Top 10 best Wilderness lodges and camps in Africa

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Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best Wilderness lodges and camps in Africa

Wilderness – previously known as Wilderness Safaris – is widely acclaimed as Africa’s foremost luxury and sustainable safaris operator. The company was founded in 1983 in Botswana by two young guides, who wanted to ensure the financial benefits of their safaris flow to Botswana and its people. Today, Wilderness is operating over 40 camps in six countries: Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. As a conservation organisation and a responsible ecotourism operator Wilderness believes fully in its vision of the 4Cs – Commerce, Conservation, Community and Culture – as contributing meaningfully to the wildlife and the people of Africa. They create life-changing journeys for guests in some of the most remote and pristine areas in Africa, hereby helping to conserve Africa spectacular biodiversity and share ecotourism’s benefits with the communities that live alongside these areas. Several Wilderness’ lodges rank among the most iconic properties on earth and here’s my list of the 10 best Wilderness lodges (the majority of them being located in Botswana).

There is more information (with reviews & YouTube videos) below the slideshow. Have you ever traveled with Wilderness? If so, what was your experience? Leave comment below.

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10. WILDERNESS LITTLE KULALA, SOSSUSVLEI, NAMIBIA

Little Kulala’s home is the 27 000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve, a pristine wilderness sited in Namibia’s Namib, nicknamed ‘The Living Desert’. A welcome oasis, the camp lies along the dry Auab riverbed. You can’t get much closer to the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei and the haunting panoramas of Dead Vlei, accessible through an exclusive-use gate. Recently refurbished, Little Kulala entices with its adventures, its landscapes, its peace. Totally solar-powered, the new camp has cleaner, more modern lines than its predecessor, opening out more to the desert. Its 11 climate-controlled suites – each with its own plunge pool – honor the local geology, reflecting the surrounding grey and pink limestone in color and texture. Each suite’s rooftop invites private sundowners and suppers, and a roll-out bed on a shaded sala is perfect for an afternoon siesta or starry sleep-out.

9. WILDERNESS CHIKWENYA, MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

At the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi Rivers, sublime tranquillity meets exceptional wilderness at Chikwenya. This sublime seasonal Zimbabwean safari camp rests in a shady grove of albida trees, a favorite amongst Mana Pools’ elephants. Chikwenya is situated in a private wilderness area, on the eastern side of the national park, with views over the Zambezi River and across to the magnificent Rift Valley mountains. Exquisitely peaceful, Chikwenya’s seven elegant tented suites (including two family units with private pools) rest in a grove of shady indigenous trees, inviting elephants, stately eland, and an array of birds to the camp. In light tones of cream and beige, Chikwenya exudes tranquillity, an elegant space blending into the pristine wilderness. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools teems with wildlife and begs to be explored. By foot, by boat or by land, you’ll soak in all the magic of this iconic area.

WILDERNESS CHIKWENYA, MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE

8. WILDERNESS USUWA SERENGETI, TANZANIA

Mobile, yet completely luxurious, Wilderness Usawa Serengeti offers maximum action without compromising on comfort, in close proximity to the migratory herds, but set away from the high-density tourist areas. The exquisite design of the tented camp adds a thought-provoking aspect to guests’ very remote and private East African experience. Intimate, exclusive, and exceptional, Wilderness Usawa Serengeti accommodates 12 guests in six en-suite safari tents. As the set-up is completely mobile, no permanent fixtures are left behind when the camp moves. The camps is solar powered, with rechargeable lights and charging stations in the rooms, as well as Wi-Fi and hot water. Wilderness Usawa Serengeti is ideally situated within the Serengeti’s designated walking zones, allowing guided walks to begin directly from camp. Exceptionally knowledgeable and expertly trained, the guides shape truly memorable Serengeti guest experiences.

WILDERNESS USUWA SERENGETI, TANZANIA

7. WILDERNESS LINKWASHA, HANGWE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

Linkwasha is positioned on the edge of Hwange National Park’s productive Ngamo Plains, an area renowned for some of the best year-round game viewing on Earth. During summer, the plains teem with wildlife, and in winter they gather in abundance at the many Wilderness-supported waterholes throughout the park. The main area of Wilderness Linkwasha opens out to tiered decks that lead down to the camp’s pool, where it’s a first-come-first-served affair, as elephants often quench their thirst here on hot afternoons. Shaded by leadwood trees, nine elegant tented suites, including one that accommodates families, offer views onto the camp’s waterhole and the busy plains beyond. Neutral tones and bold Ndebele patterns create a striking, authentically African atmosphere. Guests can also brave the Star Bed, where a chorus of owls and chilling whoops of hyenas create the soundtrack of your dreams.

WILDERNESS LINKWASHA, HANGWE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

6. WILDERNESS VUMBURA PLAINS, OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

Captivating Vumbura Plains lies in the far north of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest inland delta on earth. Perched on raised decks in the midst of the melapo – the annually inundated grasslands – the camp almost floats over water, radiant blue and pure enough to drink. Nestled under tree canopies and airily open to nature, Vumbura Plains is an artful, contemporary balance of wood, glass, and canvas, reflecting the colors of the spectacular floodplains, studded with ilala palms and small islands. Its 14 spacious suites – spread over two camp sites connected by an elevated walkway – include indoor and outdoor showers, an en-suite bathroom, private plunge pool, and outdoor ‘sala’ from where you can view the never-ending wildlife parade. Leopard cubs coming to drink at the camp’s water pools, for instance; hippos ‘mowing’ the grasses nearby; a baby elephant being taught how to use his trunk.

5. WILDERNESS DUMATAU, LINYANTI WILDLIFE RESERVE, BOTSWANA

Nestled deep within the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, on the northernmost fringe of Botswana, lies DumaTau. The reserve’s diverse, pristine 95 000 acres offers truly exclusive excursions and close-up wildlife encounters. Newly rebuilt DumaTau takes full advantage of its 45 km (28 mi) of river frontage to create an unparalleled safari experience. Eight tented suites with private plunge pools sit on wooden walkways mere steps from the wildlife corridors, so animals often wander peacefully through camp. Interiors of hand-crafted mosaic tile, acacia wood, and local textiles reflect the heart of the Linyanti. The camp’s spa, the Osprey Retreat, soothes your soul. As do all the elephants, whose moving herds compose one of Africa’s most elemental rhythms. Similar in style to DumaTau, Little DumaTau is an intimate haven of sophisticated elegance, with just four supremely spacious guest suites.

4. WILDERNESS HOANIB, SKELETON COAST, NAMIBIA

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is located in Namibia’s ancient Namib Desert’s famed Kaokoveld, an otherworldly and remote landscape hewn over the ages into immense dunes and rocky mountains. The lodge’s eight luxury tented suites peak like whitecaps on an ocean of sand. Totally solar-powered, Hoanib has a fresh, contemporary design, with a color palette reflecting the surrounding desert. The camp (suites, common areas, pool) looks out on a wide, rugged valley that slopes down to the usually dry Hoanib River. Highlights include a spectacular dry-and-fly excursion to the Skeleton Coast and dining under impossibly starry skies, perhaps at the firepit as a jackal cries or a lion roars, punctuating the stillness of the inky night. The property also doubles as a center for research and conservation of the desert-adapted predators of this harsh region: the desert-adapted lion and brown hyaena.

3. WILDERNESS JAO, OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

Wilderness Jao Camp is a knockout, one of Botswana’s most luxurious safari lodges. The ultra-luxe property lies in the 60 000-hectare Jao Reserve in the heart of the Okavango, under a tree canopy on its own remote island, with renowned Moremi Game Reserve bordering on the east. Revamped in 2019, multiple-award winner Jao is a sculptural marvel of natural and recycled materials, of steel, wood, and glass, of towering, spacious interiors embracing the light, the bush. Jao comprises a main area elevated into the tree canopy, two exclusive villas, and five suites, all with private plunge pools, lounge and dining areas, and en-suite bathrooms, including indoor and outdoor showers. With views of the magnificent floodplains from almost everywhere and offering spectacular land- and water-based game viewing, Jao’s a place of wonder and supreme serenity.

2. WILDERNESS BISATE, VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, RWANDA

Comprising just 6 spacious forest villas, Bisate offers a luxurious base from where to enjoy an extraordinary gorilla conservation experience and life-changing journey to this beautiful region. Situated within the amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone, Bisate is surrounded by natural splendor, with sweeping views towards the Karisimbi, Bisoke and Mikeno volcanoes. Bisate’s sophisticated architectural and interior design is rooted in Rwandan building tradition as exemplified in the design of the Royal Palace of the traditional monarch. The spherical, thatched structures echo the thousands of hills that dot the Rwandan landscape, while the richly-detailed interiors exhibit surfaces and screens made from a variety of woven materials with strong resonance in Rwandan culture. Since opening in 2017, Bisate has racked up 34 awards and continues to inspire superlatives.

1. WILDERNESS MOMBO , MOREMI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA

Mombo Camp, situated in the northern point of wildlife-filled Chief’s Island in the Okavango Delta, is set under large, shady trees overlooking a floodplain generally filled with life. Rebuilt in 2018, Mombo maintains the traditions and history of the legendary original camp and is known as Botswana’s best luxury safari lodge. The camp’s eight spacious and ultra-luxurious ensuite tents are raised from the ground, with a long veranda, a sala and indoor & outdoor showers. Mombo Camp’s main living, bar and dining areas are under thatch, while the boma adds traditional flavor to a delicious dinner under the stars. There are two plunge pools in which to soak and a gym to work off the excellent food. Little Mombo, situated on Chief’s Island, is a more intimate camp to its sister and has its own dining and lounge area and a sparkling pool.

WILDERNESS MOMBO CAMP

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