I Plan Safaris For a Living—and These African Lodges Are My Personal Favorite Hidden Gems
Luxury in Africa isn't just about thread counts or plunge pools—it's about storytelling, connection, and exclusive access to one-of-a-kind experiences. As a travel advisor, I'm always on the lookout for luxury safari lodges that blend adventure, indulgence, and authenticity. These properties aren't on every 'top 10' list—they're whispered about amongst seasoned safari-goers and industry insiders. Here are four of Africa's best hidden gems and why they belong on your radar.
Ol Jogi: Laikipia, Kenya
Ol Jogi isn't exactly a lodge—it's a 58,000-acre, 11-bedroom private sanctuary that guests have entirely to themselves. With an in-house team, private chefs, and access to rare wildlife encounters, this stay is the epitome of African exclusivity. It's also one of the few places in Kenya where you can see the endangered Grévy's zebra, black rhinos, white rhinos, and leopards all on the same game drive. Plus, with a salt lick and waterhole directly in front of the villa's pool, wildlife will come right to you.
While on property, go on game drives, horseback safaris, helicopter rides over Mount Kenya, and conservation-focused experiences with on-site rangers and researchers. Evenings are for sunsets at private viewpoints and family-style feasts under the stars.
Insider Tip: Book at least four nights at Ol Jogi. The pace here is unhurried, and the activities are completely tailored to you, whether you're celebrating a milestone, traveling with family, or just craving immersion in nature.
Noka Camp: Lapalala Wilderness, South Africa
Suspended dramatically above the Lephalala River, Noka Camp offers a front-row seat to the untouched beauty of the Lapalala Wilderness. This not-for-profit camp is entirely solar-powered and puts all proceeds toward the reserve's conservation efforts. Wake up to panoramic views of the biodiverse Waterberg biosphere, where leopards roam and black rhinos track ancient paths. The reserve's raw, remote terrain is home to a surprising diversity of wildlife, and you'll likely have it all to yourself—the accommodation is private, and can host up to 12 guests.
Activities include twice-daily game drives, guided walking safaris, and stargazing from your own heated plunge pool. Between adventures, savor fine dining and wine pairings under the stars. Don't miss the chance to learn about one of Africa's most elusive mammals at the Pangolin Conservation and Research Centre, which Noka proudly supports.
Insider Tip: Each villa features a retractable glass floor for a one-of-a-kind view straight down to the river below—perfect for spotting wildlife while sipping your morning coffee.
Miavana: Nosy Ankao, Madagascar
Miavana, a private island accessible only by helicopter, is wildly remote, ecologically vital, and utterly transformative. Aside from relaxing on the serene beaches, there are some deep-diving, expedition-style adventures that can be launched from the property's base on the mainland. Guests can mix land-based safari with marine adventure, where they will see lemurs, chameleons, and baobabs on land, and sea turtles, rays, and technicolor reefs underwater.
For activities, guests can go on forest treks with expert guides, go deep-sea fishing, or indulge in a spa treatment to the rhythm of the ocean. Evenings begin with champagne at the beach bar and end with gourmet dinners under the stars.
Insider Tip: Miavana is even better as a post-safari island getaway. Combine it with a mainland lodge for a dramatic contrast between bush and beach.
Kalepo Camp: Samburu, Kenya
Remote and culturally immersive, Kalepo is a rare jewel nestled at the base of the Mathews Range in northern Kenya. This family-owned, exclusive-use camp offers an intimate introduction to indigenous Samburu culture in its most authentic form. This area is also home to the rare 'Samburu Special Five': Grévy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Birdlife is diverse and prolific here, and the landscapes—dry riverbeds, doum palms, and towering peaks—are pure cinematic beauty.
At Kalepo, each day is shaped by the goings-on in the local community, and many activities involve genuine cultural exchange with the Samburu people. Your stay could include participating in traditional Samburu warrior games or immersion into a manyatta, or settlement, where you might observe local blacksmiths at work or even witness festive ceremonies.
Insider Tip: Spend more time here than you think you need, and let the experience unfold around you. This is also the perfect home base from which to explore even more remote areas like Lake Turkana in Kenya's wild north.
Chris Liebenberg is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Botswana and Namibia trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Liebenberg by contacting him at chris@piperandheath.com.
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