We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
From glamping in the Australian outback to a 17-day exploration of Southern Africa, here are 10 awe-inspiring options that let you dine with giraffes, hear lions roar, and so much more. Pack your bags, adventure is calling…
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi
Nestled in the countryside of East Africa, Giraffe Manor sits on 140 sprawling acres in the Langata suburb of Nairobi is an ivy covered manor owned and operated by The Safari Collection. There, lodgers will feel as if they’ve stepped into another time—the building dates to 1932—with the manor’s elegant courtyards, posh interior amenities, and extensive lush gardens.
Aside from Nairobi’s impressive landscape, the manor’s appeal is with its pre-existing residents, the Rothschild herd of giraffes. Upon staying, guests can expect the long-neck mammals to make appearances through the mansion’s many windows as well as invite a few to dine for a spot of morning tea, biscuits, and jam. All proceeds go to the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, which runs the on-site giraffe sanctuary.
Greystoke Mahale, Tanzania
Something marvelous awaits vacationers at the Greystoke Mahale resort in Tanzania. Travelers can expect a scenic mountain backdrop provided by the Mahale Mountains, as well as lush tropical foliage and pristine beaches along Lake Tanganyika’s crystal clear waters. Nature seekers will spot everything from chimpanzees and vibrant flocks of birds to beautiful schools of fish. The buildings are made almost entirely from sustainable building materials that were sourced on site: The sophisticated tents are constructed from repurposed dhow boats, fishing canoes transformed into ladders, and palms trees remolded into roof tops.
Natural High Safaris, Zambia
A family friendly safari retreat looms in the exciting lands of Zambia. Aside from canoeing with wildlife (exotic fish, elephants, and crocodiles) in the Lower Zambezi National Park, families can lodge in a secluded private home while enjoying the natural surroundings. Your wildlife home away from home is bound to have Instagram-worthy views as this safari travel hub offers various residence spanning across the bountiful lands of Zambia.
CosyTent, Australia
Camping never looked so posh. Guests get to experience the Australian wilderness with luxurious (and furnished) bell tents. Before exploring Australia’s great big backyard, CosyTent provides you with hot showers, Bluetooth capabilities, as well as fresh linens for your full queen or double size beds for a relaxing glamping experience. With that said, kangaroo spotting will be a breeze.
Chobe Under Canvas, Botswana
Located in Chobe National Park, this explorer oasis is not only visually stunning but promises an up close view of the African landscape. Here, the rustic campsite offers first-hand meetings with the roving Botswana wildlife, not to mention fireside meals, private boat excursions on the Chobe River, and daily drives around the reserve to see the animals. Conde Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and Resorts magazine have all awarded Chobe Under Canvas as one of the best places to stay in all of Africa.
Mahogany Springs Safari, Uganda
Trade your hometown for a spacious Uganda Hut in East Africa. Mornings can be spent relaxing on the hut’s terrace as afternoons are meant for gorilla tracking and exotic bird watching. The camp overlooks the overlooks Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which houses more than half of the world’s wild mountain gorillas and is home to 350 species of birds—more bird species per square mile than anywhere else on earth. Who knows, a gorilla just might make an appearance at the camp—they are known to do that here.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania
Observing the African Savannah game (hello, elephants) could not be more idyllic at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Serengeti. You can take a safari to get up close and personal with the creatures, or you can view them from a distances as you relax in the pool. The spa offers Serengeti-inspired treatments, and the outdoor dining experience features unparalleled views.
Micato Safaris, South Africa
Micato Safaris has been named the world’s best safari for nine years in a row by Travel + Leisure for a reason. The company offers thrill seekers the opportunity to explore South Africa in all its glory with trips that start in the Cape and take you to various destinations, including the Delta, wine country, Botswana, and more. The price per person is steep, but it includes just about everything for your 12 to 17-day trip: lodging, guided tours, food, drink, laundry, even all gratuities. Groups are never more than 24 people, so you’ll always get personalized service as well.
Longitude 131, Victoria, Australia
The grand “luxury base camp,” Longitude 131 located at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Australia, may sound slightly familiar: Its previous guests are of royal decedent. The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, and Prince William glamped at this resort a few years ago. However, non-royals are welcome too. The glamping destination promises tours of the Outback—it’s located in the dual World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park—the chicest tented pavilions, and a fine dining experience that rivals what you’d find in the cities.
Instagram photo via @inbedwith.me
Singita Private, Zimbabwe
Looking to experience the vast lands of Zimbabwe in the chicest way possible? Singita Private offers lodgers six elite villas across the African landscape, one of which, the Singita Pamushana Lodge, is located next to the Gonarezhou National Park in southeastern Zimbabwe. The five-bedroom villa includes a private pool, your own vehicle to explore, plus a private chef and host. All are welcomed to lounge at their leisure or roam the grounds to spot hippos, zebras, lions, and more. Proceeds benefit conservation efforts in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve.