5 days in a luxury safari lodge. Where??

[Grumpafrump]

DH and I are thinking of taking a little anniversary trip in mid-November, and we are contemplating spending a few days at a really nice safari lodge. Does anyone have recommendations for where would be good at that time of year? Would like somewhere quite luxurious (5 star hotel) beautiful views, airport transfers, with the option of game viewing and drives. I don’t really think we have long enough to do a multi-centre trip.

Should we be looking at Tanzania? Kenya? Zambia? South Africa?

Open to suggestions, both for hotels and locations!

Maybe start by looking on a specialist travel agent's website. My mega buck safari habit is on hold, but I used to travel with Expert Africa. Their website lists good times to visit each country (and suggests alternative countries if you have chosen a really hot or wet month, for example).

Also think about what animals you hope/want to see.

Budget will be key here (and then add a bit because flights to Africa seem really expensive at the moment).

Also think about what size (small) plane you would be happy to fly in (little Cessnas can bounce about a bit). Otherwise you will need decent(ish) roads.

We’ve only been on one safari, so not much to compare, but the lodge, food and safari service were all wonderful. We had a terrace with a plunge pool overlooking a watering hole with buffalo, elephants and lots more. It was incredible. https://www.shumbalala.co.za/rooms/luxury-suites/

Ditto Expert Africa, can also recommend Yellow Zebra Safaris.

That’s a long way to go for 5 days. Tanzania you can’t fly direct so I’d take that off the list if it were me. The chances of disruption pinching your holiday increases with each flight.

Sabi Sands in Kreuger Park, and fly on the A380 with BA direct to Jo'burg

Mara Bushtops, hands down.

We had a road trip in South Africa last September. Included on the tour we stayed at Ulusaba in Kruger National Park, it was fabulous. The staff, the wildlife, the surroundings and the relaxed but luxurious setting is wonderful. It’s part of Richard Bransons portfolio, so it’s expensive but worth every penny. They sometimes have offers of four nights for the price of three so worth asking the question.
https://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/ulusaba/the-lodges/safari-lodge

Second pp with Sabi Sands. Many luxury choice there.

Wow, some great ideas here! I’ll go through and have a look. Thanks!

I know this is old now but maybe someone else will find it useful. I go regularly on safari and I use www.mysafrilodge.com to research safari lodges in Tanzania and Kenya. My preference is Kenya for safari but thats just me.