One of my favourite things to do on holiday is start the day with an aromatic cappuccino in bed, staring at a picturesque view. In this calm moment before the day unfolds, I enjoy the silence and being in the present, paying attention to the textures, birdsong, and how the light shifts as the sun rises. The five lodges listed below are some of my favourites if you're looking for beds with the best views in Africa.
My selection of beds with the best views in Africa, Image Credit: Victoria Falls River Lodge.
Angama Mara, Kenya
In the local language of Swahili, Angama means “suspended in mid-air”. And this is a fitting description, a the as the lodge is built high above the Mara plains upon an escarpment. You can see for miles and miles on end. It gives you a real “everything the light touches” emotional moment.
Each spacious tented suite covers an area of 100 sqm with an expansive deck and 11-metre floor-to-ceiling glass frontage. This means you have the best view from wherever you are. Even the bath has a great view!
Angama Mara is a year-round destination that offers hot air balloon safaris, traditional vehicle safaris, and walking safaris. Depending on your timing (reach out to our Travel Experts), you can witness the gripping Mara River crossings and Great Wildebeest Migration!
Enjoy a birds-eye view of the famous Mara plains, Image Credit: Angama Mara
Grootbos Forest Lodge, South Africa
Panoramic ocean and mountain views, the fresh and salty ocean breeze, ancient Milkwood forests, and unique fynbos await you at Grootbos Forest Lodge in Walker Bay, South Africa.
There's no one else in sight for miles on end. And in addition to silence and serenity, you'll be cocooned in comfort with underfloor heating, heated towel rails, and a cosy fireplace in your suite. It offers all the luxurious touches you’d expect: a double vanity and large bathtub, an airy private deck, plush gowns and slippers, and, of course, a bed that feels like a warm embrace (with a view of course!).
The secluded lodge consists of 16 opulent suites, providing space, privacy, and peaceful views of fynbos, cerulean ocean, and misty mountains. Here, you'll also witness some of the best sunsets from your private deck (with an outdoor shower) as the clouds turn peach, orange and pink. Showers and sunsets? That’s a new favourite combination of mine!
This is, without a doubt, one of the best beds with a view in Africa, Image Credit: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Victoria Falls River Lodge, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls River Lodge has a few lodges and offerings: the main River Lodge, Malachite Suites, Island Treehouse Suites, and two exclusive-use villas called Hippo Creek and Rapids View. All these suites offer beautiful views of the tranquil Zambezi River.
But our favourite view is from the Island Starbed Treehouses. Together with the Island Treehouses, these suites are located on their own mini, fully functional private island called Kandahar Island. The Starbed Treehouses have open-air decks with a spacious bedroom, seating area, airy bathroom, and uninterrupted views of the river.
As the name suggests, it’s close to Victoria Falls, but it’s far away from the noise of helicopters. You can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of your deck and hear the birds' calls and the hippos' grunts. It’s a beautiful symphony.
The silence and peace will leave an imprint on your soul, Image Credit: Victoria Falls River Lodge
Four Seasons, Seychelles
The Serenity Villas at the Four Seasons are, well, serene! Each of the airy, 186 m² (2,002 sq. ft.) villas includes a private plunge pool, spacious king bed and day bed (because enjoying the ocean views from one bed isn't enough), and a bathtub fit for a queen.
The latter is angled with expansive views of the turquoise waters. It’s the ultimate setting for a romantic getaway with tropical forests, privacy, cerulean waters, and seclusion.
If blue is not your favourite colour, it will be now, Image Credit: Four Seasons
Singita Lebombo, South Africa
Inspired by eagles’ nests, these vast suites are built into a cliff face that overlooks the N’wanetsi River in Kruger National Park towards the Mozambique border. It’s a beautiful blend of floating above the river and being tucked away safely.
Every detail at Singita Lebombo connects you to nature, from the 33,000-acre private concession with four different eco-zones to the textures of glass, wood, steel, and fabrics. Don’t mind if we extend our stay!
There are 15 sophisticated suites, including 13 Lebombo Suites, two two-bedroom suites with private plunge pools, and one four-bedroom suite with a private pool, lounge, and dining room.
Because their private concession is so remote, the complimentary Wi-Fi can be a bit slow. But consider this your signal to leave your phone and enjoy the view!
Wake up to birdsong from your cocoon, Image Credit: Singita Lebombo
Where Would You Like to Wake Up?
What makes you feel most at peace? A) vast open plains, B) tranquil rivers, C) never-ending ocean views, or D) all of the above?
Whatever your travel dreams are, our Travel Experts know how to make them come true. Don’t wait to wake up happy. If you're ready to drift off to sleep at one of these beds with the best views in Africa, complete our online enquiry form to start planning your ideal holiday to Africa!
Featured Image Credit: Singita Lebombo
