Most booked safari lodges in Africa (Expedia & Hotels.com)
These safari lodges are frequent favorites on Expedia and Hotels.com—picked for consistent traveler popularity, strong reviews, and easy safari logistics across East and Southern Africa. (Note: “most booked” is a practical proxy, not official booking-volume data.)
Our top picks: Most booked safari lodges in Africa (Expedia & Hotels.com)
Perched high above the Mara River, Mara Serena is one of those classic safari bases that works for almost everyone: strong wildlife access, a big-lodge feel (great logistics), and easy viewing routes into the Mara Triangle. It’s especially popular for first-timers who want comfort plus a real “in-the-bush” setting without going fully ultra-luxury.
Take me to the Hotel, at the best price! from 450 USD per night
Sarova Mara Game Camp is a “safe bet” safari lodge when you want good service, a lively camp atmosphere, and an easy base for game drives. With a larger room count and full facilities, it’s one of the easier Mara options to book for families and groups—especially when you want comfort after long days on the tracks.
Take me to the Hotel, at the best price! from 320 USD per night
A flagship lodge in a prime Serengeti zone: great for classic central Serengeti game viewing and for travelers who like a “proper lodge” setup with strong amenities. Because it’s well-known, well-located, and works with many itineraries, it tends to show up frequently in bookings—especially for 2–3 night Serengeti add-ons.
Take me to the Hotel, at the best price! from 380 USD per night
If you want to wake up on the crater rim, this is one of the most consistently booked options. The big advantage is timing: you can often descend early before day-trippers arrive. Add dramatic views and dependable operations, and you get a lodge that shows up again and again in northern Tanzania itineraries.
Take me to the Hotel, at the best price! from 520 USD per night
Tarangire is a common “first stop” on northern Tanzania routes, and this lodge gets booked a lot because it’s classic, well-located, and straightforward. Expect big views, solid safari flow, and an easy 1–2 night base before heading to Serengeti/Ngorongoro.
Take me to the Hotel, at the best price! from 240 USD per night
Sabi Sabi is a big-name in Sabi Sand, and Bush Lodge is frequently booked for one reason: you get excellent guiding and strong leopard chances with very polished service. It’s a popular “milestone trip” pick when you want a trusted luxury lodge without second-guessing the choice.
Take me to the Hotel, at the best price! from 950 USD per night
A very popular “gateway to Kruger” stay: close to the park, comfortable, and easy to book for self-drivers. It’s a practical base for early gate entries and works well if you’re combining Kruger with the Panorama Route.
Take me to the Hotel, at the best price! from 120 USD per night
Chobe is famous for elephants, and this lodge is booked constantly because it keeps planning simple: river access, easy logistics from Kasane, and straightforward add-ons like boat cruises plus game drives. Great for Botswana + Victoria Falls combos.
Take me to the Hotel, at the best price! from 260 USD per night
A frequent Etosha booking because it’s convenient and dependable: easy gate access, comfortable rooms, and an itinerary-friendly stop on a classic Namibia self-drive loop. A very practical “do Etosha right without hassle” base.
Take me to the Hotel, at the best price! from 180 USD per night
One of the most booked “Vic Falls + lodge atmosphere” stays. It’s a reliable base for exploring the falls with a proper lodge feel and easy transfers—perfect for first-timers who want everything to run smoothly.
Take me to the Hotel, at the best price! from 280 USD per night
Where these hotels are
FAQ
How did we decide what counts as “most booked”?
Booking platforms don’t publish exact booking volumes. Here, “most booked” is a practical proxy based on properties that consistently show high traveler demand (reviews + visibility) on Expedia and Hotels.com.
Are these lodges all-inclusive?
Some are all-inclusive (often including meals and activities), while others are bed-and-breakfast or room-only. Always check the ‘what’s included’ section on the booking page before you book.
Which destinations are best for first-timers?
Masai Mara (Kenya) and Kruger-area private reserves (South Africa) are classic first safaris. They combine strong Big Five chances with good lodge choice and travel logistics.
Best months for a safari?
It depends on the region. Many travelers aim for dry seasons for easier wildlife viewing, but shoulder seasons can be excellent value (and still deliver great sightings).
What should I pack for lodge safaris?
Neutral layers, a light jacket for early drives, closed shoes, sun protection, and binoculars. If you’re flying into small airstrips, keep luggage soft-sided and light.
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