East Africa is home to some of the most extraordinary safari experiences on the planet and if you’re seeking a luxurious escape amidst the wild, few places rival Tanzania and Kenya. As a travel consultant with Rafiki Tembo Tours and Safari, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding discerning travelers through some of the region’s finest accommodations. Here’s an expertly curated guide to the best luxury safari lodges that deliver breathtaking settings, world-class service, and immersive wildlife encounters.

From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic crater of Ngorongoro, Tanzania offers a rare blend of raw nature and refined hospitality.

Singita Sasakwa Lodge – Grumeti Reserve, Serengeti
Perched on a hilltop, Sasakwa Lodge is reminiscent of an Edwardian manor with its elegant antiques and sweeping views over the Serengeti. A private airstrip, wine cellar, and infinity pool make it one of East Africa’s most elite safari retreats. Guests can enjoy the Big Five in a private concession with fewer crowds and a high concentration of game.

andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Often called the “Versailles of the Bush,” this iconic lodge sits on the rim of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Suites blend Maasai-inspired décor with baroque luxury chandeliers hang above claw-foot tubs with panoramic crater views. Game drives descend into the crater floor, where black rhinos, lions, and elephants roam.

Chem Chem Lodge – Between Tarangire and Lake Manyara
For travelers seeking serenity and slow safari, Chem Chem offers a refined experience focused on conservation and cultural connection. Set within a private wildlife corridor, the lodge exudes elegance with tented suites, outdoor showers, and spa treatments under the stars.

Kenya: Wild Elegance in Iconic Landscapes

Kenya’s lodges capture the spirit of adventure with a touch of colonial romance and modern luxury, especially in the Maasai Mara and Laikipia regions.

Angama Mara – Maasai Mara
Inspired by the Swahili word for “suspended in mid-air,” Angama Mara is set high above the Great Rift Valley with unobstructed views of the Mara plains. Its glass-fronted suites, personalized butler service, and direct access to the Mara Triangle make it a premier spot for witnessing the Great Migration.

Ol Donyo Lodge – Chyulu Hills, Amboseli Region
Tucked between Amboseli and Tsavo, Ol Donyo offers views of Mount Kilimanjaro and access to open plains teeming with elephants. Each suite features a rooftop star-bed, plunge pool, and immersive walking safaris guided by Maasai warriors.

Segera Retreat – Laikipia Plateau
A blend of art, conservation, and barefoot luxury, Segera is a sanctuary on a private conservancy. Villas come with outdoor bathtubs, personal chefs, and curated art collections. Helicopter excursions to Mount Kenya and exclusive game drives make it a true gem for elite explorers.

Planning the Ultimate Luxury Safari

Choosing the right lodge is about more than just indulgence it’s about aligning with your travel style, whether that’s a tented camp with colonial charm or a contemporary villa with an eco-conscious ethos. At Rafiki Tembo Tours and Safari, we specialize in creating bespoke itineraries that pair these extraordinary stays with seamless logistics, private guides, and insider access to the wild.

Let us help you craft a journey that is as unforgettable as the landscapes you’ll explore.