Our expertise
Exceptional safari stays: My most memorable African lodges
By Pauline Duffin, Travelwise safari specialist
There’s something special about staying somewhere that doesn’t just meet expectations:
It surprises you, delights you and leaves you with a story to tell long after you’ve returned home.
These are the safari lodges I’ve personally stayed at and would return to in a heartbeat – whether that’s for the setting, the wildlife, the design or the little details that make all the difference.
Pauline Duffin
Pauline specialises in designing highly-personalised adventures, guided by her decades of travel expertise. With a focus on India, South East Asia and South America and a deep love of African safaris, she's renowned for her finely-tuned ability to create experiences that reflect your unique interests.
Wilderness Jao Camp, Botswana
Set deep in the Okavango Delta, Jao Camp is surrounded by floodplains and makes for incredible birdwatching as well as big game sightings. The rooms are vast, with just as much outdoor living space as indoors. I’ll never forget the night an elephant decided to sleep right outside my tent – his snoring kept me up, but I didn’t mind one bit!
Onguma Kala Lodge, Namibia
With only four tents and a beautifully intimate feel, Kala Lodge is the definition of personalised luxury. You’re assigned your own butler, who quietly ensures everything is perfect, from the temperature of your hot tub to the stargazing set-up at night. The food was genuinely some of the best I’ve had on safari, and I loved watching the wildlife wander past while I ate.
Lemala Kuria Hills, Tanzania
A modern tented lodge with floor-to-ceiling glass and private balconies that look straight onto the Serengeti plains. It’s close to the Mara River, so depending on the time of year, you might catch the wildebeest crossings – an unforgettable sight.
DumaTau, Botswana
Perched right on the edge of the Linyanti River, this elegant camp combines beautiful design with prime wildlife viewing. One of my highlights was simply watching elephants crossing the river in front of camp with a sundowner in hand.
Hoanib Valley Camp, Namibia
One of the most remote and soulful places I’ve ever stayed. Tucked into a dramatic desert valley, this lodge is about more than just wildlife: it’s a chance to understand how people and animals survive in one of the harshest climates on earth. A rare and meaningful experience.
Vumbura Plains, Botswana
A sleek, design-forward camp offering a high-end experience in the northern Delta. Think private plunge pools, gourmet meals and wildlife wandering just past your deck. Every detail is carefully considered: it’s a special-occasion kind of place.
Camp Xakanaxa, Botswana
This classic camp in the heart of Moremi Game Reserve is a real gem. Not the most luxurious camp on this list, but one of the most memorable. Its position on the Khwai River is ideal for wildlife viewing, the tents are lovely, and the game drives were absolutely fantastic. Bonus points for the two pools – perfect for cooling off between drives.
Ready to plan your own unforgettable safari?
Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury, unbeatable wildlife encounters or a lodge that feels like a true hidden gem, I can help you choose the right place based on your travel style. Get in touch to start curating your own story-worthy safari adventure: one elephant snore, starlit hot tub or wildebeest crossing at a time.
