The selection of five-star African safari lodges and resorts is stunning, ranging from traditional Big Five safari camps to luxurious riverbank hideaways. These are ten of the best on the continent, in no particular order.

1. Sabi Sands, South Africa’s Singita Ebony

The private Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which borders Kruger National Park without a fence, is home to the first Singita safari lodge. The lodge’s design is a cozy interpretation of traditional safari design, with a view of the Sand River. Twelve stunning suites with glass walls and plunge pools that overlook the river are available at Ebony.

When to go: Wildlife is most abundant during the dry season, which runs from May to September.

2. Chinzombo Time + Tide, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Six opulent safari tents with private plunge pools are available at Time + Tide Chinzombo, which is situated alongside the Luangwa River. Given that one of the villas can accommodate up to five people, it is also a fantastic choice for families.

When to go: The greatest time to see animals is from July to November, which is the dry season.

3. Londolozi, South Africa’s Sabi Sands

Comprising five distinct lodges within its exclusive reserve, Londolozi was among the first and remains among the top African safari lodges. The most luxurious choices are the three Granite Suites, which feature outdoor bathtubs and plunge pools where you can bathe while taking in views of the world—or perhaps just a herd of elephants.

When to go: May through September are the greatest months to watch wildlife.

4. Matetsi River Lodge in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls

Matetsi offers the chance to see elephants, lions, hippos, and buffalo just an hour outside of the well-known Victoria Falls, which is one of the reasons it is regarded as one of the top African safari lodges. Situated on a vast, immaculate reserve that includes 15km/9mi of riverfrontage, the apartments and villas offer a view of the Zambezi 40km/25mi upstream of the falls.

When to go: August through October, when it’s the driest, is the ideal time to see wildlife. When there is less spray, the falls can be seen and places like Devil’s Pool can be reached.

5. Kenya’s Sasaab-Samburu NP

Sasaab is a well furnished tented camp in the Samburu National Park in rural northern Kenya. Every tent with a Moroccan flair features an own plunge pool and outdoor bathroom with a view of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

When to go: January and February, as well as the dry months of June through September, are the greatest times to see wildlife.

6. South Africa’s Sabi Sands, often known as Sabi Sabi

Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp, Selati Camp, and Earth Lodge are the four camps that make up Sabi Sabi. The latter is the priciest, featuring a modern style that attempts to blend in with the surroundings. The Amber Suite at Earth Lodge is a honeymooner favorite because of its magnificent tree-trunk headboard.

When to go: May through September is the dry season, which is the greatest time to watch wildlife.

7. Chief’s Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

One of the Delta’s and Africa’s most wildlife-rich regions is where the Chief’s Camp is located. There are options for exploration in game vehicles, on foot, and in mokoros, which are traditional dugout boats. The camp is appropriate for its jungle location, and the cabins are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows and individual plunge pools.

When to go: The greatest time to see animals is during the dry months of July through October.

8. Masai Mara GR, Angama Mara, Kenya

When it first opened, Angama Mara, one of Africa’s most visited safari destinations, took home numerous style accolades. The lodge boasts breathtaking views from its escarpment perch on the location of the well-known “Out of Africa” picnic scene. Each of the two 15-tent camps features vivid materials modeled after Masaai clothing and windows that reach the ceiling.

When to go: September and October for major river crossings during migration; June to October for animals.

9. Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania’s Singita Faru Faru

Singita Faru Faru is one of the greatest African safari hotels in northern Tanzania, particularly if you want to witness the Great Migration. Faru Faru features infinity pools with views of the surrounding plains and the waterhole, as well as seven apartments, a family unit, and a two-bedroom house.

For general fauna, visit between June and September. The best months to cross the Grumeti River with wildebeest are June and July, while the Mara River is best visited in September and October.

10. Jabali Ridge in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park

Jabali Ridge, located in this rarely visited region in southern Tanzania, features eight apartments and a gorgeous infinity pool with views of the baobab-spotted surroundings. One of the upscale lodges in Ruaha, which is home to a tenth of the world’s lion population as well as sable and roan antelopes, wild dogs, and cheetahs, is Jabali Ridge.

The ideal time to visit for wildlife is from June to October.