and groups of friends looking to mix adventure with a touch of flair. It’s perfect for creatives and anyone who loves a dash of personality in their travels.
