East Africa’s Most Expensive Safari Lodges

There is something truly magical about the African wilderness — the vast golden plains, the dramatic skies, and the rhythm of life that flows freely through its landscapes. But for those seeking an extraordinary experience, East Africa’s wilderness is not just about adventure — it’s about indulgence, exclusivity, and the finest expressions of luxury in the heart of nature. Welcome to East Africa’s Most Expensive Safari Lodges, where opulence meets authenticity and every detail is crafted for those who expect nothing but the best.

In Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, a new wave of ultra-luxury safari lodges has emerged, redefining what it means to travel in style. These are sanctuaries that blend five-star comfort with the raw, untouched beauty of Africa. Guests can sip champagne while watching elephants graze below their infinity pools, dine under chandeliers in the middle of the Serengeti, or sleep in lavish suites surrounded by nothing but the sound of nature.

This is the world of exclusive lodges and private conservancies — where privacy, personalization, and sustainability create an experience unlike any other. Below, we explore some of the most opulent and awe-inspiring safari lodges across East Africa — destinations that turn a safari into a once-in-a-lifetime dream.

1. Angama Mara – Kenya

Perched high above Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, Angama Mara is a masterpiece of modern design and old-world romance. The name “Angama” means “suspended in mid-air” in Swahili, and the lodge lives up to its name — each glass-fronted suite seems to float above the Great Rift Valley, offering sweeping 180-degree views of the endless Mara plains below.

This ultra-luxury lodge is often ranked among the most exclusive in Africa, and for good reason. Each of its elegant tented suites features floor-to-ceiling windows, polished hardwood floors, and private decks where guests can enjoy sunrise breakfasts as hot air balloons drift across the horizon.

What sets Angama apart is its balance of elegance and intimacy. Guests enjoy personalized butler service, private safari drives, and even picnics on the same hill where scenes from Out of Africa were filmed. The lodge’s glass-walled infinity pool and open-air fitness center add a modern touch, while its food — a blend of farm-to-table freshness and gourmet flair — rivals any fine-dining restaurant.

A stay at Angama Mara starts at around USD 1,800 per person per night, and it’s worth every penny for those who crave breathtaking views and an unparalleled sense of space.

2. Singita Sasakwa Lodge – Tanzania

The Singita Sasakwa Lodge, located within the Grumeti Reserve on the edge of the Serengeti, epitomizes the grandeur of colonial East Africa. It’s one of those places where time seems to stand still, and the wilderness unfolds in timeless elegance.

Set atop a hill, the lodge offers panoramic views of the Serengeti plains. The design blends Edwardian manor-house style with African warmth — think chandeliers, antique furnishings, and grand verandas overlooking the wild. Each villa comes with a private infinity pool, spacious living areas, and dedicated staff, including a personal chef and butler.

Guests enjoy exclusive access to the private Grumeti concession — a 350,000-acre reserve teeming with wildlife but without the crowds. Activities range from game drives and guided walks to horseback safaris and hot-air balloon rides.

The Singita experience also focuses deeply on sustainability, with the Grumeti Fund working to conserve wildlife and support local communities. Rates start at around USD 2,500 per person per night, making it one of the most expensive yet most rewarding safari experiences in East Africa.

3. The Highlands – Ngorongoro, Tanzania

Few lodges blend innovation and nature as seamlessly as The Highlands, located on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania. This award-winning lodge by Asilia Africa offers a futuristic twist on the traditional safari camp.

Its unique dome-shaped suites, inspired by traditional Maasai bomas, feature glass panels that frame sweeping views of the forest and the crater below. Each suite has a wood-burning fireplace, leather furnishings, and luxurious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs — ideal for warming up after cool evenings at high altitude.

Guests at The Highlands enjoy an exclusive experience far from the crowds. The lodge organizes private crater descents, hikes to nearby volcanic peaks, and visits to Maasai villages. Every detail, from the locally sourced ingredients in the cuisine to the eco-friendly architecture, reflects a commitment to both luxury and sustainability.

Rates begin at around USD 1,500 per person per night, but the experience — waking up above the clouds and gazing across one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders — is priceless.

4. Bisate Lodge – Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

If there’s a lodge that defines luxury in Rwanda, it’s Bisate Lodge by Wilderness Safaris. Nestled within the misty foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, this eco-luxury haven combines modern sophistication with Rwandan cultural design.

Bisate’s six forest villas resemble giant woven bird nests, each with king-sized beds, soaking tubs, and private balconies overlooking the dramatic landscape. From here, guests embark on one of life’s most transformative experiences — mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Evenings at Bisate are pure magic: fires crackle in the lounge, locally inspired gourmet dishes are paired with fine wines, and guests share stories of their gorilla encounters under the stars.

Beyond luxury, Bisate is a leader in conservation and community engagement. The lodge’s reforestation project has planted thousands of indigenous trees, and much of the staff comes from nearby villages.

Rates start at around USD 2,000 per person per night, positioning Bisate among the world’s most exclusive eco-lodges. But the privilege of waking up surrounded by mist-covered volcanoes and knowing you’ve helped protect the gorillas? That’s beyond measure.

5. Singita Kwitonda Lodge – Rwanda

Just a short distance from Bisate, Singita Kwitonda Lodge takes luxury and sustainability to an entirely new level. Opened in 2019, the lodge was named after a legendary silverback gorilla, Kwitonda, and embodies Singita’s ethos of “gentle footprint” design.

The lodge features eight suites and a four-bedroom villa, all blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Each suite has floor-to-ceiling glass windows framing views of Mount Sabyinyo and the Virunga range. Private heated plunge pools, fireplaces, and butler service make this one of the most indulgent stays in East Africa.

Guests can trek gorillas, visit Singita’s on-site nursery where more than 250,000 trees have been planted, and dine on exquisite farm-to-table meals inspired by local Rwandan flavors.

Rates start at approximately USD 2,800 per person per night, making Kwitonda one of East Africa’s priciest lodges — but also one of its most visionary.

6. Mahali Mzuri – Kenya

Owned by Sir Richard Branson, Mahali Mzuri — meaning “beautiful place” in Swahili — is a 12-tented luxury camp located in Kenya’s private Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Designed to offer front-row access to the Great Migration, this lodge is both intimate and breathtaking.

Each tented suite is a masterclass in modern safari design — with sleek architecture, hardwood decks, and panoramic views of the savanna. The infinity pool overlooks wildlife-rich plains, while the open-air lounge and dining area create the perfect setting for evening cocktails and gourmet meals.

Guests enjoy twice-daily game drives in the conservancy, which has one of Kenya’s highest densities of lions. The lodge also offers cultural visits, hot air balloon rides, and spa treatments overlooking the plains.

Rates begin at around USD 1,900 per person per night, and every stay contributes to community development and conservation through the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association.

7. &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge – Zanzibar, Tanzania

For those who wish to end their safari adventure in paradise, &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge offers the ultimate barefoot luxury escape. Located on a private coral atoll just off the coast of Zanzibar, this exclusive island features only 12 beach bandas — each opening directly onto the powder-white sands and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Here, time slows down. Guests can snorkel in crystal-clear reefs, enjoy private candlelit dinners on the beach, or simply sip champagne while listening to the waves. The island’s marine reserve is home to dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant coral life, offering some of East Africa’s best diving experiences.

Mnemba’s all-inclusive rates start at USD 2,500 per person per night, and with its total privacy and personalized service, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite for honeymooners, celebrities, and those who want to disconnect in utter serenity.

The Common Thread: Sustainability and Exclusivity

What unites all these extraordinary lodges is not just their price tag but their purpose. Each one operates with a deep commitment to conservation, sustainability, and community empowerment. Guests aren’t just enjoying luxury — they’re contributing to preserving the ecosystems and cultures that make East Africa so special.

These lodges invest heavily in wildlife protection, reforestation, education, and local employment. Staying at any of them means you’re not just experiencing the best of Africa — you’re helping protect it for future generations.

Why Travel with Moreen Tours & Travel

Experiencing East Africa’s most exclusive lodges requires careful planning, insider connections, and expert logistics. That’s where Moreen Tours & Travel comes in.

As one of East Africa’s leading luxury tour operators, Moreen Tours & Travel specializes in tailor-made high-end safaris that combine elegance, adventure, and authenticity. Their team ensures seamless coordination — from private charter flights to exclusive lodge reservations and personalized experiences.

With Moreen Tours & Travel, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re curating a once-in-a-lifetime journey that reflects your taste, style, and curiosity. Whether it’s a gorilla trekking expedition paired with a stay at Bisate Lodge, a Serengeti adventure from the terraces of Singita Sasakwa, or a Maasai Mara escape at Angama Mara, their expertise ensures every moment exceeds expectation.

Beyond luxury, Moreen Tours & Travel is deeply committed to responsible tourism, ensuring that your travel supports conservation and community initiatives across the region.

So, if you’re ready to explore East Africa’s wild beauty in the lap of luxury — with champagne sunsets, private game drives, and world-class hospitality — let Moreen Tours & Travel craft your ultimate safari. Because in East Africa, luxury isn’t about escaping the wild — it’s about experiencing it more deeply, beautifully, and responsibly.