Hi folks, if you can pick only one absolute favourite camp or lodge in the whole of Africa, that you have ever visited.......which one would you pick.

After a lot of thought.........i would have to pick Lebala, in the Kwando concession....

Wolwedans Dune Lodge, Namib Rand Nature Reserve, Namibia

Luangwa River Lodge, South Luangwa, Zambia

Migration Camp...Tanzania

Haven't done any tented camps, yet, but of the lodges we visited last summer we liked the Mara Serena best. J

Mala Mala without a doubt...This might change after visiting Mombo in February.

Kutandala in North Luangwa for the accommodations themselves and surrounding atmosphere.

For the abundance of game in the region, Mombo. But twisting Safarinut's words around, this might change after visiting Mala Mala later in 2007.

On the other hand, I cannot mention a camp or lodge that I did not at least like.

Palmwag rhino camp - for the following reasons:

- it's still a vintage camp;
- gameviewing was excellent for
such a harsh area;
- tracking black rhino on foot;
- best sundowners ever;
- superb guiding by Chris Bakkes.

Johan

Cottar's Camp - Masaai Mara

- Luxury tents like you would not believe!!!
- Masaai warriors who escort you so the leopards don't eat you on your way to your tent
- Best game viewing as its really far from the main lodges

Londolozi Tree Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa

However, this might change after visiting Mombo in June.

Cheers,
Julian

I've been puzzling over this one, and I think that notwithstanding some stays at luxurious lodges, including three in two countries operated by Wilderness Safaris, my favorite is Okaukuejo in Etosha (Namibia) for a few reasons. First, after five safaris, I find that I much prefer self-drives since you can spend the entire day (from early morning to night) on safari, and needn't "waste" the afternoon at the lodge -- on safari, I'm paying for animals, not luxurious accomodations. Second, the waterhole provides non-stop action, and allows for true late night observations. Most of the so-called "night drives" that I have been on return to the lodge around 8:00 (give or take an hour or so), in time for dinner, eliminating the chance to observe extended nocturnal activity. I have spent many late night hours at the Okaukuejo waterhole, and have always observed activity.

Michael

Mala Mala, this will change as I am not visiting Mombo anytime soon!

Kaye

I would have to agree with Dennis...LUANGWA RIVER LODGE in South Luangwa.

They just do EVERYTHING right, as well as providing stunningly beautiful accomodations and the best food I have yet had at any game lodge.

Thanks everyone........keep the posts going......let's see the diversity of opinions from all the fodorites.

Actually, i went out to dinner yesterday and had one too many glasses of wine (just after a 15K run and not too much to eat after)really got me in the mood for some african adventure. What a pity! i'm far away at the moment.

Jao Camp in the Okavango delta. It has:

- Gorgeous setting while in full flood
- Beautiful tented architecture
- The most amazing morning and evening sounds
- Excellent, friendly service
- Excellent game viewing
- Varied activities (land, water)

My favorite so far is MalaMala. Excellent game viewing.

Kwando Lebala

excellent guides
fantastic Game
very good service
super night drives

I am looking forward to trying Kwara Island Camp in January 2007. It sounds very promising

Michael

CHITABE TRAILS
The good humor and kindness of the staff were a total joy. The young woman who was like having Shirley Temple in the dining room, she was so full of light you felt better just for her being there. Being surrounded by eles in the hide next to the water hole, seeing a wild dog pack kill and following them back to the pups. The staff bar-b-que, then everyone singing and dancing. I MISS IT ALL.

For the three of us it has to be the Ruaha River Lodge. Granted we have not experienced the "high end" lodges we read about on this site but for overall enjoyment in a relaxed setting with game all around us it has to be the Foxes Lodge. Great food, excellent guide, solitude on drives, game at our windowstill, friendly staff, and more. Can not wait to go back!

Great question, because the responses are so interesting to read! As for my favorites, Singita in South Africa (impeccable service, stunning accomodations, amazing food and strong game viewing) and Kwetsani in Botswana (great combination of water and land activities, and an absolutely enchanting setting).