This week, Good Safari Magazine, founded by former safari guide Henry Hallward, announced the winners of the annual Safari Awards, a list of the best safari properties in Africa. Hallward notes that there's a growing trend in underwater safaris. Zanzibar's Fundu Lagoon took the award for best marine safari this year. Situated on the Indian Ocean, Fundu Lagoon is ideal for exploring the region's marine life. Fundu is considered a PADI five-star resort.
The best African safaris —
This week, Good Safari Magazine, founded by former safari guide Henry Hallward, announced the winners of the annual Safari Awards, a list of the best safari properties in Africa. Hallward notes that there's a growing trend in underwater safaris. Zanzibar's Fundu Lagoon took the award for best marine safari this year. Situated on the Indian Ocean, Fundu Lagoon is ideal for exploring the region's marine life. Fundu is considered a PADI five-star resort.
Courtesy Safari Awards
Norman Carr Walking Safaris won the award for best safari experience overall. Operating for 60 years, and now with 60 camps throughout Zambia, Norman Carr has often led the way in innovation in the African safari industry. They were the first to introduce walking safaris, the first to introduce luxury tents, and the first safari operators to have an all-Zambian team of guides.
The best African safaris —
Norman Carr Walking Safaris won the award for best safari experience overall. Operating for 60 years, and now with 60 camps throughout Zambia, Norman Carr has often led the way in innovation in the African safari industry. They were the first to introduce walking safaris, the first to introduce luxury tents, and the first safari operators to have an all-Zambian team of guides.
Courtesy Safari Awards
Located in South Africa's Madikwe Game Reserve, Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge is a prime example of how safari dining has reached new heights in recent years. Winner of the award for best safari cuisine, Jamala Madikwe employs award-winning chef Nico Verster to create an international mix of five-star fare. Guests can dine on decks overlooking the resort's private water hole. Jamala Madikwe is also home to the 'sofa safari' -- where guests can watch animals at the water hole from the comfort of the couch.
The best African safaris —
Located in South Africa's Madikwe Game Reserve, Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge is a prime example of how safari dining has reached new heights in recent years. Winner of the award for best safari cuisine, Jamala Madikwe employs award-winning chef Nico Verster to create an international mix of five-star fare. Guests can dine on decks overlooking the resort's private water hole. Jamala Madikwe is also home to the 'sofa safari' -- where guests can watch animals at the water hole from the comfort of the couch.
Courtesy Safari Awards
Malawi's Kaya Mawa won the award for most romantic safari property this year. It's not the place to spot the "Big Five", though the resort, situated on Likoma Island off Lake Malawi, plays host to one of the world's most diverse underwater communities. It is an ideal spot for anyone wanting to take their safari underwater.
The best African safaris —
Malawi's Kaya Mawa won the award for most romantic safari property this year. It's not the place to spot the "Big Five", though the resort, situated on Likoma Island off Lake Malawi, plays host to one of the world's most diverse underwater communities. It is an ideal spot for anyone wanting to take their safari underwater.
Courtesy Safari Awards
Sasaab, located on the bank of Kenya's Ewaso Nyiro river, won the award for best safari spa. Spas have become a standard amenity at safari properties in Africa. Sasaab stands out for its luxurious design -- each of the nine Moroccan-inspired rooms comes with a private plunge pool, and the scenic outdoor spa is built directly into the rocks. The spa also uses Liz Earle skin care products, as well as local natural ingredients, including Kenyan coffee.
The best African safaris —
Sasaab, located on the bank of Kenya's Ewaso Nyiro river, won the award for best safari spa. Spas have become a standard amenity at safari properties in Africa. Sasaab stands out for its luxurious design -- each of the nine Moroccan-inspired rooms comes with a private plunge pool, and the scenic outdoor spa is built directly into the rocks. The spa also uses Liz Earle skin care products, as well as local natural ingredients, including Kenyan coffee.
Courtesy Safari Awards
Serbian Camp, in Kenya's Maasai Mara, won best safari guiding team this year. Guests have their own vehicle, meaning they can plan their own itinerary.
The best African safaris —
Serbian Camp, in Kenya's Maasai Mara, won best safari guiding team this year. Guests have their own vehicle, meaning they can plan their own itinerary.
Courtesy Safari Awards
Bostwana's Okavango Horse Safaris won the award for best riding safari this year. Guests can get up close to the animals from the vantage point of their horse.
The best African safaris —
Bostwana's Okavango Horse Safaris won the award for best riding safari this year. Guests can get up close to the animals from the vantage point of their horse.
Courtesy Safari Awards
Chinzombo won the best new safari property at the Safari Awards this year. The Zambian property is made up of six villas, each with a private pool, Wi-Fi and cooled sleeping areas. The place was designed by award-winning architects Silvio Rech & Lesley Carstens.
The best African safaris —
Chinzombo won the best new safari property at the Safari Awards this year. The Zambian property is made up of six villas, each with a private pool, Wi-Fi and cooled sleeping areas. The place was designed by award-winning architects Silvio Rech & Lesley Carstens.
Courtesy Safari Awards
Ant's Nest, which sits on a private game reserve in South Africa, was a runner-up for best family safari in this year's Safari Awards. The resort offers horseback safaris for all ages, and has a range of kid-centric amenities, including a sand pit, trampoline and badminton court, as well as a heated pool.
The best African safaris —
Ant's Nest, which sits on a private game reserve in South Africa, was a runner-up for best family safari in this year's Safari Awards. The resort offers horseback safaris for all ages, and has a range of kid-centric amenities, including a sand pit, trampoline and badminton court, as well as a heated pool.
Courtesy Safari Awards
Hallward notes that more lodges have an ecological focus. Botswana's Footsteps Across the Delta won the award this year for ecological responsibility. This is one for no-nonsense wilderness fans. Expert guides lead guests on foot through the untamed region of the Okavango Delta. Accommodation takes place in a canvas tent, and food is prepared by a local chef in the 'bush kitchen.'
The best African safaris —
Hallward notes that more lodges have an ecological focus. Botswana's Footsteps Across the Delta won the award this year for ecological responsibility. This is one for no-nonsense wilderness fans. Expert guides lead guests on foot through the untamed region of the Okavango Delta. Accommodation takes place in a canvas tent, and food is prepared by a local chef in the 'bush kitchen.'
Courtesy Safari Awards