Luxury Safaris in Africa Are the Ultimate Adventure

Luxury Safaris in Africa promise the rare balance of wild beauty and personal comfort. From the first moment, you sense a journey that’s both adventurous and deeply restorative. It’s the call of the savannah combined with the ease of a plush retreat.

Why Luxury Safaris Feel Different

A traditional safari is thrilling, but Luxury Safaris take the experience further. You’re not just an observer of wildlife—you’re part of an environment designed for both wonder and comfort.

You sleep in a canvas tent, but your bed rivals any five-star hotel.

You hear lions roar at night, but from the warmth of your private deck.

You explore the bush with expert guides, yet return to fine dining under the stars.

Every detail is crafted with you in mind. The rhythm of the wild becomes part of your own.

The Rise of Glamping in Africa

Glamping has reshaped how travellers see safaris. It blends the romance of camping with the ease of luxury hospitality. You can expect en-suite bathrooms, soft linens, and sometimes even private plunge pools—all set within untouched landscapes.

This isn’t just comfort for comfort’s sake. It’s about creating space where you can truly relax while still feeling close to the earth. You hear the sounds of nature without losing restful sleep. You enjoy the stars without giving up a hot shower.

Luxury Safaris make glamping more than a trend—it’s the new way to discover Africa.

Where Luxury Meets Wilderness

Africa’s wilderness is vast and varied. From savannah plains to lush deltas, every destination offers a different kind of magic. Luxury Safaris are designed to match each setting with comfort that fits seamlessly.

You could be in the Serengeti, watching the Great Migration while sipping coffee from your deck. Or in the Okavango Delta, drifting along reed-lined channels before retreating to a suite shaded by trees.

Each lodge or tented camp adds its own flair—some with spa treatments, others with private chefs. Yet the heart of it remains the same: you’re in the wild, without giving up ease.

Kruger National Park – South Africa’s Iconic Safari Land

Kruger National Park is often the first name that comes to mind when people think of Luxury Safaris. It’s one of the largest game reserves in Africa, with landscapes ranging from acacia-dotted plains to dense bushveld.

Here, you’ll find the famous Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. Yet the experience goes beyond spotting wildlife. Luxury glamping camps in Kruger blend safari adventure with restful indulgence.

Many camps feature:

• Elegant tented suites with private plunge pools
• Decks where you can sip wine while elephants pass by
• Al fresco dining under lanterns
• Spa treatments inspired by African botanicals

One standout is Lion Sands Narina Lodge, set along the Sabie River. Guests stay in treehouse-style suites with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that bring the wilderness closer than ever. Every stay includes guided drives, bush walks, and the thrill of seeing wildlife from the comfort of your bed.

We have access to a range of offers for lodges in Kruger. Ask us for the latest options when planning your journey.

The Serengeti – Witness the Great Migration in Style

Few places capture the imagination like the Serengeti in Tanzania. This vast expanse of grassland is home to one of the most extraordinary wildlife events on earth—the Great Migration. Imagine watching thousands of wildebeest thunder across the plains, while zebras and gazelles move alongside them.

Luxury Safaris here mean front-row seats to this spectacle, without sacrificing comfort. Camps move with the migration, ensuring you are always in the right place at the right time.

Highlights of Serengeti luxury camps include:

• Canvas tents with full en-suite bathrooms
• Private verandas overlooking the endless plains
• Fine dining paired with local flavours
• Expert guides who bring the ecosystem to life

For the ultimate indulgence, Singita Sabora Tented Camp offers 1920s-inspired interiors with a modern touch. Think Persian rugs, leather trunks, and open-air dining with sweeping views. Every stay supports local conservation projects, so your visit directly helps preserve the Serengeti.

We often have special seasonal offers for the Serengeti. Get in touch to explore what’s currently available.

The Okavango Delta – Botswana’s Water Wonderland

The Okavango Delta is a place like no other. Each year, floodwaters transform this inland basin into a glittering maze of lagoons, channels, and islands. Wildlife thrives here, and Luxury Safaris let you experience it from water and land.

Imagine gliding silently along reed-fringed waterways in a mokoro canoe. Hippos grunt nearby while kingfishers dart across the surface. At night, you return to a tented suite raised on stilts, where lanterns light the pathways and the night sky stretches endlessly above you.

Luxury camps in the Delta often include:

• Spacious tents with outdoor showers and private decks
• Sunset boat cruises with chilled drinks in hand
• Dining experiences that feature fresh, locally sourced produce
• Game drives offering close encounters with lions, leopards, and wild dogs

One camp worth mentioning is Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, which delivers a rare mix of adventure and tranquillity. Its tented suites come with plunge pools and wide decks overlooking the Delta. The lodge also offers helicopter safaris for those who want to see the waterways from above.

We work closely with suppliers in Botswana, and many of them provide exclusive rates and added extras through us. Ask about the latest offers when planning your Delta safari.

The Masai Mara – Kenya’s Classic Safari Setting

The Masai Mara is iconic, and for good reason. It’s one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich reserves, with rolling grasslands that stretch as far as the eye can see. Luxury Safaris here combine the drama of the Great Migration with close encounters year-round.

Every day offers something different. One morning you might watch cheetahs hunting across the plains. By afternoon, you could be photographing elephants at a watering hole. Evenings bring fireside stories and starlit dinners.

Luxury glamping in the Mara includes:



• Canvas tents with king-size beds and antique furnishings
• Butler service and private dining options
• Game drives led by expert local guides
• Opportunities for cultural visits with the Maasai community

An excellent choice is Angama Mara, perched high above the Mara Triangle with sweeping views. Its glass-fronted tents give the sense of floating above the savannah. Sundowners on the deck and hot-air balloon rides over the reserve are highlights that make the experience unforgettable.

We can provide access to unique offers at lodges in the Mara, with packages that combine luxury stays with extended tours across Kenya.

Namibia – Desert Luxury Among the Dunes

Namibia offers a completely different kind of safari experience. Instead of dense bush or river channels, you’re surrounded by towering red dunes, vast salt pans, and night skies so clear they feel endless. Luxury Safaris here reveal the drama of space and silence.



A stay in Sossusvlei lets you climb some of the world’s highest sand dunes at sunrise, when the desert glows in shades of orange and gold. Later, you might explore Deadvlei, a surreal clay pan dotted with ancient, sun-bleached trees.

Luxury desert camps often feature:

• Minimalist tented suites with panoramic windows
• Private plunge pools to cool off in the desert heat
• Stargazing decks with telescopes for clear desert skies
• Guided excursions in 4x4s or on foot

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge is one of Namibia’s highlights, blending modern comfort with eco-sensitive design. Elevated wooden chalets open out to sweeping views of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Meals are shared around a long table, giving a communal yet exclusive feel.

We can secure offers for stays at Sossusvlei lodges, sometimes including added extras like guided dune walks or hot-air balloon flights.

Zimbabwe and Zambia – Victoria Falls and the Zambezi

Few places on earth rival the power and beauty of Victoria Falls. Known locally as “The Smoke That Thunders,” it’s a must-see for anyone exploring Southern Africa. A Luxury Safari here can be combined with a stay on the banks of the Zambezi River.

You might start your morning with a helicopter flight over the falls. By afternoon, you’re on a sunset river cruise, watching elephants gather at the water’s edge. Evenings bring candlelit dinners overlooking the Zambezi.

Luxury lodges in this region often provide:

River-facing suites with plunge pools and open-air bathrooms

Private decks for wildlife spotting directly from your room

Tailored excursions such as canoeing, fishing, and walking safaris

Close proximity to both Victoria Falls and surrounding reserves

A stand-out option is Matetsi Victoria Falls, a lodge that combines contemporary design with African warmth. Suites come with private pools, while the main lodge offers world-class dining and wine cellars. Its location—just 40 km from the falls—makes it ideal for combining adventure with relaxation.

We work with partners across Zimbabwe and Zambia, meaning we can secure offers that bring extra value to your stay at the falls or along the Zambezi.

Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking in Style

Rwanda offers one of the most moving safari experiences in Africa: trekking into misty mountains to meet endangered mountain gorillas. It’s an encounter that stays with you forever. Luxury Safaris here balance the physical challenge of trekking with deeply restorative lodges that overlook lush volcanic landscapes.

What to expect on a Rwandan gorilla safari:

• Intimate treks through bamboo forests led by expert guides
• Small, exclusive camps with personalised service
• Suites with fireplaces, soaking tubs, and views of the Virunga volcanoes
• Opportunities to engage with local communities and conservation projects

A highlight is Bisate Lodge, which is known for its striking dome-shaped villas inspired by traditional Rwandan architecture. Each villa has sweeping views over Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes, and the lodge is committed to reforestation projects that visitors can join.

We can often secure packages that combine gorilla trekking permits with luxury stays, making your visit seamless and memorable.

Uganda – The Pearl of Africa

Uganda combines gorilla trekking with more traditional safari landscapes. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you’ll find intimate lodges that place you close to gorilla families. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, open savannah and crater lakes provide a backdrop for elephant herds and tree-climbing lions.

Luxury Safaris here often include:

• Stays in eco-friendly lodges with breathtaking forest views
• Tailor-made itineraries that mix gorilla trekking with game drives
• Private boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel
• Dining experiences infused with Ugandan flavours

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp offers just ten luxury tents, each with soaking tubs and views deep into the forest. It’s so well placed that gorilla families sometimes wander through the camp itself. For a broader safari, Kyambura Gorge Lodge provides modern luxury with direct access to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

As with Rwanda, we work closely with suppliers in Uganda and can advise on seasonal offers that include both gorilla permits and lodge stays.

Our Take:

“Luxury Safaris are not just about wildlife; they’re about finding space to breathe, reflect, and connect with nature while knowing every detail has been taken care of.”

The Protections You Receive with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel

Booking Luxury Safaris should be as stress-free as the trip itself. With Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, you’re not only choosing a bespoke holiday but also the peace of mind that comes from strong financial and travel protections.

Here’s what every booking with us includes:

• ATOL Protection – your flights and package holidays are covered, ensuring you’ll never lose money if a supplier fails.
• Protected Trust Services Membership – all customer funds are held securely in a trust account until suppliers are paid, so your money is always safe.
• Supplier Failure Insurance – if a hotel, camp, or ground handler ceases trading, your holiday continues without disruption.
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance – your flights remain secure even if an airline stops operating.

You get the reassurance of booking through a recognised, independent UK travel agency with the expertise to tailor your holiday exactly to your needs. That means you can focus entirely on the adventure, knowing every aspect of your journey is fully protected.

Practical Tips for Planning Luxury Safaris

Luxury Safaris are memorable because they’re immersive and personal. To make the most of your journey, a little planning goes a long way. Many luxury safari camps today support conservation, community, and cultural efforts—turning your journey into a force for good. Learn more about how luxury safaris make a real difference.

Best Time to Travel

Africa’s seasons shape the safari experience. The dry season, usually from June to October, is perfect for wildlife viewing. Animals gather at waterholes, making sightings frequent and dramatic. In contrast, the green season, from November to April, brings lush landscapes, baby animals, and fewer crowds.

Your choice depends on what you want to see. Do you dream of the Great Migration? Or would you rather have quieter reserves and more intimate encounters?

What to Pack

Packing for Luxury Safaris is simple if you think light and practical:

• Neutral-coloured clothing for blending into the bush
• A good pair of binoculars for close-up viewing
• Comfortable shoes for walks and treks
• A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen for sun protection
• A light jacket for early morning and evening drives

Many lodges include laundry services, so you don’t need to overpack. Most also provide insect repellent and reusable water bottles.

Adding Unique Experiences

Luxury Safaris aren’t limited to game drives. You can choose from:

• Hot-air balloon rides over the savannah
• Walking safaris led by expert guides
• Private river cruises at sunset
• Cultural visits with local communities
• Wellness treatments like bush massages or yoga decks

These extras elevate your safari and make your journey feel truly your own.

Tailor-Made Journeys

Every traveller has a different vision. Some want gorilla trekking in Rwanda combined with a beach stay in Zanzibar. Others might want a multi-country adventure covering Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.

This is where booking with Awake & Wander makes a real difference. We connect your wishes to the right suppliers and itineraries, ensuring every detail fits your style of travel.

Your Journey Starts Here

Luxury Safaris in Africa are more than a holiday. They are a chance to step into wild places without giving up comfort, to watch nature unfold from the best seat possible, and to create memories that stay with you long after the journey ends.

With Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, you’re never just booking a trip. You’re working with a trusted UK agency that holds an ATOL licence and belongs to Protected Trust Services. You’re covered with Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance, so your holiday is as safe as it is extraordinary.

We make planning simple. You can design your own journey using our bespoke holiday tools on the website, or you can let us take care of every detail for you. Either way, we’re only ever a phone call or message away.

Phone us today on 01495 400011 or use the holiday enquiry form on our website to begin your adventure. Your African safari awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions