kwalape safari lodge

Kwalape Safari Lodge

INFO FACILITIES

Kwalape Safari Lodge is close to the entrance of the Chobe National Park, near Kasane. Kwalape Safari Lodge is a bush lodge away from the river. The lodge has incorporated the bush into beautiful gardens which surround the accommodation and campsites. It is easily accessible from the main road from the town Kasane and 15 km from the entrance of Chobe National Park.

Accommodation and camping

Ideally suited for the budget and mid-market traveller. Accommodation ranges from camping to permanent tents with shared ablutions and en-suite rooms. Various activities are also offered from the lodge. These can be booked in advance or on arrival. The lodge is perfect for self-drive safaris and groups.

Leisure and more

The big swimming pool is a perfect place to relax during the heat of the day after a morning game drive and before another game activity. There is also a restaurant and bar area at the lodge that offers free Wi-Fi to guests.

Kwalape Safari Lodge is an ideal location to use as a base to explore the Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls.

Kwalape Safari Lodge Facilities

• Big swimming pool, bar area, and restaurant
• Safari Tents have two beds with bedding
• Lamp and fan with a powerpoint and are closely located to the shared ablutions
• The chalets have a spacious living area and en-suite bathroom
• There is an option for 3rd person sharing on request
• All chalets have a private veranda
• Standard rooms are en-suite with a choice of double or twin beds
• Air-conditioned and have satellite TV
• There is an option of a third person sharing at an additional rate on request

Kwalape Safari Lodge Camping 

• There are seven individual campsites each with a powerpoint water tap and lights
• Curio and craft shop
• Guided game drives and boat trips

• Bed and Breakfast
• Airconditioned Rooms

• Drinks for own account

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

Kwalape Safari Lodge Rates

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• Accommodation
• Chobe National Park

Kwalape Safari Lodge

Kwalape Safari Lodge  has 12 chalets with spacious living areas and En-suite bathroom facilities, each with a private veranda. All chalets are constructed of canvas and wood in harmony with its surroundings. There are also En-suite standard rooms that come with an option of a twin bed or double bed and have air condition and televisions.

The main restaurant and bar are thatched and nestled into the surrounding bush with the restaurant bar offering a stunning elevated deck, ideal for sun downers and sharing the day’s experience with other guests. Other facilities include a swimming pool, conference facility and Boma for starlight meals.

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Accommodation Options & Rates

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• Rates: 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
• Rates Not Available: 01 April 2025 to 31 March 2026

Chalet Single

Annual Rate

Rates include.

• Bed & Breakfast

Room/Unit Facilities

Chalet double.

Property Facilities

Additional booking information.

Booking Notices, Cancellation Policy, Children's Policy, Payment Terms, Specials and T&C's

Rooms:   Bed & Breakfast.

Campsites:   Camping only.

Game Drive, River Cruise

Check in time from 14:00 PM / Check out time latest 11:00 AM.

Children sharing with 2 adults: 0 to 5 years = Complimentary / 6 to 12 years = 50% of adult sharing rate. Children 13 years and older pay the full adult sharing or single rate.  

Please note that the full requested payment is due on receipt of the booking invoice to secure room availability if booked within 8 weeks of arrival date. A 50% booking deposit payment is due on bookings made prior to 8 weeks of arrival date with the remainder settlement amount payable 8 weeks before arrival date. Full payment is due on receipt of invoice when booking certain establishments. Payment can be made by electronic bank transfer (EFT) or online-payment with credit card or debit card (MasterCard & VISA). Bank charges are not included in the rates and are for your account.

Room Cancellations:

All cancellations are subject to a minimum 25% of the total booking amount handling fee. 44 - 31 days before arrival 50% of total booking value 30 - 15 days before arrival 75% of total booking value 14 - 0 days before arrival 100% of total booking value 100% of total booking value for non-arrival or no show

Campsite Cancellations:

All cancellations are subject to a minimum 50% of the total booking amount handling fee. 30 - 0 days before arrival 100% of total booking value 100% of total booking value for non-arrival or no show

Click on the red pin pointer on the below map for latitude/longitude coordinates.

Rates are subject to availability, currency fluctuations, seasonality & website updates. All information is subject to change without notice. Terms & conditions apply.

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Popular amenities

• Pool Pool Pool
• Free WiFi Free WiFi Free WiFi
• Free parking Free parking Free parking
• Laundry facilities Laundry facilities Laundry facilities
• Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant
• Bar Bar Bar

Check-in time

Check-out time, main amenities.

• Restaurant and 2 bars/lounges
• Outdoor pool
• Room service
• 2 meeting rooms
• Meeting rooms
• Airport shuttle
• Area shuttle
• Laundry service
• Concierge services

Feel at home

• Dry cleaning/laundry service
• Free self parking
• Outdoor swimming pools

What's around

• Popular Location Mowana Golf Course 4 min drive
• Popular Location Chobe Crocodile Farm 7 min drive
• Popular Location Chobe National Park - Sedudu Gate 8 min drive
• Airport Kasane (BBK) 9 min drive

Room options

View all photos for chalet (kwalape).

Chalet (Kwalape)

• 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Safari Tent

Safari Tent

• 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Room (Kwalape)

Standard Room (Kwalape)

• 1 Double Bed

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About the neighborhood, what's nearby.

• Mowana Golf Course - 4 min drive
• Impalila Conservancy - 5 min drive
• CARACAL Biodiversity Center - 6 min drive
• Chobe Crocodile Farm - 7 min drive
• Chobe National Park - Sedudu Gate - 8 min drive

Getting around

• Kasane (BBK) - 9 min drive
• Airport pick-up service
• Area shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

• ‪Pizza Plus - ‬6 min drive
• ‪Nando's Kasane - ‬10 min walk
• ‪Chobe Safari Lodge Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
• ‪Cresta Mowana Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
• ‪Coffee Buzz - ‬5 min drive

About this property

At a glance, arriving/leaving.

• Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
• Late check-in subject to availability
• Minimum check-in age: 18
• Check-out time is 10 AM

Restrictions related to your trip

• Check COVID-19 restrictions.

Special check-in instructions

• This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
• The front desk is open daily from 6 AM - 11:00 PM
• Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
• If you are planning to arrive after 2:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Required at check-in

• Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
• Government-issued photo ID may be required
• Minimum check-in age is 18
• No cribs (infant beds)
• Pets not allowed
• Free WiFi in public areas
• Free WiFi in rooms
• Free onsite self parking
• Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
• Airport pickup from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM*
• Area shuttle*

Other information

• Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink.

• 2 bars/lounges
• Poolside bar
• Room service (limited hours)
• Wildlife drive nearby
• Boat tours nearby
• Hot springs nearby

Working away

• Front desk (limited hours)
• Tour/ticket assistance
• Dry cleaning/laundry services
• Luggage storage
• Picnic area
• An outdoor pool
• Art Deco architecture

Accessibility

• Wheelchair-accessible parking
• Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
• Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
• Wheelchair-accessible business center
• Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
• Accessible airport shuttle
• Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

• Bed sheets provided
• Rainfall showerhead
• Shower only

Stay connected

Special features, fees & policies, optional extras.

• Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of BWP 45 per person
• Area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge
• Late check-in between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM can be arranged for an extra charge

Children & extra beds

• Airport shuttle service for children between the ages of 6 and 12 costs BWP 22.50

Also known as

Frequently asked questions.

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative. More information Opens in a new window

10/10 Exceptional

A wonderful place to stay, 8/10 very good, taonanyasha, worst experience, verified traveler, right on the main road in kasane, most popular destinations.

Kwalape Safari Lodge

Guest Reviews

Services & amenities.

Chalet (Kwalape)

Safari Tent

Standard Room (Kwalape)

Guest reviews (17).

• Cleanliness 3.8
• Amenities 3.8
• Location 3.8
• Service 3.8

Property Policies

Front desk hours: [Mon-Sun]06:00–23:00

To check-in, contact the property in advance

Property Description

• Number of Rooms: 45

Frequently Asked Questions

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Kwalape Safari Lodge

• Shakawe River Lodge
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Kwalape Safari Lodge is an existing 3-star property, which has been placed under the Adventure Lodges umbrella due to its location and the atmosphere. It fits perfectly in the style of the Adventure Lodges concept. It is located at the eastern end of Kasane towards the Kazungula border. Kwalape means ‘at home’ and Milton Khachana, the friendly owner, makes sure you are! All rooms have a bush garden view with a little terrace . Every other night the guests are treated to a braai, with a cultural show.

• 40 rooms with shower
• Wi-Fi in all rooms
• Air conditioner
• Small fridge (not stocked)
• Tea & coffee station
• All rooms with bush garden view
• Boma & bar
• Swimming pool
• Lush green bush garden
• Shuttle service
• Kwalape has its own game drive vehicles and boats
• Game drives in Chobe National Park
• River cruises on the Chobe River
• Rent a bicycle to visit the crocodile farm or to explore Kasane

Email: reservations@ kwalapesafarilodge.co.bw

Booking Enquiry

• Contact number

"Well run, professional staff, and one of the more affordable places to stay in the Kasane area. The food was excellent."

"excellent location. chalets very clean. had a feel of wilderness to it. the staff are really friendly. went an extra mile to make our stay great . highly recommended ...", "the entire team at kwalape are absolutely incredible with loads of options available for activities in and around the area, including day trip options to the vic falls. milton and team are hands on and always available to make your experience a memorable one.".

• Chobe National Park
• Accommodations
• Safari & Tours

• Kwalape Safari Lodge

Safari Lodges

Chobe-Safari-Lodges

Description: Kwalape Safari lodge in Chobe is located between Botswana’s northern towns of Kazungula and Kasane and opposite the Chobe River, Kwalape Lodge offers the perfect base to discover the wonders of Chobe National Park and River, with its vast elephant herds and wildlife populations. Kwalape is only an hour away from the magnificent Victoria Falls and 1 km away from where four great African countries meet Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana making Kwalape an ideal location to explore from.

Kwalape means at home in Setswana and it is the management’s philosophy for all guests to feel welcome, relaxed and at home during their stay. Kwalape Safari Lodge has 12-tented en-suite chalets, six with baths only and the other six with showers only, eight safari tents with shared communal bathrooms and five serviced campsites with communal bathrooms. There is also a sundowner bar lounge, a boma dining area, swimming pool and barbecue facilities.

Kwalape Safari Lodge is one of the few Botswana hotels that make travel to this beautiful country all the more special!

Disabled Access

En-suite Rooms

Air Conditioned

Swimming Pool

Ceiling Fans

Cocktail Bar

Curio & Craft Shops

Heath & Beauty Saloon

In-room phones

In-Room Safes

Internet Cafe

Tea & Coffee Facilities

Viewing Deck

Facilities At Camp

Kwalape Safari Lodge offers its guests and residences many facilities including reception wireless internet, room service, swimming pool, chartered scenic flights, cultural entertainment, program activities desk & shuttle services.

The elephants wander around outside the airport and on the side of the road between the trucks which are waiting to be loaded onto the ferry.

Activities:

• Game Drives

• Boat Cruises

Impalila Island Tour

Kasane Town Tour

Lesoma Tour

Kazungula Bridge Tour

Victoria Falls

Related accommodation:, chobe game lodge.

It is Botswana’s premier venue for guests looking for a perfect base to explore Chobe National Park and the Chobe River. Chobe Game Lodge accommodates up to 94 guests in absolute luxury.

• Boat Cruise
• Safari Exploration

Rooms are river-facing and include mini-bars, en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities as well as private terraces. In addition, four exclusive suites have plunge pools and separate lounges.

Chobe Safari Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge is a magnificent and well-established lodge located in Kasane, Botswana, on the banks of the Chobe River. Situated in Kasane, Chobe Safari Lodge is close to where the borders of four African countries meet – Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia.

• Victoria Falls Day Trip

If you are planning to visit the Chobe area, the majestic Victoria Falls, or the Caprivi region, then Chobe Safari Lodge is the ideal choice of accommodation.

The Garden Lodge

The Garden Lodge in Chobe National Park was built with the specific intention of offering personal service to a small number of guests within a private farm in Chobe National Park.

• Chobe Sunset Cruise
• Bird Watching

The lodge has eight bedrooms (4 standard double/twin bedrooms, 3 family rooms with 4 beds each, and 1 smaller double/twin room.)

Only The Best Specialists

Chobe is naturally head of the class when it comes to luxury travel planning, because we do more homework than anyone else. Each of our specialist partners undergoes rigorous screening before they can join our network. They get extra coaching to keep their services at world-leading levels. And they must show, on every trip, that our guests give them top grades for their hard work and creativity.

Detailed assessments

confirm each agent has exceptional destination knowledge and insider connections

Travelers' reviews

ensure that each travel specialist meets world-class standards, and a minimum 4.25 out of 5 star rating.

Coaching and mentoring

inspire our partners to develop outstanding custom packages and best-practice client services.

Testimonials

Garden Lodge is being rebuilt and is currently closed to guests. Forest Lodge will remain open and will be accepting families with children of all ages until Garden Lodge re-opens in April 2022. Bookings are now open and we look forward to welcoming you to our newly built Garden Lodge from 01 April 2022.

Adam F - South Africa

Grootbos foundation and global recognition.

Grootbos is a world leader in sustainable tourism and has been awarded some of the highest international accolades possible, making us one of only a handful of lodges to achieve this.

About the Grootbos Foundation

About The Long Run

About Carbon Negative Status

Customize your tailor-made tour.

Chobe-Safari-Lodges is naturally head of the class when it comes to luxury travel planning because we do more homework than anyone else. We will love to tailor-make your trips. Just let us know how you want it, and we will make it happen.And they must show, on every trip, that our guests give them top grades for their hard work and creativity.

Detailed Valuations

Complete financial protection.

Your money is safe with us. Our clients are fully covered by our supplier default insurance.

24/7 Team Support

Always there for you, from before you travel to after you return home.

Our Best Price Guarantee

You will always get the best value with us, in one complete tailor-made itinerary.

We travelled with Falcon Safaris in Zimbabwe and Botswana for 16 days. Falcon designed a wonderful trip with private guide to the most interesting sites in both countries. The organization of the whole trip was excellent, flights within the country, accommodation and activites. The guides were very knowledgable and told us a lot about the countries, their history, people, economy and much more.

Dr. Renate Vorwerk

Our Consultant Vimbai was very helpful and accommodating. We stayed at the Elephant hills hotel which was nothing short of amazing. Our activities included a helicopter flight, dinner cruise as well as a morning game drive. All the activities were absolutely amazing.

Our trip consisted of accommodation and tours in Victoria Falls, transfers to Botswana, accommodation and photography safaris there, then transfers back to Zimbabwe. Transfers, accommodation again in Vic Falls.My communication was with Ludwick who was amazing. He went way above and beyond normal service to make me feel confident in the organisation of our trip

David McCann

We worked with Gertrude to schedule and organize everything and she did an excellent job. I asked a lot of questions via e-mail and she answered everyone in a timely helpful manner. Our guide at Victoria Falls was also great. He met us at the airport, provided a thoughtful tour of the Falls and got us to our next guide in Botswana.

Falcon safaris have given my the correct advice with excellent service. The only suggestion will be to work closer with the lodges to confirm bookings as soon as possible. We have booked and pay our deposit a year in advance. We have only receive our final convermation from Chobe Safari lodge a week before departure.

I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon with the elephants. I rode an 8 year old female, her name is not in my head, and it was magical. She loved her treats at the end of the ride and her trainer was a lovely man. We talked the whole hour and he taught me so much about these magical creatures.

Gertrude was always very prompt in replying during the planning process and very helpful with visa information. This trip to Africa was our first and we started with Kenya and a 10 day safari. We wanted to experience water camps and lodges as well so worked with Falcon to make that happen.

myself and my 13yr old daughter used Falcon Safaris for all our outings as well as airport transfers. Canoeing, Devils Pool visit and Elephant back ride. They were all fantastic especially Vimbai and Edna. We had an amazing time and nothing was too much trouble to sort out for us.

Our Awards & Partners

With over 120 resident different tribes, there is plenty of local history and colour to be found in all areas of Tanzania. Tanzanians are among the most welcoming and approachable on earth with diverse and unique cultures ready to be shared with visitors. It is a rewarding experience to leave your 4X4 vehicle behind and walk through scenic and authentic local villages. Spend part of your time to meet friendly faces of Tanzania and learn about their ways of life

Take the hassle out of your trip planning. We'll match you with top travel specialists.

Our safari experts will guide you through the starling wonders of the Chobe River Front and the Splendors of Chobe National Parks Wildlife, Flora and landscapes. The Safari Excursions are conducted from land on our 4×4 Custom designed Safari Vehicles and from water on Chobe River by our boats designed to offer perfect views on this great river that offer wildlife photography, amazing landscapes and perfect sunsets that rival any globally.

We offer the following activities

• Boat Criuse
• Victoria Falls day trips
• Lesoma Village tour
• Kazungula Bridge tour

Contact us for booking

• Kwalape Safari Lodge
• TRAVEL GUIDE

• Description
• Availability
• Write a Review

Age of Children

Available rooms.

Safari Tent

Two sets of standalone safari tent accommodation; Twin Safari Tents with a shared ablution, and an En-suite Twin Safari tents, both with double and single beds configurations. Ideal for budget conscious travelers.

Chalet Room

Standard Room

Kwalape Safari lodge in Chobe is located between Botswana’s northern towns of Kazungula and Kasane and opposite the Chobe River, Kwalape Lodge offers the perfect base to discover the wonders of Chobe National Park and River, with its vast elephant herds and wildlife populations. Kwalape is only an hour away from the magnificent Victoria Falls and 1 km away from where four great African countries meet Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana making Kwalape an ideal location to explore from.  Kwalape means at home in Setswana and it is the management’s philosophy for all guests to feel welcome, relaxed and at home during their stay  Kwalape Safari Lodge has 12-tented en-suite chalets, six with baths only and the other six with showers only, eight safari tents with shared communal bathrooms and five serviced campsites with communal bathrooms. There is also a sundowner bar lounge, a boma dining area, swimming pool and barbecue facilities.

Policies of Kwalape Safari Lodge

Amenities of kwalape safari lodge.

• AIR CONDITIONING
• COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST
• EN-SUITE ROOMS
• ENTERTAINMENT
• FREE PARKING
• HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE
• PICK AND DROP

• Cleanliness
• Value for money

Guest Reviews (0 reviews)

Kwalape Safari Lodge Chobe National Park, Botswana

Your overall rating of this property, booking number, title of your review, your review, what sort of trip was this.

Kwalape Safari lodge in Chobe is located between Botswana’s northern towns of Kazungula and Kasane and opposite the Chobe River,

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• 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Camping Sites Sleeps: 10     Rooms / Units:  9 from $27 based on 2 guests per night The Camping Sites have shared ablutions outside which consists of a basin/toilet/shower, lights and power points.
• 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Safari Tents Sleeps: 2     Rooms / Units:  12 from $54 based on 2 guests per night The Safari Twin-bed tents have two single beds and share a communal bathroom facilities. The Safari Twin-bed tents have... see more
• 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Chalets Sleeps: 2     Rooms / Units:  25 from $155 based on 2 guests per night the rooms are occupied with bathroom facility, tea/coffee station, DSTV and Air conditioned, we have an option of extr... see more
• 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Standard Room Sleeps: 3     Rooms / Units:  12 from $155 based on 2 guests per night The Standard Rooms have double beds and bathrooms with shower only. The rooms offer a TV, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and... see more

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• World's Best

The Top 10 Safari Lodges in Africa in 2021

Lila Harron Battis is a freelance writer and editor. She was previously a senior editor at Travel + Leisure .

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite safari lodges in Africa.

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

The Western idea of Africa as a vast unknowable expanse of wilderness — rather than a living, breathing place with as much diversity and unique regionality as any other continent — has endured with stubborn longevity. Perhaps quintessential images like silverbacks in a lush mountain forest, giraffes and acacia trees silhouetted against a savannah sunset, and herds of elephants in the floodplains along a winding river stick with travelers because they are so unlike the nature scenes of the U.S., where centuries of human interference have left little trace of true wilderness or of the animals that once roamed freely.

Africa's rarefied natural spaces have compelled generations of adventurers to seek them out — and the hospitality world has kept pace. Today's safari-goers have little more to worry about than checking off the Big Five and whether to order red or white with dinner. And for the ultimate in service, comfort, and indulgence, they can't go wrong with the places that T+L readers voted onto this year's list of the best safari lodges in Africa.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

The spots on the list are brimming with opulent touches and spectacular scenery. At No. 4 Angama Mara, in Kenya's Masai Mara , two 15-tent camps dot the edge of an escarpment about 300 yards above the game reserve. The views of the Great Rift Valley are so cinematic it's tempting to stay on property and just gawk at the scenery. Don't miss a visit to the on-site craft workshop, where Masai women teach guests the techniques and meaning behind their beading traditions, or the photography studio, where you can test out pro gear and polish up your safari snapshots with cutting-edge photo-editing software.

At No. 6 Singita Grumeti, in Tanzania , the lodging options offer something for every style: crystal chandeliers and gilded frames at Sasakwa Lodge, rattan chairs and campaign tables at Sabora Tented Camp, and breezy furnishings and basketry-inspired light fixtures at Faru Faru Lodge, among others. In South Africa, andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge (No. 9) has 20 cottages that blend light details — wide-slate bathroom floors, ceramic stools, pale patterned loveseats, high thatched ceilings — with the gravitas of deep-hued wood furnishings, muted flat-weave rugs, and antique-inspired wildlife illustrations. Overall, it feels grounded and traditional, but never stuffy. The property is situated on Ngala Private Game Reserve, which — thanks to the success of andBeyond's conservation work — is now part of Kruger National Park.

Many of the properties on this list held an emotional resonance for our readers, one that lingered long after returning home. Of the Bushcamp Company's Mfuwe Lodge, in Zambia, which came in No. 8, one reader wrote, "I dream about Mfuwe, the people, and the sounds of the animals at night. The experience I had was beyond everything I imagined." Another put it simply: "You truly connect with raw life." A reader who spent time at No. 5 Gibb's Farm, in Tanzania, called it "the most magical place I've ever stayed!" And at Sasaab, in Kenya, the property's do-good efforts made a mark just as much as the luxe environment: "Sasaab's culture is fabulous," a reader wrote of the No. 10 property, adding that "the hotel has an innate sustainable ethos."

But the best safari lodge in Africa, the Richard Branson–owned Mahali Mzuri, brings together every element readers expect in their experience, then amplifies it all tenfold. Read on to find out why it's so beloved and which other lodges join it on this year's list.

1. Mahali Mzuri, Masai Mara, Kenya

The 12-suite Mahali Mzuri sits on the edge of a lush bowl, and there's not a bad seat in the house: over breakfast, you can watch monkeys scrabble in the trees and grass; from the pool you'll spot giraffes wandering through to snack on the acacias; sitting on your private terrace you may catch a glimpse of a cat stopping to drink from the rocky stream that runs through. And the property's location is ideal for maximizing both wildlife spotting and privacy. It's set within the private, 33,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which is part of the Masai Mara ecosystem but beyond the bounds of the national park. That means all the richness of big game, but no other cars in sight—you can get within feet of a lion pride and have the moment all to yourself, with no jockeying for position or tuning out the chatter of other safari-goers. "Mahali Mzuri is the best luxurious camp to visit on the African continent," declared one reader; "just perfect," wrote another. The team is small and familial, with the kind of warm, relaxed — yet flawless — service that gives guests the easy sense of being among friends; the guides are among the best in the business, many having worked at the property for years to develop intimate knowledge of the land and its wildlife. One reader put it best: "The hospitality at Mahali Mzuri resembles its name," he wrote, noting the translation of the Swahili: "the Beautiful Place."

Score: 99.73 More information: virginlimitededition.com

2. Savute Elephant Lodge, a Belmond Safari, Chobe National Park, Botswana

Score: 98.75 More information: belmond.com

3. andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Score: 98.50 More information: andbeyond.com

4. Angama Mara, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Score: 97.73 More information: angama.com

5. Gibb's Farm, Karatu, Tanzania

Score: 97.63 More information: gibbsfarm.com

6. Singita Grumeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Score: 97.60 More information: singita.com

7. Khwai River Lodge, a Belmond Safari, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Score: 97.47 More information: belmond.com

8. The Bushcamp Company's Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Score: 97.33 More information: bushcampcompany.com

9. (tie) andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park Area, South Africa

Score: 97.26 More information: andbeyond.com

9. (tie) Sasaab, Samburu, Kenya

Score: 97.26 More information: thesafaricollection.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021 .

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Zulu Safari Lodging Adults Only

Kilimanjaro Suite at the Zulu Lodge

Pets Prohibited

Starting at $200 per night | Ages 18+ only | 2 guests | No pets

• The Kilimanjaro suite offers a luscious, exotic palette of color throughout. Delicately carved African masks adorn the cabin as well as the art of Lisa and D. Arthur Wilson. The large, rustic entertainment unit is home to familiar games and books as well as Scott Smith’s charming photos of some of the residents at TCWR! The private deck of this suite boasts views of the sprawling valley and beautiful sunrises.
• This suite sleeps 2 guests above the age of 18-years old.
• The Refuge is a nonprofit organization and the cost of your stay goes toward the care of our animal residents.

Congo Suite at the Zulu Lodge

• The Congo Suite offers a beautiful reminder of Africa. The color scheme is tan with pops of color in the art that D. Wilson and Lisa Wilson placed throughout. With the rolling hills of Ozarks surrounding the Congo, you will get the full “Africa in the Ozarks” experience! The private deck of this suite boasts views of the sprawling valley and beautiful sunrises.

Okavango Suite at the Zulu Lodge

Starting at $200 per night | Ages 18+ | 2 guests | Ramp-Accessible (not ADA)

• The Okavango suite is artistically styled with a beautiful blue hue and aluminum colors providing you with a feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation. Meerkats are waiting to greet you in D. Arthur Wilson’s “No Meer Family” giclee print. The spacious bathroom offers a shower large enough for two people. A shower seat is available if needed. Also available if needed are the toilet safety frame and rails in the shower. Both decks are charming with the back deck boasting lovely views of the sprawling valley and beautiful sunsets.

Serengeti Suite at the Zulu Lodge

Starting at $200 per night | Ages 18+ | 2 guests | Sunset motifs

• The Serengeti suite is designed in a purple and red combination delivering the colors of our breathtaking Ozark sunsets. This suite’s artwork by D. Arthur and Lisa Wilson might have you believe you are actually in Africa! The presentation of Lisa’s Mixed Media original art, Passion 2 and Passion 4, hangs over the Queen size bed. The Serengeti suite has many giclee prints like along with a beautiful male lion print over the love seat. Wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes fill this room along with fantastic photographs taken by Scott Smith, our TCWR resident photographer. The private deck of this suite boasts both views of the sprawling valley and beautiful sunrises.

Kalahari Suite at the Zulu Lodge

• The Kalahari suite is a cozy escape with an exotic theme of bamboo and jewel tones throughout. The artistic bamboo headboard above the Queen bed is complemented by original abstract art from Lisa Wilson and D. Arthur Wilson’s Wild Expressionism limited editions. As you relax on either the front or back decks, the gentle caroling of the big cats is music to your ears!
• This suite sleeps 2 guests above the age of 18 and is open from March until November.