Top 10 Lodges in Africa to Visit in 2026

The 10 Essential African Safari Lodges for an Unforgettable 2026 Safari Adventure

Planning an unforgettable African safari in 2026 requires exceptional thought and choosing from the best lodges in Africa is paramount to shaping your adventure. Our exclusive guide to the top 10 lodges to visit in 2026 offers spectacular insights into what makes each one unique. From unbelievably luxurious accommodations with 180° views to some of the most unique wildlife experiences on the continent, this list will undoubtedly help you find the perfect, most incredible base for your safari.

Key Takeaways

• Chichele Presidential Lodge in Zambia is a luxurious retreat with stunning wildlife views and unrivalled comfort, perfect for safari enthusiasts!
• andBeyond Suyian in Kenya stands out for its eco-friendly luxury, offering a unique blend of comfort and sustainability in Laikipia's breathtaking landscapes.
• Masiya's Camp in South Africa promises an intimate safari experience with modern amenities, allowing guests to connect deeply with nature while exploring the Greater Kruger National Park.

Chichele Presidential Lodge, South Luangwa, Zambia

Steeped in history and luxury, Chichele Presidential Lodge was originally built for Zambia's first President and reopened in April 2025 after extensive renovations. Located in South Luangwa National Park, the lodge offers panoramic views and spacious outdoor areas that make you feel one with nature. Imagine relaxing in a private plunge pool, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the African bush—pure bliss.

The lodge now meets the highest luxury standards, featuring amenities like a spa, gym, and an infinity pool that overlooks the stunning landscape. The recent renovations have elevated this historical gem into one of South Africa's premier safari lodges, perfect for those seeking both comfort and top-tier service and adventure.

South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife and exceptional safari experiences. The park offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Southern Africa, featuring lions, leopards, and more. Chichele Presidential Lodge provides an unparalleled safari experience, ideal for avid photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

&Beyond Suyian, Laikipia, Kenya

Set to open in July 2025, &Beyond Suyian is the epitome of sustainable luxury. Nestled in the heart of Laikipia, this lodge features only 14 suites, each designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The emphasis here is on eco-friendly practices, ensuring that your stay has a minimal impact on the environment while maximising your comfort.

Suyian's commitment to sustainable tourism is evident in every aspect of its operations. The lodge sets a high standard for eco-friendly travel, utilising solar power and locally sourced materials. This focus on sustainability doesn't come at the expense of luxury; the suites are exquisitely designed to offer a secluded and intimate experience.

Laikipia is a prime spot for incredible wildlife experiences, home to abundant wildlife including elephants, lions, and rare species like the Grevy's zebra. The lodge offers a variety of activities, from game drives to guided nature walks, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the amazing wildlife and natural beauty of East Africa.

Masiya's Camp, Royal Malewane, Greater Kruger National Park

Opening its doors in June 2025, Masiya's Camp is set to become a new jewel in the Greater Kruger National Park. Named in honour of Wilson Masiya, a renowned master tracker, the Camp embodies a unique blend of modern aesthetics and traditional African elements. With six luxury canvas suites, each equipped with private plunge pools, the Camp offers an intimate and luxurious safari experience.

The Camp's design emphasises comfort and a deep connection with the natural environment. Styled to provide modern comforts, the suites blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, offering a sense of barefoot luxury and land. This thoughtful design creates a sense of being one with nature, making your stay in tented camps both comfortable and immersive.

Masiya's Camp offers an unparalleled African safari adventure, integrating luxury with the thrill of exploring the African bush. Daily game drives and guided walks offer guests the chance to see Africa's big cats up close and personal. This destination is perfect for combining luxury with adventures in one of South Africa's most iconic national parks.

Azura Marlin Beach, Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Reopened in May 2025, Azura Marlin Beach promises a rejuvenating island escape with a touch of modern luxury. Located on the stunning Benguerra Island, the lodge offers a range of villa options, including beach villas and exclusive-use accommodations, perfect for families and groups. The emphasis here is on relaxed island luxury, with amenities designed to cater to every need.

The lodge's pristine beaches and turquoise waters provide a backdrop for a variety of family-friendly activities, including:

• Lounging by the swimming pool
• Exploring the island's natural beauty
• Diving and snorkelling opportunities are offered by the PADI 5-Star Dive Centre, allowing guests to discover the vibrant marine life that surrounds the Indian Ocean.

Dining at Azura Marlin Beach is an experience, offering fresh, locally inspired meals served in stunning settings. Whether you choose casual rooftop dining or a beachfront meal, the culinary offerings are sure to delight. This lodge is a perfect getaway for those looking to combine luxury with the relaxed atmosphere of an island paradise, especially after enjoying sunset cruises.

Wilderness Magashi Peninsula, Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Opening in September 2025, Wilderness Magashi Peninsula (sister lodge to Wilderness Magashi) offers an exclusive and immersive safari experience in Akagera National Park with the following features:

• Only eight exclusive beds, emphasising privacy and luxury
• A serene escape amidst the wilderness
• Situated in a vast, unfenced area, allowing guests to feel truly connected to nature

Akagera National Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including lions, rhinos, and over 500 bird species. Guests can engage in conservation efforts by tracking and monitoring key species, making their stay both educational and impactful. Activities include game drives, guided nature walks, and boating safaris, offering diverse ways to explore the park.

The private concession in which the Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is located is the only area in Akagera offering exclusive access, ensuring an intimate wildlife experience. Committed to immersive experiences, the lodge allows guests to connect deeply with the wilderness, creating lasting memories.

Wilderness Bisate Reserve, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Nestled in the heart of Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Reserve offers a luxurious gateway to one of Africa's most sought-after experiences: gorilla trekking. The lodge features six en-suite forest villas, each offering stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. This strategic location ensures that guests have easy access to the park's main attractions.

Accommodations at Wilderness Bisate Reserve provide utmost comfort while blending seamlessly with the natural environment. Each villa offers a unique perspective on the breathtaking landscape, ensuring a stay that is both luxurious and immersive. The lodge's commitment to sustainability and conservation further enhances the experience, ensuring that your visit contributes positively to the local ecosystem.

Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the highlight of any stay at Wilderness Bisate Reserve. The lodge's proximity to the trekking trails means that guests can easily embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Witnessing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience, creating memories that last a lifetime during these trips.

Wilderness Mokete, Mababe Depression, Botswana

Wilderness Mokete, located in the unique ecosystem of the Mababe Depression, offers an intimate and immersive wildlife experience. The lodge features nine climate-controlled tents, accommodating a maximum of 18 guests, ensuring a secluded and personalised stay. The seasonal floods in this area create a rich landscape during the dry season that attracts diverse wildlife, including vast herds of elephants and buffalo along the Chobe River, as well as Etosha's waterholes.

The lodge is designed to minimise environmental impact, with sustainable practices that preserve the pristine nature of the region. Accessible only via helicopter or a 40-minute flight from Maun, Wilderness Mokete offers exclusive activities such as game drives, night drives, and guided walks. These activities allow guests to follow predator-prey interactions and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

Wilderness Mokete's commitment to immersive wildlife experiences ensures that guests can engage deeply with the environment. Whether tracking lions or observing elephants, the lodge offers a safari adventure that combines luxury with a profound connection to nature in Etosha National Park, making it an ideal location for intimate wildlife encounters and wildlife sightings.

Kutandala Camp, Northern Luangwa, Zambia

Scheduled to open in mid-2025, Kutandala Camp promises exceptional wildlife experiences in the secluded Northern Luangwa region. Known for its high density of elephants and wild-roaming Black rhinos, the Camp offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Africa's most pristine wilderness areas. Strategically chosen for its seclusion and proximity to key wildlife areas, the Camp's location is ideal.

Guided walking safaris are a highlight at Kutandala Camp, allowing guests to explore the diverse ecosystem on foot. This immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of the flora and fauna, making your safari adventure educational and thrilling. The Camp's commitment to preserving the natural environment ensures that guests can enjoy the beauty of the wilderness in its purest form during their tours.

Kutandala Camp's intimate setting and exceptional wildlife viewing make it a perfect destination for those seeking a secluded and authentic safari experience. Whether you're an experienced safari-goer or a first-time visitor, the Camp offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity.

Mbamba Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana

Opened in April 2025, Mbamba Camp offers a vintage safari experience in the northern Okavango Delta. The camp features:

• 12 canvas tents, including family units
• A classic safari aesthetic that transports guests back to the golden age of exploration
• An emphasis on sustainability and conservation
• Efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict in the region

The Okavango Delta is renowned for its diverse wildlife, and Natural Selections Mbamba offers guests the opportunity to see African wild dogs, lions, and a remarkable variety of bird species. The lodge's activities include mokoro rides, game drives, and birdwatching, providing a comprehensive safari experience that caters to all interests.

Natural Selections Mbamba's commitment to sustainability ensures that guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the Okavango Delta while contributing to conservation efforts. Whether you're exploring the delta on a mokoro or spotting wildlife on a game drive, the lodge offers an unforgettable safari adventure that combines luxury with a deep respect for nature.

Erebero Hills, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Set to open in early 2026, Erebero Hills offers an exquisite experience amidst the natural beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage Site. The lodge is dedicated to sustainability, with initiatives such as planting 25,000 indigenous trees as part of a reforestation project. This commitment to conservation ensures that your stay has a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

Erebero Hills' luxurious accommodations provide a perfect base for exploring the wonders of Bwindi. The lodge actively supports gorilla conservation and local community initiatives, creating a positive impact in the region. Elevated by the lodge's amenities and commitment to nature and community, guests can look forward to an unforgettable safari experience.

Gorilla trekking is the highlight of any visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Erebero Hills' proximity to the trekking trails ensures that guests can easily embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Witnessing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Summary

From the historical elegance of Chichele Presidential Lodge to the modern eco-luxury of Erebero Hills, Africa's top lodges for 2026 offer a diverse array of experiences that cater to every type of traveller. Each lodge not only promises luxury and comfort but also provides unique opportunities to connect deeply with the natural world. Whether you're tracking lions in the Greater Kruger National Park or diving in the turquoise waters of Mozambique, these lodges offer unforgettable safari adventures that blend seamlessly with their stunning surroundings.

As you plan your African safari for 2026, consider the unique attributes and experiences each lodge has to offer. From the intimate wildlife encounters at Kutandala Camp to the unparalleled luxury at Azura Marlin Beach, there's something for everyone. These lodges not only set the bar high for luxury and sustainability but also ensure that your African safari is a journey of a lifetime. So pack your bags, set your sights on Africa, and prepare for an adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit these lodges?

The best time to visit these lodges is during the dry season from June to October for incredible wildlife viewing! But don't miss the unique experiences offered in the wet season at places like the Okavango Delta and Benguerra Island!

Are these lodges suitable for families?

Absolutely! Lodges like Azura Marlin Beach and Natural Selections Mbamba are fantastic for families, providing accommodations and activities that cater to everyone, making your safari adventure unforgettable!

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure because you can expect to see incredible wildlife like lions, elephants, rhinos, gorillas, and a stunning array of bird species! Each location offers unique encounters that will leave you in awe!

How do these lodges contribute to conservation?

These lodges play a fantastic role in conservation by tracking wildlife, engaging in reforestation, and supporting local communities! It's amazing to see how your stay can directly contribute to protecting our planet!

What should I pack for my safari?

Absolutely! Don't forget to include lightweight clothing, comfy walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, binoculars, and your camera to grab those unforgettable wildlife shots!