Grumeti Game Reserve – Singita Serengeti House, Tanzania Safari

15 years ago a billionaire commodities trader leased 350,000 acres of land in Tanzania’s Western Serengeti region with plans to create one of the finest conservation areas on the continent. This has brought the Grumeti Reserves back to life, creating an incredible wildlife experience for guests. The reserve sits along the western corridor of the Serengeti plains, where millions of wildebeest thunder past each year as part of their annual migration.

Singita has an ongoing commitment to community development and guests have the unique opportunity to visit the local villages bordering the reserve to see the life-changing impacts of development programs. Serengeti House is one of five plush lodges and camps managed by Singita within the reserve. It’s an exclusive-use retreat that houses just eight guests in rustic colonial chic style, complete with a 25-metre swimming pool overlooking the plains.

Okavango Delta – Abu Camp, Botswana Safari

The Okavango Delta is one of the most extraordinary places on the planet, a wetland wonder that shapeshifts with the seasons. It’s a place to be explored from the water, on foot or on horseback, for an African safari that will bring you closer to nature than you ever thought possible.

The signature sound of the Okavango is the trumpeting of an elephant. There are some 130,000 of them in Botswana, more than anywhere in Africa, and many of these call the delta home. They are joined by roaring lions, barking leopards and cackling hyena, as well as rare sitatunga antelope and wild dogs.

At Abu Camp, you aren’t just staying at a hotel – you are joining an elephant herd. Guests will form a bond with the elephants and be humbled by their majesty. Six luxurious tents overlook a tranquil lagoon and the inquisitive elephants will frequently wander up to strip the branches surrounding the private sundecks.

Londolozi Private Reserve – Private Granite Suites, South Africa Safari

A private reserve within a private reserve – welcome to the most exclusive safari experience on offer. Londolozi dates back to the 1920s and has evolved over time from a hunting retreat for presidents and princes to a conservancy that promotes sustainability through safari. It’s one of Africa’s ecotourism pioneers and has been leading the way in conservation since the 1970s. Rifles have been replaced with cameras and Londolozi’s team of expert guides specialize in photographic safaris.

There’s a strong emphasis on seclusion at the Private Granite Suites. There are just three stylish, elegant rooms, each with a private heated swimming pool. Large windows and doors open directly onto the Sand River, creating a seamless integration of the inside and outside worlds.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy – Mara Plains Camp, Kenya Safari

On the northern edge of the famed Masaai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy. It’s the quintessential East African experience, but without the crowds. There are more than 100,000 acres to explore and it is unusual to come across another safari vehicle.

The land is managed in partnership with the local Masaai tribes, who have worked to reduce the impact of their farming and allow wildlife to flourish. The Mara’s famous big cats have returned, along with elephants, rhinos and wild dogs. There is still a deep connection with the people and guests can visit local schools or take a twilight bush walk with one of the distinctive red-robed warriors.

Mara Plains Camp evokes the glamour and mystique of safaris of old-rough-hewn floors, billowing canvas tents and colonial furnishings. The camp is almost invisible from the outside, blending perfectly into the surrounding environment. It offers its guests a combination of romance, adventure, discovery and exploration that will leave them enraptured.

Sabi Sands – Ivory Lodge, South Africa

Sabi Sands is the most famous private reserve in Africa with the highest concentration of wild animals in the Southern Hemisphere. It borders the Kruger National Park, though there are no fences, meaning the animals are free to walk across grazing lands as they have done for millennia.

At Lion Sands, one of the most pristine wilderness areas within the park, prides of lions and individual leopards are known to the guides and will allow visitors to come exceptionally close.

Ivory Lodge is at once ultra-modern and yet steeped in the earth with natural materials meeting bold, sophisticated design. There are eight single villas and one vast double villa, all in elevated positions overlooking the Sabie River. Guests can take a dip in their private plunge pool while watching out for baby elephants doing the same in the shallows.

Talk to us to start planning your luxury African safari experience

Forth & Wonder offer personalised travel itineraries to the most luxurious safari destinations in Africa. To find out more about safaris in Africa contact curious@forthandwonder.com.au or call 03 9045 9819 or complete our contact form and one of our Travel Designers will be in touch to start planning your luxury African escape.