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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Having seen all the camps in the area and the fact it has been refurbished recently, there is no immediate ‘wow’ factor to Tena Tena when you arrive in camp. Tena Tena work on the experience more than the actual camp. Safari enthusiasts can really appreciate this camp with its great guiding and passion for the Luangwa valley itself which is infectious.
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Located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and nestled into a bend on the Sand River is &Beyond's newest and most luxurious lodge. Tengile River Lodge comprises of nine elegant and modern, secluded suites that all have their own magnificent sweeping views.
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The Bay Hotel is a luxury hotel set in the heart of Camps Bay. Although the setting and the facilities are impressive, the atmosphere is not. The beach club ensures that a young, pretentious Cape Town crowd are permanently in residence.
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The Chedi is a superb hotel, perfectly situated near the centre of Muscat – yet a world away. It is landscaped in a stunning 21 acre garden, looking out onto the stunning waters of the Oman sea and boasting a private beach.
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The Hide has consistently been voted one of the “Best Tented Safari Camp in Zimbabwe”, and in our view it remains one of the best lodges in Hwange. It is also one of the few lodges actually inside the National Park, with just 10 tents, it’s small and intimate and now beautifully renovated.

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The Maji is friendly and luxurious small botique hotel on Diani Beach. As well as being in a fantastic area of powdery beaches and turquoise waters, Maji has a lot going for it inside its walls with its fantastically appointed and varied villas.

The Manta offers great value for money if you are looking to stay in this very remote area of the island of Pemba and if you are keen to experience some of the best diving off the coast of Tanzania. The lodge is in a great location looking out of the north west of the island and we really like the beach however the lodge is slightly rough around the edges in some areas but at this price and on all inclusive basis this is good option which we will keep an eye on.
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