Botswana's Best: 5 Exclusive Luxury Lodges for the Ultimate Safari

When it comes to African safaris, there is a quiet consensus among seasoned travellers, conservationists, and luxury insiders alike: Botswana is the crown jewel. With its low-impact tourism model, pristine wilderness areas, and unwavering commitment to conservation, Botswana has emerged as Africa's most exclusive and rewarding safari destination.

Gliding in safari style. Photo Credit: Sanctuary Chiefs Camp.

Travellers don’t queue behind Land Rovers. Instead, they glide silently along the Okavango Delta in mokoros (dugout canoes), fly into remote camps accessible only by light aircraft, and track wildlife with expert guides in areas where the next footprint might be a lion’s or an elephant’s, but rarely another tourist’s. It offers solitude, scale, and soul and for those who seek to experience it in the most exquisite way possible, these five lodges deliver the pinnacle of Botswana safari luxury.

Mombo Camp – Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta

Often referred to as “The Place of Plenty,” Mombo Camp is situated on Chief’s Island in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve. This legendary lodge offers access to one of the most wildlife-rich regions in all of Africa. The camp comprises just nine raised luxury tents, each with incredible views over the floodplains. With indoor and outdoor showers, a private sala (lounge deck), and a focus on sustainability, Mombo blends indulgence with eco-conscious design. Mombo is a predator paradise, renowned for its lion, leopard, and wild dog sightings.

Sublime elegance at Mombo. Photo Credit: Wilderness.

Why it’s special: Mombo is often cited as Africa’s best safari camp. It's wildlife density, exceptional guiding, and refined elegance make it an icon.

View Mombo here.

Jao Camp – Western Okavango Delta

Located on a remote private concession in the western Okavango Delta, Jao Camp is a masterclass in design and atmosphere. Raised walkways connect dramatic wooden and canvas suites that seem to float above the floodplain. Here, the Okavango Delta reveals its quieter, water-dominated personality. Guests can explore via mokoro rides, boating excursions, or on guided nature walks when water levels allow. Seasonal game drives round out this exceptional wildlife experience.

Jao Camp at sunset, pure magic! Photo Credit: Wilderness.

Why it’s special: Jao is a haven for those who want to connect with nature and design in equal measure. The camp’s spa, library, and art collection are unmatched, and its architecture alone is worth the journey.

View Jao Camp here.

Jack's Camp – Makgadikgadi Pans, Kalahari Desert

A true icon of African safari history, Jack's Camp is unlike any other lodge in Botswana. Located in the surreal and otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, it offers a safari experience defined by space, silence, and spectacle. The camp has recently been reimagined, blending its signature "1940s-style" safari interiors with state-of-the-art luxury. Each tented suite includes a private plunge pool, vintage furnishings, and views that stretch to the horizon. Activities here are distinctive: quad biking across the pans, walking with San Bushmen, meerkat encounters, and the seasonal zebra migration.

Classic old school charm of Jack's Camp. Photo Credit: Natural Selection.

Why it’s special: Jack's Camp is safari theatre at its finest; deeply immersive, wildly remote, and utterly unforgettable. It captures the magic of a place where time seems to stand still.

View Jack's Camp here.

Zarafa Camp – Selinda Reserve, Linyanti Region

Set within the private Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, Zarafa Camp overlooks the Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the Savuti Channel. It is one of Africa’s most intimate luxury camps, with just four tented suites, each a work of art in its own right. Here, activities include day and night game drives, boat cruises, and photographic safaris (complete with gear supplied in each suite). The camp is a favourite among professional filmmakers and photographers.

Zarafa- a view unlike any other. Photo Credit: Great Plains

Why it’s special: Zarafa is known for its exclusivity and eco-consciousness—built entirely from recycled hardwoods and canvas, it sets a benchmark for sustainability while offering unforgettable game viewing.

View Zarafa Camp here.

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp – Chief’s Island, Okavango Delta

Tucked into the exclusive Mombo Concession, Sanctuary Chief’s Camp offers high-end luxury with a strong focus on personalised service. Its twelve pavilions are among the most spacious in Botswana, each with private plunge pools and terraces. Game viewing here is spectacular, with regular sightings of lion, leopard, rhino, and wild dog. The camp offers private dining, spa treatments, and curated experiences for honeymooners or families alike.

Understated elegance is what you will find at Chief's Camp. Photo Credit: Abercrombie & Kent

Why it’s special: Chief’s Camp offers safari sophistication at its finest with flawless service, stylish design, and unrivalled access to big game in one of the Delta’s most coveted locations.

View Chief's Camp here.

Final Thoughts: Botswana is the Pinnacle of Luxury Safari in Africa

In Botswana, luxury isn’t about excess. It’s about privacy, purpose, and presence. Whether you’re drawn to the sculptural design of Jao Camp, the wildlife drama of Mombo, or the soul-stirring connection at Jack's Camp, Botswana’s lodges offer more than a place to sleep. They offer a deep encounter with Africa at its wildest, most beautiful best. For those who believe that true luxury is found in untouched places, intimate moments, and lasting impact; Botswana is the only place to go.

Chief's Camp at sunset: Photo Credit: Yellow Zebra Safaris