Some of the climaxes of any African safari hideaway is the familiarity of staying in a tent with nothing more than canvas walls to separate you from the adjacent untouched wilderness. There’s something enchanting and thrilling about being transported back in time and getting to ‘rough it’ in the same way as the explorers of the past did. Yes, an authentic African safari experience is fun. But do you know what’s even better? An authentic African safari experience with a modern-day twist. Our GoExplore Experts have battered the African continent for our favourite Luxury camps in East Africa that bring a realistic stay in one of their luxury safari tents. These 10 Safari Lodges convey the very unsurpassed pieces of the past and present together to craft the ultimate adventure that’s equal to a kind of classic African safari and modern-day exploration for your desire.

Heaven Boutique Hotel – Kigali, Rwanda

A highlight of any stay at Heaven Boutique Hotel is dining in the property’s restaurant, also called Heaven. The restaurant preceded the hotel and it has been popular with both locals and tourists since its opening in 2008. Today it continues to serve up delicious dishes, specializing in international cuisine fused with Rwandan flavours. If you happen to be spending the weekend in Kigali, you can tuck into Heaven restaurant’s famous Saturday and Sunday brunch (10 am–2 pm) and enjoy some lively entertainment! The hotel also offers a curio shop, where you can purchase locally made souvenirs.

Highlights:

• Private Stay Around Kigali
• Closer to The Kigali Airport
• Private dining experiences in Kigali
• Private & exclusive luxury Hotel

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda

Built of local volcanic stone, each of the 7 cottages has a large sitting room with a fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs, and hand-woven carpets. There are soaring ceilings, massive exposed wooden beams, big picture windows with endless views of treetops, volcanoes, and mountains; and a gentle, warm welcome, quiet dedication from the personal butlers, and smiles on the faces of all the staff. It is a short walk from the lodge to the Nkuringo trailhead or a transfer to the Rushaga base to track the gorillas.

Highlights:

• Intimate Lodge in a Beautiful Location
• Private butler service
• Excellent year-round Weather
• Private and Exclusive Lodge
• Close Proximity to Gorilla Tracking

andBeyond Bateleur Camp – Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya

Comprised of just two intimate camps of nine tented suites each and a family tent; each elegant tent, with its private butler and housekeeper, reflects the ambience and glamour of Kenyan explorers of old. Slip into a world of hardwood floors, polished silver and copper bathtubs juxtaposed against the romance of the open Mara plains, with their abundant herds of wildlife. Beautifully handcrafted artefacts, fine antiques, leather buttoned Chesterfield sofas, books, and crystal and candlelight adorn the comfortable sitting and dining areas.

Highlights:

• Intimate camp in a beautiful private concession
• Private butler service
• Excellent year-round Big 5 sightings
• Witness the Wildebeest Migration (August to November)
• Hot-air ballooning over the Mara

The Highlands – Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The spectacular Asilia Highlands combines a cutting-edge, open design with an intimate setting within the lush forest that sprawls along the slopes of the Olmoti volcano. Stylish and contemporary, The Highlands balances its striking design with a deeply authentic wilderness experience in an exclusive setting. Just eight canvas-and-glass domed suites draw their inspiration from the enchanting Maasai bomas that dot the landscape. Guests can expect warm and contemporary interiors that offer the perfect atmosphere to unwind after a successful day of game viewing.

Highlights:

• Unique suite architecture
• Stunning views of the Ngorongoro region from your room
• See the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera
• Exclusive activities like hiking in Olmoti and Empakaai Crater
• Secluded location

Lamai Serengeti Camp – Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Standing Proud Above The Plains, Around A Tumble Of Giant Boulders. You can see from this outcrop, the Kogakuria Kopje, for miles and miles. Over a million wildebeest cross these plains on their way to dodge the jaws of death in the Mara River, just down the track. On the Lamai Wedge, bristling with mammals all year round, there’s never a dull moment. Above it all, our beautiful kopje is a sacred wildlife haven – and our mission is to act as its faithful guardians. The living quarters make the most of the beautiful location, with glassless floor-to-ceiling windows opening up the space to nature. Here, African design and décor take centre stage, with all furnishings designed and handmade by local artisans.

Highlights:

• Prime position to witness the Wildebeest Migration (July to October)
• Year-round Big 5 viewing
• The secluded location guarantees privacy
• Superb views of the surroundings from the swimming pool

Singita Kwitonda Lodge – Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

This haven is dedicated to the legendary 40-year-old silverback gorilla, Kwitonda, who touched the hearts of those who were privileged enough to have met him at Volcanoes National Park. Contribute to sustainability and conservation while enjoying thrilling treks with committed guides at Singita Kwitonda Camp.

Highlights:

• A luxurious lodge in a remote setting of Rwanda: heated private plunge pools and outdoor showers
• Breath-taking views of Volcanoes National Park
• Encounter rare and endangered mountain gorilla and golden monkeys
• Extraordinary photographic opportunities
• Spa treatments to soothe weary legs after a day of trekking
• Villa with four bedrooms for groups or families travelling together

Nile Safari Lodge – Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Perched overlooking the Victoria Nile, thatch and wood build, this remarkable Safari Lodge includes the main lodge and eight bands. The views of the river, surrounding grasslands, and wildlife are stunning. With communal luxuries such as outdoor wooden verandas with comfortable seating, an infinity pool, a fire pit, intimate dining areas, and stylish bars, the main lodge is wonderfully comfortable. Its low-key and environmentally conscious approach to the business of creating a lodge merges seamlessly with the surrounding habitat; a fine example of what can be done by way of on-the-ground sustainable tourism.

Highlights

• Set in the famous Murchison Falls National Park
• Overlooking the mighty Nile River
• Small and personal authentic camp
• Variety of activities including boat excursions to the falls

One & Only Nyungwe House – Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

Set on the dramatic mountainous edge of the Nyungwe Forest, the charismatic Nyungwe House is a dreamy forest retreat. Guided excursions take you through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests to source old primate species and rare birds amidst a primaeval setting of indigenous orchids, bamboo, and giant bracken ferns. The Nyungwe forest is believed to have remained lush green even through the Ice Age which explains much of its sustained biodiversity.

Highlights

• Situated alongside the largest mountain rainforest in Africa
• Open fireplaces in every room and suite
• Nyungwe National Park is home to a large population of chimpanzees and endangered monkeys, as well as 275 recorded bird species in Rwanda
• Set within a beautiful, working tea plantation
• Active adventures like mountain biking, kayaking and forest trekking
• Tailor-made experiences like private dining and tours, and secluded wellness activities
• Private picnics in the wilderness

Ashnil Mara Camp – Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya

Ashnil Mara Camp, with 50 luxury tents, is located in the Masai Mara National Reserve and close to the Mara River, famous for the wildebeest migration. Our luxury Masai Mara Camp is arguably in one of the very best positions in the Masai Mara for game viewing and also provides the perfect setting to sit and relax at the end of an exciting day of game drives. The Ashnil Mara Camp is a 4 – 5 hour drive from Nairobi or there are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara which take just 45 mins. You may also fly from the Mombasa Coast to our luxury tented camp in just 2 hrs.

Highlights:

• Prime position to witness the Wildebeest Migration (July to October)
• Year-round Big 5 viewing
• The secluded location guarantees privacy
• Superb views of the surroundings from the swimming pool

Matemwe Beach House – Zanzibar Islands, Tanzania

This traditional three-room residence is the perfect escape for families or groups looking for a private slice of Zanzibar’s beautiful coastline. The warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean are on your doorstep, which means snorkelling, kayaking, boat trips, and diving excursions are easy to arrange – although you may find lazy days relaxing in the private swimming pool and soaking up the tranquil surroundings equally appealing. A team of staff – including a private chef and butler – is dedicated to looking after your every need, so you have the freedom to relax completely.

Highlights

• Ideal for families or small groups
• Personal butler & chef
• Spa treatments & massages on-site or in your room
• Snorkelling, diving, canoeing & reef walks offered

Are you Ready to Plan Your Luxury Tented Safari Holiday in Africa?, Don’t miss out on the chance-of-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a classic safari experience in these contemporary tented accommodations in Africa’s premier safari destinations. Get in touch with one of our African Safari Experts to tailor-make your next holiday.