At a Glance
- Exclusive safari lodges combine luxury with immersive wildlife and cultural experiences.
- Properties drive conservation and support endangered species like gorillas and black rhinos.
- Eco-tourism lodges empower communities through education, employment, and sustainability programs.
East Africa remains the pinnacle of safari travel, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife.
From Kenya’s vast Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s legendary Serengeti to Rwanda’s misty volcanic ranges, the region offers unrivaled encounters with the Big Five and other rare species in their natural settings.
Safaris here go beyond game drives—immersing travelers in rich cultural experiences with communities like the Maasai, Samburu, and Batwa. With a deep-rooted commitment to conservation, East Africa merges luxury with sustainability, attracting adventurers, honeymooners, and eco-conscious travelers from around the world.
The top exclusive safari lodges in East Africa have redefined luxury travel on the continent, setting new standards for service, design, and environmental responsibility.
Lodges such as Singita Kwitonda, Bisate Lodge, and Angama Mara fuse top-tier hospitality with impactful conservation work, drawing high-net-worth individuals seeking purposeful, immersive escapes.
These properties invest heavily in local communities through employment, education, and wildlife protection initiatives—particularly efforts to safeguard endangered species like mountain gorillas and black rhinos.
In doing so, they’ve transformed East African tourism into a force for regeneration and global admiration.
Below is a curated selection of the 20 most exclusive safari lodges in East Africa as chronicled by Shore Africa
1. Angama Mara
Location: Maasai Mara, Kenya
Angama Mara is one of Kenya’s most exclusive safari lodges, perched high above the floor of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Overlooking the Mara Triangle, the lodge offers sweeping, cinematic views that stretch for miles. With just two intimate camps of 15 glass-fronted suites each, guests enjoy privacy, personalized service, and seamless access to the famed Maasai Mara Reserve. Angama Mara is celebrated for its breathtaking location, warm Kenyan hospitality, and unforgettable experiences including private picnics, walking safaris, and hot air ballooning.
2. Mara Bushtops
Location: Maasai Mara, Kenya
Mara Bushtops is an ultra-luxury tented safari camp set in its own private conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Known for its opulence, each tented suite is fitted with a private hot tub and a personal butler, ensuring unparalleled comfort in the wilderness. The lodge combines five-star amenities with close-up wildlife experiences, including Big Five sightings. Its elevated wooden decks offer spectacular views of the savannah, making it a prime destination for discerning travelers seeking both seclusion and adventure.
3. Ol Donyo Lodge
Location: Chyulu Hills, Kenya
Nestled in the foothills of the Chyulu Hills between Amboseli and Tsavo, Ol Donyo Lodge offers a rare blend of luxury, exclusivity, and conservation. With views of Mount Kilimanjaro and access to a private 275,000-acre conservancy, guests enjoy unparalleled privacy and wildlife encounters. The lodge features just a handful of suites, each with plunge pools and rooftop star beds. Ol Donyo is also deeply committed to community partnerships and environmental stewardship, making it ideal for travelers who seek both comfort and purpose.
4. Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp
Location: Maasai Mara, Kenya
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp captures the romantic spirit of a bygone era, offering vintage-style luxury on a private 7,600-acre conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara and Serengeti. This family-run property has been in operation for over a century and features elegant white canvas tents furnished with antiques and brass fittings. Guests enjoy personalized game drives, guided bush walks, and cultural experiences with the Maasai. It’s a destination where classic safari ambiance meets modern comfort and meaningful conservation efforts.
5. Sirikoi Lodge
Location: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Located within the UNESCO-listed Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi Lodge is a family-run retreat known for its exquisite design, warm hospitality, and wildlife-rich surroundings. The lodge offers a selection of luxury tents, a cottage, and a private house, all set around a natural waterhole that draws in a steady stream of wildlife. Renowned for its strong conservation ethos, Sirikoi supports rhino protection and community programs. This peaceful sanctuary offers a truly immersive, eco-conscious safari experience in one of Kenya’s most biodiverse regions.
6. Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Location: Grumeti Reserves, Serengeti, Tanzania
Perched atop Sasakwa Hill, Singita Sasakwa Lodge delivers sweeping views over the Serengeti plains. This grand Edwardian-style manor features nine luxurious cottages, each with private infinity plunge pools, antique furnishings, and modern amenities. The lodge offers curated wildlife experiences including horseback safaris, hot air ballooning, and tailored game drives. With a private airstrip and commitment to conservation via the Grumeti Fund, it remains one of East Africa’s most refined and exclusive safari destinations.
7. Mwiba Lodge
Location: Southern Serengeti, Tanzania
Nestled on a private 129,000-acre wildlife reserve bordering the southern Serengeti, Mwiba Lodge is the epitome of seclusion and sophistication. The lodge features ten lavish suites perched above a rocky gorge, blending raw wilderness with high-end design. Mwiba offers fly-camping, private guided safaris, cultural immersion with local tribes, and year-round wildlife viewing. It’s a favorite for those seeking an ultra-exclusive safari with personalized service, privacy, and access to the lesser-trodden paths of Tanzania.
8. Four Seasons Safari Lodge
Location: Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Set deep in the heart of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the Four Seasons Safari Lodge merges five-star luxury with unforgettable wildlife encounters. Elevated walkways connect elegant villas and suites, some with private plunge pools and panoramic savannah views. A central watering hole frequently draws elephants, visible from the infinity pool or terrace. Guests enjoy gourmet dining, a wellness spa, and immersive safari experiences, making this a top choice for travelers seeking comfort amidst raw nature.
9. andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Location: Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Dubbed the “Versailles of the wild,” andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge sits dramatically on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering opulence in one of Africa’s most dramatic settings. The lodge’s suites feature baroque interiors with chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and antique furnishings, all with breathtaking crater views. Guests enjoy access to the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, known for dense wildlife populations. It’s a one-of-a-kind blend of extravagance and nature at its most majestic.
10. Chem Chem Lodge
Location: Between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara, Tanzania
Positioned on a private wildlife corridor between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, Chem Chem Lodge offers a luxurious “slow safari” experience. With just eight tent-style suites, the lodge emphasizes space, serenity, and sensory connection to nature. Activities include guided bush walks, birdwatching, and cultural exchanges with nearby Maasai communities. Known for wellness-focused offerings, romantic settings, and conservation-minded hospitality, Chem Chem is ideal for travelers seeking introspection, exclusivity, and authentic East African charm.
11. Bwindi Lodge
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Nestled on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Lodge by Volcanoes Safaris offers a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most breathtaking rainforest landscapes. The lodge features eight luxurious forest-view bandas that blend local aesthetics with modern comforts, providing an ideal base for gorilla trekking adventures. Renowned for its warm service and community connection, guests enjoy locally sourced cuisine, forest walks, and immersive cultural encounters—all while supporting conservation and local enterprise.
12. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Location: Bwindi National Park, Uganda
Perched at 2,000 meters above sea level, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the highest lodge in Uganda and among the most exclusive. Overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes, the lodge offers just eight stone cottages, each with a private fireplace, large sitting area, and personal butler service. It serves as a luxurious gateway to gorilla trekking in the southern sector of Bwindi. The lodge is co-owned by the local community, ensuring that tourism directly benefits conservation and nearby villages.
13. Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Stylish and sustainable, Kyambura Gorge Lodge is set at the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park and offers dramatic views of the Rift Valley and the gorge below. Once a derelict coffee-processing plant, the property has been transformed into an eco-lodge with a sleek blend of contemporary design and local materials. Guests can enjoy chimpanzee tracking in the gorge, game drives across the savannah, and visits to community and conservation projects, making it a holistic safari destination.
14. Apoka Safari Lodge
Location: Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
In the remote and rugged northeast corner of Uganda lies Apoka Safari Lodge, a haven of unspoiled wilderness in Kidepo Valley National Park—often dubbed one of Africa’s last great frontiers. The lodge features ten expansive rooms crafted from natural materials, with outdoor stone bathtubs and views over the Narus Valley. Wildlife roams freely near the lodge, offering intimate sightings. Its isolation makes it ideal for travelers seeking exclusivity, silence, and a deeper connection to nature.
15. Baker’s Lodge
Location: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Set on the southern bank of the Nile River, Baker’s Lodge offers a serene and elegant base for exploring Uganda’s largest national park. Named after the 19th-century explorer Samuel Baker, the lodge features eight thatched cottages on raised decks with stunning river views. Visitors enjoy boat cruises to the base of Murchison Falls, game drives, and birding in the wetlands. Its tranquil atmosphere and riverside setting provide a peaceful retreat surrounded by hippos, elephants, and rare bird species.
16. One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Location: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Set among a eucalyptus grove at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest offers an ultra-luxury retreat favored by celebrities and elite travelers. The resort’s elevated jungle-chic suites and villas come with private decks, in-room fireplaces, and spa-style bathrooms. Known for its immersive wellness experiences, garden-to-table cuisine, and personalized service, the lodge also provides quick access to gorilla trekking routes. Every element is tailored for privacy, comfort, and awe-inspiring encounters with Rwanda’s natural beauty.
17. Magashi Camp
Location: Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp by Wilderness Safaris is a remote, high-end tented camp designed for intimate wildlife encounters. The camp’s six spacious tents offer prime views of the lake and surrounding savannah, where the Big Five roam freely. Operated with conservation in mind, Magashi plays a pivotal role in Akagera’s wildlife recovery. Guests enjoy expertly guided game drives, boat safaris, and night explorations, all while immersed in Rwandan culture and pristine natural landscapes.
18. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Location: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Owned by a community trust and managed by Governors’ Camp Collection, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge blends traditional Rwandan charm with upscale safari comfort. Located just minutes from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, the lodge features stone cottages with fireplaces, private verandas, and views of the Virunga Mountains. Proceeds from the lodge support local development and conservation projects. With its warm hospitality, rich community integration, and easy access to gorilla trekking, Sabyinyo offers a deeply meaningful and luxurious stay.
19. Bisate Lodge
Location: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Tucked into an eroded volcanic cone near Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge offers a striking blend of ecological responsibility and architectural brilliance. Its six thatched forest villas, inspired by Rwandan royalty, provide sweeping views of Mount Bisoke. Operated by Wilderness Safaris, Bisate serves as a premier base for luxury gorilla trekking. The lodge is deeply rooted in sustainability, with reforestation efforts and community partnerships integrated into every guest experience, creating a meaningful, immersive conservation journey.
20. Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Location: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Singita Kwitonda Lodge sits gracefully at the edge of Volcanoes National Park, offering unmatched access to Rwanda’s famed mountain gorillas. Named after a legendary silverback, the lodge features eight contemporary suites and a four-bedroom villa, all designed with volcanic rock, local timber, and earth tones. With its understated eco-luxury, Singita prioritizes sustainability, from its off-grid water systems to its farm-to-table cuisine. This sanctuary exemplifies conservation tourism while offering exclusive access to gorilla trekking and scenic mountain landscapes.
