The term luxury safaris has begun to change its no longer just about the products in the bathroom or the size of the suite, but is also about the location and atmosphere of a camp, here are our top five luxury safari camps who offer luxury safaris, but don’t require you to remortgage the house to cover the costs:
Offbeat Meru -Meru, Kenya
Meru is a thriving area of stunning wilderness which is home to the Big Five as well as a number of other species including the giraffe, gerenuk, lesser and oryx. With 13 rivers flowing through the park it is no wonder that bird life is huge in this area. This luxury safari camp consists of only 7 tents, each with a large iron bed, en-suite bathroom, traditional hot bucket and toilet. New for 2014 is a family tent. Activities include game driving, bush breakfasts and sundowner, evening walks with trained armed guards, fishing and visits to the Boran community. The wonderful infinity swimming pool will be just right after a long day in the Kenyan heat.
Machaba -Okavango Delta, Botswana
Machaba is situated in the luxurious wilderness area of Khwai, on the Eastern tongue of the Okavango Delta, Machaba acquired its name from the local Setswana name for the Sycamore Fig Tree; the tree of life. This luxury safari camp has a superb swimming pool with loungers, a library, tented main area and perfect picturesque view over the Moremi and Khwai River; fantastic for photography. The Machaba Camp was lately nominated for Botswanas Leading Tented Safari Camp in the 2013 World Travel Awards.
Selous Impala – Southern Tanzania
Selous Impala is set between Lakes Mizima and Siwandu on the banks of the mighty Rufiji River. Guests staying at this luxury camp will get the chance to see giraffes, leopards, kudos, lions, impala and a vast variety of birdlife in Tanzania. The camp offers game drives, walking and boat safaris as part of the daily activities. Impala is one of the smallest camps in Selous, with just 8 tents subtly spaced apart and camouflaged looking over the river or lagoon. You will be escorted to your tent by Masaai askaris, who will be your protector throughout your time as animals do wander through this camp regularly.
Savannah Camp Serengeti – Tanzania
The luxury Serengeti Savannah Camps are remote and secluded camps scattered around Serengeti National Park; one of the best known wildlife sanctuarys in the world. It has more than 2 million wildebeest, half a million Thomsons gazelle and a quarter of a million zebra. Savannah Camps move with the Migration, so you know youll always be in the thick of it. The camps are located with picturesque views over Lake Ndutu.
Offbeat Mara Camp -Masai Mara, Kenya
Offbeat Mara Camp consists of 6 tents and due to its primary location on the Olare Orok guests can often watch wildlife from the comfort of their verandah. The camp is positioned close to the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara North Conservancy is exceedingly rich in wildlife, including 4 of the Big 5, lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. With no vehicles in sight, guest regularly see lions wondering around the valley. The tents are furnished with handmade cedar beds, 24 hour solar lighting and the finest linen. The camp offers trips to the wildebeest crossing points on the Mara River, Maasai village visits, the rhino Sanctuary, Koiyaki Gilding School, scenic flights and hot air balloon safaris.
