An unforgettable journey through Africa’s most captivating landscapes awaits you with our tailored selection of all-inclusive luxury safari lodges and resorts.
Choosing an all-inclusive African safari vacation means smart savings, without skimping on comfort or luxury.
Since 1998, we've tailor-made all-inclusive African safari vacations for thousands of travelers from across the globe.
The all-inclusive safari is on the rise. Long popular amongst US holidaymakers, this sector of the industry has recently seen major growth in both the UK and China. As demand increases, so too has the number of major hotel groups offering all-inclusive getaways. Groups like Hyatt Hotels, Fairmont, Four Seasons and Hard Rock have all embraced the all-inclusive trend. Gone are the days of tired rooms and lukewarm buffets.
So what does a lodge in South Africa’s Sabi Sands have to do with a beach resort in Cancun? Luxury lodges and tented camps also offer all-inclusive safaris and holiday experiences, and while an African safari doesn’t come cheap - it still offers excellent value for money. Here’s why.
Read also: Ultimate Safari Guide
An all-inclusive African safari means that you pay a set daily rate per person that includes your accommodation, meals, snacks, standard drinks plus your game-viewing activities. It's one of the reasons why African safari vacations that are all-inclusive might seem expensive at first glance.
Most travelers know the basics included in the cost of a safari: your accommodation, two game drives daily, all your meals and (in some cases) your beverages too. But it’s the extra details that really add the value.
As for Africa’s leading lodges and tented camps, they sit amongst the most luxurious accommodation in the world. Suites open onto private decks and plunge pools, and three-course dinners rival top city restaurants. And between drives you can have a quick workout at the gym or find the sun lounger with the best view.
Additional meals and snacks, e.g. Standard drinks are soft drinks (like sodas and water), beer, wine and regular spirits.
Along with game drives you may have the option of guided walking safaris, horse riding safaris or even yoga lessons.
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Some all-inclusive African resorts or lodges do offer optional activities that must be paid for separately because they are provided by independent operators, like hot-air ballooning and helicopter flips.
Singita is fantastic for foodies with each lodge offering superb dining and an average of 180 bottles of wine on their wine lists. Lodges like Lodolozi have specialized photographic vehicles and a creative hub to process your images and print them onto canvas.
And then of course there’s the reason you came on safari in the first place.
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The one major criticism aimed at all-inclusive holidays worldwide is that this “leave your wallet at home” model results in local businesses losing out. A recent survey of over 1,700 holidaymakers found that 32.8% never visited a local restaurant. And 34.47% never went on an excursion outside the resort.
This impact is somewhat different for safari accommodation. Wandering outside your lodge grounds is more likely to result in you becoming dinner than finding dinner!
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Companies like Wilderness Safaris frequently engage in joint ventures with neighboring villages. Londolozi has their ‘Good Work Foundation’. Ulusaba runs an NGO called ‘Pride ‘n Purpose’. There are many ways that Africa’s leading safari companies get involved and make a difference. And by supporting responsible operators you know that your all-inclusive safari has no hidden costs.
Each property combines comfortable, tastefully appointed accommodations with expertly guided game drives, gourmet cuisine, and enriching cultural encounters.
From the sweeping savannahs of the Masai Mara to the hidden waterways of the Okavango Delta, these lodges deliver world-class wildlife viewing without breaking the bank.
Whether you seek the roar of lions under a crimson sunset or the gentle glide of mokoro canoes through papyrus-fringed channels, our collection caters to every safari dream.
Wake up to melodious bird calls, indulge in hearty breakfasts on private decks overlooking watering holes, and retreat to spacious tents or villas equipped with modern comforts.
Top All-Inclusive Luxury Safari Lodges and Resorts
Here are 15 all-inclusive luxury safari lodges and resorts that offer an unforgettable experience:
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Sanctuary Olonana, Kenya
Nestled on the banks of the Mara River, Sanctuary Olonana offers 10 luxury tents shaded by acacia trees and panoramic views of Kenya’s iconic wildlife corridor. All-inclusive rates cover twice-daily game drives led by award‑winning guides, sumptuous bush breakfasts, and multi‑course dinners under the stars. The intimate camp emphasizes authentic cultural connections, inviting guests to visit nearby Maasai communities and learn about traditional beadwork and customs. Each tent features en-suite bathrooms with hot running water, private verandas, and evening turndown service, ensuring comfort after exhilarating day‑long adventures.
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Elephant Plains, South Africa
Set within the famed Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Elephant Plains offers 12 classic safari tents raised on wooden decks overlooking a busy waterhole. Your stay includes two guided game drives per day in open‑air vehicles, spotlight night drives, and walking safaris that immerse you in the bush’s sights and sounds. The lodge’s open‑plan lounge and dining area opens onto an infinity pool, perfect for cooling off between safaris. All meals-from hearty breakfasts to elegant four‑course dinners-highlight regional wines and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
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Motswari, South Africa
Motswari offers six secluded Meru-style tents, each with private plunge pools and outdoor showers overlooking the Sand River. All-inclusive packages cover twice-daily game drives, walking safaris, and unlimited teas, coffees, and sundowner cocktails. The reserve’s diverse terrain-from riverine forests to open grasslands-attracts elephant herds, lions, leopards, and over 300 bird species. After returning from the bush, unwind with a massage at the spa or lounge by the main pool shaded by marula trees. Motswari’s guiding team are renowned for their tracking prowess, offering intimate encounters with wildlife.
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Savanna Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Overlooking the seasonal Sand River, Savanna Private Game Reserve features 17 elegant thatched suites designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape. All-inclusive stays include guided morning and evening drives, buffet lunches, and à la carte dinners under candlelight. The reserve boasts one of the highest leopard densities in Africa, alongside thriving populations of elephant, buffalo, and antelope. Suites open onto private decks with plunge pools, day beds, and outdoor showers, offering uninterrupted views of passing wildlife.
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Ngoma Safari Lodge, Botswana
Perched on the banks of the Chobe River, Ngoma Safari Lodge offers 32 rooms and suites, all-inclusive with river cruises, game drives in Chobe National Park, and bush breakfasts. Wildlife congregates at the river’s edge each afternoon, presenting spectacular elephant and hippo sightings from your veranda. The lodge’s culinary team crafts international and regional dishes, emphasizing fresh produce and local flavors. After dusk, enjoy stargazing sessions led by expert guides who illuminate the constellations overhead.
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Chobe Safari Lodge, Botswana
Just a stone’s throw from Chobe National Park gates, Chobe Safari Lodge offers 124 air‑conditioned rooms, all-inclusive with open‑deck boat cruises, sunset river safaris, and traditional game drives. The lodge’s riverside patio and pool overlook the Chobe River, where daily wildlife shows unfold. Gourmet buffets and themed dinners celebrate regional tastes, from game meats to fresh fish. In-house cultural performances introduce guests to Setswana traditions, while a dedicated Eco Centre showcases local flora and fauna.
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Tarangire Safari Lodge, Tanzania
Hidden beneath broad Tarangire baobabs, Tarangire Safari Lodge offers 40 bandas and cottages, all-inclusive with guided game drives, nature walks, and bush meals. The park’s ancient trees and permanent river attract massive elephant herds and big cats, visible from the lodge’s raised main deck. Guests dine on handcrafted Swahili dishes and continental favorites, with sundowners served atop a panoramic hill overlooking the floodplain. Cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages provide insights into traditional pastoralist life.
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Kilima Safari Camp, Tanzania
On the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment, Kilima Safari Camp features 25 canvas tents on wooden platforms, all-inclusive with twice‑daily game drives into Lake Manyara National Park. Known for tree‑climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos, the park offers diverse habitats within easy reach of camp. Guests awaken to bush breakfasts on high vantage points and return for lunches under shaded baobab trees. Evenings bring candlelit dinners of local stews and freshly baked bread.
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Mwagusi Safari Camp, Tanzania
Mwagusi sits on the banks of the Mwagusi River in Selous (now Nyerere) Game Reserve, Africa’s largest protected wildlife area. The 12 elevated tents offer panoramic river views, all-inclusive with walking safaris, boat cruises, and game drives. Selous’s remoteness guarantees exclusive encounters with wild dog packs, hippo pods, and elusive leopard sightings. Meals are served family‑style under the camp’s thatched dining area, showcasing grilled game and organic produce. Nighttime spotlight drives reveal nocturnal creatures, while cultural visits introduce guests to local fishing communities.
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Ololo Safari Lodge, Kenya
With iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Ololo Safari Lodge offers 24 tented bandas with private verandas, all-inclusive with morning and evening game drives in Amboseli National Park. Known for its large elephant herds and sweeping marshlands, Amboseli delivers blockbuster wildlife viewing. The lodge’s central deck and infinity pool provide perfect vantage points, while international chefs serve hearty breakfasts and bush‑style barbecues. Ololo’s wellness offerings include yoga sessions at dawn and massages by skilled therapists.
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Elephant Bedroom Camp, Zimbabwe
Overlooking the Zambezi River and just minutes from Victoria Falls, Elephant Bedroom Camp offers 12 luxury tents, all-inclusive with guided tours of the Falls, sunset boat cruises, and game drives in Zambezi National Park. The camp’s wooden decks and pool terrace host open-air dinners featuring regional specialties like bream fillets and wild venison. Cultural evenings showcase traditional song and dance, while spa treatments pamper weary travelers. All activities, including village walks and helicopter flips above the Falls (optional upgrade), are coordinated by experienced guides.
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Little Kulala, Namibia
Situated on the edge of Namibia’s iconic dunes, Little Kulala’s 10 Meru-style tents and Meru-Mahangu Treehouses offer all-inclusive stays with guided dune drives, nature walks, and stargazing. Guests explore Sossusvlei’s surreal red sands at dawn, then return for bush breakfasts amid ancient acacias. Meals feature fresh game and seasonal produce, served in the lodge’s open‑air dining sala. Cultural dialogues with San bushmen teach survival skills and storytelling traditions.
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Chiawa Camp, Zambia
Chiawa Camp comprises 10 spacious tents along the Zambezi River, all-inclusive with game drives, canoe safaris, and fishing excursions. The seasonal floodplain attracts elephant herds, lion prides, and abundant waterbirds, while expert guides lead immersive walking safaris. The main area’s open-sided lounge and dining room look onto the river, where hippos graze at sunset. Cuisine blends Zambian staples with global favorites, complemented by sundowner cocktails on riverbank sandbars.
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Chinzombo, Zambia
Set on a secluded floodplain island, Chinzombo offers nine sleek villas with private pools, all-inclusive with walking safaris led by legendary guides and morning and evening game drives. South Luangwa’s dense woodlands and oxbow lagoons host prolific leopard, lion, and giraffe populations. Guests dine on fine cuisine-think chargrilled crocodile tail or roasted bushbuck-under towering mahogany trees. A secluded spa pavilion provides post‑safari relaxation with river views.
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Matetsi River Lodge, Zimbabwe
Bordering Zambezi National Park, Matetsi River Lodge features 14 riverfront suites, all-inclusive with guided game drives, river cruises, and catch-and-release tiger fishing. Wildlife thrives along the private Matetsi River, offering exclusive encounters with elephant, buffalo, and hippo. The central lodge’s infinity pool blends into the river vista, while gourmet menus showcase Zimbabwean flavors and international classics. Private decks and in-suite plunge pools ensure uninterrupted views.
Beyond Safari: African Beach Holidays
But which African country has the best beaches? Well, that depends entirely on the type of African beach holidays, or vacations you’d like to experience.
In terms of the best African beach holiday experiences, focus your research on Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zanzibar. If an inland lake can be classified as a beach, don’t forget to swing by Lake Malawi too.
Find the ideal African beach retreat for you, whether you’re looking for seclusion on a white-sand island or proximity to the high life. Our services are tailored to meet your every need.
Consider the freshwater beach vacations by Lake Malawi if you’re looking for a quick beach getaway after a safari in southern Africa.
An African Beach Holiday is so much more than just a vacation. It’s a life-changing African safari experience you all get to share and cherish for years to come. Our Travel Experts also understand your interests, and therefore we’ll tailor-make something specific to your needs and wants.
Tropical Paradise in Africa. Beaches. Sights.
The Seychelles and the lively Mauritius are the first places that come to mind when one thinks of picture-perfect island beaches. But African beaches are as varied as the large continent itself and span from the unique islands of Mozambique’s Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos to the sandy white coastlines abutting freshwater Lake Malawi.
Vacations in Africa, especially in Bazaruto, Mozambique, are perfect for families and energetic beachgoers alike. Experience the rich wildlife of Kenya on this all-inclusive 13 Days Kenya and Seychelles honeymoon holiday and spend carefree days on the beaches of Mahe and Praslin Island in Seychelles.
4 Days in Zanzibar Honeymoon Package offers an exclusive relaxation on Beach. 6 Days in Masai Mara and Lamu Kenya will take you on a boat ride in Lake Baringo, as well as a 3-4 hour hike to the south end of Lake Bogoria to see the flamingos and hot springs.
Rwanda, Kenya, and Seychelles safari for Gorilla, Big Game, and Beach safari. A Family-Friendly Kenya Safari And Diani Beach Holiday is full of adventure, nature, and culture. The 11 Days Kenya Safari And Diani Beach Holiday is an Exclusive Family Package.
An Exquisite Eastern Madagascar Safari Itinerary + Map and Tips. This 13 Days Eastern Madagascar Safari is an off-the-beaten-track safari to Madagascar. 15 Days Southern Madagascar Safari you need to explore various reserves and forests to see different species.
Rwanda, Tanzania and Zanzibar Itinerary, Map And Cost offers Gorilla Trekking, a Tanzania Safari, and a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
On the West coast, there are many various lodging alternatives, including hotels, self-catering lodging, and B&Bs. Ballito is a holiday town in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
There are a variety of lodging options available in Vilankulo, including lodges, motels, and hostels. The majority of trips to Seychelles go smoothly.
Sandra is an Africa travel writer & photographer based in Cape Town.
