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Grand Africa Safaris > Blogs > The team’s top pick of luxury lodges
We all have that ultimate bucket list place we’d like to visit. Working with as many beautiful properties in breathtaking locations as we do, the choice of an ultimate list is almost too hard to draw up. Almost…
Here are our expert team’s top picks, from the lodges we’ve been lucky enough to visit, to the ones that remain on our bucket list. Grand Africa Safaris has provided insider information on bucket list ideas with friends Our team is lucky that we work in the travel industry, and we do consider ourselves product connoisseurs when it comes to the ultimate lodges or destinations to visit. Enjoy this thoughtful combination of luxury lodges or bucket list ideas with friends – and the experiences that they offer .
Namibia has always enchanted me. With the wide open spaces, the stark beauty of the golden dunes, and the cold Atlantic, this is a special, untouched place of wild beauty. It’s no surprise, then, that my bucket list ideas with friends’ first choice is Zannier Hotels Sonop. Luxurious tents perch on top of ancient boulders in this private reserve, means you get the ultimate luxury coupled with complete privacy – there are only ten tents! The lodge also offers incredible ways to explore and enjoy the wilderness around you, from electric bikes to horse rides. I would choose the equine option, as a horse-back safari is a beautiful, low-impact way to enjoy nature at its best. Namibia is also one of the few places on Earth where light pollution is very low – or nonexistent – which means stargazing takes on a whole new beauty. I am quite a movie buff, and should guests need a change of “scenery” (excuse the pun) Zannier Hotels Sonop’s starlight outdoor cinema, is sure to delight.
The foodie in me will be overjoyed about the exceptional cuisine on offer, captivating outdoor dining set-ups, crystal tumblers, and all
The foodie in me will be overjoyed about the exceptional cuisine on offer, captivating outdoor dining set-ups, crystal tumblers, and all, while the daily yoga meant this retreat left me feeling re-invigorated. Namibia is an untouched paradise and one of the frontier countries in Africa where connecting with the community and wildlife around you happens in one of the most organic and authentic ways, it’s ideal for safari travelers looking for the exceptional.
For me, my ultimate trip is definitely the Masai Mara National Reserve – and the perfect spot from which to enjoy the wild paradise is &beyond Bateleur’s Camp. I have two important reasons for this choice. First, the camp is located right underneath the spot where the iconic last scene of “Out of Africa” was filmed. My second reason would be the thoughtful ‘special touches’ that this lodge offers. It’s probably one of the most romantic lodges on the continent, and they really bring the glamor of old-world safari to life, making it ideal for couples. From the unexpected romantic drink stops set up in special outdoor spots to the bountiful bush breakfasts with sweeping views, and, of course, the mandatory rose petal bubble baths and the luxury of your own personal butler- this lodge ticks every indulgence box possible.
The lodge is also on a private concession, which means your game-viewing experience will be exceptional – and enjoyable, traveling on the open 4×4 safari vehicles with your guide, looking for the ultimate in wildlife sightings in this spectacular Eden. What a perfect lodge to experience as a couple or as part of your bucket list ideas with friends ultimate safari in Kenya.
For me, the ultimate luxury is the ability to explore nature, free and uninhibited. I thrive on authentic premium bush adventures with large, untouched tracts of land where animals can roam freely and you don’t encounter another safari vehicle or other people for hours. This is my idea of heaven for bucket list ideas with friends. I love their conscious connection with local communities, all blended into a perfect journey for me. The private house offers an exclusive and comfortable base from which to explore its surroundings in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania. The private house features just three luxurious, beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms and service that includes a veritable team of private staff including a private chef and your own vehicle.
The private house features just three luxurious, beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms and service that includes a veritable team of private staff including a private chef and your own vehicle.
It is the perfect location to reconnect with family or friends and venture out on safari activities that can include day, night game drives and walking safaris. A special bucket list lodge that makes you feel like you are exploring Africa at your own pace and on your own terms.
It is the perfect location to reconnect with family or friends and venture out on safari activities that can include day, night game drives and walking safaris
Set in southern Tanzania, Ruaha is roughly 40% bigger than the Serengeti with only about 5% of the annual visitors. This is a game rich park and also offers an option to book a specialized photographic vehicle to help capture those memories! The area boasts 10% of the world’s Lion population, and it’s not uncommon to find prides of more than 20 lions in the park. It really is a big cat haven, alongside a wide and captivating variety of other wildlife.
On my bucket list ideas for friends I would have to include Londolozi Tree Camp. Its tree top location from where it draws its name is magical and the suites are the definition of opulence. This lodge offers a unique and unforgettable experience and I don’ think anything can compare to enjoying the nighttime bush sounds from your tree top suite and walking up to the beautiful sunrise views from your private deck.
Its tree top location from where it draws its name is magical and the suites are the definition of opulence.
The tree lodge is ideal for a group of friends hence it is perfect for bucket list ideas for friends. Kids under 16 aren’t allowed so its an experience perfect for friends who want to get away from it all in peace and tranquility. One of my favorite things to do at this lodge would be stargazing. It is a wonderfully romantic experience. The steam at Londolozi are renowned for the particularly personalized service so a stay here promises- and delivers- to make you feel like a VIP. I also have a deep love for leopards and this lodge is well known for leopard sightings on game drives, often seen lazily lounging in the trees.
Londolozi is renowned for their particularly personalized service!
Besides game drives, they also offer game walks, rhino tracking and a Healing House where you can enjoy their indulgent spa treatments. Londolozi Tree House is not to be missed, blending nature, attentive service and luxury into an overall, unforgettable experience.
“Spending time with meerkats was always high on my bucket list! I was a passionate fan of the animal planet program ‘Meerkat Manor’ and would never have thought that I would be fortunate enough to be sitting in the Central Kalahari in Makgadikgadi Game Reserve 12 years later watching the meerkats first hand.” Did you know that the meerkat is a species of mammal belonging to the mongoose family and its natural habitat is the Kalahari Desert of southern Africa.
While we were watching their antics, each family member was busily fulfilling their designated role, from being on safety watch to babysitting. The family explored the park in unison as they searched for food while keeping their eyes peeled for birds of prey in the sky. Our guide asked me to sit down, relax and wait. I could hardly contain my enthusiasm when the ‘watchman’ picked me as the highest viewing point and made his way across my legs to see if there were any predators in the surroundings. We followed the family as they made their way to their burrow with its many underground tunnels and our group watched as they settled in to escape the heat of the Kalahari Desert.
To have this incredible experience with meerkats or also known as being part of the ‘Shy Five”, I definately recommend staying at Jack’s Camp in the Makgadikgadi Game Reserve. The lodge pays homage to the bygone safari era of the 1940s, with iconic interiors embellished with striking textiles from around the world. The camp exudes luxury, while still retaining a sense of authenticity and adventure. The allure of the camp matches the beauty of the landscape which bursts into life at the slightest provocation of rain. What a great addition to our collection of luxury lodges in Africa and to add to any itinerary for a bucket list ideas for friends.
The allure of the camp matches the beauty of the landscape which bursts into life at the slightest provocation of rain.
For my ultimate bucket list idea for friends and something I want to do as part of my ‘soul impactful collection experiences’ is to experience mountain gorilla trekking to see the gorillas. I don’t mind if it is in Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, I just know that this is a bucket list of activity that I must do! Gorilla trekking is a special experience that all who have enjoyed it, share as a life-changing, exciting, tiring- it is called trekking after all-, and an all-round truly unforgettable encounter.
Its quite tricky for me to pick just one lodge but, definite favorites would be Singita Kwitonda or One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Wilderness Sabinyno Silverback Lodge and Wilderness Bisate Lodge for discerning travelers. For me though, its less about where I will stay, although the lodges are luxurious and beautiful, but more about the reason i’m staying- the mountain gorillas! . I know I can trust the staff at Grand Africa Safaris to pick the right lodge for your client after they find out your client’s specific requirements. All of the lodges offer unique experiences and you can’t go wrong staying at any one of these.
Its quite tricky for me to pick just one lodge but, definite favorites would be Singita Kwitonda or One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Wilderness Sabinyno Silverback Lodge and Wilderness Bisate Lodge for discerning travelers.
All gorilla trekking experiences includes a hike accompanied by professional rangers and guides through the rainforest to where the family’s latest nest was lost spotted. The time spent trekking to one of the gorilla families is definitely worthwhile as the forest is beautiful. The actual time spent observing these gentle giants is one hour and one can take beautiful photography (without a flash).
While gorilla trekking can be more costly compared to other activities, the permit funds go toward the conservation of these critically endangered mountain gorillas and their unique habitat. The trackers and guides are also world-class deepening the appreciation of this very special experience. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
Get in touch with one of our travel experts at Grand Africa Safaris today to include one of the above experiences or lodges into your clients bucket list ideas for friends suggestions.
Grand Africa Safaris is a luxury Africa DMC offering superior services and seamless operations to core destinations.
Our team has over 50 years experience in the industry and is a product of a collective passion for creating one-of-a kind expeditions to Africa for your clients.
