Botswana lodges are the crème de la crème of the world of luxury safari. As the country is made up of private concessions unless you go to the extremely busy Chobe National Park or Moremi Game Reserve, the prices naturally inflate. Botswana has followed a model of high quality, low quantity in their approach to tourism and it is exceptional at just this. Botswana is home to some of the most spoiling experiences on the continent. The private reserves mean that a lodge which would cost you $700 per person per night in say, southern Tanzania, would cost you $1,300 per person per night in the watery and beautiful Okavango Delta… To get fantastic wildlife viewing and a huge diversity in activities, all in the privacy of your own slice of wilderness, you have to pay a premium!
Best value quality safari lodges in Botswana
Prices have inflated a lot in Botswana in recent years, and they just seem to be going up and up. A lodge like Pom Pom, which admittedly is in an exceptional game viewing area, is now $1,150 per person per night. Aside from the exceptional guiding and wildlife, the actual accommodation is fairly rustic. A fantastic option for some people, though we wonder whether Botswana isn’t going a bit over the top in prices across the board...
A fantastic new property has opened in the Kwara concession; Splash Camp which is a part of the Kwando range. It is very nicely presented and offers a bit more luxury for your money in an exceptional wildlife area but still comes in at $1,416 per person per night.
In order to slash the price of being in these private wildernesses though, we would recommend travelling off season in either May or November, to get still exceptional wildlife, but for a lot less. For example, Pom Pom over these months decreases to $826 per person per night, and Splash reduces to $1,040.
The best barefoot luxury safari lodges in Botswana
Barefoot-luxury safari lodges are a pretty special experience. Little Vumbura in particular is an office favourite. Set on a little island surrounded by water and in one of the most enviable parts of the Delta, Little Vumbura is a seriously special experience. The style is understated, yet authentically luxurious and we absolutely love it. It is not cheap though! Even without all the added luxuries like private pools and a more glitzy design, Little Vumbura is priced at $2,830 per person per night.
Going a little more intrepid, but no less luxurious is Duba Explorers. This is a tented camp, and really does capture the spirit of exploration in the wilderness, certainly without compromising on luxury. Duba Explorers is for those who crave authentic experiences, but expect a certain standard of opulence on their adventure. It is not a cheap camping experience at $1,900 per person per night.
The most luxurious safari lodges in Botswana
The most luxurious safari camp in Africa, and probably one of the best hospitality experiences in the world comes in Mombo Camp located on Chief’s Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Private pool galore, the world’s most impressive wildlife viewing opportunities, golden bathtubs, huge rooms and excellent food; it doesn’t get much better than this. As it is one of Africa’s flagship safari lodges… There is again, a price tag to match! In recent years, prices have soared and now in peak season, for one night the per person price is $3,800 USD… If you want the life of luxury, have a good Botswana budget, but can’t justify that per night amount, you could look at the still exceptionally spoiling Vumbura Plains, Duba Plains or Zarafa which are all priced at $3,000 per person per night.
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River Club - Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Our View
The River Club is in our view the finest property at Victoria Falls. Quite an honour considering the quality of the competition! What really sets this place apart from all its competitors is not so much the quality of the rooms but the character and atmosphere in camp. Having said that, it might not be for everyone in terms of being very well manicured and with a colonial theme for the design. The views are absolutely stunning (the best by far!), the grounds are immaculate, giving guests areas to escape the crowds. A real bonus is the fantastic hosting by the owner Peter Jones – dinner is always entertaining and you really do feel part of a home, especially when Peter's in camp.
Our Rating:
Cost: $746
Rivertrees - Arusha
We stayed at five hotels, Rivertrees Country Hotel near Arusha,a small hotel with beautiful grounds and vegetable garden, and this was ideal for a rest day after the overnight flight.All the three safari hotels had such magnificent views with swimming pools that their other services were almost irrelevant- M&H Wea
Our Rating:
Client Rating:
Cost: $130
Robins Camp - Hwange National Park
Our View
Robin’s Camp is an affordable option in Hwange National Park if you’re keen to see some brilliant wildlife but aren’t bothered about all the bells and whistles. Seeing all big five animals is possible from this base. It is also steeped in history surrounding the camp’s namesake Herbert George Robins, who acquired the farm in 1900 and put a stop to poaching and shooting in the area - a move well ahead of its time.
Our Rating:
Cost: $280
Roca Sundy - Principe Island
Our View
Roca meaning the farm is a different idea to the other hotels located on the beach. It revolves around celebrating the people, way of life and history of Principe.
Our Rating:
Cost: $300
Rocktail Bay - Other Reserves
Our View
Rocktail Bay is a beautiful rugged beach reserve run by the luxury operator Wilderness Safaris. Located on a wild stretch of coast North of Durban, Rocktail Bay is not your classic beach destination but a truly wild coastline with miles of deserted beach, serious diving and a huge area of wilderness to explore inland.
Our Rating:
Cost: $275
Roho ya Selous - Selous
Roho ya Selous is the most recent offering from the ever-excellent Asilia, and their first foray into the wilds of the Selous. The Camp is set on a hill overlooking the channel between Lake Manze and Lake Nzerakera - in the best game viewing area of the park. Walking, boating and game-driving are on offer with Asilia's brilliant guides. This stylish camp is set to rival Beho Beho and Sand Rivers for the crown of best in the Selous.
Our Rating:
Cost: $936
Our View
Since 1989 Rovos Rail has been transporting guests across Africa and into a bygone safari era by train. If you’re a fan of silver service, spectacular views, and Victorian-era opulence – and of course, love being on trains – then Rovos Rail is an experience not to be missed. The itineraries are endless with Rovos, as you can pretty much hop on and off wherever you like from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam, and even Angola. Why not swap out the 4x4 for a speedier, streamlined option for your next safari adventure? It would certainly be something different.
Our Rating:
Cost: $
Royal Beach - Nosy Be
Our View
Royal Beach is a 4-star property with Malagasy-accented architecture on a lovely stretch of beach. Surrounded by 3 hectares of lush tropical landscape, the 48 luxurious rooms have wonderful views which set it apart from other options in the area.
Our Rating:
Cost: $137
Royal Malewane - Kruger
Our View
Royal Malewane is located in a private game resereve outside of the Kruger National Park. Regarded as one of Africa’s most luxurious lodges, this place is arguably on another level completely. The accommodation here would rival any other hotel on the planet and with great game viewing this is one of the best safari hotels for those of us looking to be pampered. A truly sumptuous lodge where nothing is left out.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,500
Royal Palm - Mauritius, North Coast
Our View
This sets itself apart as the grand-dame of fine accommodation in Mauritius, an elegant old timer, a palace of tropical respite. The senior suite is the Royal Suite, regularly enjoyed by various international royalty. The service, cuisine and overall environment adhere towards this single aim; royal carpet treatment.
Our Rating:
Cost: $560
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