There’s something incredible about seeing wild animals roaming free in their natural environment. Here’s a list of lodges in Africa where you can view animals from your bed or the viewing deck:
1. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Uganda
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp lies on a flat ridge in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The forest reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses half of the world’s population of critically endangered mountain gorillas. A troop of gorillas often passes through the camp, which has extensive views over the forest canopy.
Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
Address: Bwindi National Park
Contact: +25 64 1434 0290
2. Londolozi Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Londolozi Private Game Reserve is situated inside Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which borders Kruger National Park. Wildlife can be seen at meandering along the Sabi River right in front of the Londolozi Granite Suites.
Image from Londolozi Lodge
Address: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, bordering Kruger National Park
Contact: 011 280 6655
3. Hlosi Game Lodge, South Africa
The Hlosi Game Lodge is situated in the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. Each African luxury tent has an open-plan lounge and a viewing deck from which you can spot wildlife.
Image from Hlosi Game Lodge
Address: Amakhala Game Reserve, Paterson
Contact: 042 235 1133
4. Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge, Kenya
Located on the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a private sanctuary bordering Tsavo West National Park, is the Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge. The huts containing circular rooms are elevated on pillars and overlook a waterhole frequented by many animals looking to quench their thirst.
Image from Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge
Address: Tsavo West National Park
Contact: +25 47 0911 1000
5. Mfuwe Lodge, Zambia
Wild mango trees surround the Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia. Between late October and mid-December, elephants feed on fallen fruit from the trees and are often seen wandering through the reception area.
Elephants in the reception area. Image from Mfuwe Lodge
Address: South Luangwa National Park
Contact: +26 02 1624 6041
6. Royal Malewane Private Game Lodge, South Africa
The Royal Malewane Private Game Lodge situated in Thornybush Private Game Reserve is home to none other than the Big Five. The lodge suites are surrounded by a viewing deck overlooking the African Bush and allows for plenty of game-spotting.
Image from Royal Malewane Private Game Lodge
Address: Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit
Contact: 015 793 0150
7. Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge, South Africa
Watch antelopes, elephants and other wild creatures from your bed at the Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge. This peaceful retreat is in Madikwe Game Reserve, a popular game-viewing destination.
Image from Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge
Address: Madikwe Game Reserve
Contact: 011 438 4650
8. Mahali Mzuri, Kenya
The Mahali Mzuri is located in the world-famous Maasai Mara reserve. This Kenyan camp is a unique game-watching spot; its tents, spa and pool have all been built around the paths of the annual Great Migration, bringing guests closer to the wildlife action. Herds of elephants are frequently seen walking directly past the spa, and animals are known to wander between the camping tents.
Image supplied
Address: Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Maasai Mara
Contact: +44 20 8600 0430
