Southern Africa is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife and untamed landscapes, offering an unparalleled safari experience for those seeking both adventure and luxury. While grand lodges and iconic game reserves often take the spotlight, it's the boutique safari lodges that are truly redefining the concept of intimate, bespoke travel. These hidden gems provide a level of personalisation, exclusivity, and connection to nature that larger resorts simply can’t match. Plus, if you're enjoying multi-generational travel, you could book out some of the smaller safari camps for a truly intimate experience.
From remote desert landscapes to lush, wildlife-rich savannas, boutique lodges across Southern Africa are crafted for those who crave privacy, outstanding service, and authentic experiences that transcend the typical safari. These smaller, often family-run lodges focus on sustainability, conservation, and tailored experiences that allow guests to immerse themselves in the natural world without compromising on luxury.
Whether it’s dining under the stars after a private game drive or enjoying the peace and quiet of a secluded hideaway, these boutique safari lodges offer a uniquely personal and luxurious take on the African wilderness. In this feature, we explore the best of these boutique retreats, each promising an unforgettable escape into the heart of Southern Africa’s wild beauty.
North Island Okavango, Botswana
A boutique Botswana lodge
A private island in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, surrounded by a mosaic of other isles netted together by meandering channels: North Island Okavango is an intimate lodge that’s set on a hippo-filled lagoon. Spearheading a new trend of micro-camps, the lodge has just four tented suites, with plans for three more on the horizon, which lends itself perfectly for multi-generational families looking for an exclusive stay. Each of the luxury tents are solar-powered and come complete with en-suite bathrooms, sunken sun decks and private pools. Plus, there’s also a shared lounge, dining area, library and outdoor gym set in a horseshoe around a crackling fire. Wildlife roams free, from big cats to buffalos, and you can view them from three vantages: on land with expert-led game drives, on water via mokoro and boat meanders, or by air with scenic helicopter flights.
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Ondulu Ridge, Namibia
A remote bolthole in Damaraland
The colours and curves of Ondulu Ridge seamlessly blend into Damaraland’s rocky landscape. Nestled within the foothills of granite boulders overlooking the purple-hued peaks of Namibia’s highest mountain range, The Brandberg, Ondulu Ridge is within the private concessions of Doro Nawas Reserve, home to elephants, giraffes and black rhinos. The modern camp comprises six completely solar-powered suites, each with open air bathrooms and the opportunity to open the expansive glass doors and wheel your bed onto the private terrace to sleep under the stars. Damaraland rarely sees rainfall, leaving a dry and dusty landscape that means the wildlife here take expert guides to track. But that just makes viewing them even more exciting. Ondulu Ridge is a great stopover destination for a multi-centre trip Namibia, sandwiched between exploring the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park.
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Londolozi, South Africa
The ultimate in experiential luxury
On the banks of the Sand River in Sabi Sand Game Reserve standsLondolozi, a collection of five scenic camps. Its location means the ‘Big Five’ are common, with breeding herds of elephants, buffalo and white rhino roaming free. Londolozi also has the highest concentration of lions in Africa, and yet the lodge is world-famous for its intimate leopard sightings. It’s the ideal setting for first-time safari rangers as seeing these safari icons is almost a guarantee. But trekking in the bush aside, it’s the accommodation that truly sets Londolozi apart. The Private Granite Suites (pictured) is possibly our favourite camp, namely due to its riverside locale where you can overlook the ancient elephant herds as they navigate the picturesque waterway, from your deep-soaking bathtub no less.
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Loapi Tented Camp, South Africa
As mother nature intended
Tucked into a valley that’s caressed by the Korannaberg Mountains, lies Loapi Tented Camp an intimate safari experience that’s surrounded by endless open savannah and grasslands. The camp may be dwarfed by its breathtaking surroundings, but the six individual homes offer everything you need and more; with a private chef available on demand, personal butlers and rangers ready to whisk you through Kalahari at times convenient to you. What’s more, children of all ages are welcome, with dedicated junior ranger programmes and two of the six homes comprising two bedrooms to offer space and privacy for travelling families. Loapi Tented Camp is the newest lodge in Tswalu, a conservation project that offers a private safari experience for a maximum of 40 guests across its three camps. One for the avid safari visitor, here you’ll spot a myriad of wildlife, although tracking them may take more patience.
Singita Malilangwe House, Zimbabwe
A magnificent natural setting
Singita Malilangwe House is an exclusive wildlife reserve located in southeastern Zimbabwe, renowned for its stunning landscapes and exceptional wildlife experiences. Spanning more than 130,000 acres, the reserve is nestled in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, adjacent to the Gonarezhou National Park. Known for its conservation efforts, the reserve is home to diverse species, including elephants, lions, leopards, and the endangered African wild dog. Singita Malilangwe offers guests an immersive experience with intimate, eco-friendly lodges that blend harmoniously with the environment. The reserve's commitment to sustainability includes its focus on wildlife conservation, community engagement, and ecological preservation. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as game drives, bush walks, and birdwatching, while also engaging in photographic safaris in the area’s dramatic landscapes. Its highlight has to be a hidden viewing hole underneath an active Elephant watering hole; the closest you’ll ever get to these magnificent mammals.
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Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
A story for the ages
Winner of the Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Award in 2023, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has grown exponentially from its origins of a small farm overlooking Walkers Bay. Developed into a bed and breakfast, and now a globally recognised hotel, guests can choose between a private lodge or luxury suites, all built with endless views of South Africa’s natural beauty. Offering a unique and luxurious eco-tourism experience set within 2,500 hectares of pristine wilderness, the reserve is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, combining ancient fynbos, coastal forests, and wetlands. It is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare plant species, and abundant wildlife, including over 150 bird species, baboons, and even the elusive cape leopard.
Cottar’s 1920s Camp, Kenya
Vintage luxury at its best
Cottar’s location is almost as impressive as its heritage. Situated in an expansive private Olderkesi Conservancy that borders the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Tanzania Serengeti Game Reserve, the wildlife viewing is incredible as are the cultural immersions. Providing safaris for more than 100 years, Cottar’s also caters to families and offers a programme of activities specifically tailored to little ones that includes Maasai warrior school, stargazing, hunter-gatherer bush walks, local school visits and more. The lodges are traditional from the outside, and all-out-luxury inside. Think white canvas tents with comfortable king size beds, spacious bathrooms with double vanities, sitting areas and every modern convenience you could wish for.
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