This safari lodge list covers the "best of the best" accommodation in six different African countries for the ultimate in luxury and quality wildlife trips.
The list is compiled from the trip reports received at African Safari Journals which detail accommodation used by previous safari travellers and information at travel forums, exhibitions, periodicals, magazines and websites.
1. Singita Boulders Safari Lodge - South Africa
Singita was the first and only accommodation in the history of the Conde Nast Gold List Reader Poll to get a perfect 100 score, an honour it has held for three years.
This lodge has been fashioned around huge naturally occurring boulders in the area and accommodation is in nine air conditioned double suites complete with private indoor or open air showers, bathroom, a double-sided fireplace, exclusive living area, private swimming pool and outdoor leisure deck overlooking the river.
2. Cottars 1920s Camp Lodge - Kenya
A luxurious and quality safari lodge that is a throwback to the "golden era" of safari as it was in colonial times.
Exclusive to the tune of a twelve guest limit, you stay in in spacious white canvas tents that are filled with safari antiques from the 20's with a main bedroom and en suite dressing room and bathroom containing an old fashioned tub and shower. Private veranda outside and dining is in true colonial style complete with silver cutlery and crystal.
There is also a tented reading room available to while away lazy afternoons and a masseuse and butler is on hand to cater to your every whim.
3. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge - Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater is regarded by some as one of the wonders of the world and this lodge has the best possible view being perched on stilts on the south-western rim of the crater.
Thirty thatch and stone suites have spectacular views from large glass windows in the lounge and bedroom and the en suite bathroom with chandelier-lit bathtub and shower.
Your own personal butler will draw your bath, stoke your fireplace and bring you tea in bed and Askaris (Masai warriors) accompany you to and from your room at night. Amazing safari lodge.
4. Muchenje Safari Lodge - Botswana
Situated on the western side of the Chobe National park, twenty guests can enjoy twin-bedded thatched chalets, all with en-suite facilities and sited on the escarpment edge all with their own balcony and unique view.
The main lodge has a dining room, bar, game viewing platform, swimming pool set amongst natural rock formations and library.
Dining is done on a long railway sleeper and are very well presented with a wholesome and plentiful range.
5. Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge - Namibia
It is said that unless you have seen the sunrise from one of the Sossusvlei dunes in the Namib desert you haven't really lived and the mountain lodge is one of the best places to do it from.
Twenty guests are accommodated in ten twin bedded suites, built into natural rock at the foot of a mountain overlooking an expansive Namib gravel plain that leads into a sea of red dunes.
You can view the stars from your bed through the window mounted in the roof above and the fireplace is ideal for cold desert nights. The bed is on a raised platform with steps leading down to a lounge.
6. Chiawa safari camp - Zambia
Situated on the banks of the Zambesi river eight spacious shaded luxury safari tents have en-suite facilities with hot & cold running water, twin or double beds, insect screens and solar powered lighting.
Observation platforms at the lounge, bar and dining area give magnificent views of all the wildlife that come down to the water to drink.
Bush walks, night drives, fishing, canoeing and candlelit dinners are all on offer at this stunning safari lodge.