East Africa is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable safari experiences on the planet — and luxury travelers are spoiled for choice. From gorilla trekking in Rwanda to the sweeping savannas of the Serengeti and the beaches of Zanzibar, there are lodges that combine wilderness and luxury like nowhere else. When it comes to safari experiences, East Africa is the crown jewel of the continent — a land of dramatic landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and some of the most exclusive lodges in the world. At Paul Tours Safari, we specialize in crafting unforgettable luxury safaris across the region. Whether you’re dreaming of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, game drives in the Serengeti, or a private island retreat in Zanzibar, these handpicked lodges belong on your bucket list. At Paul Tours Safari, we specialize in creating custom, high-end safari experiences. Here are our Top 10 Luxury Safari Lodges in East Africa — each one worthy of a spot on your travel bucket list.
Here are our top picks for the best luxury safari lodges in East Africa:
Nestled at the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Singita Kwitonda offers unrivaled access to the endangered mountain gorillas. This lodge is eco-luxury at its finest, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, heated plunge pools, and panoramic views of the misty Virunga Mountains. After a life-changing gorilla trek, unwind by the fireplace with a curated glass of wine from Singita’s private cellar.
Why it’s on the list: Sustainability, exclusivity, and front-row access to gorilla encounters.
Perched high above the Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara overlooks the iconic Masai Mara — home to the Great Migration. The lodge blends modern design with old-world romance, inspired by the classic Out of Africa film. Expect polished wooden decks, private butlers, and sunrise hot air balloon safaris that redefine “once-in-a-lifetime.”
Why it’s on the list: Unbeatable location for the Great Migration and epic sunrise views.
If a grand manor house in the middle of the Serengeti sounds like a dream, Sasakwa Lodge is for you. This Edwardian-style lodge offers sweeping views of the plains, where giraffes and wildebeest roam freely. Private infinity pools, tennis courts, and world-class dining make it one of the most exclusive safari stays in Africa.
Why it’s on the list: Sophistication meets wilderness with absolute privacy.
For those who crave luxury with all the comforts of a five-star resort, Four Seasons Serengeti delivers. Located in the heart of the Serengeti, it’s ideal for spotting the Big Five without leaving your room. Enjoy a dip in the infinity pool while elephants gather at the nearby watering hole.
Why it’s on the list: Luxury, family-friendly, and seamless safari experiences.
For travelers who want both adventure and comfort, Serengeti Explorer Camp provides an immersive tented experience with high-end amenities. This mobile camp moves with the migration, so you’re always at the center of the wildlife action. Think open-air dining, star-lit evenings, and front-row seats to nature’s greatest show.
Why it’s on the list: Intimate, authentic, and migration-focused.
After your safari, there’s no better way to relax than on a private island in the Indian Ocean. Mnemba Island Lodge is the epitome of barefoot luxury. With just 12 thatched beach bandas, it offers total seclusion, gourmet seafood, and world-class snorkeling in turquoise waters.
Why it’s on the list: Exclusive island escape for the ultimate safari-and-beach combo.
Set along the banks of the Grumeti River in Tanzania’s exclusive Grumeti Reserve, Singita Faru Faru Lodge offers a bold and contemporary take on the traditional safari experience. This is where understated luxury meets the raw, untamed wilderness of the Serengeti. Designed to immerse you in nature without sacrificing comfort, the lodge blends organic textures with modern architecture, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, earthy tones, and open spaces that draw the outside in. From your suite, you can watch elephants, giraffes, and wildebeest pass by, often without needing to leave your bed or private deck.
With only nine suites, Singita Faru Faru ensures an intimate, personalized experience with impeccable attention to detail. The lodge’s setting in the 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserve means exclusive access to one of Africa’s richest wildlife corridors—home to the Big Five and a prime location to witness the Great Migration in privacy and peace. Daily game drives with expert guides, bush walks, and even wine tastings from Singita’s award-winning cellar are all part of the experience. For those seeking relaxation, the infinity pool, spa treatments, and tranquil river views offer the perfect balance to the thrill of the bush.
What truly sets Faru Faru apart is Singita’s commitment to conservation and community. Every stay supports sustainable tourism efforts, local education, and wildlife protection initiatives. This is luxury with purpose—where your presence contributes to the preservation of Africa’s natural heritage.
At Paul Tours Safari, we consider Singita Faru Faru a must for travelers looking to combine style, seclusion, and exceptional wildlife viewing in one of Tanzania’s most exclusive safari destinations. Whether as part of a multi-lodge journey through Singita’s Serengeti properties or as a stand-alone experience, Faru Faru promises the kind of safari that stays with you long after you leave.
Why go: Stylish, laid-back luxury in a prime wildlife corridor.
Located in a private conservancy, this lodge offers luxury with a purpose — conservation-focused travel with sweeping views and ultra-modern tented suites.
Tucked away in the wild and captivating landscapes of northern Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs is a masterpiece of refined safari luxury and sustainable tourism. Perched on an escarpment within the vast Loisaba Conservancy, the lodge offers sweeping views across the savannah toward Mount Kenya. With just eight tented suites, each attended by a personal guest ambassador, Lodo Springs guarantees exclusivity, personalized service, and deep connection with nature. The suites are beautifully designed to blend modern elegance with traditional African warmth, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls, open-air showers, and spacious decks that let the wilderness in while keeping you wrapped in comfort.
What makes Lodo Springs truly unique is the diversity of safari experiences it offers. Beyond classic day and night game drives, guests can explore the landscape on guided bush walks with Samburu trackers, embark on thrilling camel safaris, or even ride horseback among plains game—an unforgettable way to feel part of the wild. The area is teeming with wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rare species like Grevy’s zebras and African wild dogs. Cultural visits to local Samburu communities offer insight into traditional life in northern Kenya, while helicopter excursions reveal the dramatic terrain from above.
But the beauty of Lodo Springs goes far beyond aesthetics and wildlife. The lodge is deeply rooted in conservation, forming part of the Loisaba Conservancy—a protected area managed in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and local communities. By staying here, you directly contribute to protecting endangered species, supporting anti-poaching efforts, and funding education and healthcare initiatives in the region.
Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs is ideal for luxury travelers seeking more than just a safari—it’s for those who want to connect with the land, the people, and a greater purpose. Whether you’re on a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a private photographic safari, this lodge offers a soulful experience where wild beauty meets thoughtful luxury. It’s the perfect addition to a high-end East African itinerary and pairs exceptionally well with other Paul Tours Safari favorites like the Masai Mara or Zanzibar.
Why go: Stargazing, horseback safaris, and night game drives in a private reserve.
Set in a lush coffee estate, this elegant lodge provides a serene base between Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater. A peaceful retreat with world-class service.
Nestled in the lush, rolling hills of Karatu, just moments from the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, The Retreat at Ngorongoro offers a serene and luxurious base for exploring one of Tanzania’s most remarkable natural wonders. Set within a private 30-acre coffee farm, this elegant lodge blends rustic charm with refined comfort, offering sweeping views of the surrounding highlands and a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the busier crater rim lodges. With its blend of African-inspired architecture, warm hospitality, and thoughtful details, The Retreat is a haven for travelers seeking both tranquility and proximity to adventure.
Accommodation at The Retreat is designed for relaxation and privacy. The lodge features spacious suites and villas with cozy fireplaces, handcrafted furnishings, and private verandas that open to the gardens and countryside. Guests enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience with fresh ingredients sourced from the lodge’s own organic garden, along with attentive, personalized service that reflects Tanzania’s warm and welcoming spirit.
Its location makes The Retreat an ideal stop for those visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, or the greater northern safari circuit. After a day of wildlife viewing in the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area—where lions, elephants, rhinos, and flamingos share the caldera floor—return to the lodge for a massage, a glass of wine by the fireplace, or a walk through the tranquil coffee plantation.
At Paul Tours Safari, we recommend The Retreat at Ngorongoro to guests who value comfort, charm, and authentic local character. It’s especially well-suited for families and couples looking for a quiet escape with easy access to the crater and surrounding parks. Whether it’s the start of your safari or a mid-journey pause, The Retreat offers an inviting atmosphere that feels like home—elevated with elegance and East African soul.
Why go: Tranquility, access to multiple parks, exceptional food.
Built into an eroded volcanic cone, this eco-lodge redefines sustainability and design. Each villa offers forest views and easy access to gorilla treks. Dramatically perched on the forested slopes of an eroded volcanic cone, Bisate Lodge is Rwanda’s most iconic luxury lodge and the ultimate base for tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Surrounded by natural amphitheaters of lush jungle and mist-shrouded peaks, Bisate offers a safari experience that is as immersive as it is exclusive. The lodge’s six forest villas blend seamlessly into the hillside with their thatched domes inspired by traditional Rwandan royal architecture, while inside, guests are treated to modern luxury, warm textures, and uninterrupted views of the volcanoes.
From the moment you arrive, Bisate wraps you in comfort, privacy, and purpose. Each spacious villa features a central fireplace, private deck, freestanding tub, and locally crafted décor. The lodge is not only a sanctuary of beauty—it is a leader in conservation tourism. Through its groundbreaking reforestation and community programs, Bisate has transformed degraded farmland into a flourishing indigenous forest, contributing directly to gorilla habitat restoration and local empowerment.
Gorilla trekking is the highlight here, but Bisate also offers golden monkey tracking, hikes to Dian Fossey’s former research camp, nature walks, and cultural visits to nearby villages. After a day in the rainforest, guests return to world-class hospitality—indulgent meals, fine Rwandan coffee and wine, and soulful moments around the fire with views of the Virunga Massif.
At Paul Tours Safari, we consider Bisate Lodge a bucket-list destination for conservation-minded luxury travelers. It’s a place where once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters meet sustainability and thoughtful design. Whether you’re starting your East Africa journey here or pairing it with safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, Bisate is an unforgettable opening chapter in any luxury itinerary.
Why go: Unique architecture, conservation impact, close gorilla encounters.
At Paul Tours Safari, we believe that luxury travel should be more than just comfort — it should be deeply personal, immersive, and meaningful. Whether you’re dreaming of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, big game safaris in the Serengeti, or relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, we curate tailor-made experiences that match your travel style and exceed expectations. We work closely with the region’s top luxury lodges — including Bisate Lodge, Singita, Elewana, and more — to ensure every detail of your journey is seamless and unforgettable.
Our team is based in East Africa and has firsthand knowledge of every destination we offer. We don’t just sell safaris — we live them. When you book with us, you’re not just choosing a trip; you’re choosing a partner who understands the land, the wildlife, and the people.
📩 Ready to plan your luxury safari? Contact us at [email protected] or visit www.paultoursafari.com to start your journey.
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